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Message |
Javagirl
Registered user
Username: Javagirl
Post Number: 128
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 7:57 am: |     |
Happy new year all
I wanted to share some thoughts on my experience regarding my understanding of Grace. I originally wrote the following in a response to a private message I recieved, but thought I would post it here. Some of you will notice that I have embraced some of the truths that you have shared with me in the past!
"Im glad you are discovering Grace. It is the only way to really KNOW and appreciate God.
Remember, Jesus always chastised the legalists! If we can do anything at all to secure salvation or change ourselves, then Christ's death was for nothing!
I read Galatians, start to finish, especially when I have twinges of doubt. ALso Romans and Hebrews and Corinthians. But especially Galatians. I pray to have all preconcieved notions removed from my thinking. I pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth when I read the word.
The most help has been new covenant studies. I love this link:
http://www.graceplace.org/
look under resources, then sermon series on New Covenant Christians.
Really great stuff.
Best advice. Stop striving, stop trying. Ask God to change your heart. Actually, He already has if you are born again. Surrender to the Holy Spirit's Guidance each day.
Then, when you make mistakes or sin or whatever, instead of condemning yourself, THANK God that he continues to cover you with Grace. Affirm that you can no nothing of yourself, and that you thank Him for reminding you or your weakness and need of HIM.
Im a new creature, as I live in Grace, Im more aware of my faults, and therefore more aware and appreciative of Gods grace! Does that make sence?
As long as you focus on your own behavior, good or bad, you miss the focus on God and the Holy Spirit. Legalism is a form of idolatry! Its a different gospel, not the gospel of Grace-which is the gospel of Jesus.
Paul started and ended his letters with the blessing of Grace. And notice that in his sentences, Grace proceeds Peace. IE: Grace and Peace to you. Enjoy and understand God's Grace, and the peace will follow. Isnt it all awesome?
Anyway, dont be afraid to post, someone probably needs to hear what you have to say!"
May we all grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Hugs all
JavaGirl
4excape@bellsouth.net
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Riverfonz
Registered user
Username: Riverfonz
Post Number: 1147
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 4:14 pm: | |
Javagirl, Thanks for sharing that. It has been great to watch your growth in the knowledge of grace since you first started posting here.
On another thread you mentioned reading a book on grace by Spurgeon, and I was curious which book it was, and as to what you thought of it?
Stan |
Javagirl
Registered user
Username: Javagirl
Post Number: 129
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 6:46 pm: | |
Stan,
THe book was GRACE--God's unmerited favor.
Its a short book, but full of the meaty paragrahs worth reading again and again. I highly recommend it. Here is a favorite passage...
"Likewise, if the weakest Christian is on the boat of salvation--that is, if he trusts Christ--he is as safe as the strongest Christian. If Christ failed the frail one, He would fail the strong one, too. If the weakest Christian who believes in Jesus does not get to heaven, then Peter himself will not get there. I am sure that if the smallest star that christ ever kindled does not blaze in eternity, neither will the brightest one. If any of you who have given yourseles to Jesus would be cast away, this would prove that Jesus is not able to save; then all of us must be cast away, too. Oh, yes! "We believe that...we shall be saved, ean as they. Acts 15:11
I cant get enough of the grace subject, and always look for someone to speak of it here on the forum. It has been life changing for me, more than any other idea.
BTW I was talking to a non-sda pastor friend the other day and he asked me what was causing me to question the denomination of my family and history. I very briefly (5 minutes or so) explained to him the truths that I had been learning, and the doubts of some major sda doctrines. He asked "do you know who you sound like?" I said I did not, and he said "Martin Luther"! LOL I thought you would appreciate that! Especially since I have yet to read anything from Martin Luther...Guess I should look into it...
JavaGirl |
Riverfonz
Registered user
Username: Riverfonz
Post Number: 1153
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 6:56 pm: | |
Java, that Spurgeon quote is priceless! Wow, I cannot get enough of grace either. There is no one like Spurgeon on the subject of grace. I also think it was cool that that non-SDA pastor thought that you sounded like Martin Luther!
If you want to get into Luther a little more, there are some good biographies. But, when I was processing out of SDA, there was no book as helpful as Luther's commentary on Galatians. There are some new modern english translations now that are very good.
Stan |
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