Bible Discussion Thread

Luke chapter 3

Here we see John the Baptist instructing the people how to repent .

It's far more than saying we are wrong or sorry , it involves works of repentance.

You rarely will hear this kind of repentance preached .

That's what John meant by prepare the way of the Lord . get you life in order .

Jesus said except you repent you will all like wise perish !

John was really judgemental on the self righteous people of that time , they lacked the fruit of repentance, etc

John also said " no man can receive anything except God give it " that puts us at Gods mercy and to obey God and Ask God in faith .

In the Old Testament God said , I will show my salvation to the one that orders their conversion aright .

(Way they walk )

Yes their is more that could be said , but study John the Baptist if you want to learn repentance.

Luke 18

The story of the rich young ruler , he had his life in order and Jesus said he lacked 1 thing , then told him what to do , and the young ruler could not . Very good illustration, that few find the way of God through Jesus . But this young ruler had everything good , his life was as far as keeping the law could get him . But he could not follow Jesus , Read the story .

I remember a time in March 21 1988 , when reading the Bible it was just like Jesus speaking to me as I read , I was reading with great earnest , as I needed an answer .

John 11. 25 26

I answered yes to verse 26 .

Instantly my great burden was gone , and life has been quite new since ,I felt clean and new ....

Prior to this experience I cleaned up my life seeking to live right by the teaching of the word , I did not know this is repentance in action , just seemed like the right thing to do . But it was not enough . I knew what it meant follow Jesus , total commitment even death if needed to be faithful.

Death to self the world and evil . The Bible convinced me that I was still without God . As good as I could be I still knew nothing as I should . A very hard lesson to learn . But he changed me , I did not do it .

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith . When we look back we see this clearer . At the time I did not see it clearly as now .

Your testimony Rob, was heartening to read, showing that in spite of your efforts, it took the blessed work of God's Spirit to make the difference to bring you to the points of acknowledgement , conviction & true cleansing. This old hymn immediately came to mind, which I think you may know:

1

I know not why God's wondrous grace

To me He hath made known,

Nor why, unworthy as I am

He claimed me for His own.



Refrain

But "I know Whom I have believed

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I've committed

Unto Him against that day."

2

I know not how this saving faith

To me He did impart,

Nor how believing in His word

Wrought peace within my heart.

3

I know not how the Spirit moves,

Convincing men of sin,

Revealing Jesus through the Word,

Creating faith in Him.

4

I know not what of good or ill

May be reserved for me,

Of weary ways or golden days,

Before His face I see.

5

I know not when my Lord may come,

At night or noon-day fair,

Nor if I'll walk the vale with Him,

Or "meet Him in the air."

May the joy of your salvation be your ever-present experience.

Thank you Chris , I share with hope of helping others , we all have different experiences.

I like that old hymn Trust and obey , many classics indeed !