Faith; or Works?

[Snapset]

I have heard a lot of contention regarding this, and I would like to discuss this starting with Rimrocks excellent point on a different thread which is: "Judgement is God's realm and we'd best not be messing around in it."

First off what is faith: In my opinion faith is a willful belief in something that hasn't been proven to us. It requires us to make the cliche'd but true "Leap of Faith"

How do we develop our faith? By taking that leap, putting our faith to the test and trusting beyond our perception. An excellent example of this for me was tithing, because I did not believe that I could afford the loss of 10% of my income, and it took me many years to develop the trust in the Lords promises, and take the leap of faith. I did take the leap, and the Lord kept his covenant with me. This is one example of how faith as I define it has grown in my life.

This illustrates to me the interconnectedness of faith and works. I can't judge for anyone else, but I can say that if I personally had not actually paid the tithing, I would not feel I had faith in that commandment. I guess that what I am saying is that works are the evidence of the faith. Since I can only evaluate my own faith, others works or the lack thereof are of no concern to me.

Once again it is not my responsibility to judge others. But faith in my life seems to lead to action, that changes me. A lack of faith means I am backsliding toward the Natural Man.

Now, if I don't grow in faith, I don't belive that means I am damned. I firmly believe that through Christ, all men are saved. But I also believe that if I try to live a more Christ-like life I will dwell more comfortably in His presence, if I am deemed worthy at the Judgement-seat.

I hope to see you all in Heaven, but not for a good long time. :angel1:

[Uglygreen]

Old Thread..... may shed some light on this (http://www.ifish.net/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=831611&page=0&fpart=1&vc =1)

Brad

[Dullhook]

Once again it is not my responsibility to judge others. But faith in my life seems to lead to action, that changes me.



I agree Snapset! The way that Christ works in us through the Holy Spirit gradually seems to change our nature. The more we submit and leave our egos behind and let Him take control, the better everything gets. This is all through faith but I think that it's the single hardest thing for any of us to do. Completely submit. More faith = More grace. Wouldn't you agree that with strong enough faith the works will eventually take care of themselves?

God created us very durable but also imperfect. If we were all perfect and sinless there would have been no need for Jesus' coming and death on the cross for our sins because we'd all be in heaven. There would be no need for faith but only worship.

I can only speak personally on this but although I've never seen Jesus I can feel Him inside of me. He's always directing but sometimes I'm too stubborn as a human being to do things exactly as He tells me. Later after sinning, I'll pray for forgiveness, and of course because of His loving nature and promise He always does.

A good example happened at work the other day. We were sitting at the lunch table when someone began demeaning and gossiping about another person that wasn't present. Although I didn't join the conversation I remained there listening and even nodded my head in agreement a couple of times. Was this a sin? In God's eyes of course it was! :depressed:
I was as much of a sinner as the person talking. I felt depressed the rest of the day and prayed to our Lord for forgiveness that night. Through His grace and love for us He always accepts repentance. That sin was forgiven but there will always be another one to take it's place. I can only hope that as I mature as a Christian I will sin less, but I know that through my faith in Him that He'll always be there. I love Him for what He gives us.

In Paul's letter to the Ephesians he writes these words:

" That God may grant you to be strengthened with might through His spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith."

My friends, It just doesn't get any better than that! :wave:

[Snapset]

Thanks for the reply, Dullhook. Your first words confirm my intent when I wrote that post. We agree! Some of the doctrinal conflicts I have seen here would be agreements if we all understood the other person's true intent.

Your example of not interrupting a gossip session is a classic for me. I wish I was stronger at all times, so in those circumstances, it would be second nature for me to gently turn the conversation.

The more I know about what I should be doing , the more I know about how far I have to go. Thank the Lord, he has made up the difference.

[Dullhook]

I appreciate your kind words, Snapset. :flowered:

Besides faith and works, I believe we're also in agreement on another issue: doctrinal conflicts. Just for this thread those conflicts specifically pertaining to Christian denominations.

This is something that I've done a 180 degree reversal on through the years. Some that agree may feel that it's a case of becoming older and wiser. Others that disagree may feel it's just being older and more senile. At least we can all agree on the "older" part! :smile:

The Bible tells us "Let there be no schism in the body".

Jesus said "A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand."

It's written in the Bible "Let us dwell together in the spirit of unity".

My interpretation of this is: let's all love and respect one another as brothers and sisters through Christ. It doesn't seem logical that Jesus intended anything else when He told Simon Peter that on this rock I will build my church (not churches). :whazzup: Just about all of us belong to churches that are sub-denominations of the originals and this is fine as we are all moral agents to choose. But perhaps it's best to respect each others beliefs, not quarrel over doctrine, and get on with the intended purpose of serving God.

Nobody; including Christians or believers of any other faith warrants criticism from any other human being on their personal beliefs. How can this benefit anyone, let alone glorify God?

Peace and blessings be with you brother Snapset! :angel:.........D.H.

[Snapset]

Amen

[Bartman]

Nobody; including Christians or believers of any other faith warrants criticism from any other human being on their personal beliefs. How can this benefit anyone, let alone glorify God?




beautifully said Dullhook :applause: :applause: :applause:
Bart