Something I've Been Thinking About

Forgiven

This morning, I was listening to a message by Bill Johnson. He prefaced this message by saying this one issue is the one that brings him the most opposition in his ministry, but he did not apologize for his views on it. It is a controversial subject, and it definitely pings my heart as I consider how I have handled situations in the past. Here's what he said:

"There are only three [spirits operating in the issue of sin]: The political spirit, the religious spirit, and the Spirit of the Kingdom. What did Pilate do [when faced with the demand for Jesus' death]? The head political leader, when it was time for Jesus to die, didn't want anyone to think he was associated with that death, so he publicly washed his hands of the guilt...

"What did the pharisees do when the woman was caught in adultery? They picked up stones, [and by so doing, they revealed] their hatred for sin by judging the sinner...

"What did Jesus do to the woman caught in adultery? He didn't scold her or rub her nose in it. [What He said was], "All right, don't do it again. Where are your accusers?" She said there were none left to condemn her. "Then neither do I," [he replied]."

Pastor Johnson explained that the motivating factor behind the responses of both Pilate (political spirit) and the religious leaders (religious spirit) was fear of man. He said that we can easily test the spirits behind any group of people. He recommended observing what happens when a person who has "fallen from grace" is set before a group of believers these days. He said that some in the group will likely vote for stoning (public display of displeasure), and others will wash their hands of the person (separating themselves because they are too controversial). Jesus, though set a different precedent. He covers the sinner with His blood, His grace, His mercy, and His LOVE!

test the spirits

Here are the verses that come to my mind in this matter:

Mark 2:17 (NLT)

"And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

1 John 4:1 (NLT)

"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world."

1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)

"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins."

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