craigslist deleted the post less than 12 hours later. wow. I really am looking for a Pastor that has not succumbed to these covid lies. Currently the Pastor of my church still requires masks and supports the vaccine and boosters fully. He believes there is no conspiracy to enslave us. Im at a loss. How can these people of God have no discernment on what is really happening? how? I love my Pastor but he's lost in this how?
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Perhaps we are talking past each other, but consider a person who accepts Jesus, and then becomes a child rapist murderer. Where do they stand?
Perhaps I misunderstand the “grace alone” crowd. I think it’s obvious we must have faith in Christ, and as James says, faith without works is dead. We have to do our best. Christ knows we’re going to screw up every day - what he wants is effort. Belief that is manifest through sincere effort.
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
Every tree that does not bear fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
By their fruit you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?
Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree grows bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot grow good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me (Jesus).
I think it's not about making a sincere effort. If you have truly decided to follow Jesus, then his grace will transform you so that your behaviour is changed.
I had a thought: love is the outward manifestation of faith. Christ knows we’re going to screw up - but He expects our works to trend toward the point where they’re good. Our best effort is good enough and He makes up the difference.
This is a common misunderstanding. Unfortunately, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags."
Or to put it another way, the words of one of my favourites:
Not what my hands have done can save my guilty soul. Not what my toiling flesh has borne can make my spirit whole. Not what I feel or do can bring me peace with God, not all my prayers and sighs and tears can bear the awful load.
I won't type the rest here, but if you wish you can read the other 80% here http://hymnbook.igracemusic.com/hymns/not-what-my-hands-have-done
Or listen here: https://youtu.be/YoBgjVsqC8s
This is in agreement with the entire New Testament and, in fact, all of scripture. For example, compare what Eve said after the birth of Cain (who turned out to be evil) with what she said after the birth of Seth, who replaced the murdered Abel and from whom the Redeemer would eventually come.
Consider God's message to the nation of Israel (Deuteronomy and Ezekiel come to mind): "you were less than nothing and the only reason you became a nation was because I (God) made you into something.
Another great song:
Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All could never sin erase, Thou must save, and save by grace.
Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress, Helpless, look to Thee for grace: Foul, I to the fountain fly, Wash me, Savior, or I die.
And another of my favourites:
Jesus your blood and righteousness my beauty are, my glorious dress. Amidst flaming worlds in these arrayed with joy shall I lift up my head.
https://youtu.be/9hdOeKznqN4
You just can't get away from it either in scripture or in church teaching (of which the music is a reflection). We have NOTHING to offer. Our very inner selves are corrupt. Our only hope is the gracious of God whose gift of his Son, Jesus, not only atones for our sins, but also gives us a heart transplant (heart of stone removed and heart of flesh installed).
The evidence of this is the new fruit in our lives. As Paul writes, if we believe that Jesus is Lord, then we will no longer do the things in Galatians 5.19-21. Instead our lives will be characterized by the things in Galatians 5.22-23.
Please note that although it is right to desire these good things, we cannot bring them about in our lives by our own efforts. These changes are merely the evidence of God working inside our hearts.
Thought of one other way to communicate what I’m trying to say (perhaps I’m a poor communicator): it’s about the kind of person you become - not necessarily what you think, say or do (though these are all reflections but not the essence of your character). The works aren’t what’s important, though they should be there, but the character - the love you develop and manifest in the world.
That’s closer to why I want to say. Thank you for the good conversation.
I think this is why I say we may talking past each other. Works alone do not save us. Grace alone does not save us. Part of faith is an effort - a physical manifestation of our belief.
If you disagree with this then we can agree to disagree. Good luck fren.