In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” -Matthew 3:1-2, NIV Can someone be forgiven without repentance? I do not think so. If it was otherwise, why did John the Baptist need to preach a message of repentance to prepare the way … Continue reading “Can someone be forgiven without repentance? No.”
Category: Forgiveness
Spiritual Abuse and Cheating
“What Is Spiritual Abuse? Any attempt to exert power and control over someone using religion, faith, or beliefs can be spiritual abuse.” –WebMD 7 “The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 8 But you … Continue reading “Spiritual Abuse and Cheating”
I was interviewed for a podcast! Talking Spiritual Abuse and Divorce.
Earlier this past month, I had the privilege to speak with Tracy Schorn and Sarah Gorrell on Spiritual Abuse and Infidelity for their podcast, Tell Me How You’re Mighty. The interview is now live on YouTube. Here is the (click here).
Repent or else.
“Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” -Matthew 16:4, NLT On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” -Jonah 3:4, NLT Was Jesus being “unforgiving” … Continue reading “Repent or else.”
What do we need to do be saved? Reflections on forgiveness.
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy … Continue reading “What do we need to do be saved? Reflections on forgiveness.”
Emphasize repentance!
4 On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” -Jonah 3:4, NLT Cheaters need pastors focused on exhorting them to repent. We do them no favors by holding back about this important spiritual work. Their souls are in danger (see Heb 10:26-27). Instead of … Continue reading “Emphasize repentance!”
Give up on being the “model victim”
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. -Psalm 82:3-4, NIV Do you ever feel like you have to be the “model victim” when sharing your adultery abuse story with other Christians? This might manifest … Continue reading “Give up on being the “model victim””
Too trusting and naive
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” -I Corinthians 13:11, NIV Most of my fellow pastors are ill-equipped to handle situations where adultery is present. Seminary trains us … Continue reading “Too trusting and naive”
I doubt it.
Even a child is known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. -Proverbs 20:11, KJV Do I think my Cheater (and her sinful cohorts) have changed for the better? I doubt it. Character does not change overnight. My last contact with my ex-wife had her stuck in arguing realities … Continue reading “I doubt it.”
Entitled to Forgiveness?!
26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. -Hebrews 10:26-27, NIV These verses ought to give pause to every Christian believing repentance is irrelevant to receiving God’s forgiveness. … Continue reading “Entitled to Forgiveness?!”