Results 141 - 160 of 169
|
||||||
Results from: Notes Author: Aspiring Overseer Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
141 | Eternal Life: A Free Gift? | John 3:36 | Aspiring Overseer | 54811 | ||
Agreed, Ray. Unfortunately, many people believe, but only in part and they, alas, through a lack of an open mind, fall short. P. S. I hope you are winning the battle with cancer. Keep up the fight. |
||||||
142 | Eternal Life: A Free Gift? | John 3:36 | Aspiring Overseer | 54763 | ||
"Not obey" is clearly the proper rendering. Someone can split hairs, but "to refuse or withhold" anything from God is disobedience. NT:544 apeitheo (ap-i-theh'-o); from NT:545; to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely): KJV-not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.) John 3:36 36"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." NAS |
||||||
143 | Is salvation by faith only scriptural? | James 2:14 | Aspiring Overseer | 54613 | ||
Actually, Eph 2:8 tells us that "grace" is the gift of God. There was nothing the Gentiles could do to make God send His son as a sacrifice for sin. By faith they obtained access to this gift, but again, faith is more than belief. Eph 2:10 tells us we were created by God for good works, in accordance with God's will, BUT we must still walk in them (i.e. we must make the effort--it isn't given to us on a silver platter.) This should not be surprising as the righteous men of old were required to do nothing less. Why would God expect less from us today? As I wrote previously: -Faith is the unquestioning belief that underlies a person’s response to a duty or obligation. Each of the many examples of Hebrews demonstrate how God’s people of the Old Covenant proved their trust in God. -“the men of old gained approval” through their righteous actions: -Abel offered a better sacrifice v. 4 -Enoch walked with God, because God found him “pleasing” (v. 5) -Noah built the ark (v. 7) Also consider that if "faith" were the only requirement for salvation, why would God bother? How rewarding would it be for Him to create beings who had no choice in following Him to eternal life in paradise? No, He requires effort, determination and strict obedience as sons. Read James 2:14-26 and see if this truth doesn't make more sense than you have understood previously. |
||||||
144 | Is salvation by faith only scriptural? | James 2:14 | Aspiring Overseer | 54569 | ||
How do we know faith involves more than simple belief? 1) It is empirically true: From a person’s own experience and observation we know faith defines an absolute conviction where belief is passive. We believe the airplane is safe, but it is our faith in its airworthiness that allows us to fly from Seattle to NY, thus proving our belief. 2) By example, O.T. faith in God was proven by deeds. He 11:1-2 3) By N.T. command, Christians are called to action. -Ph2:12-15 (work out your salvation) - JA 2:14 (what use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith..) Why are Christians to be faithful? -Faithfulness equals obedience. See Jo14:21-24 -What is God’s law? Can it be found anywhere besides the N.T.? Scripture, or the Bible, is a reference manual for God’s people that teaches, and at the same time, demonstrates that only Christians will be saved! God’s word is truth (Jo 17:17) and all inclusive (i. e. there are no other routes to eternal life!) As our creator, he has made a covenant with us, or agreement. We must obey our part of the covenant if we are to expect our reward. What are the requirements of God’s Law? 1) Worship: Jo 4:23-24 (God is spirit) 2) Teach: MT 28:18-19 3) Furthering the love of brethren: Ro 14:19 (build up one another) 4) Support our families: 2Th 3:10 (if anyone will not work) Other items regarding faith: -We are protected by the power of God through faith for salvation. See 1 Pe 1:1-21 -Faithfulness is rewarded with greater responsibility for service and growth. See 1Ti 1:12-14 and Act 16:14. Lydia was a Christian (Baptized) and given the opportunity to provide shelter and food to Paul and Barnabas. -Everyone does not have the same degree of faith. See Ro 14:1-4. We each are growing at different rates, in respect to our level of faith. Our goal is not to judge one another in the degree of faith we have, but to encourage each other—especially not to hinder our growth (Ro 14:13). -Confidence is critical to faith. God hates cowards. To try and fail is a learning experience. To not try, because you fear failure, will result in spiritual death. He 10:38 -Faithfulness is ultimately rewarded with eternal life. See Rev 2:10-11 What we know: 1. Faith comes from being taught the mysteries of God. Ro 10:17 2. Christians are the stewards of the mysteries. 1Co 4:1 - Christ is the only head of the church. Ep1:22-23 - Christ’s kingdom, and thus rule, is occurring now. Co 1:13 3. We are to walk by faith, not sight. 2 Co 5:7 4. The love of God is synonymous with Obedience. Jo 14:21 5. We must prove we love Him. 2Tm 2:15 6. God’s Law requires us to do 4 things: Worship, Teach, Fellowship and support our own families. 7. If we do not obey God, we will be cut off from the tree of life. Jo 15:6 8. If we obey God, He will provide us with everything we need. 2Co9:8-9 Thus Salvation by Faith is scriptural only when it is accompanied by effort. P. S. RAMMAN, this was not meant to be directed towards you, but just a general post. |
||||||
145 | Is salvation by faith only scriptural? | James 2:14 | Aspiring Overseer | 54568 | ||
The attribute of Faith is having complete trust, confidence, reliance and loyalty in God. Faith is shown by a person’s willful obedience to God’s law and is not the simple belief that God’s law exists without need of any future consideration. To have faith means you act upon your belief! We understand God’s word is truth and that we live under a New Covenant. What is our obligation under that covenant? Why is the Law of Faith one that calls for action rather than passivity? Why is faith in God always associated with work? What is Faith? - See He 11:1-2 –Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval... -Faith is the unquestioning belief that underlies a person’s response to a duty or obligation. Each of the many examples of Hebrews demonstrate how God’s people of the Old Covenant proved their trust in God. -“the men of old gained approval” through their righteous actions: -Abel offered a better sacrifice v. 4 -Enoch walked with God, because God found him “pleasing” (v. 5) -Noah built the ark (v. 7) What is belief? - Belief is defined by Webster’s’ New World dictionary as “to take as true”. To believe something as true does not automatically lead to action. JA 2:19 (….the demons also believe and shudder.) -Cain believed his sacrifice was as good as Abel’s, etc. What separates us from Demons? -Faith. Christians are called to be faithful to fulfill our obligation to God. See Col 1:1-29 Where does faith come from? -From hearing the word of God. See Ro10:17, but also above. Why is this important? -The world preaches, “all you must do is believe and you’ll be saved. No action is necessary. Work was required in the past, but no longer”. Numerous passages throughout the N.T., however, speak of the action God commands of a Christian as proof of their faith. -Rom 12:1-2 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NAS James 1:21-22 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. NAS |
||||||
146 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50831 | ||
Why are you assuming the "Church of Christ" is the true church? Where, for that matter, does God say you can choose the church of your choice? Why do you believe you can worship God in any manner you chose rather than worshiping as the Creator has directed? Nadab and Abihu made that mistake and received the punishment for their error: Lev 10:1-3 10:1Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3Then Moses said to Aaron, "It is what the LORD spoke, saying, 'By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.'" So Aaron, therefore, kept silent. NAS God is very explicit in how He desires to be worshiped. |
||||||
147 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50752 | ||
"..then who were the church members during that long interim and what did they call themselves?" Answer: Christians Christians have walked the earth since Christ formed the church. They just have not named themselves, written a book about their history, bought public church property, advertised for new members or registered with governments for tax exempt status. Hard to believe? See: 1 Kings 19:13-18 13And it came about when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14Then he said, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, torn down Thine altars and killed Thy prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." 15And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram; 16and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17And it shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death. 18Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him." NAS Even a chosen prophet of God was unaware of those who had chosen to remain faithful to God. Likewise the Church persists from the day of Pentecost to today! |
||||||
148 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50628 | ||
You pose an excellent question, "I do want to ask you one thing, Overseer: you say that one needs to be water-baptized to have salvation. When was the thief on the cross baptized?". The answer lies in the convenant under which the thief died. Water baptism into the body of Christ occured after the reciept of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentacost. Prior to that, it was not mentioned. For those that want to be arguementative, Jesus certainly could have made an exception for the thief. There are none since, to our knowledge. |
||||||
149 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50552 | ||
Ok..MANY thoughts on salvation...Part III So what is God’s response to us today? Can a Christian lose their salvation? See: 2 Peter 2:20-22 20For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A dog returns to its own vomit," and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire." NAS But is this person Peter speaks of really a Christian or an imposter? See further: James 5:19-20 19My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, 20let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins. NAS It is pretty clear that God means to tell us that it is our brethren, Christians, who we must help turn back if they stray from the truth. See further: He 10:26-31 26For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. 28Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge His people." 31It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. NAS Jude 3-5 3Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 5Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. NAS ROM 11:17-24 17But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." 20Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. 22Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. 24For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more shall these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree? NAS Finally, let us be reminded of our purpose to obey God: Phil 2:12-13 12So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. NAS Persevere under trial; for once you have been approved, you will receive the crown of life, which our Lord has promised to all of us who obey Him. |
||||||
150 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50551 | ||
A few more thoughts... Part II What has been the result of disobedience to God’s commands? Let’s look at an example of how God dealt with His people who were disobedient during OT times: Heb 3:12-19 12Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God. 13But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end; 15while it is said, "Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me." 16For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? 17And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. NAS Note that the people of God during the early Mosiacal Age walked by sight. They actually heard God speak to Moses and were led by God’s column for 40 years! Thus unbelief must be incorrect. The original Greek is: NT:570 apaistia (ap-is-tee'-ah); from NT:571; faithlessness, i.e. (negatively) disbelief (lack of Christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience): KJV-unbelief. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.) Thus they disobeyed and were therefore punished by not being allowed to enter the promised land. |
||||||
151 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50550 | ||
A few more thoughts on salvation: Heb 2:1 2:1For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. NAS We frequently hear that salvation is a free gift and there is nothing a person can do once he is saved to lose that salvation. That once a person accepts this gift he is saved from hell; will receive the Holy Spirit and will be sealed for eternity. This sealing in the religious world’s mind is something akin to freeze-drying food; once it is complete, that food will last forever! However, we know, Satan has deluded people to believe various ideas which are really subtle twistings of the truth. First, that no one can fully understand the Bible while they live, because it is too complicated and because mankind will only know all of God’s plan after they have died. Thus all we have today are people’s opinions. Secondly, even though we have hundreds of different religions, they all believe in a God and that God is most likely, God Most High, just named by different, inconsequential names. Thus it really doesn’t matter what religion you are, as long as, you are a "good" person. Thirdly, no work, or even more mildly, any effort is needed to obtain or maintain a person’s salvation once they have believed that Jesus died for their sins. "It is a free gift!" Fourth, the Bible is written for all mankind, Christian and non-Christian, alike. What does God say about this? First of all, what is salvation? SALVATION 1. soteria NT:4991 denotes "deliverance, preservation, salvation." "Salvation" is used in the NT (a) of material and temporal deliverance from danger and apprehension, and (b) of the spiritual and eternal deliverance granted immediately by God to those who accept (obey) His conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus, in whom alone it is to be obtained, (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers) How do we obtain salvation? 5 STEPS OF CONVERSION 1. LISTEN Romans 10:17,18- Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (to the word of God) Revelations 3:20- Jesus is standing at the door and knocking- we who hear His voice and open the door are welcomed by Him. 1 John 4:6- Those who know God, listen to those from God; those who do not know God, do not listen. 2. BELIEVE John 3:16- Whoever believes SHOULD not perish. (That Jesus is the Son of God) John 3:36- He who believes in the Son has eternal life, he who does not OBEY shall not see life. Hebrews 11:6- Those who come to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. 3. REPENT Acts 17:30,31- God is declaring that men everywhere should repent… Acts 26:20- Performing deeds (works) appropriate to repentance. Romans 12:2- Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Revelations 3:19- Jesus disciplines, therefore be zealous and repent. 4. CONFESS Matthew 10:32-He who confesses Jesus will be confessed by Jesus to God. (with mouth) Romans 10:8-10- If you confess Jesus as Lord you shall be saved. 1 John 1:9- If we confess our sins He forgives. 5. BAPTISE John 3:5- Unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter God’s kingdom. (immersion) Romans 6:3,4- Baptism is symbolic of death and renewal in spiritual life. 1 Peter 3:21- Baptism now saves you / and appeal to God for a good conscience. Revelations 2:10- Be faithful until death. 6. We must not continue in Sin (Ro 6:2), but remain faithful until death (Rev 2:10) If we do not remain Faithful until death we will not be given the crown of life. See all of Rev 2:10 and furthermore: James 1:12 12Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. NAS LOVE (NOUN AND VERB) "Christian love has God for its primary object, and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to His commandments, John 14:15,21,23; 15:10; 1 John 2:5; 5:3; 2 John 6. Self-will, that is, self-pleasing, is the negation of love to God. "Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom 15:2, and works no ill to any, 13:8,9,10; love seeks opportunity to do good to "all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith," Gal 6:10. See further 1 Cor 13 and Col 3:12-14." (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers) We already know that the love spoken of in JA 1:12 is agape, not philio; thus we are reminded again that obedience is key. |
||||||
152 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50545 | ||
Is anything impossible with God? | ||||||
153 | Why Didn't Paul and Jesus Baptize? | 1 Cor 1:17 | Aspiring Overseer | 50535 | ||
Tim, There are several chapters of Scripture which support the concept of baptism as necessary for salvation, however, the most susinct example I think you will find is the following: 1 Peter 3:21 21And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, NAS "Baptism now saves you.." That's fairly direct! |
||||||
154 | Can other writing be God inspired? | Acts 20:7 | Aspiring Overseer | 50531 | ||
God tells us His word is inspired; complete and without error. He then warns His people not to add or take away from anything that He has commanded. If we accept God's word as truth, then we know that He would not contradict Himself by inspiring a writer other than those whom He used to pen His Holy Writ. Thus, it is simple to determine which books or articles are inspired; none. P. S. Argueing that books other than the Bible are inspired really is the breeding ground for allowing that various "holy" works of other religions/denominations have equal footing. |
||||||
155 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50525 | ||
If I were a betting man (although I am not) I would place my vote with the man who loved God and was not lax in obeying His commands. He will make it to paradise whether you are correct or not. Pray with a sincere and open heart, Hank, and God will send you someone to show you a more excellent way. |
||||||
156 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50356 | ||
Some more thoughts on Salvation: Who was Paul writing to in Ephesians 2? Was he not instructing the Gentiles that while prior to Jesus dying on the cross they had no hope for salvation, but now, through no effort of their own, God had (has) given them the opportunity? Like a father giving their child a car, that child may not have deserved a car, however, they received one without having to pay a penny for it. The problem, however, exists that for the child to benefit from that gift they must maintain it, buy gas for it, purchase insurance, etc. Without the child's continuing efforts, their ability to receive any benefit from that car ceases to exist. So to with salvation. |
||||||
157 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50345 | ||
A few notes on Faith. Part II: How do we know faith involves more than simple belief? 1) It is empirically true: From a person’s own experience and observation we know faith defines an absolute conviction where belief is passive. We believe the airplane is safe, but it is our faith in its airworthiness that allows us to fly from Seattle to NY, thus proving our belief. 2) By example, O.T. faith in God was proven by deeds. He 11:1-2 3) By N.T. command, Christians are called to action. -Ph2:12-15 (work out your salvation) - JA 2:14 (what use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith..) Why are Christians to be faithful? -Faithfulness equals obedience. See Jo14:21-24 -What is God’s law? Can it be found anywhere besides the N.T.? Scripture, or the Bible, is a reference manual for God’s people that teaches, and at the same time, demonstrates that only Christians will be saved! God’s word is truth (Jo 17:17) and all inclusive (i. e. there are no other routes to eternal life!) As our creator, he has made a covenant with us, or agreement. We must obey our part of the covenant if we are to expect our reward. What are the requirements of God’s Law? 1) Worship: Jo 4:23-24 (God is spirit) 2) Teach: MT 28:18-19 3) Furthering the love of brethren: Ro 14:19 (build up one another) 4) Support our families: 2Th 3:10 (if anyone will not work) Other items regarding faith: -We are protected by the power of God through faith for salvation. See 1 Pe 1:1-21 -Faithfulness is rewarded with greater responsibility for service and growth. See 1Ti 1:12-14 and Act 16:14. Lydia was a Christian (Baptized) and given the opportunity to provide shelter and food to Paul and Barnabas. -Everyone does not have the same degree of faith. See Ro 14:1-4. We each are growing at different rates, in respect to our level of faith. Our goal is not to judge one another in the degree of faith we have, but to encourage each other—especially not to hinder our growth (Ro 14:13). -Confidence is critical to faith. God hates cowards. To try and fail is a learning experience. To not try, because you fear failure, will result in spiritual death. He 10:38 -Faithfulness is ultimately rewarded with eternal life. See Rev 2:10-11 What we know: 1. Faith comes from being taught the mysteries of God. Ro 10:17 2. Christians are the stewards of the mysteries. 1Co 4:1 - Christ is the only head of the church. Ep1:22-23 - Christ’s kingdom, and thus rule, is occurring now. Co 1:13 3. We are to walk by faith, not sight. 2 Co 5:7 4. The love of God is synonymous with Obedience. Jo 14:21 5. We must prove we love Him. 2Tm 2:15 6. God’s Law requires us to do 4 things: Worship, Teach, Fellowship and support our own families. 7. If we do not obey God, we will be cut off from the tree of life. Jo 15:6 8. If we obey God, He will provide us with everything we need. 2Co9:8-9 For all who seek to do God's will, keep praying for guidance and God will be faithful. |
||||||
158 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50344 | ||
A few notes on faith. See He 10:37-38. The attribute of Faith is having complete trust, confidence, reliance and loyalty in God. Faith is shown by a person’s willful obedience to God’s law and is not the simple belief that God’s law exists without need of any future consideration. To have faith means you act upon your belief! We understand God’s word is truth and that we live under a New Covenant. What is our obligation under that covenant? Why is the Law of Faith one that calls for action rather than passivity? Why is faith in God always associated with work? What is Faith? - See He 11:1-2 –Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval... -Faith is the unquestioning belief that underlies a person’s response to a duty or obligation. Each of the many examples of Hebrews demonstrate how God’s people of the Old Covenant proved their trust in God. -“the men of old gained approval” through their righteous actions: -Abel offered a better sacrifice v. 4 -Enoch walked with God, because God found him “pleasing” (v. 5) -Noah built the ark (v. 7) What is belief? - Belief is defined by Webster’s’ New World dictionary as “to take as true”. To believe something as true does not automatically lead to action. JA 2:19 (….the demons also believe and shudder.) -Cain believed his sacrifice was as good as Abel’s, etc. What separates us from Demons? -Faith. Christians are called to be faithful to fulfill our obligation to God. See Col 1:1-29 Where does faith come from? -From hearing the word of God. See Ro10:17, but also above. Why is this important? -The world preaches, “all you must do is believe and you’ll be saved. No action is necessary. Work was required in the past, but no longer”. Numerous passages throughout the N.T., however, speak of the action God commands of a Christian as proof of their faith. -Rom 12:1-2 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NAS James 1:21-22 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. NAS (note: The remainder of these notes are continued on a second post due to space.) |
||||||
159 | What is the role of a submissive wife? | Eph 5:22 | Aspiring Overseer | 50214 | ||
Or to say this in another way, you should do everything your husband asks of you unless it goes against the word of God. Have a great day! |
||||||
160 | What exactly is predestination? | 1 Thess 5:17 | Aspiring Overseer | 49907 | ||
Joe, Thank you for your response. Keep praying for guidance with an open mind and God will be faithful. |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ] Next > Last [9] >> |