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We live in an age in which many people who claim to be "Christian"
think that holiness and godliness are optional choices - available for
those who want to be "super-spiritual," but not needed by people who
want to be just "normal Christians." They may say that they "shouldn't"
sin, but it doesn't bother them much when they do - at least not enough
to cause them to do anything about it. The word "repentance" is not
really a part of their vocabulary. Neither is the "fear of God."
A disciple will reject such an attitude, for it is the characteristic
of a fake. His life will not be characterized as a life of
sin (whether it is sin committed or righteous conduct omitted).
He won't be "sinlessly perfect," but he will continue to strive for it.
And he will eagerly look forward to the day that Jesus will return - the
day
that complete perfection will finally arrive.
A person who truly wants to be without sin will strive for it,
because it reflects his character - a new character that comes when God
changes his heart. The person who doesn't strive for it doesn't
have this new character. He is still a slave to his old ways.
A New Testament Study about
VICTORY and OVERCOMING |
Genuine disciples WILL have the ultimate victory over
sin and everything associated with it. There is no other possibility.
This is a study of the New Testament Words that are translated as
"victory" or "overcome" - with additional study
comments added. In addition to a focus on the victory that Jesus' disciples
have, there is also a section about Jesus' victory (which
makes our victory possible), as well as the temporary
"victory" that evil sometimes has. (We need to
remember that evil sometimes does have a victory of sorts... but
it is only temporary. Therefore, we don't have to lose heart or give-up.)
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HOLINESS and SINFULNESS - a
Complex Issue |
Holiness is our greatest obligation - as well as
the one thing we are least capable of obtaining. We may find it
somewhat confusing, trying to "reconcile" these two facts.
Ultimately, we need to encourage each other to keep on striving to be
holy - and to totally rely on God for the power to do so. |
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"THE 6-MONTH DENTAL CHECK-UP" |
This article - intended as humor - illustrates our
tendency to go back to our "old ways." It's a struggle in
just about any area of life!
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Be Careful that You Are Not Deceived! |
A study that looks at the word "deceived." It
contains an outline (with the verses arranged into four basic categories of
deception) and questions for self-reflection. Also included are additional
comments about the different types of deception. This study is based on the
NIV. (Other translations will sometimes use similar words, such as "misled"
or "delude.") |
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Romans 8:28 and "Is It
O.K. to Sin?" |
The main article is entitled "Reflections on
Romans 8:28" and focuses primarily on what happens when a
genuine disciple of Jesus sins. It also warns us to not
presume we are disciples (thus deceive ourselves), if we willingly
choose a lifestyle of sin. A second article contains quotes from a
theologian of the past, on this topic. |
Group of Pages |
Issues Related to Temptation and Following Jesus |
A look at some of the things that are and
aren't issues. (Example: The fact that you are tempted isn't the
issue... but what you do with that temptation is.) |
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What the Bible says about
those who "abide" (who "live") in Jesus ...
No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.
(1 John 3:6-9)
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