When the problem is ignored, the solution will also be ignored.  When the problem is called by another name, another solution will be presented.

Since the fall of Adam, sin is the problem in the world today.  The evil and wickedness found in the world, is due to sin.  Death is due to sin.  Sickness is due to sin.  The godliest man or woman in the world may get sick and die and the reason for this sickness and resulting death is sin…not necessarily their sin but sin due to the fall of man.

That being said, if sin is ignored from behind the pulpit than the solution to sin will also be ignored.  If sin is called a mental sickness another solution will be presented; namely, humanistic psychology.  If sin is called a bad habit, another solution will be presented with self as the source and self effort as the solution.  Sometimes Scriptural ordinances and practices are given to overcome “the problem” (sin) even though they were not given to overcome sin.  Praying was not given to overcome sin. Reading our Bible was not given to over come sin.  Both of these are absolutely necessary for the Believer but they were not given to overcome sin.

“The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and says, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.”  John 1:29

Jesus Christ came to die on Calvary’s Cross to take away the sin of the world.  When the church calls sin what the world calls sin (sickness, bad habit, etc.), the church will present the solution the world presents cloaked with Scripture. By partaking in this solution (whatever it may be), the Believer deems the finished work of Jesus Christ insufficient to do that which He came to do in our life…break the power of sin (Romans 6:14) and the Cross of Christ becomes of no effect.

“¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

¹⁸ For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Cor. 1:17-18

The problem in the world is sin.  The only solution to sin is the Cross of Christ.  Jesus Christ and Him crucified…be determined to know nothing else.

-Donna Clark Warren