Tag: sin
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Cosmically Unfair
We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.—2 Corinthians 5 How does a sinner become reconciled to the holy God? Adam and Eve sinned and were kicked out of…
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In Whom Do You Trust?
8It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.9It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.–Psalm 118 A major difference between Biblical and secular counseling is found in anthropology. I have spoken with secular coaches and counselors who have said a version of this: “the answer…
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3 Urban Legends
10He does not deal with us according to our sins,nor repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us.–Psalm 103 Many people cherish…
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Our Turn
18Let this be recorded for a generation to come,so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:19that he looked down from his holy height;from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,20to hear the groans of the prisoners,to set free those who were doomed to die,21that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD,and in…
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Hate Your Evil
10O you who love the LORD, hate evil!…–Psalm 97 Many would read a line like this from Psalm 97 and feel justified. They look at the evil in this world and then all of a sudden feel that noble urge within them to hate it in the name of the Lord. The problem is that hatred…
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Gather ‘Round and Listen!
16Come and hear, all you who fear God,and I will tell what he has done for my soul.17I cried to him with my mouth,and high praise was on my tongue.18If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,the Lord would not have listened.19But truly God has listened;he has attended to the voice of my prayer.–Psalm 66 We…
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Predestination, David Style
1Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion,and to you shall vows be performed.2O you who hear prayer,to you shall all flesh come.3When iniquities prevail against me,you atone for our transgressions.4Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts!We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness…
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How to Turn Back to God
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.–Psalm 51 While his army was away at war, King David once stayed home. And some lonely night he saw a woman privately bathing. He desired her and being the king, he slept with her. Even though he…
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God, the Only Hope
7Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life,8for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,9that he should live on forever and never see the pit.–Psalm 49 The general understanding was that after death, a person went to Sheol, the underworld, the grave, the place…
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Humility Matters More
8Good and upright is the LORD;therefore he instructs sinners in the way.9He leads the humble in what is right,and teaches the humble his way.10All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.–Psalm 25 I love the Joseph story in Genesis for many reasons. And my favorite new reason…