Results 161 - 180 of 559
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Results from: Notes Author: Wild Olive Shoot Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
161 | Will worshiping the Lord change in Rev? | Deut 11:19 | Wild Olive Shoot | 175451 | ||
Just a quick note I wish to add to this. This evening at the dinner table, I posed the question, "What does Lord mean to you?" to my nine year old and my seven year old. My nine year old's response: "King?" My seven year old's response: "Boss" Both stated "ruler or person in charge" when I asked what their responses meant. I thought it was pretty interesting. It took us to a good conversation throughout dinner. I think an assumption is being made that the youth of today cannot comprehend the words in which God uses to describe His own self or others. I think our young understand better than we think they do. Maybe we need to be giving them more credit and emphasizing that in recognition of understanding the meaning to the words, there has to be accountability. Personally, I think many just do not want the accountability and therefore disregard the true meaning. Just some thoughts. WOS |
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162 | I just started reading the Bible and.... | Deut 24:1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 211306 | ||
What was Jesus focusing on there? He seems to focus on the Moral law doesn’t he? And not only that but the perversions made to the law and the harshness of it. We’re funny creations aren’t we? God renders what is lawful and what is not and we take away and add to it as if we can make it better. We make it more difficult as if in doing so, we appear to be better for it because it is so hard. We want others to see us struggling so we outwardly appear to be more religious. What God has revealed in His Law Pete is perfection. If we could have lived up to it, we would have no need for a Savior. But concerning the Law, have you read what our Lord said: Matthew 22:36-40: “40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." Jesus did not abolish the Law as you pointed out, that was neither His intentions nor God’s plan so far as I can tell. What Jesus did do in part was to point out that we couldn’t live up to them anyhow. Have you ever broken any one of God’s laws Pete? In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus really brings this to light. He gives warning that if you’re going to live to the letter of the law, you better understand them because they aren’t as easy as one reads them to be and you better uphold every one of them in order to be declared righteous. Every one of them Pete! But God is also a merciful God. Matthew 12:7 And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Roman 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. The problem seems to be at least twofold. If we live to the Law, we better not only comprehend it as God intended, but live it completely as such. And we better not forget that understanding the Law brings with it justice, mercy and faithfulness and all of it is to be taken into consideration. We have not gone against God’s Law in Christ Pete. As he said, he didn’t come to abolish but to fulfill. That’s what he did, something none of us ever could. He fulfilled it and in order for us to reap the benefits of Him fulfilling the Law, our faith must be in Him not in the Law. Roman 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. Romans 5:18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. As far as making it to heaven, that’s really an easy answer. By the grace of God Pete. No other way. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Truth is sometime harsh Pete. But it will also set you free. John 8:31 – 36: “32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." What “Written” thinks, what any of us thinks really, isn’t the issue. Where does your heart stand before God? 1John 3:18-23: 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; Loving one another involves being honest with one another as well. Helping each other the best we can as we see we can. Bottom line for me, I don’t have all the answers you seek Pete, but you are looking in the place to find them, God’s Word. I urge you to keep reading, and don’t just read, study what Scripture is saying. Begin and end each time you read by asking God for guidance. We all transgress the Law. None of us can deny that. 1John 1:10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. If we live by the Law, we will surely die by it for it already condemns us. However, living by faith, by God’s grace… Romans 8:34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. This got real long and I’m not sure I addressed everything but I’m sure the others have. Due to restrictions, I couldn’t post all of the Scripture but I think I referenced what I was trying to. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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163 | Assisted Suicide Versus Research | Deut 32:39 | Wild Olive Shoot | 157135 | ||
Doc, I wish I could take the credit but I believe I may have posted that improperly. What is posted at the beginning is from Dr. Raymond G. Bohlin and his position on the subject, which I happen to agree with and support. I don’t want to mislead anyone. Dr. Bohlin’s entire article can be seen at http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/euthanas.html. My contribution was ever so small as I only inserted the excerpt from the Hippocratic Oath and below. Forgive me if a mislead anyone. I’ll make sure I post in a manner to properly credit the person responsible from this point on. WOS |
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164 | number 5 means in the bible. | 1 Sam 17:40 | Wild Olive Shoot | 218637 | ||
I see Searcher's point. He stated that Scripture was being forced to say something. If Scripture, in the verses referred to, does not say that five means God's grace or gift to man, and we make it say that, then we are forcing Scripture. Bottom line. And I don't think one needs Scriptural support to back that up. It is as factual as can be. When you make it say something that isn't there, you are forcing it. Sure, numbers have significance in some measure, but to emphatically state five means this, seven means this, one thousand means this without the Biblical support to back it up, is forcing Scripture. I think in the referenced verses, five simply means five. Maybe David picked up five because he wasn't so sure the Lord would give him the victory with just one. In reality, 1Samuel 17 doesn't really indicate why five stones were picked but is very clear it took just one and who was the power behind that one. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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165 | Was this really Samuel's spirit? | 1 Sam 28:11 | Wild Olive Shoot | 201925 | ||
How do you reconcile the fcat that God was not communicating with Saul at this point as pointed out in v6? 1Samuel 28:6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. The devil is not mentioned, but we know that Saul had turned from God and was not receiving an answer. So if God wasn't answering, who was? It's really unclear is it not? Stand in His grace, WOS |
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166 | Was this really Samuel's spirit? | 1 Sam 28:11 | Wild Olive Shoot | 201934 | ||
Not as clear as I would like it to be, but that is me I’m sure. :) I think I agree that it was Samuel and that there was a divine intervention, not that the witch could have done this, as highlighted by her reaction. And since the prediction of Saul’s fate the following day came true, would also lead me to think it had to have been Samuel sent from God. What’s troubling is that if Saul had departed from God, and never really cared for what Samuel had spoke to him while he was alive, why would God choose to finally answer with the presence of Samuel especially when we are told God was not answering Saul? There is a point I know, for why it is explained the way it is, I’m just having difficulty reconciling the facts. And to add to that, it seems people of old and our contemporaries, far more dedicated to the Word of God than I could ever imagine being, seem to be split as well as to who or what it was and both sides present pretty convincing arguments. After re-reading the passages though, what I seem to be focusing on is the fact that it does say it was Samuel, as you have pointed out. If it were anyone else I would think the Word would have been clear as to inform us of such. Just trying to get it straight in my mind with the help of others. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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167 | Was this really Samuel's spirit? | 1 Sam 28:11 | Wild Olive Shoot | 201958 | ||
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and understanding sister. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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168 | Complete Corruption of Human Nature | Job 15:16 | Wild Olive Shoot | 209589 | ||
Amen Doc, And so we should pray and plead with our Lord: Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ““Create.” What! has sin so destroyed us, that the Creator must be called in again? What ruin then doth evil work among mankind! “Create in me.” I, in outward fabric, still exist; but I am empty, desert, void. Come, then, and let thy power be seen in a new creation within my old fallen self. Thou didst make a man in the world at first; Lord, make a new man in me! “A clean heart.” In the seventh verse he asked to be clean; now he seeks a heart suitable to that cleanliness; but he does not say, “Make my old heart clean;” he is too experienced in the hopelessness of the old nature. He would have the old man buried as a dead thing, and a new creation brought in to fill its place. None but God can create either a new heart or a new earth. Salvation is a marvellous display of supreme power; the work in us as much as that for us is wholly of Omnipotence. The affections must be rectified first, or all our nature will go amiss. The heart is the rudder of the soul, and till the Lord take it in hand we steer in a false and foul way. O Lord, thou who didst once make me, be pleased to new make me, and in my most secret parts renew me. “Renew a right spirit within me.” It was there once, Lord, put it there again. The law on my heart has become like an inscription hard to read: new write it, gracious Maker. Remove the evil as I have entreated thee; but, O replace it with good, lest into my swept, empty, and garnished heart, from which the devil has gone out for awhile, seven other spirits more wicked than the first should enter and dwell. The two sentences make a complete prayer. “Create” what is not there at all; “renew” that which is there, but in a sadly feeble state.” – C.H. Spurgeon Stand in His grace, WOS |
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169 | Flesh or Spirit | Psalm | Wild Olive Shoot | 154964 | ||
Hi Doc, Would like your thoughts on, what I take as, the noticeable declension of the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:4,5) compared to the so-called “backslidden” state. I’m really glad this subject came up. I’m currently studying 1 John and am having difficulties reconciling the fact that we do indeed sin, even with what the Holy Spirit does accomplish within us. From 1 John specifically, I come to an understanding that the Spirit of God works to the same result in all circumstances and that He can in no case produce un-holiness. Outside of this epistle you find reference to “quenching the Spirit” as in 1 Thessalonians 5:19. But even within the epistle I come to the conclusion that we receive a new nature at regeneration but keep remnants of the old. Could that, along with the rebuke given to the Church in Ephesus in Revelation, be indicative to the possibility of a backslidden condition within a Christian’s life? We are warned numerous times to beware of those who would lead us astray and arguably, it seems we can “forsake our first love” to a “degree” of falling away. Or is this a complete falling away from Christ? I get the sense, and I’m posting for the purpose of some sort of guidance here because I’m just really not sure, that there may be simply a temporary backslidden state to which we can repent of? Would really like to get everyone’s take on this. WOS |
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170 | Flesh or Spirit | Psalm | Wild Olive Shoot | 154982 | ||
Hank, I thank you for you comments and time. We haven’t interacted much and I hope that isn’t the case in the future. If anything, I try to be aware of what you post on the forum because I’ve seen that no matter what the subject is, your responses convey truth and honesty with a wealth of experience behind them from what seems to me, to be a faithful walk with our Lord. So please, feel free to share your thoughts with me anytime. I tend to pay more attention to those who been around a while longer than I have. I’ve learned there is much yet to learn from the elder generation if only the younger would spend some of their time and listen. We all need to spend more time listening to, as you put it, “grumpy and decrepit old codgers”. You have plenty to share I’m sure. Thank you for reinforcing that there is nothing greater than God. So great that when we do begin to fall away, He has the power to catch us and use the results of our sin to break us and make realize that we can’t do without Him and if we think we can, we are terribly mistaken. That’s what I get from the references to King David and Peter. We’ll never, no matter how hard we try, be able to accomplish salvation on our own because we will falter if choose to step away from the Lord and venture on our own. But by the grace of God, we’ll return and through His Son we’ll remain acceptable. I’ve come to the understanding that our happiness is proportionate to our holiness. The closer we walk with our Lord, the more blessed we will be and in ways not even imagined. I’ve seen that in my relatively short time as a Christian. Years I spent lost without calling on the Lord to save me, and there has since been a noticeable difference concerning my peace and comfort and happiness. My only regret… I refused early on to recognize that only through His grace can I be confident of my salvation. Thank God for His grace. Thank you Brother Hank. WOS |
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171 | Flesh or Spirit | Psalm | Wild Olive Shoot | 154983 | ||
Jlhetrick, Thank you for your comments. You really put the subject back into perspective for me. I do hold to the truth that once God seals us as His with His Holy Spirit, there is nothing we can do to shake off our salvation. The odd thing is, I think I separated the two and shouldn’t have. Funny how I seem to try and work out a subject and separate from everything else not realizing that one directly relates to the other. My point… In attempting to reconcile a backslidden state with what the Spirit will accomplish in us, I failed to take into consideration the fact that once we are saved, truly saved, we have that eternally. I was considering a backslidden state to be something of a period of time, a time in which we intentionally or unintentionally place a distance between God and ourselves, a span of time, not just an individual moment. But as Hank pointed out, every time we sin, it can be considered such a state because we sure don’t pull closer to Him in doing so. But the effect of that span, or moment, in which we do pull away, God can use to strengthen us. The Spirit accomplishes the same. The end result, we are sealed and assured of our salvation. Our obligation is to recognize our sin and repent of it. It is the Holy Spirit that will enable us to that. Thank you for the redirection, or pointing out my misdirection. It is very much appreciated. WOS |
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172 | Flesh or Spirit | Psalm | Wild Olive Shoot | 154984 | ||
Doc, I hope you have come to realize how much appreciate your words. If I was ever sorry for asking for your input it would only be because you have enlightened me on a subject in which I wasn’t really seeking to hear an honest answer. Thank you for the response. The inquiry I was curious of stemmed from 1. My own debate in trying to reconcile the work of Spirit with our “old” sinful nature. 2. Your response to HopeinHim which gave me the impression that a backslidden state was some sort of misconception. After reading, so far, the three responses, from you, Hank and Jlhetrick, I came to the realization that in essence, when we sin, we “back-slide” but we should not be setting up camp, so to speak, in that state or condition and that by the work of the Spirit we won’t be. Our call is to realize our sin and repent of it before that becomes a so-called permanent or lasting condition. The Holy Spirit enables us to accomplish that. I take that a backslidden condition is not one indicative of a Christian because we are to recognize it and take the appropriate actions to remove ourselves from it. But nonetheless, it seems to be an unavoidable and at times a very testing part of a Christian’s walk with Christ, or rather a departure or falling away from Christ, that can only be resolved through Him. So I think I now agree (although I couldn’t honestly disagree since I was still questioning it within myself) with the statement you gave to HopeinHim which was “I may be mistaken, but I do not see the the Bible accommodating such a definition of a disciple of Christ.” Unless of course, I am just way off base on this one, I feel the question I had has been thoroughly answered. Doc, I thank you for your input, I’ve come to value it, no matter “ my opinion or feeling”, on any given subject. And as always, feel free to proceed with anything you feel appropriate to convey. I’m listening and learning and deciphering the best I can and very much appreciate all that you and many others here on the forum have to share. Thank you brother. WOS |
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173 | Who can know? | Ps 19:12 | Wild Olive Shoot | 208016 | ||
Psalm 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. “Who again can understand his errors, so as always to detect a fault when it has been committed? The shades of evil are perceptible to God, but not always perceptible to us. Our eye has been so blinded and its vision so ruined by the fall, the absolute black of sin we can detect, but the shades of its darkness we are unable to discern. And yet the slightest shadow of sin is perceptible to God, and that very shade divides us from the Perfect One, and causes us to be guilty of sin. Who amongst us has that keen method of judging himself, so that he shall be able to discover the first trace of evil? "Who can understand his errors?" Surely no man will claim a wisdom so profound as this.” - C.H. Spurgeon “We are guilty of many sins which, through our carelessness and partiality to ourselves, we are not aware of; many we have been guilty of which we have forgotten; so that, when we have been ever so particular in the confession of sin, we must conclude with an et cetera - and such like; for God knows a great deal more evil of us than we do of ourselves. In many things we all offend, and who can tell how often he offends? It is well that we are under grace, and not under the law, else we were undone.” – Matthew Henry Stand in His grace, WOS |
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174 | inherit the sin of Adam | Ps 51:5 | Wild Olive Shoot | 156225 | ||
Victor, What was that all about? As a brother in Christ, I believe you know better than that. If being referred to as “son†is that insulting to you, don’t you think it would have been better to simply ask Doc to refrain from using that when addressing you. Rather than taking off in what most would deem a tirade of juvenility, deserving of a title of immaturity, don’t you think it would have been more mature and appropriate to ask that title not be used to address you? Don’t you think it would have been more appropriately “Christ-like†to respond in a manner befitting a Christian? I’m sure in hindsight you realize that. So I won’t dwell on it much longer. Though still a youngster in “forum years†(since I’ve only been around 4 months) I’ve had the opportunity to discern, at least with the more avid users, those who indeed tend to help and those who attempt to be harmful. Doc has been one of those (one of many) I have had the opportunity to learn from. Have I always agreed with him? I don’t believe so. But that’s not to say he was wrong or right, simply take it for what it says. There are many on this forum that disagree in one aspect or another with a different forum member. There are some who take the low road and insult and try to make the other look a fool. But I see there are those who also take the high road and with love and kindness, display their differences with respect as to the other individual’s thoughts. I’ve also seen that there are cases in which harshness is used and at first I didn’t care for that. But I’ve come to find that sometimes, it is necessary. In any case, I hope you realize that there are some who would like for you to continue to participate in the forum. But you should want to for the purpose of self-edification as well as helping others. You can’t expect anyone to take what you say as being credible when you disrespect forum members as you have with Doc. And if you felt offended at first, you should have pointed that out and not attempted to offend in retaliation. That’s just not right and you know it. In case you overlooked it, please read Mark’s post to you # 156215. That is sound advice my friend. I hope you put it into practice. WOS |
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175 | inherit the sin of Adam | Ps 51:5 | Wild Olive Shoot | 156229 | ||
Doc, I know this thread seems to be going on and getting lengthy, but I would really appreciate some help on one thing. You stated in your post to Mark: “You see, brother Mark, this is why it was so crucial that Christ be born of a virgin. He was not of the seed of Adam. If He had been of the seed of Adam, even without committing any sin, He could only have died for Himself. Yet Christ was perfectly righteous, in deed, in heart, and in nature.†Does that imply then, that imputed sin is only a paternal characteristic and not maternal? How does Scripture account for the fact that sin is passed from mother to child? Wasn’t Mary a child of Adam? But yet we know Christ was not of sin. Would this indicate that Jesus was in fact the true “second Adam†a total creation of God therefore not genetically linked to Mary? But then in essence, doesn’t that deny His Humanity? Does Scripture reveal the answer to this? WOS |
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176 | inherit the sin of Adam | Ps 51:5 | Wild Olive Shoot | 156326 | ||
Doc, I think you do well enough articulating your thoughts. I agree that this is probably a topic that cannot be discussed, in depth, as it would warrant. The thread was already lengthy to begin with. I thank you for your insight concerning where to look. It’s a start and one that I’ll follow up on. The look into “seed†and the significance of it will be interesting to explore to compare the use of it in Scripture to the theories you mentioned and how each apply to imputation. My question in regard to this was how imputed sin did not pass to Christ through Mary. I’m sure it didn’t because God’s word informs me so. Or since Christ died in His Humanity and only lives eternally in His divinity, could the imputed sin from Adam have been passed to Christ’s human nature? Did I phrase that right? I confuse myself sometimes. But I’m afraid that attempt separates His humanity from His divinity, which I struggle with. God accounted for this somehow, I’m sure. I just can’t buy into the theory that Mary was preserved and not affected by original sin, as I’ve heard argued, but I know God can have no contact with sin. If that were the case with Mary, it would be easy to understand concerning Christ. But that’s were I have difficulty. Thanks for the insight Doc. I’ll begin my efforts to answering this where you have suggested. Along the way, and when you have time, any further insight offered will be valued. WOS |
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177 | Praise Him | Ps 117:2 | Wild Olive Shoot | 156502 | ||
Psalm 117(KJV) 1O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. 2For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. If the Lord gives us His love, what more could we possibly ask for? In that love is all we can ever need and desire. In His grace we find peace. If He never gives us anything else, He is still worthy of our highest praise. Praise Him. WOS |
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178 | rich and poor in proverbs | Proverbs | Wild Olive Shoot | 205224 | ||
Money or riches or material wealth is really in and of itself indifferent. It all can be used to serve God or Satan. Financial status secures nothing concerning the kingdom of God. It is God’s abundant grace that secures our place in His kingdom. “Riches do not, in their own nature, hinder us from following God; but, in consequence of the depravity of the human mind, it is scarcely possible for those who have so great abundance to avoid being intoxicated by them.” – John Calvin That is not to say it is possible to not be intoxicated by them, but you see so often the rich relying on their wealth instead of God’s grace. Those who have nothing but God appear to be more readily acceptable to simply relying on Him. Luke 12:15 And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 1Timothy 6:9,10: 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 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. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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179 | Bad things, Good People. Prov 4:10 | Prov 4:10 | Wild Olive Shoot | 190911 | ||
Dear Val, I’d answer your question with a few. Starting with: Did Christ deserve to be crucified? John the Baptist surely wasn’t a bad man when his head was given to the daughter of Herodias? Was Stephen a bad man when he was stoned to death? When James was beheaded, was this because he was a bad man? When Paul was suffering and pleaded with God to remove “the thorn in his side”, was he to be considered a bad man? These are simply a few examples, but throughout God’s word we see good men, heroes, kings, prophets, apostles and disciples suffering. The fact of the matter is, as angelinwaiting pointed out, all of this was according to God’s will. With a sovereign God, nothing happens outside of His knowledge. He is in total control at all times. We aren’t meant to understand it all, and don’t imagine we ever could this side of glory. I’d ask you to keep in mind the following when attempting to ponder why in fact some good people do suffer. Was not our Savior good and perfect? In the garden when He was about to suffer, not for anything He brought upon Himself, but for you and me, the ones who truly deserve the punishment, He is quoted as stating: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Be thankful that a gracious and glorious God is sovereign and that He gave His only begotten Son. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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180 | Pride and Humility | Prov 29:23 | Wild Olive Shoot | 202462 | ||
Proverbs 29:23 One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. …“It is man’s most monumental effrontery to imagine that a selfish, petty collection of unworthy desires such as himself belongs in the center, even of his own life. The insidious nature of pride is such that men and women rarely appreciate how proud they are, and the index of pride’s power over the heart is that even the purest motions of the Christian soul are deeply affected by it. Indeed, it is possible to be proud of one’s confessions of sin and unworthiness or secretly to congratulate oneself on one’s “brokenness.” As anyone knows who has struggled against it, one of pride’s most sinister effects is its dulling our sense of appreciation for the kindness and mercy of God. A Christian, of course, would never say that he deserved salvation, perhaps never think it; but the difficulty every Christian has in being and remaining genuinely amazed and heart-broken at God’s grace to him or her is evidence enough of the pride that still fills the heart. We think so well of ourselves; it is very hard to think that God should not as well.” - Dr. Robert S. Rayburn © Tabletalk magazine http://www.ligonier.org/tabletalk/2008/5/1059_Pride_(ampersand)_Humility Note: for the address above use the actual symbol for the ampersand and delete the parenthesis Stand in His grace, WOS |
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