Another Global Pastors Network Discussion (debate)
Bill DeDual, Ordained Minister at The House of the Nazarene
How is the Christian religion different from all the other world religions? by Genesis to Revelation whatshotn.wordpress.com
William Mayor, scholar at self employed
I must say that at one point in time I would have found this article very good. However, since then I have studies a lot more about the Bible as well as other religions. I would still argue that Christianity is better than other religions or faith systems, but I would use a far different approach, and would also restrict my arguments to those who have the knowledge to appreciate the difference rather than the common mass of humanity.
Raymond Driskill, Evangelist, at Wake Up Call Ministries
When I look at the reality of God and the Christ; the word religion does not fit. Let's say I have a friend I trust completely; is he a religion? Certainly he is not. Then I would say that reality is better than non-reality as in religions in the world. Satan can be a great influence in all false thoughts of some other gods that we call religions. Then serving Christ, the truth, is far better than serving a lie. I never refer to Christianity as a religion like the rest of the world believes; He is reality.
Patsy Adams de Liclan, Promotora en ACBN Radio Maranatha
FOR YOUR INTEREST: In a break-down of world wide of religions as stated in the CIA world fact book 2012 found on the Internet. there are listed the main religions in the world, but also percentage of agnostics and atheists also listed in the religions section. So Christianity was the biggest at 31.59% OF THE WORLD POPULARION, followed by Muslim 23.2% Hindu 15%, Buddhist 7.1% …. And finally atheist 2.01%. .
Keith Mutlow, Sector Protech Services
The word religion and Christianity should not be in the same sentence, if you read Matthew 23 you will see what JESUS has say about religion and religious people
Christianity and its believers in Christ have a personal relationship with God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Spirit nothing else will suffice
Bishop Dr. O. K. (Ken) Neal, International Prayer Pastor at Acts Ministry Church International
"Other faiths follow men that were once alive and are now dead. We follow a man that was once dead and now is alive forevermore." author unknown -k-
Laird Ballard, Pastor at New Life Baptist Church
William..to say that "Christianity is better than other religions or faith systems" is the definitive example of understatement. Only through faith in Christ can mankind be reconciled to God. Whatcha thinkin brother?
William Mayor, scholar at self employed
Laird, I am thinking that there is limited OBJECTIVE evidence that Christianity is better than other religions. Bear in mind that to cite the Bible is not objective. The words recorded in the Bible are objective to be sure, but only as they are recorded in the original language in the specific manuscript that one is looking at. As soon as we translate them into another language, say English, or decree what the intent of the writer was when he or she recorded the words, we introduce a purely subjective element.
Further I would note that to say that Jesus rose from the dead might well be factual, but that does not guarantee that any other part of the Bible is accurate. And I would note that since there are what looks a lot like contradictions between Paul's letters and some accounts in Acts, that the historicity of Acts could be questioned. Admittedly these problems might be solved by various means, but even so there remain other potential difficulties in the recorded accounts.
We then end up though with the question of, what difference between other religions and Christianity that can clearly stand? Or to put it another way, what do you say or do to convince the Tibetan Buddhist monk who nods and states that you have a good understanding for your level of enlightenment, that you know something that he does not? What can you bring to the discussion that is not cannot be dismissed as just what you believe?
Laird Ballard, Pastor at New Life Baptist Church
William, forgive me but such naked ambivalence is the heart of unbelief. At his point I would have to say: forever learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth. I do not mean to be rude, but really hiding behind the pretense of total subjectivity makes you a poster child for post modern pragmatism.
William Mayor, scholar at self employed
Laird, you answered as I expected. So let me ask you how you would try to witness to a Tibetan Buddhist monk and expect success, bearing in mind that they are fully aware of the traditional evangelical Christian approach, and will respond much like I did.
My approach is definitely different in that I work totally with things that we can agree on at first. I would seek to identify an objective problem, that is one that we can both agree exists for both the two of us as well as anyone else who would be around. I would then ask about how he would deal with the problem, and would probably get a standard answer something to the effect that he has learned not to let it bother him and that anyone can learn such a response. I would then ask if it would not be better to cause the problem to not exist for anyone, which would most likely evoke a totally puzzled response as it is not possible to do within Tibetan Buddhism. I would then demonstrate how simple it is to do from within Christianity, once one has learned how, which probably in excess of 99% of Christians have not done. Then from that basis we may discuss which religion is superior.
You see, the difference between the standard approach and mine is that mine relies of objectivity, not subjectivity. That is, this is an objective problem, it can be measured scientifically (try measuring sin via science), it is present for any and all around, outside of Christianity there is no permanent way to deal with it but from within Christianity it can be done.
Simon Zelikman, at Emmanuel's Doorpost
Recorded History.
Laird Ballard, Pastor at New Life Baptist Church
William...I agree that it is an objective problem that can be answered through shared goals, experiences, and the seeking of common ground. On those issues we seem to agree. I am all for bringing science into the conversation as well.
Encountering a Tibetan monk with expectations of winning him to Christ on the first shot is not in my scope of thinking. I honestly don't believe that it would be possible. Yet, if one took the time through many conversations, then one might at least cause the monk to rethink his views. I might venture into discussing Pure land Buddhism as it is found mainly in Japan and discuss the similarities and see what the response would be.
As to their being limited objective information regarding Christianity's superiority, you're correct. For if Christ is not risen our faith is in vain. But Christ has risen and I believe that the evidence points that direction. Not subjectively but objectively!
Thank you for the wonderful tit for tat conversation. It has been enjoyable. If we continue, I hope it remains the same.
Simon Zelikman, at Emmanuel's Doorpost
Fulfilled Prophesy and Recorded History.
Paul Bucknell, President & Founder of Biblical Foundations for Freedom
There are many answers to this question as there are many religions! Let me be a bit more specific by providing 13 unique aspects of Jesus, especially presented against humanism-for most of us, the most common religion around us that persistently invades our homes and churches. http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/References/NT/Gospels/John/John01.01_13.html
Michael Thompson, Lead Pastor at Faith Evangelical Free Church
Couple things....first, let's not get hung up on the word religion. The term "religion" is actually used in a neutral sense. The scriptures speak of "true and acceptable religion." With that said; Christianity is the only religion or faith that adequately deals with PAST sin. No other religion or form of "realization" or "nirvana" or "law following" adequately deals with past sin. Is there anyone but Jesus that died for our sin and rose again? The proofs of his work even from a secular standpoint far surpass the threshold for authenticity.
John Deacon, VP at Deacon Insurance Agencies Limited
The Oxford Dictionary defines religion as 1) the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods 2) a particular system of faith and worship 3) a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion - i.e. 'consumerism is the new religion'.
I suppose in asking 'which is the best religion', the question is 'best at what?'
Best at making its adherents do what it teaches?
The best in terms of its holy book, the one with the best hymns, the best dogma, the best holidays?
William Mayor is right. It is subjective. Each of us believes our religion to be the best, otherwise we'd give it up for something else.
Religions having wide historical expanse are indeed commendable but does that make them the best? Each of them embrace their own logic to convince others outside their beliefs that their religion is superior.
Islam refers to itself as 'The Final Revelation of God.' Is it?
Christians think not, but Muslims think so. What proof is there for which one is better?
The Bible defines religion not in terms of better or best, but in terms of its purity.
'Pure religion is this,' writes James, 'to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself uncontaminated from the world.' (James 1:27)
As to how well Christianity does in the context of the former i.e. visiting orphans and widows, only God knows whether we're best at that or not. I pray we are!
In terms of keeping ourselves uncontaminated from the world, I afraid we do badly on that count. Our 3 highest holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter' - are so contaminated by consumerism it could easily be said that none of the three are 'Christian' anymore.
Reading 1 John 4:20 - connecting one's love for God with love of neighbour, I suppose the best religion is the one which loves its neighbours best.
Again on that count, I pray we Christians do well. Indeed as Jesus tells us in the verses about his separating the sheep from the goats on the Last Day (Matthew 25:31-46), how we treat the 'least of these' is the only religion that matters.
Arthur Shady, Evangelist
Simple. Our founder was crucified, buried and rose (resurrection) from the dead.
All the founders of all the other religions died and their bodies are still in their graves.
Emmanuel Mtoi, PASTOR at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania
Just simple, Jesus is the only son of Gog, the only saviour through his death on the cross and also the way, the truth and the life.
Simon Zelikman, at Emmanuel's Doorpost
Our "Founder" is the Almighty Father of all, and His Son is our Lord, The only Way back to His Father and ours, all in One Holy Spirit!
The only Holy book which is Fulfilled Prophesy, Recorded History, and Prophecy unfolding in front of our faces, many others understood yet to unfold as written thousands of years ago, ....... I believe!
To my knowledge, the only true supernatural Holy Word predicting the New World Order we all face, predicted in BC and AD, and so much more!
And my Faith is only made stronger with understanding, and my personal confirmation of the Reality that things Spiritually written can be understood by the same Spirit ONLY, and without truly seeking, and in The "only" truthful Way; And No one can receive this truth " thinking that there is limited OBJECTIVE evidence that Christianity is better than other religions."
I Cor 2: 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
And the "natural" man in these verses, is not just some atheist, but a professed "believer" who is unable to see things spiritually discerned, .... I believe!
! Cor 1: 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
God bless His men with eyes to see His Truth by the Holy Spirit!
Simon/Christian Israelites
Gary Rucci, Director at AOG GB
What makes christinaity more significant (powerful or plausible) than other religions? The answer is found in the nature of the creator of the 'religion' (as you refer to it). Christianity's founder is unique and incomparable in that he is truly human and divine - Emmanuel - God with us! The Godhead incarnate. He fuflfilled all prophecies concerning Himself and is the only 'religious leader / founder' who was resurrected from the dead. The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of the gospel - see Pauls teaching especially 1Cor 15. It's the resurrection that sets Christ and Christianity apart from all others. That's why the doctrine of the resurection is fiercely debated by other religions and philosophies. Please read Josh McDowell 'More than a Carpenter' or Ravi Zacharias' 'Jesus among other God's. Hope this helps.... www.garyrucci.com
John Deacon, VP at Deacon Insurance Agencies Limited
If the question is:
'How is the Christian religion different from all the other world religions?', then the comments above are truly helpful. Certainly the proclamation of both Christ's death and resurrection are the very thing that make Christianity different than other religions.
When I read the article linked in Bill DeDual's heading, the emphasis clearly shifts from how the Christian religion is 'different' to how the Christian religion is 'better' than other religions.
One can be objective in identifying the differences between Christianity and other religions simply by listing the main tenets of belief of each religion and recognizing the differences.
Where it becomes problematic is when the discussion shifts from 'different' to which religion is 'better.' It is no longer objective but subjective - a kind of 'my dad is better than your dad kind of debate' - one more likely to create animosity than build relationships.
This is an important distinction. One of the great challenges and opportunities of our time - especially in the multi-faith environments many of us live and work in, is the sharing of our faith with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and other faith communities.
If we try and build relationships with people of different faiths on the premise that 'my religion is better than your religion' we won't get any further than the two boys in the schoolyard fighting about which of their dads is better.
A better place to start is to discover what we have in common and discover in the course of our ongoing conversation where the differences are. If Christianity is as unique and primary as we in this Network believe it is, honest dialogue as well as honest living and loving, will make this clear!
Simon Zelikman, at Emmanuel's Doorpost
Dear John ............
Here is another little riddle for your entertainment, ... :)
If a man proudly supports and identifies himself with a leader, and his party, which spent 640+ million dollars on just the website for an "affordable" healthcare act, which is an undisputed abortion, and since there is about 330 million people to "benefit" from this benevolent act, and the Fact that this means that every single person in the whole country could have been "gifted" 2 million dollars by this benevolent leader, party and supporters; Why would anyone spend any time with this wise man's opinions, such as ......
""This is an important distinction. One of the great challenges and opportunities of our time - especially in the multi-faith environments many of us live and work in, is the sharing of our faith with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and other faith communities.
If we try and build relationships with people of different faiths on the premise that 'my religion is better than your religion' we won't get any further than the two boys in the schoolyard fighting about which of their dads is better.
A better place to start is to discover what we have in common and discover in the course of our ongoing conversation where the differences are. If Christianity is as unique and primary as we in this Network believe it is, honest dialogue as well as honest living and loving, will make this clear! """
Hoping my riddle and point, is clear.
John Deacon, VP at Deacon Insurance Agencies Limited
Dear Simon:
Only because you are not an easy man to interpret...
Is your point that because my politics may differ from yours, there is no reason to hear me regardless of what I'm saying?
If that's true, and you and I were in the building that I knew was on fire, you'd have to hear that from someone else before you'd respond. And it might be too late!
If that's the case, the issue is a matter of your hearing and not what I'm trying to say.
It does remind me of something Ruth Graham said about her marriage to Billy Graham - 'he relied on me to disagree with him whenever I had second thoughts about what he was doing. As he put it: "if both of us always have the same opinion, one of us isn't necessary!"'
If both you and I as fellow Christians had the same politics, one of us wouldn't be necessary. Because we don't, I think both of us are.
Simon Zelikman, at Emmanuel's Doorpost
John,
Your,
""Is your point that because my politics may differ from yours, there is no reason to hear me regardless of what I'm saying? """
My ........
No, not at all, I pray to stay humble enough to hear and consider all voices, and after hearing your comments on Republican this, and Conservative that, I wanted you to humble yourself, and to hear your own voice, and try to remember that you are a professed man of God first, an American second, and Democrat .... sometime, and that professing to follow something or someone, means you stand for all things they stand for, or to be wise enough to separate yourself from things against your professed ...... first allegiance.
If one is not able to be self critical and strong enough to be Objective, how can he hear, see, or judge anyone, or anything, in the same way.
John Deacon, VP at Deacon Insurance Agencies Limited
Dear Simon:
We are off topic so this will have to do by way of an apologetic.
I am Canadian, so I am neither Democrat nor Republican. More importantly as a Christian, I am neither Conservative nor Liberal, although if pressed my politics are left of centre, left of Obama.
My politics pertaining the economy are in line with the OT and NT standard of 'the one who has much should not have too much and the one having little not too little' (Exodus 16:18, 2 Corinthians 8:9)
My politics re: social care is that we are our brothers and sisters keeper and they too of us.
I am in no position to comment on my humility or my willingness to hear contrary points of view. One of the reasons I enter into these conversations is to hear other points of view.
In terms of the Global Pastors Network my politics are more to the Left than most and that's a good thing. To differ gives us occasion to test what we really believe.
John Deacon, VP at Deacon Insurance Agencies Limited
I have recently been involved in a multi-faith venture in Regent Park - one of Toronto's poorer communities - to engage various faiths (Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Buddhist, Native Canadian, Jewish and Hindu) in issues of consequence to poor communities: i.e. youth unemployment, limited job opportunity, gang warfare, racial conflict and community development.
It is in this venture that I have learned the discussion of where our respective faiths align, as well as where they differ, inspiring with multiple opportunities to deepen relationships among people who otherwise would be strangers and divided from each other.
I really don't think the conversations would go very far if rather than 'differences' being discussed, the issue of whose religion is better were the topic.
One amazing thing that happened at an 'all faiths' event we had 4 Saturdays ago - was some Muslim women - all under 30 - spoke openly about the oppression and the second class status they struggle with as Muslim women. With that kind of honesty and openness, it is easier to distinguish how the liberation Jesus offers is without discrimination to men and women...even allowing that the Church (Catholic, Evangelical etc) has been remiss in giving women the full place and authority Jesus intended...
William Mayor, scholar at self employed
I would also agree that where faiths are in agreement seems far better to concentrate on rather than where they differ, and trying to decide which faith is better is almost a certain way to provoke trouble, especially when Christians seek to claim the high ground. Now once we have established our commonalities with other religions we might well have a basis from which to begin to compare our differences and to allow members of other faith traditions to decide that Christianity is better, or not, depending on how they perceive what we Christians present rather than what we proclaim.
Simon Zelikman, at Emmanuel's Doorpost
Dear John,
It was very kind of you to send this email to me privately, and a full 16 hours after my post you are the only one, I wonder if others were just as ........... kind?
"""""""Dear Simon:
To quote you -
"If a man proudly supports and identifies himself with a leader, and his party, which spent 640+ million dollars on just the website for an "affordable" healthcare act, which is an undisputed abortion, and since there is about 330 million people to "benefit" from this benevolent act, and the Fact that this means that every single person in the whole country could have been "gifted" 2 million dollars by this benevolent leader, party and supporters; Why would anyone spend any time with this wise man's opinions, such as ...... "
You may want to check your math - $640 Million divided among 330 Million Americans works out to be less $2 per American, not $2 million each.
Now if we could convinced the US government to cut its military budget in half (over $640 Billion), that would put a lot of money into the pockets of Americans that they could use to buy houses and nutritious food and pay off debt and donate to Christian missions etc... """"
It is kind of hard to remember our old math with all those trillions, billions and other Liberal to the left of Obama bazillions... :)
Like todays magicians tricks plainly prove; ..... We choose to believe "Facts" even when our own eyes tell us otherwise.
Just as many wise men before were fully convinced of a flat earth, many Christians today are convinced of their "Facts" like 6.000 year earth, rapture, saved always saved, and much more.
Dear John, if you are left of Obama and not a liberal, (whatever that means), do you really believe your Canada would still be there if US evil military did not do as it did for the last 200 years?
Do you really believe Christianity would be the dominant religion today without any military action, and do you really believe that Liberals like yourself are strengthening our common Faith by all your loving appeasement ...... of all?
God's Word never compromised, or acceptingly blended with other "equally valid" religions, we are commanded to stand on His Truth, and we do Not force our Faith on anyone, but we do fight for what is right, as men of One God always have, and Christ did command us to get two swords after His first coming!
I am not saying that all must join the military, but to believe as you "Christian Liberals" do, is to forget and ignore the true Word of God.
Did the Israelites fight all those others as commanded by God, or were they bad and wrong according to you, or was it a different God for that Old Testament?
Remember about all those "Facts" John, the Canadian ..............
Mk 13: 9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
John, and all ...... This is NOT Jews and their Synagogues Christ is talking about, this is all the "good" Christians dragging their not so good Christian brothers to they "deserved" death in the End times, it is the "good and loving" Church we are talking about here, and their perceived ......... "Facts".
Does the Devil come in sheep's clothing, or not, John?
John Deacon, VP at Deacon Insurance Agencies Limited
In reading through Simon's 'Dear John' entry, I thought of one profound distinguishing characteristic of Christianity.
It doesn't need the sword, nor an army to defend it.
Not only did Jesus teach:
- that we were to love our enemies and
- turn the other cheek to those who strike us and
- pray for those who persecute us and
- that he who takes up the sword will die by the sword and
- the only way to advance his kingdom was in the laying down our lives for one another
And Paul teach:
- that we fight not against flesh and blood and
- that our weapons were not those of metal but of faith, and righteousness and love and
- that we preach Christ crucified and
- that if we are to replicate his love we are both 'lambs lead to the slaughter' and
- yet more than conquerors through him who loved us
Others who have followed in Christ's footsteps have taught the same:
'Christ is disarming Peter, disarmed every soldier.' Tertullian
'We ourselves were well conversant with war and everything evil, but all of us throughout the whole wide earth have traded in our weapons of war. We have exchanged our swords for plowshares, our spears for farm tools...now we cultivate the fear of God, justice, faith and the expectation of the future given us through the crucified one...the more we are persecuted, the more do others in ever increasing numbers become believers.' Justin, martyred in 165 AD
'Daniel's prophecy of the statue that falls because its foundation is brittle (Daniel 2:41-45) - A nation that continues to spend more money on military defence than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.' Martin Luther King
’The best way to defeat the kingdom of God is to empower the church to rule the world with the sword, for then it becomes the beast it wishes to destroy.' Shane Claiborne
'For the 300 years immediately following Jesus' resurrection, the Church universally saw Christ and his teaching as non-violent. Remember that the Church taught this ethic in the face of at least three serious attempts by the state to liquidate her. If ever there was an occasion for justified retaliation and defensive slaughter, whether in the form of a just war or a just revolution, this was it...Yet the Church in the face of the heinous crimes committed against her members, insisted without reservation that when Christ disarmed Peter he disarmed all Christians.' Father George Zabelka
'Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed...This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron.' Dwight D. Eisenhower, April 16, 1953
Simon is right when he says that sometimes the devil comes to us in sheep's clothing.' But even in this disguise, his tactics never change. He comes 'only to steal, kill and destroy.'
What makes our faith unique is our response to the destroyer, that rather than contend with him with weapons of metal and mass destruction 'we lay down’ as did our Master, ‘our lives for the sheep.'
Bruce Major, Project Manager at Teknor Apex Company
Great artical.
There is but one truth... Jesus.
It is not up to Christians to persuade other religions they are wrong. It is for Christians to plant seeds of truth found in God's word. It is the individual's free will of choice to receive the truth or reject it. Christians do not do the saving, God does by using Christians.
Christians are living sacrifices for His purpose. That's it. If a Monk or Buddhist rejects the truth of Jesus, then that is between them and God not between the Christian and the others.
A true Christian NEVER takes the high ground. The high ground belongs to God. A Christian is someone who KNOWS the difference.
Christianity does not have a problem. There is no problem with the truth. WE have the problem. We have issues accepting the truth because it most often is in opposition to our pride and that hurts.
To avoid the pain that the truth causes to our pride, we will create our own truth, also know as false religion.
In His Love,
Bruce
Mark LePard, Youth Pastor - New Song Christian Community
I'm surprised none has mentioned what I see as the first and greatest difference between all world religions except for biblical Christianity: Grace vs. works salvation.
This is exemplified in the abhorrent Tower of Babel. Man attempting to reach God through his works. The only way to God is for Him to do the work=grace.
William Mayor, scholar at self employed
Mark, maybe that is because several other religions emphasize grace also, we as Christians simply do not see it. Or perhaps I am wrong, are the works done to be made right with God or because one has been made right by God, and how do you tell the difference without careful study of what they are teaching? Christianity itself calls for believers to do works, but does that mean that grace is not present?
Bruce Major, Project Manager at Teknor Apex Company
Mark, William, if I may,
William>Mark, maybe that is because several other religions emphasize grace also, we as Christians simply do not see it.
Me>How can other religions offer grace without the authority of our creator God? How can other religions offer mercy without the authority of our creator God?
Grace = getting forgiveness that we do not deserve. Only the forgiveness of our one true God matters and makes us righteous in His eyes.
Mercy = not getting the punishment we do deserve. Only our one true God can forgive our offensive sins against Him.
William>Or perhaps I am wrong, are the works done to be made right with God or because one has been made right by God, and how do you tell the difference without careful study of what they are teaching?
Me>The fruit (good works) of a true Christian are the fruit of the Holy Spirit within the Christian. The difference is the motive in the heart. One is a worldly motivation to obtain something desired by ones own efforts. The other is the result of surrendering ones own efforts to the will of the indwelling Holy Spirit and bearing good fruit (what the world calls works) out of love for God.
William>Christianity itself calls for believers to do works, but does that mean that grace is not present?
Me> Christianity does not call for believers to do works. Christianity calls on believers to bear good fruit. First, surrender control willingly to the Holy Spirit, then the Spirit will guide you into doing His will. The RESULT is bearing fruit that will grow and further His Kingdom. It is not the other way around. You cannot receive the Spirit from doing works. Your heart needs to be in the right place.
Grace is always present. God's grace extends to all mankind. It is up to us to accept it. If one truly accepts the free gift of grace from God, it will require some changes in who we are, who we place our identity. Therein lays the resistance of so many people.
We want to create our own identity instead of putting our identity in Christ Jesus. We allow so many other things of this world to identify us. Maybe it's our looks, our money, our intellect, our insecurities, our pains, our past, our sufferings, other people, fame, all that are not from God. When we put our identity in Christ, we are children of God and we are transformed (sometimes parts of us right away, sometimes other parts little by little) into who He created us to be.
I hope this helps you William in understanding Christianity a bit more clearly.
In His Love,
Bruce
Mark LePard, Youth Pastor - New Song Christian Community
I disagree William. Other faiths may have glimpses of grace, or notions of it, but they are just that. Their notions fall apart in light of the whole of their doctrine. Hinduism probably comes the closest at times in statements from the Gita. But then it is very clearly contradictory in promoting a works salvation to escape Karma.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
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