Stop Sinning

Stop Sinning! - Moses commanded the people of Israel to turn from wicked ways and follow the commands of God. Paul often told backsliding Christians to stop sinning and follow Jesus. Is it our job to tell people to stop sinning? Does this apply to Christians or to all people?

I ran across an article on a church trying to help the community of Baltimore with the "stop sinning" campaign. The idea in itself is a noble one. The church would like to help clean up the community but I wonder about the theology behind this kind work in the community. It seems to me that a "stop sinning" campaign would communicate three things from the church. First, this campaign directed to the unchurched assumes that one can regonize sin apart from the Holy Spirit. Second, we are suggesting that to stop sinning is actually something that can be accomplished by our own will at anytime. Third, we are insinuating that we have somehow managed to stop sinning and thus have the authority to tell others to follow our lead. Unfortunately many people have seen Christians as some of the worst sinners. I wonder if we have lost the authority and trust to ask others to stop something we struggle with as the church.

We desire to be a church that shares the Gospel and allows the spirit to change the heart of people. We desire to be a church where everyone (including pastors) acknowledge our imperfections and need for constant grace. We desire to be an open and honest community of believers who are determined to grow in our sanctification but willing to admit our failures. Every person is a sinner (myself included) and every person needs the saving grace of Jesus Christ.