Does the Holy Spirit Leave Me When I Sin?

Welcome to Christy Anarchy today with Sean, Ethan, and Steve. Today, we're diving into the age-old topic: Does the Holy Spirit leave me when I sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace.? Let's hear from our more astute evangelical brethren on this subject.

Initial Thoughts and Opinions

While I don't have scriptural backing for this, my personal opinion is no, the Holy Spirit does not leave us when we sin. When you accept Christ into your life and ask Him to come into your life, the Holy Spirit comes and becomes your guide. He is there to help you through your spiritual walk.

The Nature of the Holy Spirit's Presence

Why would the Holy Spirit retreat just because you made a mistake, like lusting after someone? According to Christian thought, the Holy Spirit enters your life by faith, not by action. A false action isn't going to remove Him. However, if you wholly reject Christ, then, yes, He would be removed. But the lack of perfect faith doesn't drive away the Holy Spirit. Instead, the Holy Spirit helps you gain the faith you might be struggling with.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Moments of Sin

If the Holy Spirit encourages us not to sin and yet we still sin, when would He leave? A millisecond before you sin? I believe the Holy Spirit stays with us; we just choose not to listen sometimes. In some churches, it's taught that the Holy Spirit abandons you when you do something wrong. Others teach that He is grieved, akin to how a parent feels when a kid disobeys—grieved but not abandoned.

The Teaching That the Holy Spirit Abandons

The problem with the teaching that the Holy Spirit abandons us during our worst moments is precisely when we need Him the most. When does He come back to you if He leaves? Is there a specific moment? This line of questioning highlights the flaw in the teaching. The Holy Spirit becomes almost pointless if He doesn't remain with you during your hardest times. His presence is unconditional and not based on anything we have done, which means He doesn't depart based on our condition.

Conclusion: Remaining Unconditionally

In conclusion, the Holy Spirit moved in because of faith, not because of any action on our part, and remains with us unconditionally. We need Him most in our weakest moments, and it's then that His presence is crucial. It seems we have solved the age-old question—He is indeed with us.

And now, onto our next topic! We've got a couple of Ethan's friends in the studio, and they're saying he's just as lively at school as he is on stage. That adds a bit of charm here, but let's keep diving into insightful discussions.

Why Do I Need to Believe in Jesus?

A Common Question

"Why do I need to believe in Jesus?" This is a question that often comes up, and it's understandable why it might. Does this sound like an evangelical show? Perhaps. For everyone pondering this question, let's dive into it.

Do You Have to Believe?

Firstly, do you have to believe in Jesus to enter the Kingdom of GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future.? Yes. However, it's important to clarify that you don't have to, in a mandatory sense. If you wish to enter the Kingdom of God, then belief is essential. But if you choose not to, then you're simply outside of the game, so to speak.

When someone asks, "Why do I have to believe?" the immediate response should be, "You don't have to." It's not about compulsion but about choice. If one desires to live with God, then belief is the path.

Salvation and Forgiveness

Do you need to believe in Jesus to be forgiven of your sins? This is a topic we've discussed before. Jesus's sacrifice offers forgiveness to the world, but for personal salvation, belief is crucial. Salvation is about being saved from the consequences of sin.

It's also crucial to understand the broader perspective of salvation. It's about living with God and being in His presence for eternity. Eternal life is intertwined with accepting Christ. If Christ paid for the world's sins, salvation also means escaping God's wrath.

What If You've Never Heard of Jesus?

Another common question is, "What if you've never heard of Jesus?" The conversation around this is nuanced. While Scripture addresses those who have heard, it's suggested that everyone has a chance to accept or reject the gospel. This opportunity exists from Christ's time until today. The idea is that everyone has, or will have, the opportunity to accept Christ, either in this life or after.

Role-Playing the Question

Let's role-play a typical conversation to explore this further:

Scenario: You're on a playground, approached someone curious about Jesus.

Student: "Why do I have to believe in Jesus?"

Christian: "You don't have to."

Student: "Why do you accept Christ if I don't have to?"

Christian: "You don't have to, but let me explain why I do."

The rationale is akin to someone paying your bail after you've been convicted of a crime. If that person then seeks friendship and wants to support you further, it's permissible to reject them. However, it's not ideal. If someone saves you from jail, feeling grateful and wanting to know them better makes sense because they benefit your life. That's why I want to know Jesus—because He's a benefit to my life.

In conclusion, the choice to believe is personal and rooted in understanding Jesus's role in freeing us from our metaphorical "jail." It's a response of gratitude and recognition of the positive impact on one's life.

Understanding Why to Believe in Jesus

Let's delve into a profound discussion around a common question: "Why should one believe in Jesus?" This is a frequent topic of debate and contemplation, touching the realms of theology, morality, and personal choice.

Secularism and Religious Belief

Shonda's influence in promoting secularism opens up this dialogue. There is a curiosity to know how secular ideas could co-exist with religious beliefs. The question emerges: How did Shonda convert someone to secularism, and what does that mean for belief in Jesus?

The Reason to Believe

The conversation transitions into personal beliefs about Jesus. "Why do you accept Jesus?" is the pressing question at hand. The answer provided is simple yet profound: acceptance of Jesus is a personal choice, meant to align with a life destined to be in the presence of God—a state seemingly unobtainable without this belief due to inherent human sin.

The Nature of Sin and God

Human Sinfulness and Divine Perfection

The discussion touches upon the concept that humans are inherently sinful, a nature traced back to the narrative of Adam in the Garden of Eden. It leads to a natural curiosity: if God made humans, didn't He know about their capacity for sin? It is clarified that while God knew of human sinfulness, He did not create it; sin is an individual choice.

The Role of Foreknowledge in Sin

Although God possesses foreknowledge about human actions, this does not equate to instigating sin. Sin, as highlighted in the discussion, is ultimately a personal choice. This understanding addresses a philosophical question about predestination versus free will.

The Need for Jesus

Addressing Skepticism

The eternal question climaxes with, "Why do I have to accept Jesus?" The answer is nuanced: one doesn't have to accept Jesus, but such a belief is integral to living in a divine presence. For those who question the need or struggle with understanding the Why, it is noted that the disconnect might come from a refusal to understand or accept the rationale provided by religious teachings.

Personal Choice and Consequences

It's emphasized that understanding and accepting Jesus are individual choices, carrying both personal conviction and consequences. Those who flounder at this decision might need a different approach — one that gently encourages self-reflection about one's spiritual and existential needs.

Engagement with Non-Believers

Approaching Evangelism

Evangelicals engaging with non-believers might ask reflective questions: "How are you saving yourself?" or "What are you doing towards self-justification?" These questions explore the self-reliance many people lean towards instead of faith. Evangelical approaches suggest dialogue not only about acceptance but also understanding personal beliefs and the consequences of faith or its absence.

Conclusion

This exploration of belief is a dance between understanding, acceptance, sin, and morality. Ultimately, believing in Jesus is portrayed as a personal decision intertwined with life’s greatest spiritual questions and understood in the broader context of predestination, free will, and personal responsibility.

Understanding Sin and Salvation

Challenging Atheism and Agnosticism

When engaging with individuals who identify as atheists or agnostics, the first hurdle is the concept of sin. If they don't believe in sin or the need for salvation, the challenge lies in proving that they are indeed sinners in need of redemption. This is crucial because, outside of Christian or monotheistic beliefs, there might be skepticism about the existence of sin.

The Way of the Master

A useful approach here is a method known as "the way of the master." It involves asking, "Have you ever told a lie?" If the answer is yes, then logically, the person is a liar. Similarly, asking "Have you ever stolen anything?" elicits a realization that even a minor theft makes you a thief. This tactic can highlight the universality of sin, as many may claim, "I've never done anything purposely bad." Yet, acknowledging minor transgressions can lead to a broader discussion about morality.

Addressing Common Objections

Upon realizing their faults, some might argue, "What do I need Jesus for? I've learned from my mistakes and aim to be better." From a Christian perspective, the argument here is that any sin, whether one or many, separates a person from God. It's crucial to point out that, biblically, nobody can rectify their past sins alone, which highlights the need for divine intervention.

Consequences of Sin

The conversation often turns to the consequences of sin. For instance, stealing a bicycle results in punishment. This is akin to other offenses, where fair judgment is sought. For example, the heinous crime of murdering a child calls for justice. Hence, it becomes a question of, "What do you do with the consequences of your sins?"

Divine Justice and Love

From a biblical standpoint, justice must be served because God embodies ultimate justice and love. In Christianity, this is where Christ enters the narrative. Historically, in the Old Testament, temporary sacrifices like a perfect lamb were made to atone for sins. Christ is seen as the perfect Lamb of God, providing a lasting solution. By dying for humanity's sins, He fulfills the requirement for justice, allowing redemption for believers.

Conclusion

Understanding and conveying these principles can be complex but are foundational in bridging conversations about sin, justice, and salvation with those unfamiliar with, or skeptical of, Christian beliefs.

Understanding Sin and Redemption

The Consequence of Sin

Are you telling me that the living God had His own Son die and shed His blood for the consequence of my sins today, in 2020? Is that what you're saying?

Yes, sir.

Do you agree with that?

I’m glad I could help.

So, is that why I need to believe in Jesus?

Yes, sir.

The Weight of Sin

But what if all I've done in my life—I’m not a bad guy—is stole a pencil? I stole it from my teacher, chewed on it, spit on it, stepped on it, threw it in the trash, and hated that pencil. Is that the only thing I've ever done wrong? Can't I make up for that? Can't I buy her a new pencil? Can't I live my life helping everybody have pencils? Won’t that make up for my crime against God—the one time I stole a pencil?

Your good works do not hide the fact that you have committed sin. You cannot pay the price for your sin because you are a sinner.

Okay, because I'm dirty myself. I see.

A Deeper Examination

Here's what I would say: you're going to have to go a long way back to make up for every little tiny thing that you did if you're going with that method. Good luck, buddy! What about the future? And every little tiny thing? What about things that have repercussions that you don't even realize?

I don't believe I've sinned a lot. I mean, I stole a pencil once. I've always told the truth to my parents. I've always tried.

Oh, you try?

Yeah, I've tried.

Self-Reflection on Sin

How do you take someone down the road to really look at what they've done in their life relative to sin? How can you escape the simple things? I've never stolen anything other than that pencil. I've never—I mean, how can you guys get around when someone says, "I'm not that bad of a person"? You're making me out to be really bad!

You dig a little deeper.

Okay, how do you do it?

If you say you've never stolen anything or never lied to your parents, you’d say never? When you were five?

Well, I don't remember.

Okay, so how can you say you never did if you don't remember? You've never stolen anything?

No, never. I'm really honest that way.

Really?

Yeah, ever since I was a teenager. Ever since I was young, I've never stolen anything.

Okay, but there are people who will say this stuff.

Examining the Heart

What about judging others? Have you judged people? As Matthew says, sometimes I am judgmental and condemnatory of people. Am I? Do you want things that you don't have?

Oh, do I covet? Does Susan have a new dress, and I want it? I'm a girl now? Yes, I have done that.

So, in your heart, you have sinned.

Focus on selfishness. One question I would start with is, what is good? If you're saying you're not that bad of a person, you must have a standard for being good. What is good?

I try to live by the golden rule. It's the golden rule as I would have done to me.

Evaluating Standards

Have you followed that perfectly?

To the best of my ability, I can't remember anything. But you failed, haven't you?

I don't know.

So, besides the golden rule, what else is good?

What else is good? I don't know any other goodness.

Okay, is it wrong to murder?

Yeah.

Is it wrong to commit adultery?

Yeah.

Is it wrong to lie?

Yeah.

There are all these things that we can go through. Have you ever lusted after something? Is that wrong?

I was biologically made to lust.

Understanding Faith and Justice

Engaging with People and Their Beliefs

In discussions about faith, the challenge often lies in personally connecting with those we don't know well. It's crucial to know and love someone before truly engaging with them. This approach can lead to more meaningful conversations, though it may not always be easy. Friends, however, can offer insights into how you typically engage with others, though they might not always agree with your self-assessment!

The Concept of Justice in Faith

A common topic in religious discussions is the notion of justice. Some believe that regardless of whether you've committed one wrong act or many, the consequences remain the same. This stems from the belief that God is just and requires justice. Much like the legal system, where even one crime demands consequences, the same principle is believed to apply in a spiritual sense. Our failures, no matter how small, necessitate consequences, which must be addressed by a blameless individual.

The Power of Forgiveness

Many wonder why, if God is all-powerful, He can't simply forgive transgressions without consequence. However, the argument is that true justice requires accountability. For God to be inherently good, there must be restitution for wrongdoing, ensuring trust in His nature. Without such justice, it would be difficult to trust that good and evil receive their due.

Path to Redemption

The conversation shifts to understanding how one can find redemption through faith. The notion of accepting Jesus is introduced as a way to achieve this. The process is one of grace through faith, manifesting as a simple prayer acknowledging one's insufficiency and asking for divine help. Even if there's uncertainty about God's presence, the act of reaching out can be a powerful step.

Simplifying Faith Concepts

While some explanations may seem complex to those unfamiliar with religious doctrines, it's essential to express these ideas in a way that's accessible to all. The core message remains that accepting faith is a personal journey, often simplified to make it more relatable to newcomers. Terms like "grace through faith" might seem obscure, but they're important for understanding the broader message of faith.

Conclusion

Engaging with faith-related topics requires sincerity, understanding, and sometimes a bit of humor to navigate the complexities. Regardless of one's starting point, the journey toward understanding and embracing faith is deeply personal and can be approached in various ways, ultimately leading to a meaningful spiritual connection.

How to Invite Jesus into Your Life

You can say a prayer in your heart. Simply say something like, "Jesus, I want you in my life. Please guide me forward and tell me what you want me to do." This is when I believe the Holy Spirit moves in you, starts to guide you, and your relationship with God begins.

Recognizing the Holy Spirit

How Will I Know?

There are several different ways to recognize the Holy Spirit, and it's all individual. Sometimes it's a feeling; sometimes you'll see a change in your life, but who knows? Just trust it by faith. I think you'll find it working through your love in everyday situations. That's the best way to see it.

What to Do Next

Live Your Life

After inviting Jesus into your life, what should you do? Live your life. This might not seem very helpful, but it's about integrating faith into your daily actions. What else can you do?

Seeking Guidance

If you're uncertain about what to do next, consider what you would say to a friend who is confused about the path forward. They might not fully understand everything at first, which is normal. They are new to this journey.

Finding Your Way

If you're asking, "What should I do now?" think about testing all things for yourself. Try different approaches—research, pray, and find out what is true for you. This method has worked well for me, and I trust it.

Getting Support

When someone is new to this, it's helpful to guide them through prayer. I would say, "Let me pray with you." In my prayer, I would ask God to reveal Himself and guide you. After some time, you might return and wonder if you felt anything different. Maybe you don't feel a tingly sensation or a burning feeling.

Continuing the Journey

If you don't feel different, don't give up. Keep looking. Continue seeking guidance and understanding. Pray and stay open to the ways God might be working in your life, even if it's not immediately apparent.

Walking by Faith and Understanding Faith Practices

Trusting and Waiting

Keep looking; he'll show himself when the time is right. Until then, the best thing you can do is keep watching and trying to love the best you can. Remember, it's not in your control. Even though you've prayed and asked, the outcome is not up to you. What you're really doing is walking by faith until he decides to reveal himself. Trust that he will manifest at some point, and just wait for that moment. That's really good advice, and you both are really good at guiding through this journey.

Faith Practices: Optional, Not Obligatory

Church Attendance and Bible Reading

Is it necessary to go to church once you've received Jesus? No, it's not a requirement. Check out our first episode for more commentary on that matter. Similarly, do you have to read the Bible if you've received Jesus? Again, no, but I would recommend it. Would it naturally happen? I think it would. There’s a distinction between "must" and "should" versus "will" and "can." Eventually, you might find yourself wanting to do it all because if God moves within you, wouldn't you then want to pursue him? Okay, I get it.

Future Discussions

That was quite a discussion. Let's pull this into next week's topic. Can a Christian own a bar or casino? What about other controversial business ventures like vape shops? Next week, we'll discuss whether a Christian can or should own a bar, casino, strip club, or pornography shop in Vegas. Can they? Would they? Should they? Tune in next week for this intriguing conversation. You have to really think about these matters.