Preventative Theology
Many of us are programmed to have “corrective theology,” where grace is used as a tool to justify sin or take away the pain of consequences. Grace is not a cure-all and there are always consequences for sin.
All Resources
All Resources
Sin
Sin isn’t a popular word. Most people think of sin as doing something really bad, like murder, assault, or robbery. But the word “sin” has the idea of missing the mark, not hitting the target.
The idea is that God has set a glorious standard and when we fail to live by it, we sin. We say, do, and think things that are contrary to God's standard, and the problem is that no matter how much we try and achieve change by ourselves, we just can't succeed.
The Bible teaches that our nature is imprisoned to sin. We miss the mark because we choose creation over the Creator. We look to succeed by our own strength, yet we never shake our own selfish sin. No matter what our education, religious heritage, ethnicity, or financial status, we cannot overcome the power of sin by ourselves. This is a problem.
Deception and Accountability
It’s important to live an accountable life because once a man can lie to himself he can lie to anyone.
Finally...Justice Rolls Down
In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll teaches on God’s wrath against Job’s friends and the surprising solution for their sin (Job 42).
Consequences
Here is the principle: We reap what we sow, forgiveness notwithstanding. Confessing our sin does not take away the consequences. However, God’s grace means God, in forgiving us, gives us the strength to endure the consequences.
Celebrating with my Fellow Felon
And may I remind you once again? Salvation is a gift, and this gift demonstrates the goodness of the Giver, not of those who receive it.
Erosion
Erosion is dangerous because you don’t see it happening when all the while it’s eating away, disintegrating, destroying...slowly, silently, and subtly.
Learn to Run
Wondering how to stay pure in a world filled with temptation? Learn to run. As soon as you find yourself starting to lust, run. You cannot lust and run at the same time.
It is a Big Deal
Self-denial is not a popular message—it’s seen as outdated and irrelevant. This generation believes instant gratification is no big deal, but it is! It’s a big deal! You do not take up your cross daily unless you know the discipline of patience and waiting for God’s timing.
Treacherous Temptations
Temptations are dangerous because they invite you to get in over your head. And if you accept the invitation you’ll find all your energy is spent just trying to stay afloat. When it comes to temptation the best plan of attach is a hasty retreat.
It's Not a Cross we Honour
The cross is where we gain our spiritual freedom. But we don’t honour the cross...we honour the One who hung on it. Christ is the object of our adoration.
