Jason -
This will be my last post.
At least you have reasons to believe what you do. But mark my words, what your teaching will bring people as far as the Pharisees they will not do the things they shouldn't like chopping off people's heads. But it is the love of God that takes us beyond the things we shouldn't be doing. It is an understanding of who we now are in Christ. This is how we walk in radical signs and wonders, like seeing people healed, which I do quite often. Because Christ in me. And the reality that He has worked in me.
Also knowing the Spirit of God and His voice (He is our Teacher) comes from knowing we are a new creation. With new hearts. Not old hearts. Unlike the Pharisees. Sure people may go to church (and do holy things) but Christ is calling us to a far higher realm than that...
One of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, and righteousness - just to name a few...
Calling us into a place of loving Him and loving each other. Not just focusing on what we can't taste, touch, or do. And this transformation only comes from knowing the love of the Father. And I have not heard you mention love of the Father in your teachings. Even though Scripture says we only love Him because He loved us first. I spent some time with you because I can tell your heart is to do good. Bless you and thank you for taking the time to share your beliefs.
As far as attacking you, it wasn't my intention, merely to make the idea that we have to hang out with God and that others will willfully sin if they think they can more personal. Not because I think you're a bad person. Or I felt the need to. I have shown you plenty of Scripture that supports my position. I have explained my position in response to the Scripture you offered as well.
But unfortunately, you have not addressed the positions of Scripture that say we are dead to sin, new creations, and many others. As far as 1 John it is telling us we need to confess to Him. As in conversion to be saved, not in a lifestyle of confession to stay saved. As many have been taught. And Romans 7 is also doing the same thing, explaining the need for a Savior (Which you see in Romans 8), not saying we will always struggle with sin. Even though that is the reality many face because they are taught they have to do. Instead of resting in the Vine as His branches and naturally bearing fruit.
I understand your reservations. And you're right. It's too bad those people were mislead. But that's not my position. And if anyone told me they wanted to kill someone, I would question their salvation. Obviously. But, there are many more people dying desperately because people are so busy trying to keep their salvation they don't help those around them. And they don't love people. They are sarcastic, attacking people, because they don't know the love of the Father.
They don't have an identity because they have never been given an identity from the Father. They are orphans still trying to earn their way. And this leads to fear and self-protection, which ultimately results in sin. It's not your strength of will that keeps you but knowing the goodness and kindness of God. This is what testimonials do for the world. But what testimonial do we have to share when we say I have worked so hard just to stay right with God?
And what does holiness even look like? Is it going to Church? Is it not killing people? Is it not lying? What if you lie once? Or does it not matter since you just ask forgiveness? So you simply kill people and then ask forgiveness? Or does God not forgive you? Doesn't the Bible tell us if you miss even a simply law you break them all? It's a slippery slope my friend that this message of trying to keep your salvation puts people on...
Remember this: Peter knew how much He loved Jesus. John knew how much Jesus loved Him. And Peter denied Him while John came back to the cross when Jesus needed him most. John also was blessed to take care of Jesus' mom. This life we can be lived avoiding sin or by chasing love. I prefer to chase love. And to be loved. And to love others as I am. Freely giving what I have received.
Bless you brother,
C.
This will be my last post.
At least you have reasons to believe what you do. But mark my words, what your teaching will bring people as far as the Pharisees they will not do the things they shouldn't like chopping off people's heads. But it is the love of God that takes us beyond the things we shouldn't be doing. It is an understanding of who we now are in Christ. This is how we walk in radical signs and wonders, like seeing people healed, which I do quite often. Because Christ in me. And the reality that He has worked in me.
Also knowing the Spirit of God and His voice (He is our Teacher) comes from knowing we are a new creation. With new hearts. Not old hearts. Unlike the Pharisees. Sure people may go to church (and do holy things) but Christ is calling us to a far higher realm than that...
One of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, and righteousness - just to name a few...
Calling us into a place of loving Him and loving each other. Not just focusing on what we can't taste, touch, or do. And this transformation only comes from knowing the love of the Father. And I have not heard you mention love of the Father in your teachings. Even though Scripture says we only love Him because He loved us first. I spent some time with you because I can tell your heart is to do good. Bless you and thank you for taking the time to share your beliefs.
As far as attacking you, it wasn't my intention, merely to make the idea that we have to hang out with God and that others will willfully sin if they think they can more personal. Not because I think you're a bad person. Or I felt the need to. I have shown you plenty of Scripture that supports my position. I have explained my position in response to the Scripture you offered as well.
But unfortunately, you have not addressed the positions of Scripture that say we are dead to sin, new creations, and many others. As far as 1 John it is telling us we need to confess to Him. As in conversion to be saved, not in a lifestyle of confession to stay saved. As many have been taught. And Romans 7 is also doing the same thing, explaining the need for a Savior (Which you see in Romans 8), not saying we will always struggle with sin. Even though that is the reality many face because they are taught they have to do. Instead of resting in the Vine as His branches and naturally bearing fruit.
I understand your reservations. And you're right. It's too bad those people were mislead. But that's not my position. And if anyone told me they wanted to kill someone, I would question their salvation. Obviously. But, there are many more people dying desperately because people are so busy trying to keep their salvation they don't help those around them. And they don't love people. They are sarcastic, attacking people, because they don't know the love of the Father.
They don't have an identity because they have never been given an identity from the Father. They are orphans still trying to earn their way. And this leads to fear and self-protection, which ultimately results in sin. It's not your strength of will that keeps you but knowing the goodness and kindness of God. This is what testimonials do for the world. But what testimonial do we have to share when we say I have worked so hard just to stay right with God?
And what does holiness even look like? Is it going to Church? Is it not killing people? Is it not lying? What if you lie once? Or does it not matter since you just ask forgiveness? So you simply kill people and then ask forgiveness? Or does God not forgive you? Doesn't the Bible tell us if you miss even a simply law you break them all? It's a slippery slope my friend that this message of trying to keep your salvation puts people on...
Remember this: Peter knew how much He loved Jesus. John knew how much Jesus loved Him. And Peter denied Him while John came back to the cross when Jesus needed him most. John also was blessed to take care of Jesus' mom. This life we can be lived avoiding sin or by chasing love. I prefer to chase love. And to be loved. And to love others as I am. Freely giving what I have received.
Bless you brother,
C.