Posted on May 3, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call
I was recently doing some research for Dr. Bill Welte and in the process came across a podcast with John Piper[i]. During the podcast, the interviewer quoted Piper as saying, “It makes sense to stay as far away from the sin line as we can.”
Is that what I do? Or at times do I do the opposite? Do I try to see how close to the sin line I can get without actually sinning? Is that in and of itself sinning? Am I toying with holiness by seeing how close to the sin line I can get away with? Seems to me, when I adopt such an attitude, I am missing the fundamental meaning of holiness.
Walking close to the sin line continues to fan the embers of desire for that sinful thing or action. It is trying to have our cake and eat it too, perhaps literally.
Paul warns against such an attitude: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:14
Scripture portrays a very different perspective of sin.
FLEE.
“Flee from sexual immorality.” 1 Corinthians 6:18 “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.” 1 Timothy 6:10-11 “So flee youthful passions …” 2 Timothy 2:22
Flee? And do what?
1 Timothy 6:11-12 continues…”But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith…”
2 Timothy 2:22 continues: “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
As I flee from the sin line, I move in the direction of holiness. If I encroach on the sin line I hover ever-so-closely to sin and more often than not, sin will draw me in.
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James 1:14-15
Rather than seeing the sin line as desirable we would be better off seeing the sin line as the line of death and decay. We would be far less enticed to linger near it if we saw it for what it really is… death.
As we consider those things that tempt us, rather than see how close we can come without sinning perhaps we should be seeing how fast and far we can flee.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “The more we love, the more love we have to offer. So it is with God’s love for us. It is inexhaustible.” – Mary C. Neal
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more