I have been tested, you tell me wait. I have been bruised and scorned upon, and you tell me wait longer. I have been picked apart and you tell me wait still. I will be glad on all my days, because the shining pearl that is to be mine comes towards me the days I wait still . . .
He sido probado y usted me dice espere. He sido magullado y despreciado y usted me dice espere un poco más. He sido odiado y puesto aparte, aun usted me dice espérame todavía más. Estaré contento en todos mis días, porque la perla brillante que es de ser mío viene hacia mí los días cuales yo espero todavía. .
Introduction: In Post 1 of 2: Religion vs Faith touched mainly on Religion, but now I would like to take some time to be more thorough on the subject of Faith and consequently I must talk about Saving Grace, which is intertwine. Recall in what was previously quoted, "Observance of these rules and rituals is not what makes a person right with God. Rather, these rules and rituals that we observe are the RESULT of the relationship with God, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone as the Savior." Here we see it is by grace alone we are saved and there is nothing by which our hand we can be saved. So why does it state "through faith"? This was confusing to me and I am hoping the following is a good explanation. "8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
Going back religion, the Christian may seem to be doing religious things, but this only comes through having a relationship with God do these things reflect (His godly nature) in you (because He is in you). Christians can only accept what is offered, salvation through faith, but salvation itself is not the outcome of our hands.
Faith is therefore a passive action, because it in itself does not save. Faith is belief in Christ Jesus and everything He has done already for us on the cross, as previously stated. Now, faith is expressed and is given evidence by doing godly works as proof, like following the law out of ones own heart. This can only be done as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 12:1-3. Therefore, we must renew our minds by meditating on his word (verse 12:2) and acknowledging him in all our ways. This leads us to see we have a struggle with the flesh, but we are victorious by the reliance of the Spirit. 1. "5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 2. " 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spirituala]">[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." - Romans 12:1-3
Now we can talk about Saving Grace. Grace is a gift from God, namely salvation and this gift is salvation, which is made available to us by God's atoning work on that cross where our King laid. Because it is a gift, we know we did not earn it nor merit it, it simply was and is given because He first loved us. We must put our faith on this and the results (fruits) are sure to follow.
Hopefully, I wasn't as scattered brain as I think I am reading this, but I hope it is something you can chew on and really be enlightened and encouraged to read on, for God's love and wisdom is limitless. I wrote this on the fly and pray it is along the lines of the Bible. Later everyone!
Introduction: I am attempting to answer the difference between religion and faith based upon my study on the Bible as an interlude into faith versus (saving) grace. This is in response to a conversation I had with a friend and wanted to have it written out. I by no means think that this is an extensive study, please feel free to do your study and dig deeper into the foundation; the Truth revealed in Jesus Christ.
Religion - The Common Definition Religion by many people I have spoken to has been defined as actions, which I can agree that it is more of an action than something passive. Unfortunately, most continue to explain or consider it as an organized system of how to live or be. Essentially the two components people say rules and rituals. We can note this with the Islam belief having a standard of 5 pillars to live by or Jewish people who consider the make up of their faith is by the hundreds of rules to observe. True religion is based on a relationship with God. Most religions if not all I have read about, consider that humans are separated by God and that we need reconciliation to Him. False religion seeks this by observing rules and rituals to get this reconciliation. True religion understands that only God can rectify the separation between us.
Religion - The Christian Perspective "True religion does have rules and rituals, but there is a crucial difference. In true religion, the rules and rituals are observed out of gratitude for the salvation God has provided – NOT in an effort to obtain that salvation. True religion, which is Biblical Christianity, has rules to obey (do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not lie, etc.) and rituals to observe (water baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper / Communion). Observance of these rules and rituals is not what makes a person right with God. Rather, these rules and rituals are the RESULT of the relationship with God, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone as the Savior. False religion is doing things (rules and rituals) in order to try to earn God’s favor. True religion is receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and thereby having a right relationship with God – and then doing things (rules and rituals) out of love for God and desire to grow closer to Him." - http://www.gotquestions.org/true-religion.html
Faith - Short Answer -Webster Dictionary: Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting solely and implicitly on his authority and veracity; reliance on testimony. -Bible Dictionary: "1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for." Continue reading all of Hebrews 11
Alright everyone, I am starting a new series on the Parables of Jesus, it should be less than 40 parts. This study typically follows along the lines of this site: http://www.bcbsr.com/survey/jpbl.html From their belief statements I have to agree that they are credible as can be. Please be sure not to take my word for it and realize that you as a discerning and thinking Christian should always investigate for yourself through the Word of God and prayer if something said is legitimate. I come humbly to share something that I'm learning. I will try to not reiterate everything on the website, instead I wanted to expand my thoughts here and would love your personal feedback so that we all can be edified. So without further hesitation:
The Dragnet - Matt 13:47-50 (from amplified version) "47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet which was cast into the sea and gathered in fish of every sort. 48When it was full, men dragged it up on the beach, and sat down and sorted out the good fish into baskets, but the worthless ones they threw away. 49So it will be at the close and consummation of the age. The angels will go forth and separate the wicked from the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God). 50And cast them [the wicked] into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and wailing and grinding of teeth." What I have developed here is that the fish are Christians, we are set apart from whatever else is in the sea because the dragnet, the fishing net essentially, is what catches our attention. So what is the net? It must be the Gospel (believing it gets you caught), the Works and Life of Jesus Christ who brought us salvation and a relationship with God directly through and with Him. Now it says that NOT all the fish caught by the net was good. What makes the fish good or bad? Thinking about it as a fisherman, if you catch a dead fish, it's bad/spoiled, but if it is alive you keep it because it remains fresh. Therefore, we must remain living Christians, Christians that are living for the Gospel even on the final hour. We cannot be satisfied with the saying "I'm saved, I don't have to do anything else now." This is a dead Christian, please read on faith and fruits of the Spirit. If you are saved you must be alive, if you are alive, you must bear Spiritual fruit, if you are bearing fruit, you should be maturing that fruit. The devil likes to satisfy us with the idea of thinking your done, which is slothfulness and lazy. God always wants your very best on the other hand and wants to increase your spiritual potential. Furthermore, I have to say that we as Christians must always be on guard to do what is right and holy before God and among men and women to give testimony. If you are not on guard you are sleeping, when you sleep and not guarding the enemy can come in your camp to kill. When a tree does not get tended by the gardener or receive rain or sunlight it will surely shrivel and die. The same is with our Christian spiritual life; are we being tended by our Lord Jesus Christ? Are we asking the Father to rain mercy and kindness on us? Are we asking the Spirit to shed light on us so our branches extend for further growth?
At this point then you may be asking, what must I do to be a good/living fish? Seek Christ and do as He says. You will see that He wants you to shed light to this world and stand for what is right. Therefore, you must understand what is true and right and holy, which can only be done by reading the Word of God for yourself. Yes 'once saved, always saved,' but are you REALLY saved? Remember, Christianity is not about doing good, most philosophies and theologies portray that notion. What makes Christianity distinct is a direct relationship to God, through Jesus Christ, who is coequal with the Father and Spirit. That said I'm not saying make banners and run up to your friends telling them to change. Again, keep reading and asking the Spirit for guidance, for He will surely and gladly give it to you. He will dispense a sincere, humble, loving, and patient heart to be able to talk to others when He directs you or quite simply be an example through your good ethics/morals/diligence.
So, have you been caught by the net? Are you a bad or dead fish that will be thrown out in the wild to suffer because you truly did not believe and live out as though you believed? Or will you be the good fish that will be preserved in salt because of your faithfulness? . . . Just one person's thoughts. . .
I've been around some people that say they are Christian, while they are constantly either cursing and/or putting other people down. I'm not saying they are not true believers, but they are definitely not mature/maturing Christians based on the Word of God, which I agree! I'm not here to judge, but as the Lord did, be put on a lamp stand, be the lamp and let the Lord shine His light through us. I know that brothers/sisters who do still have worldly tendencies and this is the result of either them pausing/stopping their pursuit in the Lord with all their heart, their mind, and strength or refuse to make God Lord (master) not just Savior. So, lets read the following bellow. Again, not to rebuke the individual, but rebuke the sin so that the person may be edified by the Truth, so that they cannot say I never knew that. This is what the Bible says: 1. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Eph 4:29 2. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." 1 Peter 3:10 3. "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." James 3:9-12 4."Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
So therefore brothers and sisters, do not settle in living without seeing, pick up your Bibles and learn what God calls us to be for this world, salt to preserve and light to shine the Truth and the glory of Jesus Christ. It will not save you playing dumb and saying that "I didn't know." (Read the parable of the 4 types of Christians, only one will make it all the way, the one who seeks and tests the Word, which will see the Truth and use it in their life). Well I hope this truly shed some light. It is not meant to point a finger at the individual, but instead point out the works of the inner man that must be put away before we can claim a true believer.
Comments from the article “The Priorities and Consequence of an Empty Culture” from The Christian Watershed (www.thechristianwatershed.com – 7/9/10)
After reading this article the phrase that was still ringing in my ear was “we are told to better ourselves by what we buy” and even more so on censoring our eyes to reality. This is the new “American” motto that will bring itself first to enslavement and second, inevitably, to its downfall. “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
Look around at what people are buying, 60” TVs and Yachts, and the people they idolize, Lady Goo Goo; typically it is fanatically over people in the fortune 500 club and million dollar superstars. The rich and famous country club membership is becoming less and less exclusive, because everyone is compounding themselves into debt to get in and/or mirror the vanities of those we idolize. Our nation is no different; instead of protecting the borders or the rights of its citizens, America takes lethargic actions while the overcast nears.
The Problem: Sin is definitely blinding and both the media and we buy into it to shield ourselves from the truth. Truth about greed, slothfulness and most importantly that we are not perfect. We live in a world promoting blindness; ask the last place of a youth soccer team who still gets a trophy. It is okay to root for valiant efforts, but it’s better for that child to admit defeat in humbleness and learn that one must work harder to get better, but still may come out empty handed. Sin tells us I deserve a trophy or if I work hard I should get everything that I want and my way. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Proverbs 21:20
The Solution: Honorable living comes from seeking what the hand of God asks of what our lives should be and following it, which is far better and holy. Let’s face reality, which can be given to us by our Father in Heaven. We need to hunger for the things that are right, even if it’s hard to swallow. We need to prioritize; you do this by building a good work ethic and living virtuously. We need to focus on saving money and when we can afford to offer it back to God in donations for relief foundations. If you want to travel, why not save with a friend and do a mission trip; your money is well invested because you helped others in need, you got to travel somewhere new and exciting, and most importantly you keep your eyes open to the reality of this world. Also, be bold. You need to live it and teach it to the youth, expose others to this more fulfilling lifestyle, in meekness and in Christ.
More Scripture: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Luke 14:28-30
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24
I’m here to discuss the word of God.I want this place to be an open journal for those who wish to discuss honestly and respectably what the Word of God says.I would appreciate comments that are truly thoughtful and refrain from explicit language.Also, I am not a native speaker, but do wish to learn how to properly write in my family’s language, Spanish.So my Spanish writing skills will be rustic at first, but I hope by the end it is as good as yours.My family is from El Salvador and I’m proud to stay it, because its name alone recognizes that there is a Savior, our God.I seek meekness and diligence in keeping His word.Brothers and sisters have faith today, meaning walk as if I already know the things I hope for will come. And I also have hope for tomorrow, which keeps me goal oriented.
Estoy aquí para hablar de la palabra de Dios. Quiero que este lugar sea un libro abierto de mis pensamientos a los cuales desean leer e comentar con honestidad y siempre respectar lo que la palabra de Dios dice.Apreciara comentos que son bien pensados y se refrenan de palabras sin educación.Como me puedo imaginar te has dado cuenta que no soy un hablante fluente, pero si deseo hablar la idioma de mis padres.Sin embargo mis ‘blogs’ empezaran rustico y con un poco de suerte en tiempo sería bueno tal como la tuya.Mi familia es de El Salvador y soy orgulloso a decirte esto porque el nombre reconoce que hay un Salvador, nuestro Dios.Busco mansedumbre, humildad y diligencia en mi mantenimiento de la Palabra de Dios.Hermanos y hermanas, hoy reclama tu fe, significando que tenemos caminar como si ya sabemos que las esperanzas de mañana serán.Y también tengámonos esperanza para mañana para mantenernos en el blanco.(Objetivo)
