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The Real Meaning Behind ‘Sin’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

BibleProject is unpacking the word sin to help believers better understand what it truly means.

What is Sin?

Everyone is familiar with the word “sin.” In fact, most people have a good idea of what it means. But did you know there is more to this word?

The Christian organization BibleProject explains this in its more profound meaning in one of their creative videos on YouTube.

Sin

BibleProject. (Screenshot). (2018). Sin Involves More Than You Might Think, Retrieved September 8, 2023 from: https://youtu.be/aNOZ7ocLD74

The Hebrew word for “sin” is “Khata,” and its Greek word is “Hamartia.” The real meaning of sin is “to fail” or “miss the goal.” To make it more clear, it’s like in archery when a player has to shoot the arrow with a bow and try to hit the bullseye. And if they fails to do so, they “miss the mark” and receive a low score.

Failure To Love God And People

The BibleProject explained, “There is the biblical proverb that warns against making hasty decisions because you are likely to ‘khata’ your way, miss your destination.”

So, in conclusion, according to the Scripture, “sin is a failure to fulfill a goal.” Now, the question is, what is really the goal?

BibleProject further explained that “sin is a failure to love God and others by not treating them with the honor they deserve.” God’s plan was to make man as bearers of His image on earth. But that failed when man disobeyed God.  As a result of missing the mark, we now live in a broken world that God had to redeem and restore.

The video also explained that “failing to honor God is deeply connected to failing to honor people.”

“So, sin is about more than just doing bad things,” they clarified. “It describes how we easily deceive ourselves and spin illusions to redefine our bad decisions as good ones.”

Watch the full BibleProject video below.

What Does It Mean to Sin?

Reference | BibleProject

Header Image: Julio Rionaldo. (Photographer). (2019). Word Sin in light Retrieved September 8, 2023 from: https://unsplash.com/photos/xO538bkwzTI

Read more on the GOD TV blog here

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Halloween
ArticlesFeaturedNewsVideo

Pastor Explains The Reason Why Christians Shouldn’t Celebrate ‘Halloween’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Pastor Vlad Savchuk explained the reason why Christians shouldn’t celebrate Halloween. He warned about the darkness, fear, and death that it promotes.

Celebrating Halloween?

One of the most debated issues amongst Christians is the celebration of Halloween. Is it right for Christians to participate in it, or is it not? Should we take it seriously? How should we respond to it?

Halloween

Eyestetix Studio. (Photographer). (2021). Pumpkins, Retrieved October 26, 2023 from: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-group-of-pumpkins-with-faces-carved-into-them-Ld4TkpIBaO0

In an Instagram post, Pastor Vlad Savchuk shared a video of teenagers asking him about the celebration of Halloween.

Vlad explained from the start that the “origin of Halloween” is evil. But he knows some people would argue that even other important dates for Christians also have an evil origin, like Christmas and Easter. However, he focused on what it promotes.

“But in reality, why we don’t celebrate Halloween is because not of just the origins but because of what it promotes,” he said. “It promotes darkness, it promotes fear, and it promotes death.”

The Contradiction

He went on to explain the truth about our identity in Jesus and how it contradicts what Halloween is all about.

“As Christians, we are the light of the world, we are also people of faith, and we’re people that promote life,” he explained. “And so I don’t know how anybody in the right mind can celebrate something that brings death, darkness, and fear. We’re already fighting devils and demons on every corner.”

WOMAN WHO SERVED THE DEVIL FOR 25 YEARS WARNS ABOUT CONSEQUENCES OF OCCULT PRACTICES

Vlad also shared how it makes satanist glad “that Christians allow their kids to celebrate the devil one day of the year.”

Then he concluded, “And so, if for Satanists and people who do wicca and voodoo, this is a very huge holiday. Kind of like Christmas for us. I think it’s not wise for Christians to celebrate that and to go all out.”

Watch the entire message in the video below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Vlad Savchuk (@vladhungrygen)

Reference | Instagram – Vlad Savchuk

Header Image: Eyestetix Studio. (Photographer). (2021). Pumpkins, Retrieved October 26, 2023 from: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-group-of-pumpkins-with-faces-carved-into-them-Ld4TkpIBaO0

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Video

Ex-Devil Worshiper: “I’m Shocked Christians Celebrate Halloween”

by GOD TV
written by GOD TV

The word Halloween appears to be of Christian origin according to Wikipedia’s Etymology.  It means ‘hallowed evening’ or ‘holy evening’ from a Scottish term for All Hallows’ Eve.  However, history says that it has been greatly influenced by pagan roots and evolved into how people celebrate Halloween these days.

For this reason, it has become a big issue to many Christians.  Many speculate it is evil and thus, shouldn’t be considered a special day for Christians, but what does a former devil worshiper say about this?

John Ramirez, the Author of Unmasking the Devil and a former Satan worshiper reveals a covert piece of information about Halloween that Christians should be aware of.

John is very straightforward and describes Halloween as an evil practice.

“As devil worshippers, Halloween was very special to us, and we looked forward to celebrating it because we knew the implications and the dark power behind the night.  It is very different from every other night in the witchcraft world.  It would be like me saying to believers today, “How important to you are Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday?”  Halloween has that much weight and importance to those who dwell on the dark side.

I remember the days leading up to Halloween, we devil worshippers had our instructions from the demon world about what had to be done, and we knew it was going to be a long night.  I would sleep all day to be rested up and ready for midnight so I could unleash hell on the world into the wee hours of the morning,” states John, based from his own personal experience.

This liturgical time of the year is supposed to be celebrated in honor of the saints, martyrs and faithful ones who have departed through remembering them.  Yet in the end, nothing is holy about it.  It lost its real purpose, resulting in mere ritual and tradition for self-gratification.  It has deceived people to join in celebrating the devil’s holiday and sadly it has become a normal thing.

John added, “I am surprised at how the world embraces this holiday, because the title of All Saints’ Day is a deceiving one.  We have a picture in our minds that it seems holy, but there is nothing innocent about it.”

Moreover, he commends how to counter this work of darkness as faithful followers of Jesus.

“As a minister, I would use All Saints’ Day to turn the tables on the devil and to celebrate my salvation and the salvation of my family and loved ones.  I would use it as an evangelistic opportunity at my church to bring in unsaved people to hear testimonies of God’s goodness and how He can transform their lives, too.  And that night, I would give the devil a black eye in Jesus’ name, because many souls would be saved.”

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)

Now that you know the truth, how will you celebrate Halloween as you move forward?

https://youtu.be/I11L71PD3Lw

Source: Charisma Magazine

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Joni Eareckson Tada Explains Suffering
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Joni Eareckson Tada Profoundly Explains Why God Allows Suffering

by Kriza Jo Tanduyan
written by Kriza Jo Tanduyan

Joni Eareckson Tada gave a profound explanation of why God allows suffering.

Joni Eareckson Tada

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Joni and Friends organization, Joni Eareckson Tada, gave a beautiful reminder, especially to those who are suffering. When she was still new in the Lord, she was excited to learn more about Him. She would memorize Scripture and apply it to her life. Not long after that, she founded Joni and Friends to share the hope she received from Jesus. She chose to serve every person with a disability and offer them the hope that she had.

Then, she wrote a book listing thirty-five good reasons why God allows suffering. In it, she described the spiritual benefits people could gain. She said that suffering would refine their faith and eventually lead them to depend on Him. At the same time, God uses suffering to make people realize that He is more concerned with their character than their comfort.

Suffering

“Suffering teaches us self-control. It gives us empathy for other people who hurt. It binds Christians together in a common cause, and it teaches us to follow God’s word,” she explained.

Years later, she began to struggle with chronic pain and had to battle cancer twice. Those difficult moments overwhelmed her. “It felt unbearable. All of it seemed to outweigh any good benefit that might come from hardship,” she described.

Furthermore, she realized that she needed to go deeper into her relationship with God. She mentioned a story about a boy who was riding a bike down a hill and crashed through the asphalt. While the boy was crying, his father came running to him. What most fathers would do is not explain the details about why he was hurt. Instead, they would just pick him up, embrace him, tap him on the back, and say, “There, there, sweetheart. Daddy’s here. Daddy’s here. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Joni Eareckson Tada Explains Suffering

Joni and Friends [@joniandfriends]. Suffering Instagram, 4 June 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7w3j4GP044/

Loving Father

Moreover, she believed that this is what people want when they suffer. “We want God to be a kind and compassionate Daddy. We want Him to be in the middle of our pain,” she highlighted. And the good news is that Father God is just like that. He doesn’t give His people reasons. Instead, He shows His children how good and loving He is through the grace of Jesus Christ and the presence of His Spirit.

Then, she shared Hebrews 2:10: “In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God should make the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering.” She stressed that if Jesus was made perfect through many afflictions, it would be fitting for His followers to experience the same thing.

Watch the full video here.

Reference | Joni and Friends

Header Image: Joni and Friends [@joniandfriends]. Suffering Instagram, 4 June 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7w3j4GP044/

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ArticlesFeaturedNews

Former Satanist Reveals How Prayers Protect Christians From Demonic Attacks

by Christa
written by Christa

A former Satanist reveals how Christians protect themselves from demonic attacks through their prayers to God.

Former Satanist

In a video clip shared by Instagram user @Jesusrealhope, an ex-Satanist was interviewed by Faith Testimonies. The interviewer asked her about her experience during her time as a devil worshipper, and she took the opportunity to reveal how the demons are powerless against one of the weapons of the Christians.

She first confessed her position in the cult she was in. According to her, she was a Chandler. She served as a mediator, conversing with the demons and then relaying the messages to the rest of the cult.

Their initial goal was simply to cause chaos, but that changed when she met Satan himself. Through her role, she actually got to talk to Satan.

“It changed the trajectory of the cult,” she said. “And we started attacking just Christians, going after clergy, specifically.”

Prayer Protects

The group had names, addresses, and workplaces of those they should go against.

“And that’s what we did. We just harassed Christians.”

But as they proceeded with their demonic assignments, they realized that there were certain Christians who were not affected by their attacks.

She recalled, “I went to travel in the spirit, astral projection, to influence … lust or something on a Christian. And in the spirit, I would see like a dome, like a blue dome, over groups of Christians that were praying. Through those experiences, I connected that we could not attack Christians as they were actively praying protection from God. Like there was a no go-zone, just absolutely, no power.”

And now that she has turned to Christ, she takes comfort in the truth that when she prays, the enemy has no power against her and their plans fail.

Her revelation proves that demons and Satanists have assignments on people who are actively engaged in worshiping and ministering. However, she also exposed that the demonic assignments hold no power against Christians who are active in prayer.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Abhishek Dabur (@jesusrealhope)

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Pastor Vance Smith Unequally Yoked Relationships
ArticlesFeaturedNews

Vance Smith Explains Why It’s Impractical For Christians To Be In An Unequally Yoked Relationship

by Kriza Jo Tanduyan
written by Kriza Jo Tanduyan

Pastor Vance Smith shared an important reason why it is impractical for Christians to be in an unequally yoked relationship.

Pastor Vance Smith

The Pastor of Victory Church’s young adult ministry, Vance Smith, discussed the possible scenario if Christians engage in an unequally yoked relationship. He reminded every Christian that a person who does not love Jesus would never see the value of their worship. According to his preaching, worship isn’t just about singing songs; instead, it’s about sacrifice.

“Worship is about orienting your life around somebody,” he shared.

For him, worship was costly, and that was what following Jesus was all about. Then, he mentioned that those who do not love Jesus would fail to understand Christians’ costly decisions to worship God. They would hear questions about their faith and the sacrifices that they made for Jesus from people who don’t love Him. This is the reason why it was impractical for Christians to be in an unequally yoked relationship.

Pastor Vance Smith Unequally Yoked Relationships

Victory Young Adults.(Screenshot). (2024). Wisdom for Relationships, Retrieved February 19, 2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEK6GRKgiPw

Unequally Yoked Relationship

Furthermore, he emphasized, “If you don’t love Jesus, you don’t need somebody who does. And if you love Jesus, you need somebody who does because you’re going to orient your life around Jesus.” Then, he gave a practical example. He and his wife were partners in the calling that God gave them. They were trying to work together to serve one another, and both valued what God called them to do.

Moreover, he said, “It’s very impractical to be with somebody who’s not trying to go where you’re trying to go because it’s going to start getting costly, and it’s going to get problematic.” For him and his wife, if one was weak, the other would pray. They would work as one to fulfill the purpose that God planted in their hearts.

Watch the full sermon here.

Reference | Victory Young Adults

Header Image: Victory Young Adults.(Screenshot). (2024). Wisdom for Relationships, Retrieved February 19, 2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEK6GRKgiPw

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Suffering
ArticlesFeaturedNewsVideo

Allen Holmes Preaches That Christians Are Not Exempted To Suffering

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Definition Church Lead Pastor Allen Holmes preached that Christians are not exempt from suffering. He emphasized that God uses life’s unexpected twists to shape people’s character.

Pain And Suffering

Pain is generally disliked because it is difficult and can lead someone to give up. Some Christians mistakenly believe that they should be immune to pain. They sometimes think that accepting Christ means life will be free of trials and suffering. Consequently, they might grow disappointed with God, questioning His goodness. However, the reality is that pain is inevitable in this earthly life, but God is always present throughout.

Definition Church [@definitionchurch]. Allen Holmes. Instagram, 10 Apr. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5j0QMAuC69/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

During his sermon, Pastor Allen Holmes highlighted that God uses pain and challenges in life to mold a person’s character. Although there is pain, it’s in these moments that the glory of God is displayed.

“I don’t know a single person who walks with God, who has not suffered,” he said. “But listen to this. I don’t know a single person who walks with God, who regrets their suffering.”

The Story of Moses

Pastor Allen then shared the story of Moses in the Bible as an example. He explained how the events that unfolded in Moses’ life exposed the character he lacked and led to humbling experiences, preparing him for God’s purpose.

“You think about Pharaoh and Moses,” he explained. “First, he got removed from his family, but then he grew up in the home of Pharaoh. And by the time he’s a young man, he likes it.”

DEMI TEBOW URGES BELIEVERS TO TRUST IN GOD AMIDST QUESTIONING

The pastor also highlighted how growing up in the palace grew pride in Moses, resulting in poor decisions. At one point, he murdered an Egyptian and fled the country. And then he spent 40 years in the wilderness, during which God worked to humble him.

“And God is breaking through his pride,” Pastor Allen pointed out. “In fact, so much so that the Bible says he’s the most humble man who ever lived.”

Therefore, he concluded, “So, there’s a season in life where we’re developing some skills and we’re learning to achieve. And God is with you in that process. But then there comes a moment where He’s got to start working on something a little deeper. And developing some humility and surrender. These things that really prepare you for the next season in your life. And it just takes time.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Definition Church (@definitionchurch)

Reference | Instagram – Definition Church

Header Image: Definition Church [@definitionchurch]. Allen Holmes. Instagram, 10 Apr. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5j0QMAuC69/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Relationship with God
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Bill Johnson Reminds Christians That ‘The Goal Is Always Relationship With God’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Bethel Church Senior Pastor Bill Johnson reminded Christians in his powerful message that “the goal is always relationship with God.”

Ministry Is Not The Goal

Serving God is the noblest and the most honorable thing people would see a Christian do to show his or her love for God. One would see them serving in the church through various ministries present. They’re role models and are most often looked up to by many. All is good for Christian ministers in their service until the ministry replaces God in their hearts.

Relationship with God

Bill Johnson Ministries [@billjohnsonministries
]. Bill Johnson. Instagram, 17 Feb. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3akc5go_-y/?igsh=MWVlOHB3cmF1M3pmOQ%3D%3D

In his powerful message, Pastor Bill Johnson reminded Christians, especially ministers, that “the goal is always relationship with God.” He emphasized that it’s not really about ministry, but that serving God must be an overflow from one’s relationship with God.

“Walking full of the Holy Spirit is a lifestyle of valuing a Person,” he said. “It’s not about ministry. But it must overflow in ministry. If ministry is the target, then we always have another reason to be full of the Spirit of God to perform or produce instead of just the relationship.”

The Goal Is Always Relationship With God

Bill stressed that something extraordinary always happens when a person is yielded and surrendered to Christ. Because that breakthrough in the secret place always overflows in the ministry. That’s why ministry should never be the goal.

“But when I seek Him only so that I might be used, I always have a mixture of motives,” he explained. “Part of which is that I would feel much better about life. Part of which is I look good myself, perhaps respected among peers.”

DEMI TEBOW URGES BELIEVERS TO TRUST IN GOD AMIDST QUESTIONING

Although such a desire to be filled with the Spirit of God and be used by Him is good, Bill noted that the goal is always a relationship with God. When one’s heart is in tune with such a goal, there is no striving in one’s service to God.

“When the Holy Spirit works in and through somebody, it’s the most wonderful thing because you get to participate in something you’re not worthy of,” he added. “And whenever you receive a gift you’re not worthy of, it does Him no honor to discard it. If you’re given a gift you’re not worthy of, it increases your sense of indebtness. It increases your sense of awareness of His heart, His purpose, His intentions.”

Reference | Instagram – Bill Johnson Ministries

Header Image: Bill Johnson Ministries [@billjohnsonministries
]. Bill Johnson. Instagram, 17 Feb. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3akc5go_-y/?igsh=MWVlOHB3cmF1M3pmOQ%3D%3D

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ArticlesFeaturedNewsVideo

Peter Tan-Chi: ‘Don’t Base Your Faith On Other People… On So-Called Christians’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Megachurch Pastor Peter Tan-Chi shared in his message to the congregation not to base their faith on other people, in those so-called Christians.

People Are Fallible

In a short clip posted by Christ’s Commission Fellowship, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi encouraged Christians to fix their eyes on God, not on people. He warned on the danger of allowing people to have a greater influence on one’s faith than the Lord.

Christ’s Commission Fellowship. (Screenshot). (2024). Pastor Peter Tan-Chi, Retrieved May 27, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/dGSjucNVCTA

People are fallible. Sometimes they are fervent in their faith, and then suddenly disappear like a bubble. Emotions and feelings can change rapidly; they are not constant. One moment someone may be sad, and the next hour, they could be joyful. Similarly, anger can subside over time.

During those moments of weakness, some people might tend to cause hurt to others. And sometimes, unknowingly, this can result in discouragement and unlikely consequences on people’s faith in God. Since people are not perfect and everyone is in dire need of a Savior, Pastor Peter offered a piece of advice to believers.

Don’t Base Your Faith on Christians

The megachurch Pastor in the Philippines emphasized, “And that is why be careful. Don’t focus your eyes on people, on so-called Christians.”

Then, he described encounters where some individuals came up to him and shared their discouragement due to other believers not living Christ-like lives.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FRUIT AND GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Pastor Peter said, “..they tell me, ‘If that is a Christian and that’s how that person behaves, I don’t want to be a Christian.’ So, I tell my friend, ‘Don’t be foolish. Why will you reject Christ just because other people are not following Jesus?’”

He then pointed out that these things do exist. That’s why Jesus said in His Word “Not everybody who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of heaven. But he who does the will of My Father.”

“You see, grace gives you the power to obey,” he remarked. “Faith becomes obedience. It’s from God, not from you.”

Disappointment from people is indeed inevitable, but always remember that God never will.

Don't Base Your Faith On Other People

Reference | Christ’s Commission Fellowship

Header Image: Christ’s Commission Fellowship. (Screenshot). (2024). Pastor Peter Tan-Chi, Retrieved May 27, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/dGSjucNVCTA

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Christian Entrepreneur Talks About Abraham’s Story
ArticlesFeaturedNews

Christian Entrepreneur Talks About Abraham’s Story And Reminds People To Trust In God’s Timing

by Kriza Jo Tanduyan
written by Kriza Jo Tanduyan

The Christian entrepreneur talked about the story of Abraham and reminded people to trust in God’s perfect timing.

Christian Entrepreneur

The Christian entrepreneur talked about the story of Abraham and reminded people to trust in God’s perfect timing. So, in verses 2 and 3, he said to God, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus? You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

According to Rachel, Abraham somehow got frustrated with God’s timing. That’s why he asked Him if He would choose Eliezer to fulfill what He promised. However, God answered in verse 5, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.” It seemed like God reminded Abraham that He was faithful enough to fulfill His promises.

Christian Entrepreneur Talks About Abraham’s Story

Rachel Giffin [@really_rg]. God’s Timing. Instagram, 25 March 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C48K9B0rQvO/

God’s Timing

Furthermore, Rachel asked the people if they had their own versions of Eliezer. She explained that it happened when Christians would wait on God to fulfill a promise and they would think that perhaps it won’t be fulfilled according to their own timing. Eventually, they would make a backup plan just in case God’s promise fails.

Moreover, she challenged everyone who was waiting on God’s timing to be truthful and surrender everything to God. She highlighted, “You see, maybe you’re thinking that God can do all these things. But maybe you’re not sure if He’ll do it for you. And I’m saying look at the stars. That is how well God would fulfill His promise.” In the caption of her post, she also added, “Remember that His timing is often very different from what we expect.”

Watch the full video here.

Reference | Rachel Giffin 

Header Image: Rachel Giffin [@really_rg]. God’s Timing. Instagram, 25 March 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C48K9B0rQvO/

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