Love the Sinner, but Hate the Sin.

If you were God, what type of social environment would you like for your church knowing you would move your people to your own home in heaven? This is a very tough concept to think of unless you personalize it. What type of people would you invite to permanently live with you?

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. Ephesians 5:6-7 (NKJV)

A church is a place for the gathering of men and women who seek the Lord in unity. When a church is obedient to letting God transform their lives the result is a dynamic power to spreading the good news throughout the world.

There are churches with great religiousness, yet they have no effectiveness or outreaches. Many of these churches have pastors who never preach about sin and rarely preach salvation. Their services include singing and preaching; their buildings have stained glass, artwork, and an outward appearance of a wonderful church; but these people who attend these churches hear and speak words which are vain.

What does Paul mean by saying people have vain words?

In the Greek language, Kenos (vain) means destitute of spiritual wealth. They come from those who boast of faith as a transcendent possession; yet live without the fruits of faith, acts which result in nothing, fruitless, without effect.

Logos, the Greek word Paul used for “word,” is the name the Apostle John gave to Jesus explaining to the church Christ was God.

Jesus was God’s “word” to men. Jesus taught us to Honor our Father in heaven by the actions of His life. The meaning of this word engulfs the moral precepts given by God as a mandate from God to His children. Logos is speaking God’s word backed up by godly lifestyle.

Place these two together and you will find Paul is saying to avoid those who talk a good talk and yet do not walk scripturally. These have empty, fruitless, lives.

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10 (NKJV)

Society is filled with people each caught up in their own lifestyle; many of these will not want the lifestyle you live as a Christian. They will greet you with pleasing words and invite you to partake in their life as long as your Christian life does not spill over on to them. When invited to fellowship and spiritual nurturing you will find these will decline your offer.

Paul speaks of this type of people as walking in darkness. They like their darkness and do not want to see the truth you present to them. As mentioned earlier, even those who go to spiritually defiant churches do the same.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. Ephesians 5:11-12 (NKJV)

Fellowship means to become a partaker with. Yet used in this verse it does not mean with people; it means partaking with their unfruitful works of darkness. It’s fine to speak with people and be friendly with people. However, to partake in their sin Paul warns us to avoid.

You can say intoxication diffidently fits into this category and so would sexual misconduct, cursing, or course jesting. However, having a church experience which avoids the subject of sin is also a work of darkness. Paul says we are to reprove them who do such things and this can simply be done by politely refusing to get involved.

It is when we do not reprove them, Christians make a mistake. It is hard to tell someone God does not accept what they do and they need to forsake it to follow God. When we, as Christians do not reprove dark deeds, it sends the opposite message to those around us. It sends a message stating it is okay to continue and this is the cause of churches swelling with insincere people.

Paul knew God wanted the Ephesian Christians to stand alone in society. Ephesus was a party town rich in the worship of mythical gods. Paul understood there was a danger of losing good people to dark ways.

But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light." Ephesians 5:13-14 (NKJV)

This is our message to the world, "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."

Like Jesus, we should live as to not accept the sin of the sinner, but to promote Godly living and a Savior who can save them from their sin. Christ was loved by people who lived lifestyles which were not acceptable. They were torn by a desire to follow God and many turned away from Jesus having loved their own way more.

Jesus was accused of dining with the hated tax collectors, prostitutes, and drunkards; however, Jesus never let the accusations to be found true. Jesus was among the people, yet did not become like the people. He treated them with respect for God loves everyone and is reaching to everyone.

Did you know your life could speak to others without words having to be said?

We can decline invitations and shine light on sin without being degrading to a person. Our reactions should be of love which supports the person, but rejects the acts of sin.

We can reprove those who do not follow Godly living and gain them as dear brothers and sisters in the Lord; if we honor God first in our life.

We are to walk as dear children; children of the King in Heaven. We serve a holy God in holiness and we obey His command to go to all people around the world and preach the good news that salvation has come for all people. We are the light which shines in darkness therefore, let us not return to the darkness; but live life renewed in the power of God's might. We are to avoid the darkness and let us love the sinner, but hate the sin.

Building Christian People.

Building Christian People. Ephesians 5:3-5

Paul has declared to the Ephesians Christians to be as children and as children, followers of God. Now Paul speaks to these children as adults with adult problems. Though Christians are sinners, God wants them to practice purity and this is the message for today. "Christian, clean up your act!"

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Ephesians 5:3-4 (NKJV)

Paul issues a word of warning with strong words, for all Christians to avoid this conduct and to never let them be named among them. Like a commander in the army, Paul is letting the troops know what it takes to defeat the enemy.

Paul understood there are no special cases in God’s perception where it is appropriate for God’s children to sin. You have heard it said all things are good if practiced with balance. Paul is telling not to walk any fine line for it will get your soul entangled in the ways of the world.

"Let it not be named among you." Paul is saying do not tolerate it; do not talk about it and do not ruin the reputation of Christians by talking about them either. We should never practice of hear of these things within our people.

Does it happen? Yes, though Christians people are urged by the scriptures not to, Christian people sin. However, it is these sins God wants to discourage. They are not fit for conversation even when telling a funny story about how you acted when you did sinned.

So how do we keep from talking about them? We have to face and deal with problems, right?

Not speaking about sin is not denial of the problem of sin in our lives. At companies around the world they set safety goals of zero accidents. Unsafe acts are not tolerable for they cost the business money and rob families of their health. However, like addressing sin, when a zero tolerance company does have an accident does it annul the whole safety program? No!

If an accident occurs, the company goes forward and their goal is to not have it happen again; they "tolerate" zero accidents.

What do we do when a Christian sins? The last thing we should do is make it public to where the force on evil is uses it to keep others away from God. What should take place when sin is found, is the people committing such an act get help from pastoral counseling. The matter should be kept private and the details should never be a topic for conversation among the saints.

Society is like a megaphone for dirty talk and announcement of disgusting acts. It is as if they thrive and take joy in pulling people down. They find a flaw in a person's character and announcing Building Christian People. it in public they pull down the reputation of people.

This mentality should be expelled from our churches where Godly actions should be the focus.

The goal of the church is to bring people to the Father, so He may forgive them of their sin; encouraging them to good works and building their esteem. Our churches need people with leadership qualities and therefore, we focus on building people up and not tearing them down. We might add, we help them fight the sin which so easily besets us.

For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Ephesians 5:5 (KJV)

If the church undermines its self what good can they do?

In many fellowships people talk about others and expose their inconsistencies to each other. This does not fix or lend hand to strengthening people. It spreads like cancer and soon people are pointing out even the pastor’s inconsistencies.

This is not to say we are not to bring light upon sin in the church. Jesus taught if we have a problem with a another, we are to go to the person and confront them with the situation.

If the person will not listen to you, then you are to get an another person in the church to go with you to speak to them. If this does not gain closure, then the situation should be taken before the pastor and elders. The silence amongst the members of the congregation is very important to keeping sin out of the spotlight.

If we are not building the kingdom of God what are we doing? As children, we need to be upset when others sin and take it to our father in heaven in prayer. James said to pray for one another asking God to forgive their sin and restore them.

These actions we speak of exclude telling our closest friend or passing it off by making joking remarks about the person. We must handle problem with care so the Church might fulfill God's will and eradicate sin. Sin is not to be tolerated at all.

Paul knew even mentioning of sin grabs the attention of others and subverts more people to commit them. It rips into the flesh like barbs on a hook; hooking into the souls of people and it’s goal is to pull down the stronghold of God in our lives. If we tolerate it by non involvement or casual talk, then we will lose many who we love. In the process we, our self, become involved in the ruin.

Backing up to Paul's earlier words we are to follow these instructions as children following God. He is our Father and we are to obey all of His desires for us. God is building a family, not tearing it apart.

Therefore, let us concentrate on ways to not let sin become the focus of our time together and learn ways to celebrate with thankfulness those who have joined into our family. Building people up so they might go on to good works for our Father.

The Innocence of a Child.

When we were children, we did not choose to go to pre-school or to kindergarten; one day it was thrust upon us. Those who were our parent knew it was time for us to be educated and they introduced us to school. We had no choice but obey; yes, some of us cried in fear of separation from our parent and being thrust into a new situation, but we went.

This first day of school is much like the first day we start into a new life, having accepted Christ as our savior; we are thrust into a situation unsure.

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)

God looks down upon all those who accept Christ and sees them as His dearest children. From the first day, in Christ, the nurturing begins. He fills us with His Spirit and takes us by the hand leading us wherever we should go. No matter where on earth or what society we come from, God is there and as a good parent and He guides us along our way. Just as Children need to go to school, church is the school for the child of God.

When I was a young parent, I saw my need to go to church regularly. As I, myself had children, I found it important they too learn with other children about God. So we attended all the services children were invited to and they went to church regularly, just like they went to school regularly.

Understanding we are children of God, my wife and I attended a Sunday morning service and attended a mid week service so we might grow in our education about God.

At our church there were prayer meetings on Friday nights which we attended and they helped us in our growth also. Then for our children we attended Sunday nights services as our church made Sunday nights a special time for children.

Now we and our children had lots of friends; so in between church services we were busy on Saturdays going to birthday parties and barbeques and it seemed there was always something to do and somewhere to go.

We were a family on the move and because of the kids we were in constant fellowship throughout the week.

During those times in our life, I could not help but reflect back to all the sinful things I involved myself in prior to giving my life to the Lord. I chose the wrong friends and did wrong things because my life was boring. Back then, I had too much time on my hands and got into a lot of trouble.

Now as a Christian I had so many good and fun opportunities, I was having a blast and those wasted days before Christ had very little influence on me.

Now Children do not stay children forever, our children have grown up. Our patterns for attending church are different. When I reflect back on the busy days of raising children it is apparent to me, what I was doing for my children was actually God leading me as a child myself. He was keeping me busy and teaching me along the way.

Following God is the greatest part of life. The life of a Christian should be lived innocent like childhood. Christians should follow God’s leading in their life and be obedient to attend church, so they may learn of His glorious work in our lives.

The simplicity of following God to His house and learning alongside of your friends is the most fulfilling. If busy in the family of God, we give our Father great pleasure. All you must do his take hold of God's hand, let Him lead you to fellowship and soon you will meet friends and find ways to get involved.

Reflecting back I remember others who came to church, tried it for a while, and soon they would leave. They liked church, but were drawn away by other things and never determined to plant themselves to grow in the knowledge of God. This is what Paul is speaking to with the Ephesian Christians.

They were to be as children follow God and become rooted in the fellowship of the saints. Like Christ was obedient to the Father, so should all children of God be obedient too. Christ was obedient even unto death.

So the command is to become as children and be obedient to the leading of the Father. We are not to be drawn away by other things. As we take his hand we immerse ourselves into a place of learning and love.

As children who need to learn we go to fellowship to be educated by God, being careful not to stray away. In this our Father is well pleased.

Because you are Forgiven.

When a person commits to salivation they have the guilt of sin lifted. Every sin ever committed is erased for eternity and the penalty voided. Now when people reach this point, we have to ask "Why would they want to go back into the same old snare which sin is?

Not everyone who gives their life to God refrains from sin. The whole idea of being born again is to emerge into a new life; however, the old nature still goes with us and so does the temptation of sin. As Christians we are sealed until the day of redemption, yet redemption is in our future not our past.

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:23-24 (NKJV)

As if it is calling us to us from the grave, the sinful appetites of our old nature, entice us at every turn of life. For some it is the allure of alcohol or drugs; for others it is sex and lasciviousness. The sick pleasure of sin varies person to person and for some violent acts of crime entice them. Especially when money is involved, each of us has our own addiction and these must be submitted to God daily.

Paul says, Whatever the appetite for destruction is, we are to consider ourselves dead to it and alive to Christ in our new nature.

We are to consider the old person dead and the new person alive. When the old person begins to revive and answer to enticements, we are quickly and forcefully to put it back into the grave.

One way we do this is by telling the truth to ourselves and others. You can bring a fix into your life by positive affirmation. "What is the enjoyment of sin going to gain me? It will pull me down, slow me down, and keep me wanting more sin. I will never be fulfilled by living in sin."

These conversations can be personal, but when had with others, it adds accountability to the dynamic and when accountable to another, this reasoning can become very effective.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:25-27 (KJV)

Some people bring out the worst in us. These will hooray you to do bad and encourage you in your sin. Therefore, the child of God must learn to be quiet around these people and when provoked to anger, a Christians must learn to not act out in anger, but kindness.

Don’t talk bad to or talk about others when they provoke you. Sure, they may be wrong; yet there is a way of addressing them in peace. There is a way to dismiss their sin and not harbor it within you.

The old sinful nature has great depth; it reached to the most primal areas of our being, where it builds pressure evoking other sins and our lives can become as an erupting volcano. If evil can get you to think bad about others or become annoyed, then it seeks to boil within you.

Many suppress anger, speaking and think evil about people; they push it down and it compacts inside. As it boils eruption is sure to come. However, when agitated by others, learning to let it go can alleviate inner turmoil and you can have control over the rest of your life.

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:28-30 (NKJV)

After committing your life to Christ and heading off on a course of righteous living, continue to work towards righteous living in every aspect of your life. This new commitment is a complete different lifestyle and does not resemble the old.

I’m not saying to think of yourself above everyone else, but lets bring every urge under control of Christ. Let's dismiss the faults of others and never harbor grief. And when we do win over the old nature, do not let your exuberance bubble over onto others either.

Yes, there is no greater delight than finding something which really works. When you have found a good product, becoming overzealous can repel others from wanting to know you. So here is a great time to learn to be quiet and in faith know God will work in the lives of others also. We never want our "desire to edify" to be used by the enemy.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32 (NKJV)

There is no greater hindrance to evangelism than when others watch you fall. It is not easy to command the old nature to remain dead. It will try to revive it’s self every day and when you think you have finally beat it down, it will come back on you when least expected.

Therefore, we must recognize old sinful nature’s way and do things to combat it. This is where Christian fellowship is most important. Our meeting together with others should be times of edification and truthfulness. If you are struggling, there is no greater person to talk to than one who will speak truthfully to you, pray for you, and not speak to others about it. This is true fellowship.

This is where church members must be strong and in faith bear one another's burdens. We of the church are not to consider sins as outrageous; only to consider sin a battle which we all face.

We should not think of ourselves beyond committing the same sin and realize we need to help others fight the good fight of faith.

The old nature should never be alive and well in our lives. We must consider silencing the old natures urges for this is a daily battle. Together, as a church, with Christ, we fight this battle until the day of redemption when we will finally be safe.

Have you lost another person to sin? Will they stand with us on the day of redemption? This should be our goal and together we help each other stand. The old nature is a danger. It is a cancer, a disease, and should be treated with the greatest caution and most cunning wisdom. Together we can live with Christ.