You Really Can’t Forgive Yourself
The notion that one must learn to forgive oneself for past sins has gained traction in modern thought. However, this concept stems from humanistic philosophy, not biblical truth. The idea that personal forgiveness can erase sin misunderstands the nature of forgiveness and distorts the relationship between humanity and God. Forgiving oneself is impossible and unnecessary, […]
What To Do When You Can’t Undo What Has Already Been Done
In life, we often long for do-overs. But for many, the greater desire is for undo-overs. David surely would have welcomed an undo-over with Bathsheba. Samson would have cried out for one when he woke to find his hair cut and his strength gone. Abraham likely wished for an undo-over when he realized the consequences […]
What To Do When the Church Rejects You
A man recently sought counseling after committing a sin within his church. He was not on staff but was involved in some ministries. When confronted about his sin, he broke down and confessed before the pastor and God. In conversation, it became clear that he carried a spirit of brokenness. His pastor faced a difficult […]
The Valley of the Shadow of Sin’s Consequences
When a person falls into sin, it often feels as if they are walking in the shadow of their sin’s consequences. The Bible warns, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). Sin introduces consequences into life. Sometimes these consequences are brief and […]
The Science of Being Used Again
People often ask, “Can a divorced man pastor? If not, can he be a missionary? Can a pastor have a divorced wife?”These questions arise because many believe certain failures permanently disqualify someone from serving God. Yet, the truth is, very few people alive today haven’t done something that caused them to forfeit, to some extent, […]
Stop Sabotaging Yourself
“I must be the most wicked person in all the world.”“I deserve what I’m getting.”“God can never use me again.”“There will never be another opportunity like I once had.”“I don’t fit in with other Christians anymore.”“I am going to pay for my sins, for the rest of my life.”“My prayers aren’t worth hearing.”“I’ll never change—this […]
Ruined Relationships from a Fall
One of the most difficult aspects of experiencing a fall is dealing with the people who were hurt and cannot extend forgiveness. There are often individuals who once shared close bonds, but now harbor resentment or choose to sever ties. These can include fellow preachers, friends, former church members, and even people we trained. The […]
Remorse Without Regrets
One of the most significant challenges I have faced is the tendency for people to feel sorry for me because of what I lost due to my sin. These sincere and well-meaning individuals, though trying to offer comfort, often become a source of discouragement. They pity me for what I can no longer do because […]
Living the Forgiven Life
To be forgiven is one of the greatest gifts God offers, but to truly experience its fullness, one must actively live a forgiven life. What does that look like? It is a life that reflects an understanding of the mercy and grace extended by God for past failures. It is tragic to be forgiven and […]
Is It Guilt or Is It Conviction?
For those who are children of God, it is important not to confuse conviction with guilt, as Satan often tries to blur the lines. Guilt brings feelings of helplessness, while conviction serves as a catalyst for change. There are two types of conviction that can often be mistaken for guilt. The first is “pre-sin conviction,” […]