How do we determine if something is a sin or not? Is this where our conscience tells us it’s wrong?

How do we determine if something is a sin or not? Is this where our conscience tells us it’s wrong?

QUESTION:

How do we determine if something is a sin or not? Is this where our conscience tells us it’s wrong? Will this work, because the reality is that most people are so used to sin, they won't feel conviction or don't have that Holy Spirit guiding them because they didn't really surrender.

ANSWER:

For the most part, you are correct. Sadly, many believers are ignorant of God’s will for them and remain ‘desensitized’ to sin. People today might come to salvation, but then they do not grow up in Christ. They remain babes in Christ, carnal Christians, not growing up sufficiently to become ‘re-sensitized’ about sin and have the Word influence them beyond their carnal desires.

If it’s not in the written Word, one cannot say, “Thus saith the Lord”

If it’s not in the written Word, one cannot say, “Thus saith the Lord”

The Bible affirms that the era of the prophets, as with the canon of Scripture, has closed. There is no necessity for new revelations today. We already possess the sufficiency of the Bible, which declares, "Thus says the Lord." Shouldn't we consider what we have in the Bible as sufficient? Why then do people persist in either adding to or subtracting from the Word of God by proclaiming their own "prophecy," most of which fail completely? In the Bible, every word spoken by the prophets was on behalf of God and constituted the word of God. Adding to Scripture is to tread on perilous territory (Deut 4:2; Prov 30:6; Rev 22:18-29).

Regarding the legitimacy of someone claiming to be a prophet, Deuteronomy 18:22 offers guidance: "When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." God's prophets are infallible, as their prophecies always come true because they originate from God, who is never wrong. Unlike humans, God has the power to fulfill prophecies. Jeremiah states that a prophet's authenticity is confirmed when their prophecy is fulfilled, as noted in Jeremiah 28:9: "The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him." Otherwise, they are not a true prophet, but a false one.

How do I get closer to God for good and never sin again?

How do I get closer to God for good and never sin again?

QUESTION:

How do I get closer to God for good and never sin again?

ANSWER:

Your question takes me back to Romans 7. You are facing the same internal conflict as Paul did when he wrote the passage outlined below. Before you read it, consider that in this very passage there are some important things to learn. I will expound on them below.

Rom 7:18-24 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (19) For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (20) Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (21) I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. (22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: (23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

So, what do we learn from this that can answer your question?

The inspirational history of the King James Bible

The inspirational history of the King James Bible

The latest video called, "Unforgettable Story About William Tyndale, in Translating & Publishing the 1611King James Bible", recently added to my "Recommended Videos" playlist on YouTube (link below), has prompted me to write this short post concerning the absolute value and importance of our King James Bible. The history, effort, and sacrifice of others, to get this book in our hands, is inspirational and heartfelt. 

I am overwhelmed!!! (What do you think about the history of this book?)

I encourage you to take time to look at the links below and learn about the history of this book so that it might prove itself to you too, that it is indeed the pure 'WORDS OF GOD'.

Some inspiration

Bring forth fruit unto God through knowledge of the Word

Bring forth fruit unto God through knowledge of the Word

Rom 16:25-26  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, ACCORDING to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,  (26)  But now is made manifest, AND by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Paul outshined all of us in the flesh and its him who said, “in my flesh dwelleth no good thing”, Rom.7:18. Though our flesh is corrupt, we are not to tolerate vain imaginations when it comes to God, because the only way this dead vile body will bring forth any fruit under God is when you fix your mind concerning God, restoring to it the true knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.

Edification through Reaction and Response

Edification through Reaction and Response

There have been a number of reactions, comments, and statements made from this post. I thought I'd post these for some reading and contemplation. I trust my replies will provide a suitable dispensational interpretation and correction on the doctrinal confusions or inconsistencies that come from mixing or blended dispensational content together. This post is purely educational. I trust you will either be edified by it, or that it will get you digging into the scriptures to prove that what I say is scripturally true. By no means to I try to appear arrogant or boastful. My motivation is to bring us all into seeking truth that is consistent and contextually correct. God bless.

For convenience, I apply bullets and italics to each comment or statement, and I respond to them below each.

Let's begin...

• I suggest anyone reading this thread put their faith in Christ and the Apostles over your new revelations. How God shows His approval of his saints is through the working of miracles. This was evident in the Book of Acts. There have been many saints over the last 2000 years who God has used to perform miracles.

In all honesty I must inform that you are operating under the wrong dispensation. Today we walk by faith, not sight, 2Co.5:7. It was the Jews in the prophetic program that required signs in order to believe their prophets and apostles, 1Co.1:22; Joh.4:48. Why, because God made a covenant with them to do signs and wonders before them, Ex.34:10. He did not make this covenant with us. In addition to that, consider truthfully what the real value of signs and miracles are. During Israel’s exodus they witnessed some of the greatest signs ever recorded, like the parting of the Red Sea and so forth. But soon after they forgot all about that spectacle and worshipped a golden calf. The value of these miracles for them appeared to mean nothing! Jesus performed more miracles than what books can contain, Joh.21:25, yet only 120 were in the upper room at Pentecost. What was the value of his miracles in the eyes of those Jews who wanted to crucify him? Nothing. Zero! Miracles might have a temporary hype and be beneficial to a few, but they are quickly forgotten. Today, there is something more perfect than signs. The completed canon of scripture, Col.1:25, which provides us knowledge and insights into God and His plan for humanity and creation. By studying this book, believing it, and applying it to one’s life it more profound, more powerful, and more permanent than any physical and temporary miracles.