John 8:46b And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

I find some people believe that the truth can be found in many places. None of them seem to act on those so called truths. They will not even give me a list of the more important truths. The conversations end as soon as I ask them what those truths do for you. Truth after all is only knowledge and it is what you do with the knowledge that matters. Right?

If you have bought into a lie and your whole life is living that lie, then what does the truth, real truth, sound like? It sounds like I have to give up everything I believe and everything I’ve ever gained because of my beliefs. This thought is a convincing thought, it is not a convicting thought. If you see the truth as giving up something, your first instinct is to ignore the truth because you are not convinced. There is no value in change.

If however, the truth is viewed as gaining something of value, providing something you lack but desire, then you will listen. That does not mean you believe. It only means you are listening. What does the truth offer which provides a positive result which you do not have? Don’t think about loss, think about gain.

How about love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, and faith? Do these things sound desirable? Are you missing any of them from you current life? These are some of the things to be gained by believing on Jesus Christ. Are you listening?

What if I told you that there is one more gift to be gain which is far more valuable than all these gifts combined? If I told you that Truth would be given, would you want to know the Truth?

John13:16a Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:

The truth is the third person of God, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. Believe on Jesus Christ and He will come and abide in you. That is the truth, are you going to ignore it? You have so much to gain. Don’t listen to the lie which is trying to tell you that you will have to give up everything.

P.S. forgiveness and eternal life are there also, if you are interested.

Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

I am about to say something that is uncomfortable to almost everyone. If you will hear me out, let me explain, perhaps you will understand why I think this way about sin.

Anything and everything I do that is not in obedience to faith is sin. I do not expect you to view sin in the same way, but allow me to explain why I take this hard line on sin.

John 8:46a Which of you convinceth me of sin?

Over the years I have engaged many people about sin. Almost all of those conversations contain one sentence which resonates true throughout time, history and the hearts of all mankind. “Who are you to judge me?” If you say God has defined sin, then you will find revisionist that disagree about what the bible says about sin. If you disagree you will only be met with resistance and at some point you will part company frustrated and at risk of losing your peace.

My viewpoint puts us all on equal footing. We all have sin and on that point regardless of what you think is sin, it will make us equally guilty of something. At some point in this conversation, hopefully, someone will ask; “How do you deal with sin?” My answer is simple, “I don’t have to.”

Jesus Christ has dealt with sin at the cross, once and for all time, for all mankind. God has provided the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Yours mine, everyone, believers and unbelievers alike. He will judge because He bore all sin for all of us. We are either guilty for shedding His blood or we have remission of sins by faith in Him. It is for our sins He died. So I do not get to judge you or myself. It isn’t for me to judge. So this is my foundation for dealing with sin.

How I live with this knowledge is simple. Strive to obey the only two commandments Jesus gave us in discipleship. Love God and love one another. Sure you will miss the mark occasionally, after all you are human. The intent of the heart to love will guide you much better in your walk than trying to tip toe around sin.

If the Holy Spirit convicts you of what you are doing, obey. He is God and is loving you. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Rev. 3:19