Jesus. The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Sin, in all its forms, is enticing. And once we give in to temptation, saying no only becomes more difficult. Having an addictive personality myself, I know how hard it can be to say no when we’re used to saying yes. But it is possible. And it has to do with who or what we love the most.
Do you love Jesus more than anything or anyone? Really?
Have you ever felt hopeless? Empty? Devoid of emotion? Have you ever felt like sin was dragging you so far down into the muck and mire that finding a way out seemed impossible? I have.
And at such times, I wonder. I ponder. I feel like loving God is the most difficult thing in the world. The world pulls me in every direction. My job. Music. Free time. My phone. My computer. Movies. Food. God becomes an afterthought. Loving Him seems nearly impossible. How do you love someone you can’t see or hear?
When we walk away from God and do our own thing, we begin to feel separated from God. And there is a reason – we are separated from Him. God is wholly committed to us but His perfect holiness does not find a willing counterpart in lives of sin. So what does that mean? If we wander too far from God can we still return? Is there hope?
How much sin is too much? Can we sin to the point that God is through with us? If we repent, will God always forgive us? Sometimes the weight of sin can be overwhelming. It can feel like a battle that cannot be won. We can feel beaten. Defeated. Broken.
A reader recently asked us, “What is the best way to study the Bible?”
There are many methods given by people for studying the Scriptures. I am not sure there is one best way to study the Bible. Entire books are devoted to the question. But for me, more important than any “technique” on studying Scripture is the preparation. I provide the following five matters to consider as foundational for studying Scripture.
What does one do if one’s spouse begins to act in hateful, unloving ways?
Sometimes, we are so afraid of losing someone that we tread on pins and needles in our own house. We should fear God and understand that if someone deserts us, though painful and life-changing, such is not the end of life. Our God never abandons us and He will care for His own.
Are there things that are off limits sexually for spouses? We say yes.
Making friends is really easy for some people and not so easy for others. People who have a lot of friends are (typically) the ones focused on meeting the needs of others. And that, as Christians, is exactly what we’re called to do.
Getting married is a good thing! Our focus, though, should be on Jesus Christ and on serving others. When we do that, true joy will follow.
I checked out gay porn then started fantasizing about men then, unfortunately, I had sex with another man. I feel as if I’m God’s enemy and that He will never forgive me. I regret this action and I’m so lost.