sin – Our Shared Faith

Lack of Faith is Not Sin

August 17, 2024 by Stephen J. Daniel

“Father God, please guide me as I write this article based on Your Word. Help me to write this to glorify You, and let Your words bring clarity to those who seek You. May Your truth help people discern and embrace correct beliefs. I pray and seek everything in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Hi there my Brothers and Sisters in Christ! As Christians, we often grapple with the ebb and flow of our faith. There are seasons when our trust in God seems unshakeable, and others when doubt creeps in, leaving us feeling guilty and ashamed. Today, I want to address a misconception that has caused unnecessary pain for many believers: the idea that lack of faith is a sin.

Let’s begin by acknowledging a simple truth: doubt is a common human experience, even for the most devout followers of Christ. The Bible is filled with examples of people who struggled with their faith, yet were still used mightily by God.

Consider Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples. After the resurrection, Thomas famously declared, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Did Jesus condemn Thomas for his doubt? No. Instead, He graciously appeared to Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds and believe (John 20:27-28).

Or think about John the Baptist, who sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). This was the same John who had earlier proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Yet, in his moment of doubt, Jesus didn’t rebuke him. Instead, He sent back evidence of His ministry, affirming John’s faith (Matthew 11:4-6).

Even in the Old Testament, we see great heroes of faith struggling with doubt. David, a man after God’s own heart, cried out, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1). Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, lamented, “Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails” (Jeremiah 15:18).

These examples remind us that experiencing doubt doesn’t make us “bad Christians.” It makes us human.

So why do we often feel such intense guilt and shame when our faith wavers? Perhaps it’s because we’ve misunderstood verses like Hebrews 11:6, which states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God.” However, this verse isn’t a condemnation of those struggling with doubt. Rather, it’s an affirmation of the importance of faith in our relationship with God.

The truth is, God understands our struggles. Psalm 103:14 reminds us, “For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” Our Heavenly Father is not distant or angry when we doubt. Instead, He draws near to us in our weakness.

Consider the father in Mark 9 who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. When Jesus said, “Everything is possible for one who believes,” the father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24). This honest cry resonates with many of us. And how did Jesus respond? With compassion and healing.

The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, gives us a beautiful assurance: “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). God’s faithfulness to us is not dependent on our perfect faith in Him. His love and grace persist even when our faith falters.

In fact, our times of doubt can actually strengthen our faith in the long run. James 1:2-4 encourages us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

So how should we respond when we find ourselves doubting? First, we should be honest with God about our struggles. The Psalms are full of raw, honest expressions of doubt and fear. God can handle our questions and uncertainties.

Second, we should remember God’s faithfulness in the past. The Israelites were often instructed to recall God’s mighty deeds (Deuteronomy 7:18-19). Similarly, we can look back on how God has worked in our lives and in the lives of others to bolster our faith.

Third, we should surround ourselves with a supportive community of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of meeting together and encouraging one another.

Finally, we should continue to engage with God’s Word. Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Even when we don’t feel like it, immersing ourselves in Scripture can reignite our faith.

Remember, dear friends, that God’s grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When you find yourself in a season of doubt, don’t let guilt and shame overwhelm you. Instead, rest in the knowledge that God’s love for you is unchanging.

As Isaiah 40:31 promises, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

May we all find comfort in God’s unfailing love and grace, even in our moments of deepest doubt. For it is often in these very moments that God draws us closer to Himself, proving His faithfulness and deepening our trust in Him.

Seven Deadly Sins

June 22, 2024June 22, 2024 by Stephen J. Daniel

Hi there my Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Today, I want to delve into a topic that has been a central theme in Christian teachings for centuries—the Seven Deadly Sins. These sins are considered the root of all other sins and vices. They represent the fundamental moral flaws that lead us away from God. Understanding them is crucial for our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

1. Pride

Pride is often viewed as the most serious of the deadly sins. It is the excessive belief in one’s abilities, which interferes with the individual’s recognition of the grace of God. Proverbs 16:18 warns us, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This sin leads to arrogance and a sense of superiority over others, making it difficult to acknowledge our need for God’s grace.

2. Envy

Envy is the desire for others’ traits, status, abilities, or situation. It is a sin that can corrode our soul, leading to bitterness and resentment. James 3:16 tells us, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Envy prevents us from celebrating others’ successes and blessings, instead leading us to covet what they have.

3. Wrath

Wrath is intense anger and hatred towards another person. It is often accompanied by a desire for vengeance. James 1:19-20 advises, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Wrath leads to destructive actions and words, harming our relationships and spiritual well-being.

4. Sloth

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. It represents laziness and a failure to fulfil our duties. Proverbs 6:6 encourages us, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” Sloth not only affects our personal growth but also our service to God and others, leading to a life of stagnation and unproductivity.

5. Greed

Greed is the excessive desire for material wealth or gain. It is a sin that blinds us to the needs of others and leads to selfishness. 1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Greed makes us prioritize wealth over our spiritual health and relationships, leading to a life of dissatisfaction and emptiness.

6. Gluttony

Gluttony is an over-indulgence and over-consumption of food or drink. It represents a lack of self-control and discipline. Philippians 3:19 warns, “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Gluttony leads to physical and spiritual health issues, diverting our focus from God.

7. Lust

Lust is an intense desire for sexual pleasure. It objectifies others and disregards the sanctity of marriage. Matthew 5:28 tells us, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Lust leads to broken relationships and a disconnection from God’s pure love.

The Way Forward: Repentance and Transformation

While these sins are serious, there is hope for all of us. God’s grace is sufficient to overcome any sin. 1 John 1:9 reassures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Through genuine repentance and reliance on God, we can break free from the grip of these deadly sins.

Practical Steps to Overcome the Seven Deadly Sins

Prayer and Reflection: Regularly pray and reflect on God’s Word to understand His will and seek His guidance.

Accountability: Share your struggles with trusted friends or mentors who can provide support and encouragement.

Service to Others: Engage in acts of service to shift focus from self to others, cultivating humility and compassion.

Self-Control: Practice self-discipline in daily activities to build resilience against temptations.

Gratitude: Cultivate a heart of gratitude to combat envy and greed, appreciating what you have and recognizing God’s blessings.

Wrapping up

Understanding and addressing the Seven Deadly Sins is crucial for our spiritual journey. These sins may seem overwhelming, but with God’s grace, we can overcome them. Let us strive to live a life that reflects Christ’s love and humility, continually seeking God’s guidance and strength. Remember, God is always with us, ready to forgive and help us grow in His love.

Blessings to you all as you navigate the challenges of life with the assurance that God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs. Let us walk in His light, overcoming sin and growing in His love each day.

Impossible to Overcome Sin by Human Efforts

May 30, 2024May 2, 2024 by Stephen J. Daniel

Hi there fellow believers in Christ!

Story Time

Steve is like many of us, trying his best to live a life that pleases God. He’s sincere and loves God deeply, but despite his efforts, he keeps falling into the same old sins. Each time he messes up, he feels a heavy weight of guilt and disappointment. It’s a cycle that’s been repeating for far too long.

He reads the Bible, prays fervently, and makes promises to himself and to God that he won’t sin again. But time and time again, he finds himself right back where he started. He’s tried everything he can think of, but nothing seems to work. The guilt and shame weigh heavily on his heart, and he wonders if he’ll ever be able to break free from this cycle.

One day, in a moment of desperation, Steve falls to his knees and cries out to God. He confesses his weakness, his failures, and his need for help. In that moment, he feels a peace unlike anything he’s ever experienced before. He realizes that he’s been trying to fight this battle on his own strength, and it’s a battle he can’t win alone.

Steve learns to surrender everything to God, his struggles, his failures, and his desires. He discovers that true freedom from sin comes not from his own efforts but from God’s grace and power working in his life. He understands that it’s okay to fall as long as he gets up and keeps moving forward, relying on God every step of the way.

Through his journey, Steve learns that God doesn’t condemn him for his failures but loves him unconditionally. He discovers that God is always there to pick him up when he falls, ready to forgive and restore him. Steve’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming sin is impossible without God’s help, but with God, all things are possible.

Diving in

In the heart of every person, there is a longing for goodness, a desire to please God, and a wish to live a life free from sin. Yet, the reality is that we are all prone to sin, and no matter how hard we try, we often find ourselves falling into its trap. This is the story of many, including one who has battled with sin for years, trying and failing repeatedly to live a life that honors God.

The Weight of Guilt and Trauma

Imagine a person, let’s call him John, who has struggled with a particular sin for years. Every time he gives in to temptation, he feels a deep sense of guilt and shame. The trauma of his actions weighs heavily on his heart, affecting his relationships, his self-esteem, and his relationship with God. John’s story is not unique; many can relate to the pain and sorrow that come from falling short of God’s standards.

The Futility of Human Effort

John has tried everything to overcome his sin. He has made resolutions, sought help from friends and family, and even tried to change his habits. Yet, no matter how hard he tries, he always finds himself back where he started. This experience is echoed in Romans 7:18-19, where the Apostle Paul writes, “I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”

The Need for Divine Intervention

John realizes that his quest to live a blameless life is impossible without God’s help. In Psalm 51:10, David pleads, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” John echoes this prayer, recognizing that true transformation can only come from God. It is God’s grace, mercy, and transforming power that can enable him to overcome sin and live a life that honors God.

Surrendering to God’s Grace

Through his struggles, John learns to surrender everything to God. He realizes that he cannot overcome sin on his own and that he needs God’s help every step of the way. He learns to rely on God’s strength rather than his own, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient to cover his sins and empower him to live a life that pleases God.

Wrapping it up

The journey to overcome sin is a difficult one, but it is a battle that cannot be won without God’s help. As John’s story illustrates, true victory over sin comes not from our own efforts but from God’s grace and power working in our lives. May we, like John, learn to surrender our struggles to God, knowing that with His help, all things are possible.

A Church that doesnt talk about Sin is not a Church of God.

May 30, 2024April 25, 2024 by Stephen J. Daniel

A Church Without Sin: A Theological Examination

In recent times, the concept of a “sin-free” church has gained traction among certain Christian communities. These congregations focus primarily on the love and acceptance of God, often downplaying or even ignoring the discussion of sin. However, a critical analysis from a theological perspective reveals that a church that neglects the topic of sin may inadvertently be compromising its identity as a true representation of the body of Christ.

Scriptural Basis for Addressing Sin

The Bible is replete with references to sin and its consequences. The recognition of sin is integral to understanding the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, which offers redemption to humankind (Romans 3:23-24). By acknowledging our inherent sinful nature, we comprehend our desperate need for a Savior, thus highlighting the centrality of sin in the Gospel message.

Sin and the Church’s Mission

The church’s mission encompasses not only evangelism but also the spiritual growth and sanctification of its members. In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, the apostle Paul admonishes believers to judge and correct sin within the church. By addressing sin and encouraging repentance, the church enables believers to mature in their faith and become more Christ-like.

The Dangers of a Sin-Free Church

A church that avoids addressing sin risks creating a false sense of security among its congregants. By disregarding the reality of sin, these communities may inadvertently foster complacency and self-righteousness. This attitude not only contradicts the humility and repentance modeled by Christ but also inhibits believers’ spiritual growth.

Wrapping it up

A church that chooses to ignore or minimize the concept of sin is ultimately at odds with the fundamental teachings of Christianity. The biblical mandate for the church necessitates addressing sin, both for evangelism and the spiritual growth of its members. While the love and grace of God should undoubtedly be celebrated, the church must also remain steadfast in proclaiming the whole counsel of God’s Word, including the reality of sin and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. By doing so, the church can faithfully fulfill its mission as the body of Christ on earth, leading people to salvation and equipping believers for lives of holiness and service.

Sin : We are accustomed to slavery that we no longer see the chains

May 30, 2024April 24, 2024 by Stephen J. Daniel

Hi there fellow believers in Christ! I was inspired to write this by watching a Youtube Video which talks about mental health. I was contemplating on the similarities of Chain and Sin. And here is the story to begin with.

Once there was a man named Steve. Steve lived his life like many others, doing what he wanted without thinking much about it. He didn’t realize that he was like a bird trapped in a cage, unable to fly free. Steve had been doing things that he knew weren’t right, but he kept doing them anyway. He lied, he cheated, and he hurt his loved ones with his words. Every time he did something wrong, it felt like he was adding another link to the chain that was holding him back.

One day, Steve met a kind old man who talked to him about God and how much He loved him. The old man told Steve that sin was like a heavy chain that kept him from living a life of freedom and joy. At first, Steve didn’t understand what the old man was talking about. He thought he was just fine living the way he was. But as he listened to the old man’s words, something stirred inside him.

That night, Steve couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned, thinking about all the things he had done wrong and how they had weighed him down. Suddenly, he felt a presence in the room—a gentle whisper in his heart that told him he didn’t have to live like this anymore. With tears in his eyes, Steve prayed to God, asking for forgiveness and help to break free from the chains of sin. And in that moment, he felt a burden lifted from his shoulders, as if the chains had been broken and he was finally free to soar.

From that day on, Steve lived his life differently. He still made mistakes, but he didn’t let them define him anymore. He knew that God’s love was greater than any sin he could commit, and he trusted that God would help him live a life of freedom and joy. As Steve walked along his journey of faith, he kept the memory of those chains close to his heart, a reminder of where he had been and how far he had come. And whenever he felt tempted to return to his old ways, he remembered the freedom he had found in God’s love, and he chose to walk in the light instead of the darkness.

In the tapestry of human experience, there exists a subtle yet pervasive force that binds us—sin. Like chains unseen, its grip tightens around our hearts and minds, shaping our thoughts, actions, and desires. But in our familiarity with its presence, we often fail to recognize the shackles that confine us. Let’s delve into the biblical perspective on the insidious nature of sin and how it enslaves us, even when we are oblivious to its hold.

The Deceptive Nature of Sin

Sin, as depicted in the Bible, is not merely an isolated action but a pervasive condition that permeates every aspect of human existence. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This universal truth underscores the reality that none of us are immune to the allure of sin’s deceit.

Enslaved to Sin

In John 8:34, Jesus solemnly declares, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” Here, Jesus illuminates the sobering reality that sin exerts a dominion over our lives, enslaving us in its grasp. Like unwitting captives, we are bound by its chains, unable to break free on our own accord.

The Blinded Heart

Ephesians 4:18 speaks to the spiritual blindness that accompanies a life enslaved to sin: “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” Sin not only clouds our perception but also severs our connection to the source of true life—God Himself.

Breaking the Chains

The apostle Paul offers a message of hope in Romans 6:6-7: “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” Through the redemptive work of Christ, we are liberated from the bondage of sin and empowered to live in freedom.

Awakening to Freedom

Recognizing the chains of sin requires a willingness to confront our own spiritual condition with humility and honesty. It necessitates a surrender to the transformative power of God’s grace, which breaks the bonds of sin and ushers us into a life of true freedom.

Wrapping Up: Embracing Liberation

In our journey of faith, let us not be complacent in our bondage to sin, but instead, let us heed the call to freedom that Christ offers. By acknowledging the chains that bind us and embracing the liberating truth of the gospel, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. May we awaken to the reality of our spiritual condition and embrace the freedom that comes from being unshackled by sin’s grip.