There are two videos about sin below. The first is a 10 minute video discussion panel consisting of a pastor and two pastor’s wives; the second is a 4 minute video that explains the difference between sin and idolatry. Both are Gospel Coalition videos; Don Carson is the speaker in the second video. The only person I know in the first video is Rosaria Butterfield, former gay activist that was converted as she read the Bible in preparation to write against it. (Her conversion testimony is herein at, Categories; Conversion Testimony.)
Video One:
How can our churches encourage honesty about sin and temptation without excusing it?
Numerous typical church problems are spoken of in the process of the discussion and some thoughtful suggestions are considered. I will note highlights below.
The following are some important points noted in the discussion:
- Pastors and elders must believe and teach the doctrine of sin
- Church officers and lay people must desire and strive for a genuine walk with God wherein sin is repented; and desire genuine relationships with each other, wherein they practice mercy [this blog makes clear that if believers are not honest about their sin with themselves and God that Biblical mercy is impossible–see categories, Beatitude Life, Mercy; that many Christians, therefore, feign mercy]
- Original sin distorts us; actual sin distracts us; indwelling sin manipulates us: we are all struggling all the time with these
- Our daily struggles are with such as the following: addictions; same sex attraction; covetousness; lying; anger: i.e., all types of sin; [some are more prone to sin in one way than another; we all have besetting sin(s), AND all are struggling sinners]
- A point not explicitly stated is that if one is pretending to be perfect, to be without sin, then he / she is a hypocrite or in denial; furthermore, such a person would be a hindrance to the development of a genuine community of believers wherein sin is dealt with honestly
- If each person fears and loves God, and is transparent with God, then a genuine community can develop
- If believers identify other believers as “gossip;” “slanderer;” “adulterer;” etc., then they are wrongly focused on the fruit of these people. To help them and the body of believers, the community needs to be concerned with heart matters [what must firstly be recognized is that each person’s heart is a source of many sins; and that we must focus on helping them in their struggle with sin, not labeling and judging them]
- A desire to be honest with God, oneself and others has to undergird all of the above: that is, if the community is not a place wherein genuine love and mercy is experienced, then each member needs to look at his / her relationship with God first, for honesty, vulnerability, commitment…then his / her relationships with other members
Video Two:
STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS:
New Christians, please explore the categories in this blog for posts relevant to your status: See, Categories: New Christian Orientation for posts suited for those beginning their walk or coming from an unbiblical church.