1 Corinthians 6:9-12 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, noridolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not bebrought under the power of any." Self control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is not a fruit of self effort. There is a current (so what's new) push of Satan through Hypocrisy to scandalize and throw 'sinners' out of the "Church" or organized society . Jesus only came to save sinners. First the Devil has to work up an atmosphere that if you've sinned you're not a correct person (of course not), then he seeks to wreak havoc with the Lambs of God. Don't give in to Him. This is not humility to God, it is sensual, and without the Spirit of Christ. The (only) man in Corinth that was thrown out of the Church was someone that was LIVING in sin. He was holding a contrary stand. He was not a fearful little lamb that sinned, and said he knew it, and was sorry. I believe he was saying " Hey Chill... it aint but a thang..." (Grrrrr blood boil blood boil) THAT is not the Spirit of Christ either. Casting him out is what it took to bring him around. The Corinthians did something because he was continuing in this sinful philosophy. The Spirit says do not just let it slide and accept it. Now, the spirit of Satan will just hear about someone that may indeed have sinned and WHOA that's enough ! OFF WITH HIS HEAD! Truth is the first 'enemy' to try and bypass, he will try and set up slippery witnesses. And absolutely there will be a RUSH to "take care of things" behind his back, and without obedience in the scripture first to talk to him personally and hear what he has to say. Then to take two or three witnesses. Then to go before the Church. (The people that go along with a religious rush have sins that they are not too sure about either. They feel they need to cover up sins through a show of good works. Sin is only covered by the blood of Jesus and Love) Do onto others as you would have them do unto you. Sin needs rebuke for the Love of Christ. Not the love of self effort and pride. Remember that Jesus was said to be the friend of sinners and constantly made them his company. The sinners turned from sin to Jesus. Jesus was not overcome with evil. He overcame evil with good. God is faithful. It's pancake Tuesday. If you see wild bacchanals (even other than on AOL and the internet). Let us pray for the people before we lop off their heads. Those are real people with real needs. They are already reminded by their conscience and by the Spirit of your witness that sis is sin. God is not willing that they should perish, but come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. God bless. In Christ, Robert. |