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Post by John on Sept 3, 2020 8:13:53 GMT -5
I often hear people speak of "the simplicity of the gospel." When they say that, they are usually trying to say all that matters is believing Jesus is the Son of God, and if you do that, you will be saved. Of course, those of us who know the Bible recognize that is a lie. Just read the book of James. The devils believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, but they are not saved.
When I say that the message of the Bible is simple, I mean this. It means what it says. People have complicated the Bible to where you can no longer just read the words of Jesus or the Apostles and accept what they say, but you have to mine out "nuggets of truth," that change the obvious meaning.
Clearly I recognize that the parables do require the help of the Holy Spirit to understand. That is because they were spoken in a way that the unbelievers would not get. They are the children's bread, but when it comes to straight teachings and statements, the Bible means exactly what it says.
That is something the Lord has been showing me. When Jesus and the Apostles say certain things will keep us out of the Kingdom of Heaven or will lead us to hell, they mean it. They are not meaning it for everyone but you and me. They mean exactly what they say. When the Bible states that straight is the gate and narrow is the way to life, and few there be that find it, this really means few will be saved. There is no secret code here to indicate few really means many.
When you read the Bible, try looking at it literal next time, and see how much different it comes across. When most of us have a conversation, we are not using secret codes and double talk. Why would we think Jesus and the Apostles would do that?
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Post by Tabitha3319 on Sept 3, 2020 11:10:37 GMT -5
It's a simple message.
Repenting means turning from sin so that God will receive you.
Turn away from wickedness. Do righteousness. Touch not the unclean thing.
This was the very message I needed to hear because all I was hearing was I needed to "rest in the finished work of Jesus" and not do anything else to help my faith journey.
This is so popular to hear in the churches and with esteemed preachers. Some call it "faith plus nothing" but it really means "faith without Fruit".
If you really desire God's blessing and Presence, you'll be more than willing to tackle the sin in your life.
But if you love your sin, those popular doctrines of "resting in grace" kind of trip you up.
They cause you to think if you lack spiritual fruit, its because you're not resting from your works enough, not having enough faith in the cross enough.
But no, it's your sin. Sin is bondage and God doesn't want us living in it. He wants and deserves total obedience, even if it's a big mess at first.
When you begin to obey God and get rid of sin in your life, you get the joy, peace, and love, God promised.
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Post by solid on Sept 24, 2020 11:53:52 GMT -5
It's a simple message.
Repenting means turning from sin so that God will receive you.
Turn away from wickedness. Do righteousness. Touch not the unclean thing.
This was the very message I needed to hear because all I was hearing was I needed to "rest in the finished work of Jesus" and not do anything else to help my faith journey.
This is so popular to hear in the churches and with esteemed preachers. Some call it "faith plus nothing" but it really means "faith without Fruit".
If you really desire God's blessing and Presence, you'll be more than willing to tackle the sin in your life.
But if you love your sin, those popular doctrines of "resting in grace" kind of trip you up.
They cause you to think if you lack spiritual fruit, its because you're not resting from your works enough, not having enough faith in the cross enough.
But no, it's your sin. Sin is bondage and God doesn't want us living in it. He wants and deserves total obedience, even if it's a big mess at first.
When you begin to obey God and get rid of sin in your life, you get the joy, peace, and love, God promised.
Most today can't endure sound doctrine. You are the exception.
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