Have you ever found yourself entangled in a sin so complex that what appeared sweet in the beginning turned bitter in the end? Have you ever found yourself making excuses for your actions, justifying your choices despite the protestations of those whose Godly counsel you sought out in the past? How did you treat your 'trusted advisors' once you made up your mind to continue in your rebellion? I can speak from past experience-badly. I can recall becoming very defensive, antagonistic and even distancing myself from them, all the while stubbornly clinging to my will. I can recall struggling with that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach-that sense of knowing that I was not in the will of GOD, not acting according to His Word, yet charging forward to my eventual fall. I would imagine it was the same for King Herod too.
“17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.' 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled ; yet he liked to listen to him.” Mark 6:17-20
Why did Herod feel the need to retaliate against John for speaking the truth? What was it that drew him to John? Or, what was it about what John may have said that appealed to Herod's heart? How could he like listening to the man who condemned his actions? Most striking of all, is Herod's
obvious distress when Herodias' daughter asks for John's head on a platter,
after dancing for him at his banquet. In front of all his guests, he
magnanimously told her to ask anything of him, and it would be given
to her.
“25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: 'I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.' 26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.” Mark 6:25-26
Why didn't he, Herod the King, refuse her request and what does it tell us about sin? Firstly, it is complex. It attacks us spiritually, emotionally, psychologically and physically, leaving us in turmoil. It enslaves us, propelling us on a downward trajectory towards destruction. It is appealing, sweet in the mouth, bitter in the stomach. It also has a snowball effect, starting small and growing more powerful as we continue to engage in it. Finally, it leaves us feeling that there is no way out. It also seems inextricably linked to pride. What are your thoughts about sin? Can you relate to Herod's struggle? Add your comments and feedback either below or at www.biblegrouponline.com under the comments section. Join us next week as we look into John the Baptist's message of repentance!
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Talk Tuesday - The Complexity of Sin
Join us for our new journey into the Word of God as we examine the complexity of sin through the lens of John The Baptist's interaction with King Herod. We will be focusing on the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 6, verses 17 through 29 (Mark 6:17-29). We will explore each person's interaction with sin, the outcome and how it applies to our lives today.
There is John The Baptist, whose message was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:2. He was sent as, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness; 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight,'” Matthew 3:3 (Isaiah 40:3). John's mandate was to call men and women to confess their sin and to turn away from it. His was to prepare hearts for the coming of the One (JESUS CHRIST) whose ultimate sacrifice would obliterate the very wages of sin-death.
There is King Herod who, “... himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife,'” Mark 6:17-18. The fact that his sin had been called out by John, seemed to affect him greatly-it moved him to action, yet as we shall see, he is very conflicted.
Then there is Herodias, who, “... nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him,” Mark 6:19-20. She appears to be so set in her sin and her intention to continue her illicit relationship, that the very mention of it brings out murderous rage in her heart towards John the Baptist. However, here we see Herod's confusion and inner conflict. He imprisons John, but protects him from the wrath of Herodias; he does not understand his words yet he likes to listen to him speak. He inherently knows John to be righteous and holy.
Lastly, there is the daughter of Herodias, whose actions and loyalty to her mother, prove to the be the catalyst for John's death. How does her mother's sin affect her daughter's decision?
In preparation for this new series, we would like to encourage you to read this passage of scripture, meditate on it and be prepared to share with our BGO community some of the insights the Holy Spirit gives you as you study the Word of God.
There is John The Baptist, whose message was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:2. He was sent as, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness; 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight,'” Matthew 3:3 (Isaiah 40:3). John's mandate was to call men and women to confess their sin and to turn away from it. His was to prepare hearts for the coming of the One (JESUS CHRIST) whose ultimate sacrifice would obliterate the very wages of sin-death.
There is King Herod who, “... himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife,'” Mark 6:17-18. The fact that his sin had been called out by John, seemed to affect him greatly-it moved him to action, yet as we shall see, he is very conflicted.
Then there is Herodias, who, “... nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him,” Mark 6:19-20. She appears to be so set in her sin and her intention to continue her illicit relationship, that the very mention of it brings out murderous rage in her heart towards John the Baptist. However, here we see Herod's confusion and inner conflict. He imprisons John, but protects him from the wrath of Herodias; he does not understand his words yet he likes to listen to him speak. He inherently knows John to be righteous and holy.
Lastly, there is the daughter of Herodias, whose actions and loyalty to her mother, prove to the be the catalyst for John's death. How does her mother's sin affect her daughter's decision?
In preparation for this new series, we would like to encourage you to read this passage of scripture, meditate on it and be prepared to share with our BGO community some of the insights the Holy Spirit gives you as you study the Word of God.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Talk Tuesday-The Deceitfulness of Sin
Who doesn't love an action-spy-thriller?! I mean, one of those movies where you're on the edge of your seat, with your pulse racing and your mind trying to untangle the web of deceit that is an inevitable part of international espionage! Are you hooked as yet? Well, I almost was...to the point of sin.
It was one of those lazy Friday afternoons when I was at home by myself. I was surfing through the cable company's on-demand selection and found another instalment of my favourite action-spy-thriller. I paid the customary $4.99 and then settled in for an evening of high octane entertainment. The first five minutes were gripping. I was barely breathing when I suddenly heard the name of Jesus Christ used as a profanity. I paused the movie, and sat still. The war instantly began to rage in my soul. I felt shocked and confused. I thought, “I need to continue watching this, I need to see what happens next!” So, I began to reason within myself, “...after all, I'll just be left wondering how it all ends!” Then the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit began to speak. “How could you watch a show that uses the name of Jesus Christ as a profanity on Friday, then go and sing about that same name in reverent worship on Sunday?” You see, it was my turn to sing a solo at church that weekend. My song of choice? 'Worthy Is The Lamb' by Darlene Zschech of Hillsong. The first verse starts off with, “Thank you for the cross Lord, thank you for the price You paid, bearing all my sin and shame, in love You came and gave amazing grace,” then it crescendos with the chorus declaring, “WORTHY IS THE LAMB, SEATED ON THE THRONE, crown You now with many crowns, You reign victorious.” That day I turned the tv off. I decided that the $4.99 and the short term pleasure were not worth the pain of guilt that I would feel later. That was a poignant moment for me spiritually and for my growth as a Christian.
Hebrews 3:12-13 warns,“12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Sin's deceitfulness always starts off small, masked as harmless entertainment, an idle thought, a curious glance, a careless word, or an unintentional gesture. It is often accompanied by the thought, 'just this once,' or 'I deserve this.' One time becomes two, two become three and then hardness of heart leads to habit, or habit leads to hardness of heart. Thankfully, God has given us the Holy Spirit, the Word of God and one another for accountability. Let us guard our hearts diligently, encourage one another regularly, read the Bible daily and listen to the Holy Spirit constantly. And remember, JESUS died for your sins, so if you fall, repent and get back up because you are washed in the Blood of the Lamb!
It was one of those lazy Friday afternoons when I was at home by myself. I was surfing through the cable company's on-demand selection and found another instalment of my favourite action-spy-thriller. I paid the customary $4.99 and then settled in for an evening of high octane entertainment. The first five minutes were gripping. I was barely breathing when I suddenly heard the name of Jesus Christ used as a profanity. I paused the movie, and sat still. The war instantly began to rage in my soul. I felt shocked and confused. I thought, “I need to continue watching this, I need to see what happens next!” So, I began to reason within myself, “...after all, I'll just be left wondering how it all ends!” Then the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit began to speak. “How could you watch a show that uses the name of Jesus Christ as a profanity on Friday, then go and sing about that same name in reverent worship on Sunday?” You see, it was my turn to sing a solo at church that weekend. My song of choice? 'Worthy Is The Lamb' by Darlene Zschech of Hillsong. The first verse starts off with, “Thank you for the cross Lord, thank you for the price You paid, bearing all my sin and shame, in love You came and gave amazing grace,” then it crescendos with the chorus declaring, “WORTHY IS THE LAMB, SEATED ON THE THRONE, crown You now with many crowns, You reign victorious.” That day I turned the tv off. I decided that the $4.99 and the short term pleasure were not worth the pain of guilt that I would feel later. That was a poignant moment for me spiritually and for my growth as a Christian.
Hebrews 3:12-13 warns,“12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Sin's deceitfulness always starts off small, masked as harmless entertainment, an idle thought, a curious glance, a careless word, or an unintentional gesture. It is often accompanied by the thought, 'just this once,' or 'I deserve this.' One time becomes two, two become three and then hardness of heart leads to habit, or habit leads to hardness of heart. Thankfully, God has given us the Holy Spirit, the Word of God and one another for accountability. Let us guard our hearts diligently, encourage one another regularly, read the Bible daily and listen to the Holy Spirit constantly. And remember, JESUS died for your sins, so if you fall, repent and get back up because you are washed in the Blood of the Lamb!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Talk Tuesday-What Is Repentance?
What does it mean TO REPENT? The words REPENT and REPENTANCE appear numerous times throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel says,"'Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.'” Ezekiel 18:30
Our Movie Monday post features Evangelist Billy Graham (November 4th, 1986 Tallahassee, Fl.) who says, "“Now you can't change your past, but you can determine your destiny by deciding for Christ. But Christ can change your past. He died on the cross so that all the sins you've ever committed, all the things you've ever done wrong, are forgiven. What do you have to do? You have to repent of your sins, that means to be willing to change your way of living.....You may have no power to do it...but if you surrender to Christ, He'll give you the power.”
In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel says,"'Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.'” Ezekiel 18:30
The word REPENT, used by Ezekiel in the original Hebrew/Aramaic is: sub, -which means, to turn back: from the base meaning of turning back comes from the fig. extension of restoration of relationship, as when one turns in repentance to God.
In the New Testament Jesus says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17.
The word REPENT in Greek is: metanoeo, - which means, to repent, to change any or all of the elements composing one's life: attitude, thoughts and behaviours concerning the demands of God for right living. (All references to Hebrew & Greek translations are from:James, LL.D., S.T.D. 2001. The Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan)
Our Movie Monday post features Evangelist Billy Graham (November 4th, 1986 Tallahassee, Fl.) who says, "“Now you can't change your past, but you can determine your destiny by deciding for Christ. But Christ can change your past. He died on the cross so that all the sins you've ever committed, all the things you've ever done wrong, are forgiven. What do you have to do? You have to repent of your sins, that means to be willing to change your way of living.....You may have no power to do it...but if you surrender to Christ, He'll give you the power.”
REPENTANCE implies an acknowledgement of our sinfulness, being sorry for our way of living and a willingness to turn away from sin to GOD. Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. Once we REPENT of our sins and open our hearts to Jesus, He will restore our relationship with GOD. He will enable us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to truly change.
"But when the kindness and love of GOD our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4-7
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