For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:2 There are two basic schools of thought regarding rules, both summed up by trite and fairly boring cliches. The first is the ever popular “rules are made to be broken”. The second is its polar opposite “rules are made to be followed.”
“The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly.”
AMEN! yes it speaks if we let it, is why He calls it the Word - is hard to do, thanks to God for the grace He gave me in allowing me to know Him - I used to wonder, of all the traits (virtues?) we are called to exhibit, why did He select forgiveness above all else; and over time I realize because if we can't obtain forgiveness, it leads to separation, which ultimately is what keeps us from Him (or us from each other) - but only over time trying to live/learn/love His Word does that and similar truths become clear. And having these discussions with family and friends is essential, thanks to you for prompting it.
Have been thinking of this lately -- does it seem that Jesus healed/granted miracles only after the person asked for help (in some fashion or other; heal my son, remove the demon from my child, heal my leprosy...)? Was this important? Is it similar to God's mercy of forgiveness after we repent, and ask forgiveness?
Keep in mind, God’s ultimate Law is Love. This includes goodwill towards men, peace on earth, kindness, caring, and pretty much anything you do that is done with the intention of ‘loving kindness’. There are passages in the New Testament that say in effect that if you have faith, if you do good works, but have not love in your heart, it’s not right. So, I walk with God, I campaign against evil (to protect the innocent), but I try to have all of my intentions and actions be based on Love, in accordance with God’s will.
In the same vein
“The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly.”
Soren Kierkegaard
AMEN! yes it speaks if we let it, is why He calls it the Word - is hard to do, thanks to God for the grace He gave me in allowing me to know Him - I used to wonder, of all the traits (virtues?) we are called to exhibit, why did He select forgiveness above all else; and over time I realize because if we can't obtain forgiveness, it leads to separation, which ultimately is what keeps us from Him (or us from each other) - but only over time trying to live/learn/love His Word does that and similar truths become clear. And having these discussions with family and friends is essential, thanks to you for prompting it.
Have been thinking of this lately -- does it seem that Jesus healed/granted miracles only after the person asked for help (in some fashion or other; heal my son, remove the demon from my child, heal my leprosy...)? Was this important? Is it similar to God's mercy of forgiveness after we repent, and ask forgiveness?
Keep in mind, God’s ultimate Law is Love. This includes goodwill towards men, peace on earth, kindness, caring, and pretty much anything you do that is done with the intention of ‘loving kindness’. There are passages in the New Testament that say in effect that if you have faith, if you do good works, but have not love in your heart, it’s not right. So, I walk with God, I campaign against evil (to protect the innocent), but I try to have all of my intentions and actions be based on Love, in accordance with God’s will.
Did anything prompt this? Just thinking over recent events and wondering if a specific situation provoked you?