We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:15-21) It seems sometimes we consider this thing of ours "Christianity" as some form of ordered ascension. We do this plus this, say this and that, get our seal and move to our section, what ever that may be. What is Christianity? Words, mantras, dogmatic acquiescence to a retrograde ideology, in a froward world. No! it is about growth spiritual growth. (1 of 4)
(1 John 4:7) Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Now does that say; First you got to be saved, then baptized then, then emancipated from the body, then you will know love? Again NO! It says let us 'LOVE' one another. Most Christians put the cart before the horse, when in reality it is the opposite. Our debt has been paid. we were not the debtor, but the grace of the forgiveness of the debt set us free. (2 of 4)
Free to do what? Free to become examples of Christ! (1 John 4:9) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. See the pattern here 'Our action = God' not 'God = Our action' (3 of 4)
Now with out any desire to get into a rhetoric debate about Faith /Works or Works/Faith what we should focus on is simply becoming examples of Christ, studying to show ourselves approved, and ministering through works our love of Christ. Then will people delight in our words because (1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. And they will love, because we loved them first. (4 of 4)
Hi, you are subscribed to a friend of mine and I just saw this of yours and I concur with you that no repentance means no growth and also no wanting of a relationship with the person one has sinned against. This is so true with those who turn away from God. No matter how much they attempt to hide and mask the heart condition, with other spurious reasons, bottom line is that they are saying: I dont want a relationship with God. Stuck is where that person will be until they repents.
@alamo11 Yes, I agree it is a stumbling block, one that comes along with our own imperfect conclusions that we know best about everything. No growth? I dont think that either, because all the time one is stumbling along, one is learning how painful in effect that stumbling really is. And no one can escape their conscience. Listen to it? Well, that is the crux of the matter and another story, for another time, isnt it?
Great response brother! I gotta say - I've never liked or really understood the idea that someone outside the body shouldn't be forgiven or repented to when wronged... how do we show love to our 'enemies' if we are holding grudges or ignoring our offenses? GBU!
@christoferL hi chris, yes repentance is an act of putting right that which we have done wrong ourselves, regardless of whether the other person is within the Body, or Without ,(Hmmm interesting phrase). Although it may be conveniant for the offender to claim the other is not a christian it does not excuse us of our need to repent for what the offender done. If we go down that road we are only fooling ourselves. GBU
We are all sinners. God knows our sins. Those around us can see when we have sinned against them. We are to confess our sins one to another. Yes, the best way to healing a broken relationship is to do some self examination, recognize the sin and confess it to the one you have hurt. Than after that ask them for their forgiveness. This is truly the way I believe our Lord has encouraged us to follow. :)
The thing is if you feel like you did some one wrong and you want them to forgive you because of you're religion does that not null it in any sort of way? If I want some one to forgive me is it any less credible because I do not believe in a god? I agree people should get along the saying " Keep you're friends far away and you're enemies close" is amazing. I have found that people are always not so bad once you get to really know them.
@Monarch816 Hi Monarch, great to hear from you. I agree with you, I think forgiveness is just as important and credible whether you believe in a god or not. Great point you make point about getting to know people. I must admit I can harbour prejudices to people I dont really know . I think as humans we all have our pejuces when we dont know people so well, but as you say, once we get to know them better we probably care for them more. Your thoughts and imput are always wellcome. thanks :-)
I have honestly fell away from the Atheist/Religious youtube community but I have always believed you were a incredibly honest and true Christian. As long as you make videos I will try to comment. Take care.
We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:15-21) It seems sometimes we consider this thing of ours "Christianity" as some form of ordered ascension. We do this plus this, say this and that, get our seal and move to our section, what ever that may be. What is Christianity? Words, mantras, dogmatic acquiescence to a retrograde ideology, in a froward world. No! it is about growth spiritual growth. (1 of 4)
MrVisions 1 year ago
(1 John 4:7) Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Now does that say; First you got to be saved, then baptized then, then emancipated from the body, then you will know love? Again NO! It says let us 'LOVE' one another. Most Christians put the cart before the horse, when in reality it is the opposite. Our debt has been paid. we were not the debtor, but the grace of the forgiveness of the debt set us free. (2 of 4)
MrVisions 1 year ago
Free to do what? Free to become examples of Christ! (1 John 4:9) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. See the pattern here 'Our action = God' not 'God = Our action' (3 of 4)
MrVisions 1 year ago
Now with out any desire to get into a rhetoric debate about Faith /Works or Works/Faith what we should focus on is simply becoming examples of Christ, studying to show ourselves approved, and ministering through works our love of Christ. Then will people delight in our words because (1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. And they will love, because we loved them first. (4 of 4)
MrVisions 1 year ago
@MrVisions excellent points Mr Visions. you have focused on some very precious readings.
alamo11 1 year ago
@MrVisions looking forward to the next 3 parts
alamo11 1 year ago
Hi, you are subscribed to a friend of mine and I just saw this of yours and I concur with you that no repentance means no growth and also no wanting of a relationship with the person one has sinned against. This is so true with those who turn away from God. No matter how much they attempt to hide and mask the heart condition, with other spurious reasons, bottom line is that they are saying: I dont want a relationship with God. Stuck is where that person will be until they repents.
paradiseregain 1 year ago
@paradiseregain thank you for your comments. I am not convinced no repentance means absolutely no growth, but it certainly is a stumbling block. GBU
alamo11 1 year ago
@alamo11 Yes, I agree it is a stumbling block, one that comes along with our own imperfect conclusions that we know best about everything. No growth? I dont think that either, because all the time one is stumbling along, one is learning how painful in effect that stumbling really is. And no one can escape their conscience. Listen to it? Well, that is the crux of the matter and another story, for another time, isnt it?
paradiseregain 1 year ago
@paradiseregain Too true Paradise. Too many people trying to run away from their concience :-)
alamo11 1 year ago
Great response brother! I gotta say - I've never liked or really understood the idea that someone outside the body shouldn't be forgiven or repented to when wronged... how do we show love to our 'enemies' if we are holding grudges or ignoring our offenses? GBU!
christoferL 1 year ago
@christoferL hi chris, yes repentance is an act of putting right that which we have done wrong ourselves, regardless of whether the other person is within the Body, or Without ,(Hmmm interesting phrase). Although it may be conveniant for the offender to claim the other is not a christian it does not excuse us of our need to repent for what the offender done. If we go down that road we are only fooling ourselves. GBU
alamo11 1 year ago
Just checkin in Ian - love your voice, soothing.
beardfreak1969 1 year ago
We are all sinners. God knows our sins. Those around us can see when we have sinned against them. We are to confess our sins one to another. Yes, the best way to healing a broken relationship is to do some self examination, recognize the sin and confess it to the one you have hurt. Than after that ask them for their forgiveness. This is truly the way I believe our Lord has encouraged us to follow. :)
soulpeaceinchrist 1 year ago
@soulpeaceinchrist Yes thats the correct way. It builds us all up ,the sinner and the forgiver.
alamo11 1 year ago
@alamo11 Yes it does, builds us up in humility.
soulpeaceinchrist 1 year ago
The thing is if you feel like you did some one wrong and you want them to forgive you because of you're religion does that not null it in any sort of way? If I want some one to forgive me is it any less credible because I do not believe in a god? I agree people should get along the saying " Keep you're friends far away and you're enemies close" is amazing. I have found that people are always not so bad once you get to really know them.
Monarch816 1 year ago
@Monarch816 Hi Monarch, great to hear from you. I agree with you, I think forgiveness is just as important and credible whether you believe in a god or not. Great point you make point about getting to know people. I must admit I can harbour prejudices to people I dont really know . I think as humans we all have our pejuces when we dont know people so well, but as you say, once we get to know them better we probably care for them more. Your thoughts and imput are always wellcome. thanks :-)
alamo11 1 year ago
@alamo11
I have honestly fell away from the Atheist/Religious youtube community but I have always believed you were a incredibly honest and true Christian. As long as you make videos I will try to comment. Take care.
Monarch816 1 year ago
@Monarch816 Likewise monarch, your views are allways valued for your sincerity. :-)
alamo11 1 year ago