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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | DocTrinsograce | 242544 | ||
You're very welcome... and you should know that the genuine believers who read this forum have already begun to pray for you. | ||||||
2 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | rikbrooks | 242545 | ||
I still have questions. I'm afraid that your answer didn't help me much. I am nevertheless grateful that you took the time from your day to try to help me. That is a sincere gratitude, I'm not at all being sarcastic (not being able to see my face it's easy to mistake my meaning). I am also grateful for the prayers. I'm trying to understand, I really am. I am mindful though that there are some things that I'll have to take on faith. There are some things that I'm just not going to understand and that's OK too. Maybe you have a deeper insight into this area than I do at this point. That's OK with me too. I'll just keep doing my best, reading the Bible and praying. If I never understand the truth then that's OK too, it will be God's will because I'll keep praying for wisdom |
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3 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | DocTrinsograce | 242550 | ||
Hi, Rik... You should also be continuously involved with a congregation where the Word is exposited. If you neglect that, then your other efforts will be without suitable direction and you will also be subject to error. Asking God to give you understanding is something that He does promise, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5-8) Indeed, probably one of the most efficacious prayers a person can pray is simply "Help!" God will never turn away the sacrifice of our utter dependence on Him coming through such a prayer. These things -- hearing the word, reading the word, praying with the brethren, worshipping corporately, sharing one another's burdens, participating in the sacraments (or ordinances if you prefer) -- are what are called "means of grace." You see, God cannot be approached in any way you like. No, we must approach Him the way He has directed. Any other ways are, quite simply, evil. Our God is not to be trifled with. Nonetheless, He has lovingly provided us with channels through which He empowers us to do His will. It is rather like the old time showers where you pulled a chain and the water would flow. That is a good analogy of what is meant by means of grace. By the way, there are some things I will never understand either. God tells us that very succinctly in Deuteronomy 29:29. But if you read that verse, you will discover that He does promise us knowledge that He reveals through the Word (Hebrews 1:1-2). Job is a good example. In that book the fundamental question asked is "Why do good people suffer?" It is interesting though that in Job (as in the other wisdom books) the "Why" questions are not answered. I believe there are three reasons why that may be so: (1) It is none of our business (per Deuteronomy 29:29); (2) We are incapable of understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9); (3) We really don't want the answer -- instead we are only trying to justify ourselves (e.g. Luke 10:29a; cf Proverbs 12:15). I often tell people to read through the New Testament. I always remind them: Do not worry about what you do not understand. God will not hold you responsible for what you do not understand. Instead, worry about what you DO understand. That will separate you from the double-minded man spoken of by James. In Him, Doc |
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4 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | rikbrooks | 242554 | ||
OK, Doc - THAT is a message that I understand. I'm going to go back and study those verses in an hour or so. I just awoke and although now is a great time for prayer as my mind is relaxed and unencumbered by responsibilities that I face each day it is not quite ready for study. That's just how I'm built. Creative to start the day then logical. Although I still don't understand this subject and these answers haven't helped me as much as I hoped I still have faith that God will answer my prayer and if He DOESN'T give me the wisdom that I seek it will be OK. I am seeking ways to do works. Since I've been praying on the subject I've met a couple that helps a place where poor people can go to get groceries. I can donate to them. Then there are other things that I can do but don't want to bore y'all with that. I AM going to a church. It's a non-denominational Christian church. They believe in going to church but then meeting in small groups during the week for specific study. I've joined one of those groups too. So again, without boring y'all, I am not trying to get around the works part, just trying to understand what seems to be a contradiction. Contradictions bother my scientific, logical mind. Then again, that might be God's point, huh? To make me stretch my credulity. To put me outside my comfort zone. Thanks for answering. I may have other questions when I study the cites that you provided. |
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5 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | DocTrinsograce | 242565 | ||
Hi, Rik... The fundamentals of what we believe are simple, such that even children can grasp these truths. However, the truth is not shallow nor simplistic. We would not expect it to be! Think of the enormous profundity that is in creation: from Astronomy to Zoology. If the created realm is that profound, why would we think that our God would be simple? I want to point out to you that there ARE answers to your questions. The Scriptures are polemic, propositional, and purposely epistemic. God is a rational being who created language before humans ever came on the scene. His word is intended to convey the truths that He wants us to know. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17. He tells us that the Scriptures are to help us know what to believe, to correct the error in our minds, to instruct us in Godly behavior. All of this for the purpose of Christian maturity, and equipping us to be His servants. Some ten years ago I transcribed some of my notes on rightly interpreting the Scriptures. This is what we call hermeneutics: The science (systematic approach) of properly interpreting the Bible as it was meant to be understood by those who wrote it. If you like, you can read through those posts by entering the number 156916 in the search box in the upper right hand side of your screen. Perhaps some of that will be useful to you. In Him, Doc |
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