© 15 Colin Melbourne
Liberty or Bondage?
Q: Is it a sin to read books other than the Bible?
I’ve just started getting serious about my Christian Faith. I love to read and write. I like to read a variety of genres (both books and comics) and am currently working on writing a comic book from a Christian perspective. I’ve also written several non-fiction short stories and submitted them to publishers (none have been published, though). Lately, regardless of the genre, I’ve been getting this guilty feeling when reading or writing. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder about two weeks ago, so I don’t know if it’s because of that. I also know Jesus used stories in his Ministry, but those could have been true and could be considered devotions (which I think are acceptable and necessary to grow in my faith). Any advice? Kate
A: You’ve made a wise choice to become serious about your faith in Christ. You will find that honouring Him is a sure solution to every problem you ever face in life Kate.
A Religious Conscience
Is it a sin to… type questions come from people who’ve not yet understood the Gospel of Christ: Those who’ve been religiously indoctrinated, who perceive Christianity as a manual of do’s and don’ts, with God out-to-get-you if you stray from His list of do’s into the do-nots.
Religion puts people into bondage: Christ came to set captives free. Jn. 8:34-36 KJV;
God’s Answer to Religion
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
The cure for religion is walking with Jesus; I suggest you begin from scratch and read the Gospel of John in the Holy Bible (Free download of the KJV) with a heart hungry for Truth, asking the LORD Jesus Christ to help you understand. He will if you are sincere.
Relax and let God speak to your heart through His written word; avoiding the error of trying to fathom it with your mind.
Proper mental comprehension comes only after spiritual revelation direct from God. (Mth. 11:25, 16:17, 1 Co. 2:10-16)
Religion or Salvation?
Once you have understood Who Christ really is, and what He’s done for you, you’ll want Him to be your Lord, you will receive Him into your heart as Saviour by simple child-like faith, and you’ll follow Him.
When you are genuinely born again, you become God’s child, a new creature in Christ: Saved, forgiven, healed, righteous, and clean inside.
You’ll be the first to know when that happens.
You learn to distinguish God’s plan for your life, as He teaches you how to please Him.
Hint: God detests “religion”: He wants a real relationship.
If you co-operate with Him, you will mature spiritually.
Up and Down Disorder
You stand at an important junction in your life, consider carefully how you proceed.
Medics have recently pronounced you “bipolar”, and will encourage you to become a pill-popping, nerve-wracked, psychologists’ toy.
Reject their ungodly pronouncements, put yourself entirely in the care of Almighty God, and receive by living faith the promised sound mind and joy unspeakable. 2 Tim. 1:7, 1 Pe. 1:8-9 KJV;
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
And God gives this freely, not as the world gives. Jn. 14:27 KJV;
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Please Answer My Question!
The direct answer to your question is simple, 1 Co. 10:23 KJV;
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
Smith Wigglesworth read only one book: The Holy Bible scripture and nothing else: Discover the result. Read these transcripts of the Great-Heart’s teaching on the source of his power, and how to develop it in your life and ministry: Smith Wigglesworth on the Power of Scripture
Must a Christian Quit Smoking and Drinking?
You will not know what 1 Co. 10:23 means until you are born again. But afterwards you’ll comprehend it. Meanwhile, here’s a clue from Smith Wigglesworth’s reply to a similar question from a person asking if they must give up smoking and drinking when they become a Christian.
With Holy Ghost wisdom, Smith replied joyfully;
“Smoke all you can, if you can. Drink all you can, if you can.”
© 15 Colin Melbourne