Hate the sin but love the sinner

Is it scripture?

“Hate the sin but love the sinner”

Every Christian is called by God to love their neighbor, but what if that neighbor is a thief, a liar, or a criminal? As Christians, we are still called to love the sinner, but not the sin.

The quote “hate the sin but love the sinner” is not in the Bible, but there are many scriptures that can defend this statement as a biblical truth. The first being Jude 1:23; “Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.” (NLT). In that scripture we are instructed to reach out to the sinner and love on them to show them the same great love that God has for us; the sin is what we are called to hate.

 Furthermore, we are also called to act and behave like Jesus, who countless times behaved in a way true to this quote. Jesus gave his life for the love of all sinners, and will forever love us all, believers and non-believers alike. His sacrifice and salvation through him shows that he does indeed love the sinner, but hates and condemns the sin.

 Do not pass judgment on one’s sin, remember we are all sinners and God saved us as sinners, He will save them too.  So, we know this statement is true - we are called to love sinners as well as hate the sin. On a final note, a friend of mine was once preaching on loving sinners and a statement he made comes to mind, “Saints are only sinners who have been forgiven.”

Christina Lynn-Valencia

What are You Hungry For?

WHAT ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR?

I am sooooo hungry right now! The other day I took a diabetes nutrition class and learned I am only supposed to eat 45 grams of carbs per meal.  That’s not a lot of carbs, so it’s not a lot of food.  So what I later found out is that I am still hungry after I eat, every time I eat! I was told I could eat as much ‘clear’ vegetables (not the really filling ones like potatoes, corn, peas and such) but I am finding that you can only eat so much veggies and satisfy your hunger cravings!

 All this hunger has got me thinking about what we should really be hungry for.  One of the devotionals I read this week shared how many of God’s children limp through their lives starved for love because they have not learned the art of receiving His Love.  One of the enemy’s main ways of deceiving us is to make us forget how God loves us with an unconditional love that will never stop satisfying. This is when we need to feed our spirit the Word of God and feast on His promises, and stop feeding our fleshly hunger cravings. His promises are even better than chocolate! 

I recently interviewed Linda Talley, alumni from 2010, who most students know as the Student Services Representative at Epic Bible College, and discovered what she is hungry for.  Here is what she shared with me. 

I am a child of bicultural backgrounds.  My mother was from Sierra Leone, West Africa and my father was an American citizen.  Although I was raised in a Christian home, I was ignorantly drawn into astrology, psychics and the New Age.  In my lost condition, I spent my time chasing money and status.  Materialism, prestige and money were the elements that defined success in my life.  All of this was in an attempt to fill a vacuum in my heart.  In my mid twenties, I found the one true God.  My heart change created an intense desire to increase my spiritual growth.  I wanted to develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, be all that could be, equip myself if you will to serve as He directed.

Epic Bible College has been a vehicle that enabled me to grow in every area of my life.  Since graduating, my desire to share the gospel, serve God’s people and minister to hurting people has led me to the field of Chaplaincy, specifically in the area of crisis and trauma.   As you draw closer to God, you will learn of His love and His heart for you.  Seek Him with your whole heart and surrender your will to Him.

Linda allowed that vacuum in her heart to be filled with God’s love.  As she sought to be equipped to serve God, she learned how to satisfy her hunger with the Word of God, and is now “serving” His Word to others.  I, for one, want to learn how to satisfy my hunger with God’s promises.  I need to feed my spirit more, not my stomach!  It can be a good thing to be hungry all the time, depending on what that hunger is for (like knowing His Word and graduating from college).  How about you? What are you hungry for?

Michelle McDermott

Out of the Mouth of Babes

When you’re a kid, it’s easy to believe that the word “gullible” isn’t in the dictionary.  It is, but my point is that kids will believe anything you tell them. Their faith is boundless.

            Recently, a friend of mine was in Target with her little girl, Abbey. Abbey is being raised in church, so she’s filled to the brim with Bible stories, and knows exactly who Jesus is. A Middle Eastern man in a white turban walked past them and Abbey cried out “MOMMY, LOOK!!! IT’S JESUS! - JESUS! JESUS! IT’S ME, ABBEY!!!!” (While pointing at the man who was obviously embarrassed). He kept walking and Abbey shouted, “MOMMY! LET’S FOLLOW JESUS!!” Like the old television show says, "Kids say the darndest things".  

            Needless to say, my friend wanted to melt into the floor and disappear. But let’s take a moment and look at this comparison. How many of us can honestly say that we’d be so vocal and openly willing to follow Jesus if, like little Abbey, we saw him walking among us? Some of us have a hard time living out our faith in private-let alone for others to see.

            There is a reason that children are so near to the Lord’s heart. It’s because their faith seems endless. The smallest piece of evidence can sway a child into believing exactly what you say. I used to believe I was a mermaid whenever I swam in a pool. (What can I say? I was an only child for 7 years, so I had to learn the art of self-entertainment).

            In Mark 10:15 it says “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (NIV).   Obviously, there is something to be said for viewing the Lord thru the eyes of a child. 

            As a child, your imagination and faith have no bounds. Believing in the miracles Jesus performed comes easily; there are no doubts and no questions. Life causes us to become more cynical as we get older, and faith becomes a thing of the past.  It becomes harder and harder to believe that there is a God that loves us so much that he sent his son to die for our sins.

            We need faith like little Abbey to follow a God that is larger than life. We place our faith in God and trust that He will renew our strength when we are weary, return us home when we are lost, and wipe away every tear we cry. And more importantly, when we feel our faith hanging on by a thread, he proves himself to us over and over. So, let’s take a page out of Abbey’s book and “FOLLOW JESUS!!” 

By: Lacey Slifkoff

WHAT WILL YOURS BE?

          It must have been the changing of the light to green that forced me back into reality. Little did I know stopping behind that particular car would launch me into a state of deep spiritual contemplation. What had caught my attention was a large sticker covering the entire rear window of the car in front of me.

            It was an obvious attribute to a loved one who had passed on. Reading this great demonstration of love, I could not help pondering this person’s legacy. What did this unknown person do? What made his life so significant?

            Then I began thinking about the legacy of a Christian. We are people who are called to have a sense of urgency (Rom. 13:12). We are to be the Levites of this age! We, the believers, are called to influence the people, culture, and society around us (1 Peter 2:9). I thought about what kind of legacy I would leave for the generations that will come after. Will I be able to own my new heritage as a Child of God, or will I fade from the memory of later generations – only remembered as a sticker on the back of someone’s car?

            It was not until the light changed and the car started moving, that I realized – I get to choose what kind of legacy I leave. I decided, upon slowly accelerating through the intersection, that the legacy I lead is the legacy I will leave. My legacy will not be determined by dates on a sticker; it will be one of inspiration and encouragement to those around me! What will yours be?

Dusty

a fellow traveler

A Fellow Traveler

I have a customer that our family business has serviced for a long time, an elderly gentleman of about 80 years old. Through the course of time we have had many meaningful conversations (through which he has passed on much wisdom to me). He has been believer for over 60 years, Boy Scout Leader for 30, and a microbiologist for 25, and the stories of his experiences have always been inspiring.  Now retired, is health is declining, and I have watched as old age has caught up with him.

Recently, as my oldest son and I were busy taking care of his yard, he surprised us with an unexpected visit. I watched as he, with sunken eyes, cane in hand, and arms shaking made his way across the lawn toward me. “Brian I’m in chemo-therapy now, they’ve found cancer in my pancreas.”  He looked at me with a quiet resignation and a forced half smile as he continued, “There is still a chance, but it’s pretty slim.”

What do you say? I could have thrown out a canned theological quip and then moved on, but this was a special guy to me. So, what do you say? One minute you are happily whistling as you work, and then, out of the blue, you sense that an old friend needs your sincere fellowship. As I sat there looking at this old saint, the only thing that came to mind was the glorious resurrection that still awaits us. “We don’t sorrow as those that have no hope…” and yet it seemed to be an empty sentiment. Words failed me as my heart broke for him.

I glanced at my shaken 12-year-old son who was listening and wondered what was going through his mind. Turning my gaze back to my friend, he saw the struggle in my eyes and was quick to reassure me that it was okay. “God is still good. I just get to find out first hand sooner than you do.”

With that, he turned and went back into the house. I watched him go and then looked back at my son whose expression had now changed into a smile and I realized that there was really nothing else to say.

In retrospect, I realize the greatest lessons are not always learned while listening to a sermon on Sunday morning. They are often found in experiencing opportune moments that come upon us unprepared and unlooked for.

My friend has taught me many things over the years as a fellow traveler in the faith, but his example of facing death while holding fast to the Lord has left me with an imprint upon my soul that will encourage me for the rest of my life. A quiet and faithful man who will never be noticed as someone who has changed the world, and yet he has changed mine. To an old friend who has fought the good fight and is looking forward to a glorious home coming let me say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant…” and thank you for your love.

                Brian Dodson



God helps those that help themselves

Is it scripture?

“God helps those who help themselves”

There are countless scriptures that will uphold that God is our helper, however does that mean that God will ONLY help those that help themselves in this world. One such scripture is Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (NIV). But the quote, “God helps those that help themselves” is nowhere in the Bible.

It is true that we are nothing without God. The Bible plainly reads that He sent his son to die for us that we may be saved, through Christ, and not of ourselves. God saved us as sinners. If we were creatures worthy to be in His presence we wouldn’t need that salvation.

 God does not reward us for being self sufficient He rewards us for trusting and following Him. It is true, that in order to receive the help we need from God we must first act according to His plans and timing, not ours.

So, where does this mistaken quote originate? The original writer was a British philosopher named Algernon Sidney, who coined the term in an article titled Discourses Concerning Government in 1698; Benjamin Franklin then repeated the phrase in 1757 with his Poor Richards Almanac (gotquestions.org).

I believe there is some truth to this quote though, because when accomplishing something for one’s own greed or profit, God is not always going to help just because you want the help but God does call us to act when it is for His kingdom.

Christina Lynn-Valencia

Fantasy Fulfillment

How many times have you thought “ If only [insert current hardship] would clear up, I’d be so much happier!” or, “ When this is all over, life will be good again…”? I’ll be honest with you- I catch myself thinking that on a (sadly) regular basis. However, this isn’t the way to think- or even to live out life.

            Philippians 4:4,12 tells us to rejoice always in the Lord. This is the secret to remaining content in all circumstances, whether we are in need or living a life of plentiful harvest. No matter the season we are in, we need to take wishful, fanciful thoughts captive, and live in the moment with the Lord by our side. Many times it is so easy to begin fantasizing about a time in the future when life will be easier, or more plentiful: A time when our finances are in the clear, or a heart is no longer broken.

            While we busy ourselves daydreaming about our future, the present trickles past us like a wasted drink leaking out of a knocked over bottle. Fantasizing about future happiness or well being will NEVER bring us fulfillment because fantasy isn’t reality. When we live a life that rejoices in all circumstances, good or bad, we will be blessed with vibrant joy. God’s reality is eternal and unchanging, and though our circumstances may seem bleak, there is a greater purpose to them.

            James 1:2-4 says to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (NIV).

I leave you with this challenge: NOW is the time to rejoice in the Lord’s presence, not later, not 3 months from now, but RIGHT NOW in THIS moment.

By: Lacey Slifkoff

Back to School Again

Back to School Again 

By Michelle McDermott 

This has been a hard week for me as a back to school student. I am still struggling to stay on top of my homework and get myself disciplined enough to manage my time. Then there are the challenges that come when your much anticipated financial aid is delayed. Actually, it was sent back because of new technology that showed me as a “Withdrawn Student” instead of as a hard-working, homework doing, showing up at every class, pursuing graduation student!
So, with all this, I decided that one of the most important disciplines I could pursue right now is my time of prayer and fellowship with God. I really needed to talk to my heavenly Father, I needed to complain and grumble – maybe even say things like “Why me, God?” and “Really, you really think I can handle this, too?” But even more than that need - was the need to listen to what He had to say to me!
I am reading a devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, and God really does speak to me through it. Here is what I heard God saying that encouraged me to grow through my challenges, instead of just going through them. God told me:

. . .when little things don’t go as you had hoped, look to Me lightheartedly and say ‘Oh, well.’ This simple discipline can protect you from being burdened with the accumulation of petty cares and frustrations. If you shrug them off immediately and return your focus to Me, you will walk through your days with lighter steps and a joyful heart.

Wait, was this just one more discipline I was going to have to start doing? I could have looked at it that way, but instead I chose to see the victory that would come at the end of the discipline and to remember some promises that He has given me. He has promised me that the joy of the Lord will be my strength (Neh. 8:10), and that all these troubles are fleeting and momentary compared to the eternal glory being achieved. So, I must not lose heart (2 Cor. 4:16-17). He will work all things out for good because I am called by Him to finish this Back to School challenge! (Rom. 8:28)
I will choose the discipline of staying focused on Him, say “Oh, well” to all the little challenges and frustrations, and keep a skip to my step and a joy in my heart.

A Bigger God

As I looked to see the de-robed and naked night-sky, revealing countless billions of stars, I could not suppress feelings of bewilderment and wonder. The boundaries of the universe; the untold mysteries of the heavens; the enchanting glow of the galaxies; and the glorious, incomprehensible heights of the Divine stared back upon me as I gazed. Black-and-white words could not express what I felt as I tried to tie my imagination to the Lord's; what a blessed and impossible task.

Although it was my goal to minister at this church-camp, it was I to whom the Lord had ministered. The glories of creation provoked the glory of the Creator, within my soul (Rom. 1). It was as though the earth was still and motionless beneath those heavenly bodies - bright and twinkling. Thoughts of the grandeur of the Almighty flooded through my mind.

As I stood there, staring heavenward, it was as though I was translated into the Lord’s Celestial Courts. With perfect clarity, everything could be seen. I was greeted by the Sovereign God with a vision of His utter majesty. There it was! His glorious throne and His beautiful, holy presence were before me. As God sat upon that place of ultimate authority, between the cherubim, I saw the earth placed before Him – its significance muted in comparison to His. In His hand, the earth was about the size of the “Cullinan I” (a 530 carat diamond), yet He still cared enough about its structures and functions to maintain His plan and distribute His love. For such a BIG God, I was completely amazed at His love and faithfulness to such a small thing – you and me.

That night, under those stars, God became a little bigger in my mind. How big is your God?

Dusty

Elephants and Mercedes

Elephants and Mercedes

A few years ago, as a missionary to Thailand, I remember riding down the street in the back of a modified pickup truck with benches attached to the back. The smell of exhaust coming from the thick traffic combined with the sticky heat to generate an old familiarity of what would come to define my Thailand experience; the mopeds and bicycles weaving in and out of the Mercedes Benz and Lexus with the occasional sighting of an elephant. Yes, I said an elephant. The first time I saw a man riding an elephant down the freeway I couldn’t help but wonder how the world had managed to leave the poor fellow behind. How do you keep riding elephants in a world of Mercedes?

Well, this week I found out. I can honestly say that for the first time in my life I felt like an elephant on a freeway. Let me explain.

As I signed into my first on-line course for school, I was overwhelmed with the newness of a world which had long since passed me by. I could feel the stress causing my arteries to harden as I tried to navigate through the mass of buttons (which are not really buttons) tabs (which are not really tabs) and assignments which I had to go to several different places just to find. After about an hour, I had managed to successfully update my profile and that was about it. Finally, in total frustration, I threw up my hands and said, “Forget it!” As I sat there in a dazed confusion, it dawned on me that I had become an elephant on the freeway.

So, what do we do in a post-modern world that is leaving us old-timers behind? Simply put, we do the best we can and be content with what we have; knowing that when the wheels fall off of the sports car, the elephant will still be there to offer a ride. 

Convenience may be found in getting it done quicker and more efficiently, but wisdom tells us that you can’t shortcut the journey. We, 'older folks' need to consider that we have a tendency to get in the way and cause traffic jams, but the young need to remember that it is good to slow down sometimes and leave room on the freeway for the elephants.

Brian Dodson

Money is the root of evil

Is it Scripture?

“Money is the root of all evil”

Those who have money, rule the world; money is involved in every aspect of life. If you have money, you have power. Some accept the responsibility and invest in bettering humanity, while others abuse the power of wealth.

So, if money can serve a good purpose in bettering our community how can it be evil? Does the Bible really tell us that money is the root of evil? Should we get rid of our riches as fast as possible?

The Bible does mention the evils of money, but money itself is not evil. The love for money and the want of money are where greed and sin take the stage. The act of wanting money and putting that ‘want’ above the needs of your neighbors is where the seed of greed steps in and turns the inanimate object into a sinful desire.   

This quote is not found in Scripture, but it is closely linked with 1Timothy 6:10 that states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (NIV). 

It easy to see how this saying can be confused with the actual Bible scripture. The two are very similar; nonetheless, the Bible’s intent is a warning that money can breed all sorts of evil, but it is not evil itself.  An unhealthy desire for money can weaken our spirits to succumb to evil; however, evil does not reside within money but rather within fallen mankind.

Christina Lynn-Valencia

Changing Tides

The face of evangelism is changing. Scratch that- it has changed. Street evangelism, while still effective, is being replaced by a need for relational evangelism--earning the “right” to be heard by building a relationship first, allowing those you are trying to reach to not only first see God through your life, but by building up a relationship, you earn the right to share your beliefs with them verbally as well. Street evangelism is meeting with more and more resistance from our world. In fact, in some countries, simply standing on the street passing out tracks, or preaching to passers-by is not allowed and will get you arrested and deported. And while the motive is pure, the more “In your face” method of street evangelism might only serve to drive off people instead of bringing them i--depending on how devoted they are to their religion of choice (this includes atheism and humanism).

            While on a recent trip to San Francisco, I passed a small group of evangelists on a street corner. While this is not uncommon in a city the size of San Fran, I do have to admit that even I (who grew up going “knocking on doors” with my dad and other members of our church was astonished and taken aback. The manner in which this group was going about preaching to the large crowds out of line socially; a few of them physically grab a few people by the elbows to get their attention, or if a person walked by and ignored the street evangelist entirely, a few times they even took to screaming after that person that they would burn in hell for “denying the Father before men.”  I felt a little ashamed to say I shared the same beliefs as these people. And no, I am not ashamed to be a child of God- that isn’t what I’m saying at all. What I’m saying is that it is not the way I envision Jesus ministering to crowds.

            While Jesus did in fact do a lot of “street evangelism,” he did it in such a way that invited those to listen, not force them to swallow and accept what he had to say. That said, Jesus also did a lot of relational evangelism. Look his disciples, Mary, Margaret, and Lazarus.

Please do not misunderstand my point. I’m all for reaching the lost in whatever way works. But if street evangelism falls on deaf ears and landing on hard cold pavement unheeded and disregarded, another method is needed. Relational evangelism is becoming more and more effective than ever before. Building a relationship with a person before sharing the gospel is important. How much more likely is a person to listen to a friend whom they know loves them, rather than a stranger trying to tell them how to live their life? People don’t want to be preached down to, they want a friend to love them where they are, just as Christ does. When it comes down to it, at the end of the day, aren't we striving to be more like Christ? So why not start by loving people where they are and inviting them to hear the wonderful good news of Christ dying for them, instead of doing things that may frighten them away.

The world is so thirsty for truth, for a love that will never walk away from them, never tell them they aren’t good enough, pretty enough, or perfect enough. There is no “mold” to fit into to make Christ love us. He loves us and meets us wherever we are and draws us in. The time has come for us to begin viewing evangelism through this scope, reaching out with love and grace to a world that needs Christ now more than ever.

-Lacey Slifkoff

BACK TO SCHOOL

Well, folks it is back to school time. Just wondering, what does that mean to you? Does it make you think of sharpened pencils, erasers and new notebooks? Or perhaps it makes you think of homework, homework, homework?

Going back to school was an exciting change for me.  I have spent every September for over 20 years sending my children back to school, with their shining new shoes and backpacks full of school supplies. All the while feeling a little envious and yes, even jealous, that they were having so much fun learning something new every day. So this September, I decided it was my turn to start school and I enrolled at Epic Bible College.  Now here I am in the third week of classes and I find myself wondering “What in the world was I thinking?”  I mean, can I really keep up with all the homework, read the books I am supposed to, and try to actually learn something in the process?

This led me to ponder what it really takes to be successful in college and earn the title of a “Graduate.”  Being the answer seeker that I am, I decided to interview some of the Alumni of Epic to determine what helped them to graduate and to ask them how they got all that homework done! For the sake of time, I will share their responses with you one at a time over the next few weeks, so stay tuned in and you might just glean some college-saving advice on how to successfully become a graduate. 

First, we will hear from Norma Rosado, who some of you know as the evening receptionist at Epic Bible College. She is an Epic graduate of the class of 2008, and has lots of tips and wisdom to share with us.  She starts out by telling us “My relationship with God was a key in my success in college. There were many times when I felt like giving up. God would give the strength and grace I needed to carry on. The professors at Epic Bible College also played an important role. I always found encouragement and counsel when things got hard. Lastly, disciplining myself to getting the homework done helped me pass my classes and actually learn in class.”

Here is what I get from this advice: 1) our relationship with God must come first! He is our strength when we are weak and feel like giving up! (Which I have actually felt already, even though I am only three weeks into school! Ahhhhh!) 2) Talk to your professors and your academic advisor– they are there to help you succeed, and God will use them to encourage and help you find solutions to your challenges. 3) It will take self-control and self-discipline – but you will be so transformed by what you learn in the process of becoming disciplined that it will all be worth it in the long run!

Norma goes on to tell us “the training and education I have received at Epic equipped me for ministry. Currently, my husband and I are serving as the youth pastors/associate pastors at Elevate Life Christian Church. Epic Bible College gave me the knowledge to win the lost and build disciples that will bear fruit that will last forever.  The professors at Epic Bible College taught me how to divide the word rightly, preach, teach, and love God’s people. I’m very grateful for all that I have learned here.”

So, pick up that pencil, start writing that report, show up for every class, and finish that homework! Remember, in Philippians 1:6 God promises to finish the good work He started in you – and He will give you the strength and ability to finish what you started when you went back to school!


Michelle McDermott