Category: Sin
Subject: Sin
The Boasts of the Wicked
When discussing the existence of God, a question is inevitably asked, “If God exists, why does he allow evil to prosper?” The answer to the question is a simple one. God has given us the wonderful gift of free will. The unfortunate byproduct of that gift is that some will choose to do evil. The very fact that the ungodly do not “play fair” makes it sometimes seem that they hold the upper hand.
It is unfair, and we desire God’s intervention. When we do not see His hand in what we deem a timely manner, we sometimes ask as the Psalmist, “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?” (10:1).
Psalm 10 is actually a wonderful passage to read for answers to this conundrum. Consider the following:
From the Preacher’s Pen: A Proper Perspective Toward Sin
You see many short pithy sayings splashed across Facebook and other internet pages these days — words that are an attempt at wisdom or profundity, sometimes accompanied by a provocative picture to illustrate the point. Many such sentiments are more foolish than wise, more obtuse than profound. Occasionally, though, you come across something pretty good. Like this short, uncredited tidbit:
“I refuse to entertain myself with the things
for which my God went to the cross.”
These words present an attitude of militant loyalty that is sorely lacking among Christians today. We need to understand that entertaining ourselves with sinful things is traitorous action toward God! As James wrote, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (4:4).
The next time you are tempted to see that sexually provocative movie, read that racy novel, gaze upon that immodestly dressed woman, hang out with those ungodly “friends” from school or work, or purchase that “sexy” outfit, consider how by so doing you are allying yourself against the Almighty! It is neither smart nor safe to provoke a jealous God! “Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously’”? (James 4:5). Well, do you think the Scripture says it in vain? Or not?
Christian Ethics
In previous decades, American society generally shared the same values that are currently held by Christians. Sexual promiscuity, moral excesses, and other vices were frowned upon. Even those who engaged in them understood that they were morally wrong, and hid their actions from plain sight. As time has passed, however, societal values have diverged from the Christian norm. Because of this:
Sins of the Tongue
In James 3:6 the text reads, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” The dangers present anytime we open our mouths should give us pause, and encourage us to take great care in our speech. “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).
Following are some of the sins we may commit when we open our mouths to speak:
From the Preacher’s Pen: The Folly of Wickedness
In Proverbs 11:5-6 the wise man stated, “The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.”
The truthfulness of this passage is seen generally in every prison on earth. Men and women who decided to break the law spend years, sometimes lifetimes suffering the consequences of their wickedness. While much crime and unfaithfulness goes unpunished, it is seldom that a wicked man can continually flaunt authority and emerge unscathed. Eventually they are “caught by their lust.”
Even if a man manages, however, to escape the physical consequences of his unrighteousness, there remains the spiritual condemnation that is inescapable. God, who sees all and knows all, judge every man. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
The opposite is equally true. Righteous men most often, but not always receive the benefits of their lawful and good lives. Even if a man suffers “as a Christian” (cf. 1 Peter 4:16), he will receive his just reward from God. “On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified” (1 Peter 4:14b).
Sermon: The Sin of Partiality
Sermon preached by Joshua Cox:
James 2:1-13 teaches us not to be partiality. The lesson describes and discusses the sin of partiality.
Sermon: The Cowboy Bible
“What must I do to be saved?” is the most important question anyone can ask. This is a first principle lesson contrasting the beliefs concerning what someone must do to be saved that appears on the inside cover of “The Cowboy Bible” with what the scriptures actually teach.
The Damage Done by Adultery
I recently came across a fine article written by Rusty Miller, which appeared in the June 2003 issue of Abundant Life Magazine. The article was titled “Adultery’s Consequences”, and noted the damage that the sin of adultery wreaks upon society, the church, children, marriage and the soul. The article was a bit longer than the space allotted here, so I would like to take the main points, and concisely summarize them.
Teaching such as this is needed because of the frequency of the sin. It is certainly a societal problem, but how many times have we seen Christian families devastated by the sin of adultery? We wonder how a man or woman could behave in such a treacherous way. Lives and souls are destroyed by sexual infidelity. Consider the following:
Special Study: The Christian and Ethics
This lesson was given at the Woodmont church of Christ, quarterly study on September 20, 2014. The subject is ethics, with a contrast between the humanly devised philosophies, and the objective Bible standard of right and wrong. Four examples are discussed in application of the principles: 1) Abortive types of contraception; 2) Extramarital Sexual relationships; Corporal Punishment; 4) Slavery.
The materials consist of an 80 minute lecture, a 30 minute Question and Answer period, and the Powerpoint presentation utilized in the initial presentation.
Audio (The Christian & Ethics – 80 minute lecture)
Audio (The Christian & Ethics – 30 minutes Question & Answer)
Article (DOCX) (The Christian and Ethics)
Same article in PDF Format (The Christian and Ethics)
Sermon: What Will You Do With Your Sin?
People deny, redefine, hide and explain away their sin in an attempt to avoid the consequence of disobedience to God. Instead, they need to confess and repent of their sin.
Sermon: Sins of Omission
It is not enough to refrain from committing transgressions against God. It is also necessary that we fulfill the responsibilities that God has given us. We need to be careful not to sin by ommitting obedience to God’s requirements.
Sermon: Blotted Out
The phrase “blotted out” occurs on several occasions in scripture. Interesting lessons can be learned by examining its use. What God blots out remains obliterated for as long as He wills it.
Sermon: At the Crossroads
We all must make choices in our lives. Ultimately, our eternal destiny depends upon taking the narrow and difficult path that leads to life. The lesson discusses several questions all must ask themselves at one time or another, including:
- Will you obey the gospel?
- Will you live above sin?
- Will you pay the price of discipleship?
- Will you remember God while you are young?
- Will you endure to the end?
The Fall of Man
God formed man as the pinnacle of His creative work. He put him in the beautiful garden in Eden, and rested. “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31).
The wise man of Ecclesiastes gave an insightful description of the creation of man, and the problem of sin that followed his making. “Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). In the phrase “sought out,” there is an indication of man’s will. When he created man, God gave him free will. Free will is what separates man from the animals, and makes it accurate to describe him as being made in God’s image (cf. Genesis 1:27).
The Creation of Man
The Bible begins with the words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1).
It is important to note that these words, penned by Moses, ultimately have their origin with the Holy Spirit. This is the account of the beginning of the universe, given by the Creator Himself. Men may claim that physical evidences trump the Genesis account, but this is mere perception. If the evidence seems to contradict this historical narrative, then the interpretation of the data is in error. There are many scientists who can and do successfully put data derived from astronomy, geology, physics, etc., within the construct of the supernatural creative acts described in the Genesis account. “…Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).
