Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How can we be sure in God's Will ? | Bible general Archive 2 | Emmaus | 116784 | ||
Ken John, Shortly after I read your response I came to the following passage in a book I just purchaed and began reading a few days ago. DISCERNMENT We hear a great deal these days about discernment of spirits. And well we might because there is great need for supernatural prudenceto distinguish between what is truly Christian.., and what only pretends to be... With all this preoccupation, however, with discernment it is imperitive that we keep things simple and not get lost in theological speculation. The plain question is: How can we, practically speaking, know the difference between an inspiration from Christ and a temptation from the antichrist? A good rule of thumb is to ask what side of our nature the impulse favors. Does it favor self-will or self-sacrifice? If it favors self-will, we can be sure the impulse is not from God, because self-will is another name for pride. If it favors self-sacrifice, we can be equally sure the impulse is from God, because self-sacrifice is another name for humility--and humility si certainly the sign of the presence of the Lord. This simple rule is more useful than may appear on the surface. How many times a week and for some of us, a day, we are conscious of contrary movements battling for the mastery of our souls. These movements take on countless forms and they are almost infinite in variety. So we return to what we had just said before. We apply the norm of self-will or self-sacrifice, and we cannot go wrong. At the heart of Christ teaching to His followers is the message he gave us, namely, the doctrine of humble self-denial. He invariably leads those whom He is drawing to Himself by inspiring them to love His will more than their own, in a word, to die to themselves in the performance of what he wants them to do." IMPLICATIONS Having said all this, however, we still have some implications to see--not the least of which isthe problem of carrying into effect what our faith tells us is true. This is where our trust in God becomes so necessary. For it is one thing to believe that Christ wants us to be like Him in meekness and humility of heart. it is soemthing ewlse to believe it so firmly that we act on our faith and then learn from expeience how true this belief really is. That is the secret. Christ is our Light because He truely enlightens. If we follow His illuminations we shall find out for ourselves how wise we shall become. We shall discover that being little in our own eyes is the greatest wisdom we can acquire. We shall grow in that deepest of all knowledge: that humility of heart, and peace of heart gives joy in the heart--such as only Christ can give. It is up to us to take the Savior at His word. The saints took Him literally. that is why they became saints, that is, persons who did not allow self to stand in the way of Christ's light. His light gave them life, the life that is open to evryone who loves God more than himslef and is willing to be despised in order that, through him, God might be glorified." Holiness in the Church John Hardon Eternal Life Bardstown, KY pgs 69-71 Emmaus |
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2 | How can we be sure in God's Will ? | Bible general Archive 2 | Ken John | 116830 | ||
Emmaus, I appreciate the lengths you have taken to help me understand this very difficult area of one's walk with God. It has been a personal challenge for me as I realise that my past actions have not always been in God's Will. Our own selfish needs(the old nature) causes us to take a course in life that is not accepted by God so communication with Him in prayer is ineffective. Prayer is a very important part of my daily life but, recently, I find God's answers in short supply. I can only point to my own failures and ask myself "am I in God's Perfect Will?" If not what needs to change? I wonder how many other believers ask themselves the same question? Blessings, Ken. |
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3 | How can we be sure in God's Will ? | Bible general Archive 2 | Emmaus | 116838 | ||
Ken, "I wonder how many other believers ask themselves the same question?" I suspect that most if not all do. I certainly do. That is the purpose of a daily examination of conscience, which if nothing else, keeps one humble and understanding how dependent we are on God's grace and mercy. Emmaus |
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4 | How can we be sure in God's Will ? | Bible general Archive 2 | Robert7777 | 116849 | ||
Asking the question is a good sign you are in a good place with GOD! I will struggly with you to be continually in His perfect will. |
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