Christians aren't perfect...just forgiven

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practice; but what I hate, that I do. But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good. So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me. For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not. For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practice. But if what I would not, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me. I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

(Rom 7:14-25)

Many years ago when I was in high school I had a bumper sticker that said, “Christians aren’t perfect…just forgiven.”  I thought it was the coolest thing. Ok, yes I was a geek in high school and to prove I will let you know that I placed the bumper sticker on the tube that I stored my competition chess board in.  But none the less, even though I thought I was witnessing and everyone around me knew my faith the true meaning of this never set in until much later in life.

At the age of fifteen I never understood the spiritual battles that were raging inside me. I justified all my actions based upon my initial salvation experience and the fact that I have already received the eternal pardon from my sins.  This belief eventually took me into alcohol and then drug use before I came full circle and began my real relationship with God.

Many Christians find excuses for their behavior. Whether it’s the basic knowledge of their own salvation or even the words of the Appostle Paul.  You see Paul also had struggles with sin just as we have ourselves.  The difference is in how Paul handled his internal battle and the way some of us handle the battle.

Jesus was sinless, but that does not mean that we become sinless ourselves by accepting Him as Lord and Savior. It simply means that we are bought with His blood.  It means that we become sinless in the eyes of God. Don’t get trapped though. It does not give us an eternal pardon for whatever we want to do.  It is because of our salvation experience that we try to live the perfect life with the knowledge that the flesh is weak.  We will stumble it is inevitable you can’t change that, just don’t let it discourage you!  I am proof that if you get discouraged in the fact that you are not living a life of perfection you WILL be drawn deeper and deeper into sin due to your self pity which allows the demonic forces to take hold.  Paul may have written that he can not break away from sin; however, he continues to write:

There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace: because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: and they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you. So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

(Rom 8:1-14)

 The spiritual battle is on! The sooner you get on board and realize this the sooner you can claim victory!  The most recent book that we have begun to review is The Handbook forSpiritual Warfare by Dr. Ed Murphy.  This book is also currently ranked number seven on our list of 100 Best Sellers.

For a limited time only the readers of this blog can use the coupon code “estra5” in order to receive an additional 5% off the purchase of this book. That will put the total price at 27% off the regular retail price!

Christian Description

Company:  Follower of Jesus Christ

Job Name:  Christian

Job Description

Title	Disciple
Departments	To be determined
Reports to	God the Father

Job summary

Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.

(Mat 28:19-20)

Summary of essential job functions

We are looking for individuals capable of following the teachings of Jesus Christ. These individuals must follow the commands of our Lord and share His love and sacrifice with others. They must also teach and create disciples of all those they may come in contact with.

Individuals that choose this job will be subject to some or all of the following: ridicule by others, possible rough times to build spiritual strength, being labeled or discriminated against, and an expectation to fill shoes that one could never come close to filling in the first place.

These individuals will receive all of the following benefits and more not listed: Eternal Life, a personal relationship with the almighty God (Yahweh), a heavenly 401K with matching that surpasses the contribution, a spiritual authority over Satan and his demonic minions, and a bonus or blessing program that is sponsored by The One who created the heavens and the earth.

Minimum requirements

The only requirement is to have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24)

Abilities required

All skills needed for the Job will be provided on an as needed basis which will be determined by the Holy Spirit. 

"But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power."

(Act 1:8)

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed or as directed by the Holy Spirit.

If you are interested in becoming a Christian you may contact the Roman Road Christian Bookstore at customerservice@romanroadonline.com or your local church.