Blaming Satan & Sin

[Servo]

I need some advice. It regards a very good friend. I'm not a new Christian and am not unfamiliar with various doctrines and denominations both protestant and orthodox but am baffled on how to handle this, what to say, and how to be of comfort.

My friend used to be in a cult Church. They were basically indoctrinated into Christianity as a new Christian there. There was a heavy emphasis on the watching out for satan at every turn mindset, and sin bringing the wrath of God on a person.

Although my friend has left that church, and is in a more moderate denomination, thank God, they still have this satan, sin, God is ready to smite us at every turn. It is basically making my friend spiritually ill.

As my father would say, "Don't get me wrong" satan is a problem, sin is something that we all do and should try not to do.

But living in constant fear of God's judgements being handed down to my friend because they have made various mistakes in the past and sins like everyone else is hurting them. The fact that forgiveness has been sought and given, as is always the case with our Lord still isn't truly believable by my friend. I believe it keeps them in bondage and puts up a wall between themselves, God's love, and the work and sacrifice of Christ Jesus. It basically interferes with their relationship with God or some would say a personal relationship with Jesus.

How can I help my friend get rid of the mindsets and fears they obtained from this cult that I explained earlier in the post and how can I help them conquer the message of fear and damnation with Christ's message of love and forgiveness. Nothing I've done has really worked so far.

Thanks in advance.

[farouk]

Sin IS a huge problem, but Hebrews 1 speaks of the Lord Jesus having 'by Himself purged our sin', as far as true believers in Him are concerned. So we need to get to grips with the problem by faith through what the Scriptures teach, rather than try to ignore the sin problem.

[Nyoka]

Maybe a bible study on what Jesus did for us would help? I had an unsaved friend who was told all her life she was worthless and useless. She just couldn't believe that God could love her or have mercy on her or that His grace was big enough to accept her. I tried for two years to show her His love for her but she just couldn't see it. Out of desperation one day I quoted John 3:16-18 to her and asked her "are you part of the world?" "Yes", she replied, so then I took John 3:16-18 and re-quoted it as: Joh 3:16 For God so loved June, that he gave his only begotten Son, that June who believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son to June to condemn June; but that June through him might be saved. Joh 3:18 June that believeth on him is not condemned: but June that believeth not is condemned already, because June hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. When she saw it like this it really hit home to her. Then I suggested we both do a study on His love to see what the bible says. From those verses and the study she came to accept Jesus.

Hope this helps.

[canny]

Good to see you Nyoka, its been some time,,,, and what a fab post to come back with

[CoCo]

Just some thoughts here. Maybe something will be of use to your friend.

Romans 8:1-2

1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 103:10-14

10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.

12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

14 For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.

When God forgives, He does so completely and entirely. It is not God Who dredges up our past sins. That is a trick of Satan, who does not want your friend to believe God about His total forgiveness. That belief would free your friend from Satan's abilities to cripple your friend's effective work for God and to rob your friend of God's peace.

Praying for your friend's release from that "prison".

[farouk]

...and remember, repentance and faith are the keys to entering into forgiveness (Mark 1, Romans 2, etc.).

[Galaen]

Perhaps if nothing you are saying to your friend is having any effect the best thing may just be to commit it all to the Lord in prayer. He knows the best way to reach your friend and how to undo any harm that has been done. Sometimes we can confuse people when we try to explain but God knows the best way to each of our hearts.

[Servo]

I really appreciate the comments and hope I get more. One of the biggest factor is the influence of the cult they were in. It was your typical cult --- leader set up as the only one with the "true knowledge," said he was a prophet, and lots of scare tactics couched in scripture to keep the members in line and following him. It's a heck of a way to learn about Christ and leaves indelible marks on a person that probably only time will heal. Yet many good recommendations have been given in this thread. Thank you.

[Nyoka]

I really appreciate the comments and hope I get more. One of the biggest factor is the influence of the cult they were in. It was your typical cult --- leader set up as the only one with the "true knowledge," said he was a prophet, and lots of scare tactics couched in scripture to keep the members in line and following him. It's a heck of a way to learn about Christ and leaves indelible marks on a person that probably only time will heal. Yet many good recommendations have been given in this thread. Thank you.

thanks canny for the kind welcome back.

Buzz my husband was brought up a Mormon so I know the damage false teachings do. He has got rid of a lot of it but every now and then something rears it's ugly head from those days of being a Mormon. Everyone has given you good advice. I have done many studies with my husband and it is what has got rid of a lot the the false teachings he had - and taught me things in the process. But the key to it all is, as others have said, much prayer, patience and reliance on God over this.

[Steveg]

The parable of the prodigal son might be helpful. It's a wonderful story of God's eagerness to forgive and to welcome us back into his love.