Word Count: 899

Contact John Seun

PRAYER AND SIN

by John Seun  
2/13/2014 / Christian Living

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And IMMEDIATELY Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

We, as believers, are aware that sin is forbidden and that God does hate sin because our God is holy and we must be holy in order to come close to him. Sin has deprived many of their rightful heritages in Christ and so has made them perpetual bus stop for satanic attacks.

It is very very important to point out that God does not hate sinners but he hate sin. In the book of Luke chapter 15, Christ enunciated this in the parables of the Lost Sheep and Coin. Also, the story of the Prodigal Son is a demonstration that God does not hate sinners instead, he hates sin. If He hates sinners, you and I would not have been called sons and daughters of God today because we are all sinners. We sin on a daily basis, sometimes knowingly and other times unknowingly. Romans 3:10; 3:23.

A pastor of mine once said that the fact that a toddler crawls does not make him or her a dog. A mother, no matter how dirty her crawling baby is, will always run to carry her baby whenever s/he cries. In the same vein, the fact that you falter here and there in your Christian race does not make you a sinner. It becomes a problem when you indulge, live or abide in sin. You are a deceptive Christian if you claim to be perfect. For it is written that there is none perfect or without a sin.

It is unbiblical to assume that what you are going through or why God has not helped you is because of your past sins. The Bible, in the book of 2Corinthian 5:17, stated plainly that upon redemption you and I became a new being and that all things have passed. In addition, in the book of Romans, it is written that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. You will recall the spiritual license guaranteed by Galatians 3:13. Unfortunately, many believers today, under the guile of the devil, tend to trace certain challenges in their lives to sins they committed before they knew Christ.

Stop whining about that challenge, arise and take your bed. Christ paid the price. You are not perfect and God himself knows this fact so enough of that satanic lie. You must not suffer because you sinned, what then was the purpose of Christ death if not to bear your sins and infirmities.

Apostle Paul, speaking in the book of Hebrews 4:16, said 'let us come boldly before the throne of grace regardless of our sins' (paraphrased). God does not afflict us for our errors rather it is our errors that cause us afflictions (whoever breaks the edge the serpent will bite). Jesus did not wait to query Peter why he doubted Him, if He had done that, Peter would have drowned but the Bible says "IMMEDIATELY". Jesus responded afterward He said why did you doubt. As believers, we have license to God at any time and in any scenario through His grace.

God does not answer our prayers or bless us because we are righteous but because of His name (Ezekiel 20:9; Isaiah 48:9-11 and Psalm 106:8). What will people think of God if you as a believer are begging unbeliever for food? How will you preach the Good News of the gospel of Christ? During Christ's ministry on earth, He repeatedly demonstrated to us that God does not forbid sinners. More than once, in the bible, He will say (after healing the sick) 'go and sin no more'. He never asked for the sick to recount their sins before healing them rather He heals them and then charge them to sin no more.

Consequently, it is erroneous to think that God is punishing you for your sins. Although, He will allow your punishment if you continue in sin but He will never afflict His own. He is ever compassionate, merciful and very slow in anger because our savior (Christ Jesus) is always pleading our cases with Him. Your prayers are not denied or delayed as a result of those errors, it is your faith that determine the response you get from prayers. If He's to consider our sins then none would have been able to stand before Him let alone pray.

I am sure you remember the prayer template given by Christ in the book of Mathew 6:9-13 especially verse 12. So each time you pray, always ask for forgiveness of sins then proceed to your request, boldly and full of faith, then you shall receive.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romance 6:1-2

Avoid sin. Always endeavour to live virtuously avoiding sins and living your live for Christ. Always presenting yourself without blemish before your maker and in case you are still not born again, retrace your steps and find your way home just like the prodigal son. Power over sin is given at the point of redemption

I pray that the almighty God help you overcome sin.

Seun John Elere
[email protected]

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! Click here and TRUST JESUS NOW

Read more articles by John Seun

Like reading Christian Articles? Check out some more options. Read articles in Main Site Articles, Most Read Articles or our highly acclaimed Challenge Articles. Read Great New Release Christian Books for FREE in our Free Reads for Reviews Program. Or enter a keyword for a topic in the search box to search our articles.

Enter comments below. Due to spam, all hyperlinks posted in the comments are now immediately disabled by our system.

Please type the following word below:

Not readable? Change text.

The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Hire a Christian Writer, Christian Writer Wanted, Christian Writer Needed, Christian Content Needed, Find a Christian Editor, Hire a Christian Editor, Christian Editor, Find a Christian Writer