Channelofhealing

T. Pierce Brown, Published in The Old Paths Archive (http://www.oldpaths.com)

Degrees of Sin

Why is it assumed by some that there are NOT degrees of sin, when both the Bible and logic assure us otherwise?

Let us examine some of the teachings of the Bible about the degrees of sin, starting in the beginning of the Old Testament and working into the New, but not attempting to exhaust the subject at any point.

As we examine the records in Exodus and Deuteronomy of the various kinds of sins and the punishment for them, we cannot but be impressed with the fact that some of the sins had more severe punishment than others, and were looked upon as greater sins in some respects. In Exodus 22:15, we find, "He that smiteth his father or his mother shall surely be put to death," but "If a man steal an ox or a sheep and kill it or sell it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep" (Exodus 23:1). Surely no one who would read that thoughtfully could assume that it is as bad for a man to kill or steal a sheep as it is to commit adultery or murder. If so, why did not the language and the punishment indicate that it was? What, in that case, is the meaning of such expressions as "a great sin" (Exodus 32:21,30,31) and "a very great sin" (1 Samuel 2:17)? What is the meaning of Isaiah 8:6 where "great abominations" are compared with "greater abominations"? If one is greater, how could that be any thing but a different "degree" of sin?

Turning to the New Testament, notice Matthew 23:15, where Jesus says, "Ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more a child of hell than yourselves." If being twofold does not indicate a degree, what does? When in verse 23 Jesus says, "Ye have omitted the weightier matters of the law," what does that mean if some matters are not weightier? If so, what is that but a different degree of weight?

Very closely connected, but relating to a different subject are those who will receive "greater condemnation" (Cf. Mt. 23:14; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; James 3:1).

If there remains the slightest question about the fact that some sins are greater than others, Jesus’ statement in John 19:11 should forever remove it. "He that delivered me unto thee hath the GREATER SIN." If one sin is greater than another, then there are degrees of sin. This is not merely an implication, assumption, interpretation, supposition, opinion or theory, but a statement from the lips of Jesus. (At this point, I wonder why I started the article in the first place, for I would think that surely none of my readers would attempt to deny it. Yet I had four elders who argued with me for two hours that there were no degrees of sin!)

This has nothing to do with the false Roman Catholic doctrine relating to "mortal" or "venial" sins, nor does it indicate that men have the right to classify sins as "big" or "little" and assume that the little ones are insignificant. The problem with that doctrine is twofold. First, there are no insignificant sins. Second, people’s assumption regarding which ones are bigger or smaller are usually wrong, and even if their assumptions were right they have nothing to do with God’s judgment.

From a purely logical standpoint, if a person admits that one person can be better or worse than another, or that a person is better or worse at some period in his life than at another, he must admit than one is more sinful than another. What makes a man better or worse?

Again, if no sin is worse than another, you should be as glad to associate with a drunken, adulterous, lying, murdering thief as you would be with one who failed to give as he had been prospered, or pray as he should. If not, why not? I believe one of the elders with whom I had the long discussion said, "Yes, in man’s sight those are worse, but in the sight of God, perhaps pride, arrogance, or indifference are worse." I admit that, but the statement itself was an admission that in God’s sight, there might be degrees of sin. Some could not be worse than others without there being degrees.

Even sins that are called by the same name have different degrees. Even if we could say "Pride is worse than lying," we should not, for there are degrees of pride. Even killing in one situation is worse than another. The fact that the laws of our land have perverted the truth about it, and many news commentators and others pretend that to put a murderer to death is just as bad as the crime he committed when he murdered, does not change the Bible truth.

Also, remember that this has nothing to do with the fact that all sinners are lost if they do not repent.

Finally, the very fact Jesus talks of an "unpardonable sin" and "there is a sin unto death" shows that some sins are worse than others. The supposed Aristotelian logic of the statement that "Sin is sin" showing that one sin is equal to another is invalid. The truth is that sin1 is not sin2, either in kind or degree.

If you never felt pain, Then how would you know that I am a Healer?
If you never had to pray, How would you know that I am a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial, How could you call yourself an overcomer?
If you never felt sadness, How would you know that I am a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake, How would you know that I am a forgiver?
If you knew all, How would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble, How would you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken, Then how would you know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem,How would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering, Then how would you know what I went through?
If you never went through the fire, Then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things, How would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you, How would you know that I love you?
If you had all power, Then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect, Then what would you need me for?
-Love, Jesus.

-author unknown.

-by David Wilkerson.
Christ’s church has never been approved or accepted by the world. And it never will be. If you live for Jesus, you won’t have to separate yourself from other’s company; they’ll do it for you. All you have to do is live for him. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself reproached, rejected, called evil: "Men shall hate you, and- they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake" (Luke 6:22). Yet, Jesus adds, this is the path to true fulfillment. "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25). In other words: "The only way you find meaning in life is by selling out your all for me. Then you’ll find true joy, peace and satisfaction." Christ tells us, "My church is without spot or wrinkle. So, when you come to me, you must be willing to lay down all sins. You must surrender all to me, die completely to self, ungodly ambition and ego. By faith, you’ll be buried with me. But I will raise you up into new life."
Think about what it means to be without spot or wrinkle. We know a spot is a stain. But what about a wrinkle? Have you ever heard the phrase, "a new wrinkle"? It means adding a new idea to an existing concept. A wrinkle, in that sense, applies to those who try to improve on the gospel. It suggests an easy way to attain
heaven, without full surrender to Christ.
That’s the kind of gospel that’s being preached in many churches today. The sermons are aimed only at meeting people’s needs.
As I read Jesus’ words, I see that this kind of preaching will not work. It doesn’t accomplish the true work of the gospel.
Don’t misunderstand: I’m not against preaching comfort and strength to God’s people. As a shepherd of the Lord, I’m called to do exactly
that. But if I preach only to people’s needs, and ignore Christ’s call to lay down our lives, then true needs will never be met. Jesus’
words are clear: Our needs are met by dying to ourselves and taking up his cross.
-SOURCE: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/7655

Here is an except of the message by Thom S Rainer

It is inevitable that, when we do research on evangelistic churches, we learn about one or more members in the church who, to use the book title by Charles H. Spurgeon, embody the traits of The Soul Winner. Often times one of those members is the pastor. But we have also seen many laypersons who are themselves soul winners.

In our interviews with these people, or with those who tell us about the soul winners, we began to discern some clear patterns. We called those patterns “the seven characteristics of highly evangelistic Christians.”

1. They are people of prayer. They realize that only God can convict and convert, and they are totally dependent upon Him in prayer. Most of the highly evangelistic Christians spend at least an hour in prayer each day.

2. They have a theology that compels them to evangelize. They believe in the urgency of the gospel message. They believe that Christ is the only way of salvation. They believe that anyone without Christ is doomed for a literal hell.

3. They are people who spend time in the Word. The more time they spend in the Bible, they more likely they are to see the lostness of humanity and the love of God in Christ to save those who are lost.

4. They are compassionate people. Their heart breaks for those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They have learned to love the world by becoming more like Christ who has the greatest love for the world.

5. They love the communities where God has placed them. They are immersed in the culture because they desire for the light of Christ to shine through them in their communities.

6. They are intentional about evangelism. They pray for opportunities to share the gospel. They look for those opportunities. And they see many so-called casual encounters as appointments set by God.

7. They are accountable to someone for their evangelistic activities. They know that many good activities can replace Great Commission activities if they are not careful. Good can replace the best. So they make certain that someone holds them accountable each week either formally or informally for their evangelistic efforts.

Culled from, Lifeway  Christian Resources

  Matt 24: 7-10,Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Wishing all my Readers  and everyone else a Very Happy Easter Celebration Today.

Remember that Jesus Christ our Lord is the Reason for this Season.

Also try to  take to heart, the message of the cross and the Reason for our being here, For this is such a time when we ought to take into account the Price our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ paid for us on the Cross of Calvary.. . I know I have been searching my self daily and will continue to do so until the final day.

Hope to resume frequent posts soon ,… thanks for your patience…I love you with the Love of the Lord.

God bless you all and remain complete in Him!

By the Special Grace of God will  be sharing a lot of Prophecies/Revelations, dreams and Visions from the the people of God at my New blog End Time Soldiers of Christ ,for the Lord is doing great and Mighty things through His servants all over the World… proving again the Passage in Joel 2:28 28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:  DO YOU HAVE A RELEVATION/VISION OR PROPHETIC DREAM? Feel free to send me a copy so I can go through it and by the Holy spirit of God it may be published here for the World to see. God bless you as you do so in Jesus Mighty Name Amen

 Vision of Subtle Lies-by Pam Brown.
God gave me a vision 1 1/2 years ago about one of the biggest names in the Christian world and showed me what this person and many other leaders are doing to the body.  I saw a HUGE "SUBTLE" written in the sky after this person’s name came up.  I was sobbing like I’ve
never sobbed before. It was breaking the heart of Jesus. I kept asking Jesus what was breaking his heart so badly and that’s when this scripture came to mind…"How I wish I could gather you as a mother hen gathers her chicks but you would not listen."I knew that Scripture and cried even harder because I knew that Jesus wanted the church to turn from her deception and follow Him. That told me that Jesus is very much aware that many in His body are being lead astray.  They are deceived and the only one who can open their eyes and get them to repent is Jesus.  It’s a mixture or a malgam of the truth and lies. The sense that I got was that much of the  church had been contaminated. Poisoned and didn’t even know it.  Doctrine of demons had entered, New Age/occult ideas and books had infiltrated the body (many are in the Christian bookstores) and famous pastors were leading thousands down the "Apostate Church " road.  Not the true church of Jesus Christ.  They were leaving out the name of Jesus, the cross, repentance and the blood. It has become a "Social" gospel to many in the church. Just do "good things" and attach the name of God to it… Oh how I pray that people in the church will wake up!! Well, that was my interpretation of this 20 minute sobbing session that I had with Jesus.  Even though I felt like Jesus was extremely sad at how easily His leaders and sheep were lead astray…I still felt like He was going to do some shaking and gather back as many "chicks" as possible from the enemy’s camp. He doesn’t need a huge army… he just needs a few people that will do what he tells them to do and HE will make the needed changes.  Not everyone has fallen into deception.  That’s the good news. Just like Elijah thought he was the only one left and God showed him that there were 7,000 other people that didn’t bow their knee to Baal. That’s the situation with the church today.

Praise God!!

Despite the call to repent, to return to God, people continue to trust in their prosperity, they trust in things, they trust in what they know, they worship careers, jobs, savings plans, they trust in everything but God. However, a time is soon coming when they will need to know how to trust God. Because the money idol will fail them. What are you trusting?

For More,click here: http://www.codystromberg.com/

by B. Moorehead.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and  pray too seldom. 

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life; we’ve added years to life, not life to years.  We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space.
We’ve done larger things, but not better things.  We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.

We’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice. 

We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less.  We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait.

We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.  These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw-away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; Indeed, these are the times!

THIS IS A VERY GOOD ONE I MUST SAY, PEOPLE… ARE YOU LISTENING!!!

The happy man was born in the city of Regeneration
in the parish of Repentance unto Life. He has a large
estate in the county of Christian Contentment.

He was educated at the School of Obedience
—and often does jobs of Self-denial.

He wears the garment of Humility, and has
another suit to put on when he goes to Court,
called the Robe of Christ’s Righteousness.

He is necessitated to travel through the world on
his way to heaven—but he walks through it as fast
as he can. All his business along the way—is to
make himself and others happy. He often walks
in the valley of Self-Abasement, and sometimes
climbs the mountains of Heavenly-mindedness.

He breakfasts every morning on Spiritual Prayer,
and sups every evening on the same. He has food
to eat, which the world knows nothing of—and his
drink is the sincere milk of the Word of God.

Thus happy he lives—and happy he dies.

Happy is he who has . . . Gospel submission in his will, 
the love of God in his affections, true peace in his conscience, 
sincere Divinity in his breast, the Redeemer’s yoke on his neck, 
the vain world under his feet, and a crown of glory over his head!

Happy is the life of that man who . . .
  believes firmly,
  prays fervently,
  walks patiently,
  labors abundantly,
  lives holily,
  dies daily,
  watches his heart,
  guards his senses,
  redeems his time,
  loves Christ, and
  longs for glory!

“Happy is the man who does not walk in the
counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of
sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his
delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his
law he meditates day and night. He is like a
tree planted by streams of water, which yields
its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3

~  Lachlan MacKenzie ~

Pray for Nigeria and the City of Jos, Plateau State, Religious violence erupts again in Jos on Tuesday, 24-hour curfew declared

By AHMED SAKA

eligious violence between Christians and Muslims erupted again Tuesday in central Nigeria, and the state government called for more military units to enter the city where rioters have killed at least 27 people.

A burnt truck
PHOTO: Vanguard Newspapers

Security forces issued a 24-hour curfew after police and soldiers tried to contain the violence with roadblocks and searches but apparently failed. An Associated Press reporter could see smoke rising from the north side of Jos and could hear the sounds of gunshots echoing along the streets.

The rioting began Sunday after Muslim youths set a Catholic church ablaze. Witnesses said rioters armed with knives, homemade firearms and stones attacked passers-by and fought with security Read the rest of this entry »

What a sight, what a sad story to tell! No food, no water, gutters running with blood and dead bodies on the streets,

I just can’t fight back the tears just looking at the horrifying pictures, this makes me feel so… Words cannot describe the pain I feel, Only God Almighty knows why this had to happen.

I Pray O Lord that you, the helper of the helpless, the Father to the fatherless, the one who comforts us from all sides and see’s our hurts and pains, I ask that thou comfort these your Children, Daddy there is so much hurt and pain in Haiti today please Lord shine your light of mercy on that nation and indeed the nations of the World.

Give us your grace and mercy to continue daily…life is hard, Lord… especially in  Haiti today

Thank You Holy Spirit

Lord Jesus I thank You for you are God and you never change. You love Haiti and Haitians and you died for them to give them eternal life and the Joy of your Salvation

HAPPY NEW YEAR: THIS IS THE FIRST POST OF THE YEAR 2010

Have you have been wondering, why God won’t let you do this or that thing or just about anything you ‘d like to do as a Christian, (I do not mean sinning ,please). You may want to read the post below to understand the exclusivity of a Christian and why we have to be different, albeit weird to the World.

I also believe this post will put in perspective , stuff we deal with in our Christian lives daily, Both the Spirit filled and ordinary Christians alike, So that we would not keep being frustrated with following Christ, rather follow and Obey Him with Joy…In fact I have more peace as a  follower of Christ than any thing else, there is nothing in the World that I want but, everything in Christ I need…Halleluyah!

I must confess also that, This post is more about me than any thing I have read lately, I am so blessed to have been sent this by the “Revival List” , That is not to say that I don’t fight the emotions at times, I have over the years done that,  But, I decided to yield totally to His will for my life a long time ago… it was a worthless battle, one that I knew I would always lose if i kept on fighting.

So it is something that I have grown into all my life, I believe this post will help those still struggling with yielding to God and also young and new Christians to come into total obedience to God and see why Others may but, we cannot…. Read the rest of this entry »

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Thank You Holy Spirit for always being there

Thank You Father, for bringing us thus far…even unto the end of the year 2009, we are confident you will see us through it all in Jesus Christ’s Name we Pray.  Thank you keeping us safe  and sound, Thank you for defeating our enemies and making a total mockery of the devils efforts to stop us from reaching our goals… We are indeed grateful for everything.

Channelofhealing wishes you, a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, May you dreams and aspirations be fulfilled this coming year, May you make the right and best decisions for your life this coming year and May the presence of the Lord and the Holy Spirit never leave you in Jesus Mighty Name Amen

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!!

Is your defense, your works? You know Jesus but, Does Jesus know You? Turn away from trusting in your own good deeds, and cast your whole self upon Christ. Brethren,You have to listen to this video of Paul Washer, this is problem we all face today, many ask why won’t God just allow people into Heaven when they die, after all they were good Christians while on earth, one cannot be tired of explaining this to people especially new Christians… maybe with this would change that line of thought…I found it resoundingly refreshing to hear again.

This is a Miracle! THANK YOU JESUS! Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!What joy!

Remember this story broke in August , of this year, it was even posted on this site and Christians, World over have been Praying for this two ladies since then… to God be the Glory! They have been released from prison today, something that seemed impossible in the eyes of man, am sure many would have given up hope on their release but we know that there is nothing too hard for God to do, and today our God has done it again for His Children. I thank the Lord on their behalf and all that Prayed for them.

 Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad    

No bail required; charges of ‘proselytizing’ and ‘apostasy’ remain.
ISTANBUL, November 18 (CDN) — Two Christian Iranian women, Maryam Rostampour, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, 30, were released from prison this afternoon with no bail amid an international campaign calling for their freedom since their arrest on March 5.
The two women, whose health deteriorated while in detention at the notorious Evin prison in Tehran, are at their homes recovering from their nine-month ordeal, an Iranian source told Compass. They still could face charges of proselytizing and “apostasy,” or leaving Islam.

The women were released at 3:30 p.m.

“Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the Lord and to His people who have prayed and worked for our release,” the two women said in a statement from United Kingdom-based Elam Ministries.

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