Unrepentant Sin

Two years ago today, I lost one of my friends & mentors to the Consequences of unrepentant sin. Memories are rushing through my brain... It seems like it was just yesterday... How quickly time flies by!

This one situation changed the way that I view everything- God, faith, family, life, love, marriage etc. Not a day goes by that I'm not affected by it... September 2010 was the hardest thing that I have ever walked through.

It taught me the utter importance of accountability. A person is a lot less likely to make decisions that will adversely affect the community around them, if they walk in accountability with other believers, being mentored by older Christians...

"A lone ranger is a dead ranger..."

It taught me the importance of community. My Church family grew a lot stronger & closer together, as the result of this event. I have never seen so many people from so many different walks of life pull together & rally together as the result of this decision.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love & good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another,
& all the more as you see the Day drawing near..."

- Hebrews 10:25

It taught me the importance of honesty and vulnerability. If we aren't honest with those around us & let them see our faults, weaknesses & sins, then we are twice as likely to do things that we wouldn't dare to do, if we were being held accountable.

"My lips will not speak wickedness,
& my tongue will utter no deceit.."

- Job 27:4

It taught me the importance of self-control. We must learn to bring our flesh, desires, thoughts, hearts etc into submission unto the Lord.

"But among you, there must be not even a hint of sexual immorality &
all impurity or covetousness, as is proper among saints..."

- Ephesians 5:3

It taught me the importance of prayer. Prayer changes things!

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another
& pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person availeth much..."

^{- James 5:16}

It taught me the importance of holding our family & friends accountable. If I see one of my fellow believers backsliding & falling into sin, it is my duty before the Lord to humbly confront

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression,
you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.
Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted..."

- Galatians 6:1

God is bringing Good from the Pain. He is working all things together for His Glory & our Good. He has a Plan & Purpose for all involved through this. He knows what He is doing. And we are trusting Him through this. :)

"And we know that God works all things together

for the good of those who love Him,
who have been Called according to His Purpose..."

- Romans 8:28

The Unrepentant Believer (oxymoron)

I have heard “Woe is the unbeliever!” I say to you, “No! Worse is the unrepentant believer.”

As Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23: ““Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven… Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name and in Your Name drive out demons and in Your Name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

They are twice crucifying Christ (Hebrews 6:4-6). He was crucified once in the flesh, they are (figuratively) crucifying Him again in the Spirit- by understanding what He did, but still rejecting Him & holding Him up in contempt, to their own harm. They have tasted the Fruit, partaken of the Banquet Table & have chosen to walk away. This is the WORST. This has many faces, whether they’re walking in sin, are doubting, questioning or just plain lazy.

Much like the Deists operating under the Founding Father’s Christian principles, they are receiving the benefits & blessings of godliness, without ever having been saved themselves. Even if they don’t believe it wholeheartedly themselves. A non-believer, acting like a believer, enlightened, not adhering to the Truth. Tasting, but not digesting the Truth. Seeing & witnessing the Power of God, while never experiencing it themselves & still denying it (like the unbelieving Pharisees). The incredible difference between mere interest & real commitment. Their hearts are hardened, they will not repent. They looked at Grace & said “no thanks.” They cannot lose their salvation because they never had it in the first place.

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips. They walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable." – dcTalk

Argument roughly developed from Marc Sikma’s (Matthias’ Lot Church) sermon over Hebrews 6:1-8 on Wednesday, June 15, 2011