How much sin should a Christian tolerate?

God set the standard for morality, and from reading the Old Testament, we can see that He is very serious about the wages of sin. In reading books such as Leviticus and Deuteronomy, we learn that much that is tolerated today was punishable by death under the Law.

“If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus 20:13).

When God’s ways are ignored, Satan is honored. That’s an abomination because Satan is totally opposed to God. There are many Christian congregations that embrace tolerance and mock God. Those same congregations don’t study Scripture and don’t apply God’s teachings to life. They think Scripture needs to be modernized to fit today’s attitudes. God’s word never changes. Let me repeat that: God’s word never changes. Instead of allowing God to mold and shape them into His image, they try to mold and shape God into their own image. They create an idol of tolerance. Idolatry is a sin. God is love, and Christians need to follow His word.

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).

Loving someone doesn’t mean you accept their sin, but in love, you lead them out of sin. You cannot love someone and watch them die in sin.

The Apostle Paul had to deal with a situation in Corinth that involved a very serious sin. “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife” (1 Corinthians 5:1).

“Fornication” is from the Greek word “porneia,” which includes every sexual activity outside of a one-man/one-woman marriage. In Corinth, a man within the congregation was having a sexual affair with his father’s wife. Paul made note of the fact that even non-Christians don’t accept this. Corinth was a Greek city, so if this man was of Greek heritage, he knew his actions were wrong. If he was of Jewish heritage, he had the Law to make it clear that it was wrong.

“A man shall not take his father’s wife, nor discover the father’s skirt” (Deuteronomy 22:30). Also, “Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen” (Deuteronomy 27:20).

The problem in Corinth is that they were tolerant of sin within the congregation and proud of their tolerance. Christians are to love sinners but not the sin. Christians are sinners just like non-Christians, but the difference is our faith in Jesus. That faith should bring a change in our life, and we should no longer desire to be sinners. For a congregation to fully accept the man who embraced fornication was very wrong. This attitude isn’t uncommon today, and tolerance is revered above honoring God’s word. Paul told the Corinthians to put this man out of the congregation.

“Your glorifying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6).

Sin within a congregation cannot be tolerated because that opens the way to tolerate more sin. This has nothing to do with whether or not the sinner lost his salvation. If he was truly a Christian, he didn’t. On the other hand, if he was truly a Christian, why would he embrace sin? It has everything to do with honoring God. Paul spoke of him as a brother, but he was out of fellowship with God. If a person who has been put out of the congregation repents and turns from the sin, that person is to be welcomed back and forgiven.

One of the clearest stories in Scripture of the love of the Father is the parable of the prodigal son. A father had two sons and loved them both. The younger son decided he wanted to take his inheritance, go away from his home and the rules of his father, and live life by his own rules. The father loved his son enough to let him go out on his own. What a life he led! He had money, and it bought him friends, but when hard times came and the money was gone, so were the friends.

“And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want” (Luke 15:14).

The young man went to work at a job that was detestable to a Jewish person: feeding swine. He had hit rock bottom and had no food to eat, and even what he fed to the swine looked good. That’s when he remembered his father.

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Luke 15:17).

The young man made a mistake by leaving his father’s protection, but life had taught him a hard lesson. He was ready to humble himself and return to his father as a servant.

“I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son, make me as one of thy hired servants” (Luke 15:18-19).

This young man had learned a hard lesson that humbled him. When he returned, his father saw him in the distance and ran to him with open arms. He made a joyous celebration for the prodigal son.

“And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry” (Luke 15:23-24).

That’s how God the Father looks for the return of all who run from His protection to live life by their own rules. Even in the celebration of the sinner’s return, blood was shed. A fatted calf was killed. Never forget the cross and the shed blood of Jesus for redemption. When we truly repent, we are welcomed with celebration. Jesus gave His life so we can live eternally.

There is a second son in this parable, the son who remained faithfully with the father. This young man had a snit fit.

“And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf” (Luke 15:28-30).

The older son saw his good works for the father as the reason he deserved his father’s love. This son also seemed to know the sins of the younger brother, which wasn’t just a quick weekend trip to Sin City but lasted years; but he didn’t try to bring his brother back to the father. The father loved both of his sons, and that’s how God loves all of us. Whether we are the prodigal who goes out and sins then returns, or whether we are the son who stays faithful, God’s love is equal.

Remember, even though the younger son went and sinned shamefully, he was still his father’s son. The older son had chosen to stay faithful instead of going out and sinning, and he was angry that his brother was forgiven. In his own way, the older brother also sinned. He took pride in his works and faithfulness but should have been thrilled that his brother came home. Is that how we are? When a fellow Christian goes through a time of rebellion and sin, do we gloat over our own self-righteousness, or do we take joy when that brother or sister returns? Never forget the cross and the forgiveness found there.

God is serious about sin and its punishment. God knew that Eve would believe Satan’s twisted form of God’s words and eat the forbidden fruit. God has given men the responsibility of leadership, and Adam failed to be the leader. He also ate the forbidden fruit.

“And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Timothy 2:14).

This was the first sin, and the fact that this caused Adam and Eve to be evicted from the Garden of Eden should tell us how important it is to believe God’s truth over Satan’s lies. God wasn’t caught off guard by this sin; He had a plan for redemption.

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God” (1 Peter 1:18-21).

Never forget the cross. My faith and hope are in God, how about you? There are no works you can do nor any other faith you can follow that will bring redemption. Before God created the universe and all that’s in it, He had formed His plan of redemption. Jesus was willing to sacrifice His life for us. The Law was given and makes it very clear how much God hates sin.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Thank you, Jesus, for going to the cross for me. The New Testament tells us of redemption and forgiveness. That doesn’t mean that God has changed His mind about how sin disgusts Him, but it does mean our sins can be forgiven if we truly repent and ask His forgiveness. This isn’t a license to sin, but it does give us a way to eternal life in spite of our sin nature.

Both the Old and New Testaments show God’s perfect love. The Old Testament shows us how much God doesn’t want us to sin. The New Testament shows us what He was willing to do in order to forgive our sin.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

The difference is the cross. Never forget the cross.

Many people ignore the Old Testament because they say it shows God as angry at people and that He takes pleasure in condemning humanity. Let’s give that some thought. God created a perfect environment for Adam and Eve. They had plenty to eat and were in fellowship with God. The only fruit they were forbidden to eat was from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Satan twisted God’s words to make it seem as if God just wanted Adam and Eve to be unhappy. God isn’t the bad guy here, but Satan seems to get the respect. That’s so wrong. Satan still twists God’s word today. God didn’t want Adam and Eve to sin, but they chose to rebel against God.

All sin brings death, and that’s what Satan wants for you. That doesn’t mean God is angry with us. Think of a parent who tells their child not to touch a hot stove. Is that parent mean and angry? That parent knows the pain the child will experience if he touches the hot stove. God knows the pain we face by embracing sin, and He loves us enough to warn us not to dabble in sin. His love is perfect.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather that light, because their deeds were of evil” (John 3:16-19).

God loves you.

Remember what Jesus did for you upon the cross, and never forget the cross.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

 

How many reasons for preparation can you think of? In my younger days, trying to juggle a full-time job and being a wife and mother wasn’t always easy. I made things easier by preparing. On weekends, I would cook a turkey or a pot of spaghetti, which would last for a few days. That way, I didn’t have to spend precious time after work trying to get dinner ready, and I could spend more time with my family.

Most people will prepare for a road trip by being sure the car gets an oil change and the tires are in good condition. Clothes get packed, snacks are readied, and entertainment for the kids is essential. Quite often, I would pack a book to read aloud while my husband drove. These are all simple things that make life easier.

Recently, I’ve started listening to Ryan Hall, Y’all on YouTube. He’s a weatherman who I trust to have good information regarding storms. This past week, he said a major storm was coming and that everyone on the path should prepare. I listened to his advice. My daughter and I spent the morning putting things away so that when the wind hit, there would be little to blow around. We also got water and finger food in case we lost electricity.

When we had prepared as much as humanly possible, I said a prayer for God’s protection and watched live reports about the storm, and it was bad. The wind blew the roof off of a school just 4 miles from my home, and fires destroyed houses. Thank the Good Lord that my home had no damage.

Then reports came in about tornadoes in Rolla, MO, which is where my daughter works. I’m thankful she was off that day. The damage was hard to take in. Huge trees were uprooted and slammed onto houses, electric poles were snapped, and businesses sustained much damage. I was thankful that my daughter’s job had little damage to it. It’s a farm and home supply store, and they were able to open the next day and provide much-needed products to a community that was severely damaged.

In all of this disaster, I wondered how many people listened to the warnings to prepare for the storm. Much of the damage could not be prepared for, such as a tree crashing into houses, but having food and bottled water or a generator on hand would be wise. Knowing where to go to take shelter from the storm is a good preparation. When the storms come, everybody is affected.

As I thought about all of this, I thought of God and how He has helped us to prepare for the storms in life. If you pay attention to Biblical prophecy, you’ll know that a huge storm is coming. This storm is known by many names, such as The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, Daniel’s Seventieth Week, or the Tribulation. God has done everything He can to help us prepare for the trouble that will soon come, but many people are blind to prophecy.

Most preachers won’t preach about prophecy because it’s too scary or too complicated. Their silence does a great disservice to the congregation. On the other hand, many in the congregation would rather have their ears tickled than hear God’s truth. God said it would happen.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

This verse reveals so much that is wrong with many churches today. Paul warned Timothy, and us, about such teachings. Be sure you are part of a Christ-centered, Bible-believing fellowship. They are becoming scarce.

When the Pharisees and the Sadducees mockingly came to Jesus asking for a sign from heaven, “He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:2-3).

Many people will listen to the weather forecast and prepare for snow, rain, wind, hurricanes, or tornadoes but will totally ignore the more certain prophetic forecast from God. People seem more interested in the weather than in Biblical prophecy.

The Holy Spirit-filled Scripture with prophecy is for a reason; God wants us to be prepared for the times in which we live. The disciples were curious about the end times and asked Jesus about it. They had no idea that it would be over 2,000 years for all things to be fulfilled. Jesus described the signs to look for, and the first warning He gave was against deception.

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5).

There are many who preach a false Gospel and deceive many. Be sure to filter all teaching through Scripture. Jesus went on to describe more signs of the times.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows“ (Matthew 24:6-8).

I’ve noticed these things happening and becoming stronger, but Jesus said it’s just the beginning of the end. There is much more to come, but the pieces of the puzzle are all falling into place. A very sad prophecy that is falling into place is that all nations will turn against Israel. It makes no sense for all nations to be against such a small nation like Israel. Still, it’s happening just like God said it would. It’s beyond my thinking to understand how the world can support such a blood-thirsty nation like Iran but come against Israel. God tells us to pray for Israel and bless that nation. Do you do that? I hope so.

God still loves Israel, and one day they will recognize that Jesus is the Messiah, and they will turn to Him for help. That’s when God will turn His attention back to Israel and fight their war. Christians will be safe at Home with God prior to the Tribulation and the final battle. Take comfort in that fact.

Peter had walked with Jesus and learned from Him for 3 years, and he witnessed the marvelous things that Jesus did. Peter was one of the disciples present when the Transfiguration happened, and he heard the voice of God the Father. What a wonderful but frightening experience that would have been. Peter had learned a lot over the years. Experiences are impressive, but Biblical prophecy is more certain. Biblical prophecy is from God, so we know it’s true, and it will happen just as God says it will.

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).

Peter knew who Jesus was and knew that this faith wasn’t based upon false hope. Jesus was, is, and always will be God incarnate. “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount” (2 Peter 1:17-18).

All that Peter saw and heard was very impressive, but along the way, Peter’s faith faltered because of fear. When Jesus was arrested, it was Peter who denied knowing Him. It’s easy to have a lapse of faith when we allow fear to lead us rather than having solid faith in God. Jesus forgave Peter, and Peter came to understand that experiences can fade, but God’s truth will never fail.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Biblical prophecy will always be fulfilled.

Had the religious leaders of Biblical times paid attention to prophecy, they would have recognized Jesus as the Messiah, but they didn’t. Because of their blindness, they weren’t prepared for the Messiah to set them free from all bondage. If they had only believed the Scripture they claimed to follow, things would have been better.

Many years earlier, Daniel was given a prophecy regarding the Messiah, and this should have told the Jewish leaders that it was time for the Messiah to come. This prophecy is known as Daniel’s 70 weeks. Just like our weather forecasts will tell of weather conditions so we can be prepared for a coming storm, God gives us prophecy so we can prepare for life. The prophecy given to Daniel said that the Messiah would be “cut off” (killed) and that Jerusalem would be destroyed. It also told of an evil man who will rule.

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abomination he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate” (Daniel 9:27).

This is a little hard to understand, but basically it means that the Temple will be rebuilt, and a covenant will be confirmed for seven years. But, in the middle of those seven years, the covenant will be broken by the Anti-Christ. Jesus also spoke of the end of time and confirmed the prophecy given to Daniel.

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee unto the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes” (Matthew 24:15-18).

Remember, those final seven years will be all about bringing Israel back to faith in God, not about Christians. It will be very troublesome times. Christians will have already been taken Home in the Rapture, and this is directed to the Jewish people.

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).

This will be a time like no other — a time that you will not want to be living on Earth. To find out more details about the horrors of that day, read Revelation beginning in chapter 6. If you pay attention to the news of the world, you can see that all the things described as happening in the Trihulation are being set in place today. Pay attention to the signs of the times, and you can be prepared.

The prophecies concerning the last days will be fulfilled whether you prepare or not. If you’re living at that time, you will be affected. Just like the tornado warning, it was announced, and people could either heed the warning or face the consequences. If the warning was heeded and people took shelter, they were safe. If the warnings were ignored, destruction came upon them.

The question is, how is it possible to prepare for the Great Tribulation – the final years of Earth’s history? The only way to prepare is to place your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do it today. Only the saving Grace of Jesus will take you away from the evils of those final days and shelter you from all harm. God always saves His followers from wrath. As Christians, our righteousness is through Jesus Christ. Our faith in Him will see us taken Home in the Rapture prior to God’s wrath upon the unbelieving world.

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).

Jesus will protect His bride.

Prepare for trouble by placing your faith in Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and the only way of salvation.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).