Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Mae - 2 years ago
    Being saved by grace doesn't mean that good works don't count.

    Is this correct?
  • Fred Scanlan - In Reply - 2 years ago
    When we appreoach the throne of grace, we are remembering the death and ressurection of Christ Jesus! When you attend the church or the synagogue, we are remembering a moment in time, not 2000 yrs ago, but comming in the here and now! That this our savior has died and ressurrected, that we have life in Him in the here and now!

    That we too shall appear before Him the same way He has left us, that we will put on incorruption and become like Him!

    Paul, proclaims His witness, and those of the apostles, that what they teach is the unfathonable realities of eternal life!

    That if, we believe! We should be filled with joy and revelation that are in His loyal word, knowing these things are real!!! The next time you take the sacrament ,remember that you are taking the body and blood of this person! The Son of God the Savior of the world!

    Repent and be Baptized
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Fred Scanlan,

    Thank you for this beautiful sharing.

    I really would like to get baptized by water immersion.

    We were raised by Catholic parents. I am the youngest child and I think I am the only born again. I pray one day in our family reunion I could ask each one of them .
  • GiGi - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Dear Mae (love your name)!

    You have received some helpful comments already, but I wish to add these thoughts prompted by reading your question and the replies:

    First, In my mind, a rephrasing of your question may be helpful. Are you saying that yes, we are saved by faith, not good works, but are good works still important in the life of a believer?

    To this question, I would answer. Correct, we are saved by God through His outpouring of grace by faith gifted to us by Him. And, yes, good works are important in the life of a believer. They are, as Jessie states, the result of the working of the Holy Spirit indwelling in us after conversion. Yet, I will add, in order for the Holy Spirit to cause us to abound in good works, we do have to use our will and actions to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to allow Him to work in us and through us.

    If we yield and cooperate with the Holy Spirit (which is a choice to walk with the Spirit) we will produce the fruits listed in Galatians 5:22. The Holy Spirit does not take over us and force us to do good works. He creates in us a desire to love what is good and hate what is evil. He creates in us a deep desire to obey like Jesus did, who never sinned. Our natural body, mind, and soul all work with the Holy Spirit to do these good works. It is the sinful nature in use that works in us to tempt us to do evil works.

    We have both the Holy Spirit and the sinful nature in, it is a constant battle within us to choose which we will allow to reign in each action, thought, and motive brought forth in our mortal, natural being. With the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have the power of grace to overcome sin in any given moment and choose God's way. But, even so, the sinful nature is still within us and we give in to it at times. In these times, we are to do what John says in 1 John 1: to confess to God that we have sinned and ask for forgiveness, knowing He will always forgive us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
  • Giannis - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Also to add that if we don't provide our lamp with oil like the 5 unwise virgins then our light will eventually go off and we will be eventually left out of the Marriage. Providing oil or not to our lamps (as well as how much) is a choise we do, it's not a work that God does for us.
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Giannis ,

    Yes indeed.

    Very well said too.

    God bless you
  • Giannis - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Well said, GiGi.
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Dear Gigi,

    Thank you! That is so sweet of you.. and I love your name too. It sounds joyful.

    I have indeed received many answers already but to receive this one from you is nonetheless a sweet blessing from God. I feel so happy upon seeing this longer reply from your name.

    I agree and accept the enlightenment through you because I felt God is using you to help me. It is true that we have to use our will and actions to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to work within us and in our lives. I pray for the Holy Spirit to dwell within me and in in my loved ones life.

    I keep asking the Holy Spirit of God to guard my heart.

    I was also wondering: is it right to address the Holy Spirit in your prayers ? or should we always say it to the Father in Jesus Name ?

    Please pray for my son. He has grown to be a young man of this world .. he is a good kid but is so vulnerable to the present world. He thinks he knows everything and insisted to not to listen anymore to my advise because he knows.. He is not reading the bible. I think only God can do the work for him.

    God bless you,

    Mae
  • GiGi again - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hello Mae,

    I am glad you found my reply helpful.

    I don't think you need to worry about having the Holy Spirit within you. he is already residing in you from the time you were converted. No one can say "Jesus is Lord" without the Holy Spirit. So, be assured that you have all that the Holy Spirit has to bring to any believer. You are lacking in nothing in Christ Jesus. But, I agree, we do need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us as we live in a wicked world and the enticements can be very convincing when we are vulnerable or not watchful. I think we can pray to the Father, or Jesus, or the Holy Spirit or all three anytime, anywhere.

    I will pray for your son (and my three)

    Heavenly Father, we are mothers of these sons you gave us. We so wanted each of them to grow up knowing and loving you. We did what we could to teach them about and exemplify Jesus to them growing up. But now they are worldly, having turned from you and gone the prodigal way. We grieve so much over this, as I know it grieves You, too. You gave us these sons for Your glory, that they may be saved and serve You. We entrust them to Your will, the influence of Your Holy Spirit, the power of Your grace, and the immense depth of Your love for each of them. We ask that You soon draw them away from the world and the way of unbelief they are walking on right now. Bring a change to their hearts because they cannot do this themselves. It comes from You only. We ask that You return them to faith and trust in You and Your Son, Jesus, who is the only way to be saved.

    We thank you for each of these young men and the privilege of being their moms. We look forward to when our grief will be turned into joy when they repent and confess Jesus as their Savior and Lord once again. We look forward to them spending eternity in heaven with You and each of us moms. We believe that You love them more than we ever could and are able to save to the uttermost all that You will. We ask this of You today.
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Gigi,

    This might sounds like a delayed reaction on my side ... I just want to say I am glad to know a beautiful mother with 3 adorable sons too like mine tho I only have one ..

    I have a wonderful news to you : I feel God begins his work in my son's heart . I believe that our prayers can move mountains and I'll pray for your sons too . By the way my son's name is Nico.

    And also , please pray for me today I'm not feeling so well .

    I think it's indigestion.

    I believe that Jesus is my healer.
  • GiGi - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Dear Mae, I am blessed to have three kind, helpful, intelligent, compassionate sons. They are adults now, all in their 30's. I will continue to pray for Nico when I pray for my sons, Brian, Rob, and Kevin.
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    GiGi

    In Jesus Name Amen.

    I'm so happy after I prayed with you in agreement .

    I believe that will answer and grant the prayer of the faithful mothers.

    Yes the Holy Spirit is always within us believers. Thank you for reminding me.

    I want to say goodnight to you my dear , have a restful sleep.

    God be with you always !
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Part 2.

    Titus 3:4-6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

    Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

    Which he shed on us abundantly THROUGH Jesus Christ our Saviour;

    Let's look at this word regeneration. Greek:

    Transliteration: paliggenesia

    Pronunciation: pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah

    Definition: From G3825 and G1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act) that is (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specifically Messianic restoration: - regeneration.

    We have been REGENERATED, REBORN, Given a new heart and ready to present Christ work through you.

    So we have the words Quickening.

    Greek:

    Transliteration: zopoie

    Pronunciation: dzo-op-oy-eh'-o

    Definition: From the same as G2226 and G4160; to (re-) vitalize (literally or figuratively): - make alive give life quicken.

    KJV Usage: quicken(9x), give life(2x), make alive(1x).

    It means to make alive or give life.

    Here in

    1 Corinthians 15:45.

    We know Jesus is that Quickening spirit which is also the Holyspirit that gives life in Romans 8:11-14.

    ( If you notice verse 14 you have to be led by the Spirit.)

    A life now that can bare fruit such as faith.

    This is what James is saying in James 2:17-18. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

    Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

    What James is saying is he's going to show that this gift is in me by his work. You see a Christian is saved UNTO good works. Ephesians 2:10.

    This is why the Lord says you shall know them by their fruits. It doesn't say you shall know them by their works! You see your fruits is something only God can produce such as Love/Agape, Faith, ect.. and fruit determines what type of works it is. "OF God/Spirit. or of Self/flesh. Matthew 7:15-20.

    God bless.
  • David - In Reply - 2 years ago
    S.Spencer I'm confused about the word regeneration since I don't see that in Gods Word, I see born again I quickned

    or made alive but not regeneration?
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi David.

    Titus 3:4-6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

    Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of ( REGENERATION,) and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

    Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

    God bless.
  • Jesse - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Brother Spencer,

    Very well laid out and great use of scripture. Amen!
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Thanks Brother.

    God bless.
  • David - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Mae By the grace of god we are born again when we confess Romans 10:9+10 and start applying Gods word in our lives.

    Even to get born again takes an individuals actions confessing with mouth and thought and heart which are all things we do the

    then God does the miracleof all miracles and were born again a child of God spiritually. The work for a believer daily is to walk

    by gods word which in Romans 12:2 which is a lifetime process. All of chapter 3 of collosians has renewed mind keys in thought

    and action. Again the work is the process of change in our walk which is required to walk by the spirit. Agapeo.
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    David,

    This is so powerful. I am so grateful again today to God for revealing to me this amazing truth.

    Thank you for sharing the wisdom and knowledge that God has given you.

    I am not yet done checking the scriptures stated in your reply I have to ponder on it yet.

    I was already asleep when replies showed up, I am from HI.. Going to read also Jesse's reply and others..

    Have a Blessed Sunday morning!

    God bless you!

    May is the real spelling of my name.
  • T. Levis - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Being saved by grace: Genesis 6:8, Genesis 19:12,13,15,16, Exodus 33:12,17,

    By The law: Romans 3:10-31,

    Faith : Romans 4, Romans 5,

    Obedience, yeilding to GOD: Psalms 84:11, Romans 6, Romans 12, 1Corinthians 3:9-15, 2Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:7,8, 1Peter 4:10, 1Peter 5:1-11,

    Romans 11:16-22, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7: , Hebrews 10, James 2,

    Watch out for: Jude 1:4,

    Hopefully these are helpful in your walk, with GOD
  • May - In Reply - 2 years ago
    T. Levis

    Thank you ! Yes these should help greatly in my spiritual growth as a Christian.

    All of these are must reads. I need to finish reading these with whole heart and mind.

    God bless !
  • Jesse - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Mae,

    Good works is the result of salvation. It is God's Spirit in a believer that produces the work. It is His Spirit that persuades us to do good. We cannot produce anything spiritual that pleases God. All we can produce is flesh. It is God's Spirit in us that does the work so that we have nothing to boast. ( Ephesians 2:8-9).
  • May - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Jessie,

    I really appreciate your help. This is so enlightening. I have learned something priceless. It has opened a vast understanding within my spirit. The Lord must be working on your wisdom and the zeal to help fellow believers like me to get a better understanding of His words. I am so happy knowing that my efforts or choice to do good signifies that I am saved or this must be how God the Father draw us.. I would like to say it loud that this is indeed the day that the Lord has made ! we will rejoice and be glad in it. This is a chance to do good works. Glory to God in the Highest.

    God bless you!
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Mae.

    Part 1.

    Yes salvation is by grace alone.

    Romans 3:28.

    Galatians 2:16.

    Every verse emphasizing salvation in the Bible presents this grace when read in context.

    When the Lord judge the quick and the dead you are going to have to present yourself spotless!!

    THAT MEANS NOT JUST REFRAINING FROM SIN, NOT EVER EVEN THINKING OF COMMITTING SIN. ( EVER!!!) Sin is in the Heart. The penalty of sin is death.

    We had to be bought by THE "UNBLEMISHED" BLOOD OF CHRIST.

    When we attempt to add our works/filthy rags to Christ unblemished sacrifice those filthy rags shows up at the judgment seat alone without Christ and is rejected.

    That's what Jesus is saying in Matthew 7:22-23.

    Man working for salvation doesn't change the Heart of Man. The Lord came to give a new Heart, not repair the old one.

    Let's look at Ephesians 2.

    Notice what's highlighted.

    Ephesians 2:3-5. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, FULFILLING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF THE MIND; AND WERE BY NATURE THE CHILDREN OF WRATH, even as others.

    But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath QUICKENED us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

    We "WERE" by nature children of wrath. What happened? We were QUICKENED!!

    Notice the order of events.

    Ephesians 2:8-10. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

    Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    For we are his WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    Now let's take this mindset to the book of James and see what he is actually saying.

    See part 2.
  • GiGi - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Dear S. Spencer,

    Thank you for such a good reply. I am looking forward to part 2!
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Amen Gigi

    Thanks for your reply.

    This is such a important are of scripture.

    God bless you.
  • May - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Gigi,

    Hi sis ! Thank you!

    God bless you !
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Spencer,

    Thank you so much for sharing the scriptures related to my question. These has really done a great impact in my understanding and finding the truth. I need to ponder on the given verses and have to read the Bible diligently and heartily.

    I am so grateful to God today and forever

    Glad to have someone out there to answer my questions because I am still a baby Christian :)

    God bless you bro!
  • David - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Mae In the epistle to the phillipians specifically 2:12 Paul writes second half work out your salvation or wholeness

    or completeness[a constant changing from old man nature to new] with fear and trembling more accurately is respect

    and awe. The work is in the renewed mind or all of Collossians chapter 3. Look at the number of times do and let are

    used. We continue to do Gods Word putting it in our minds and acting thats letting God work by believing what He's

    accomplished for us in Christ. Agapeo to you.
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    David,

    Yours is one of the most useful sharing I've ever received. You remind me that to be saved one has to confess it loud that you believe that Jesus is my Savior and that God has risen him from the dead. I have done this before but I think I need to do this again in front of someone or in front of a group. Does the type of declaration it affects the credit of your act of confessing it?

    Like for example, if we say it virtually on our video posted in the you tube, will God accept that even if it is not done in person?

    Yes the renewing of mind to a mature mind in God is the real product of your acceptance of Jesus as your Savior. This is one of the hardest things to do that I think we must accomplish to be victorious in Christ Jesus. I got to read the 12:2 I need to check it back. I received so many replies... Praise the Lord ! Hallelujah...

    Glad I am off today... Thanks for this day Lord !

  • [Comment Removed]
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Fred Scanlan

    This is amazing. T How wonderful to think that God has given us the gift of salvation . Without Jesus our savior we are wretched sinners with no hope of salvation at all.

    Now we can smile and dance and be happy . We just have to believe and obey.

    Thank you bro
  • Fred Scanlan - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Always hold on to your first love, hold it tight, never let go. Keep the sin of unbelief away!

    God bless!
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Fred Scanlan,

    Thank you!

    Yes I will.

    Big time prayer is always my weapon against the unbelief.
  • Adam - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hello, this is answered in Eph 2 and James 2.
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Thank you Adam. I got it. could not see my previous reply to your reply.
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Adam, Thanks ! Got it.

    I understand that by faith we are saved by grace and not by works..

    Yet, to prove that we have faith in the blood atonement of Jesus Christ for us sinners, we have to obey God's will and one proof that we obey is our good works in accordance to His words/will. So, I think the two comes together ?
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Amen.

    Well stated
  • May - In Reply - 2 years ago
    S Spencer,

    Thank you for your encouragement to help me grow spiritually. I haven't seen yet my reply to you posted.

    It might be still undergoing screening.

    God bless you!
  • Mae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Spencer bro, I still couldn't see my reply to you.. it might be still in the screening process :)

    I am really so thankful to God for all of your help in my spiritual growth as a baby Christian.



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