Christmas Gifts - Page 6

aegsm76 · #51 01-13-2011, 06:45 AM

Salvation is free.
Sanctification requires sacrifice.

I heard these words, last week and have been thinking about them ever since.

jmspiers · #52 01-13-2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeenThinkin

Okay "Apostle-Supreme Bishop" give me an inspiring interpretation of this scripture!

Ac 1:20* For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Been Thinkin'.......and sometimes it hurts!

I think it was referring to Judas, who was obviously a really poor apostle. If he were supreme like me then nobody would have taken his bishoprick. I'd call down fire on them if they tried, just like Jesus would do.

Aquila · #53 01-13-2011, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socialite

Grace came. Unmerited. Not earned (or "qualified" -- Lord knows I didn't QUALIFY to be saved either sheesh). Of no condition. Not of works lest any man should boast. The gift of God. Lavish, prodigal love to a beggar, to a castaway, rebellious son. It didn't make sense. The elder brother had a fit. This doesn't sound like how the Story should go. But it is. Grace. So amazing. Our free gift. A gift not provoked by any obligation on God's part. No "you do this, and I'll do that." Just grace.

No greater Story in all the world.

I'm discovering that biblical grace is down right scandalous. A man faithful to church, all the traditions, standards, codes of conduct, etc. can be lost because he added to the cross, thus making himself his own savior.... while a vile, sin filled, abominable prostitute can call on the name of Jesus trusting ENTIRELY on His finished work upon the cross and she be forgiven of all sin... past, present, and future. She is then declared righteous and holy according to Christ's imputed righteousness and holiness... and she will be welcomed into eternal glory.

Aquila · #54 01-13-2011, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aegsm76

Salvation is free.
Sanctification requires sacrifice.

I heard these words, last week and have been thinking about them ever since.

For the one who's experienced a biblical grace that essentially forgives all sin (past, present, and future), and then imputes Christ's righteousness... sanctification isn't a sacrifice. It's a labor of love as one surrenders to the work of the Spirit in their life. It's the process of being made into the likeness of Jesus Christ by the Spirit. And it is a life long process. And like the mighty oak there can be years of very little growth...yet single a year in which more growth takes place than the previous five or ten years combined. So don't judge that struggling saint of God who just doesn't "appear" to be sanctifying themselves. As the Spirit works they will be conformed into the image of the Son of God. But it's a lifetime process of yielding to the Spirit. Not a religious decision.

notofworks · #55 01-13-2011, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmspiers

I think it was referring to Judas, who was obviously a really poor apostle. If he were supreme like me then nobody would have taken his bishoprick. I'd call down fire on them if they tried, just like Jesus would do.

There's something serious funny about the word, "bishoprick" which I believe is actually, "bishopric".....but still........

notofworks · #56 01-13-2011, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila

I'm discovering that biblical grace is down right scandalous. A man faithful to church, all the traditions, standards, codes of conduct, etc. can be lost because he added to the cross, thus making himself his own savior.... while a vile, sin filled, abominable prostitute can call on the name of Jesus trusting ENTIRELY on His finished work upon the cross and she be forgiven of all sin... past, present, and future. She is then declared righteous and holy according to Christ's imputed righteousness and holiness... and she will be welcomed into eternal glory.

In his book, "Grace", Andy Stanley says, "Anything in addition to grace, isn't grace."

notofworks · #57 01-13-2011, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aegsm76

Salvation is free.
Sanctification requires sacrifice.

I heard these words, last week and have been thinking about them ever since.

But His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Where's the "Sacrifice" in that?

Hoovie · #58 01-13-2011, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notofworks

There's something serious funny about the word, "bishoprick" which I believe is actually, "bishopric".....but still........

I have always thought that too. But our friend in Atlanta has a more serious take on it so have not mentioned it much.

Hoovie · #59 01-13-2011, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notofworks

In his book, "Grace", Andy Stanley says, "Anything in addition to grace, isn't grace."

notofworks · #60 01-13-2011, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I have always thought that too. But our friend in Atlanta has a more serious take on it so have not mentioned it much.

Well, there's a part of that word I've been called a few times.....and I've dished it out, as well.......and that part isn't "Bishop."