Grace Verse Legalism

[Withdrawn]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Just looking back and having been under both good and bad leadership, I still see a large group of people that don't seem to have a "desire" to try and think for themselves.

I don't know where that comes from. I'm not sure we can totally blame that on a lack of good leadership in all cases.

I don't believe it's necessarily a lack of good leadership, as it is perhaps a lack of a good example. Let me explain, because I know that sounds harsh.

The thing is, unless people are hungry, they won't go looking for food. Unless people are thirsty for living water, they won't go looking for something to drink. Instead, they are lulled to sleep and end up becoming fat and lazy. Our job, as salt, is to make people thirsty! If people had more examples of people on fire for God, making a difference, walking in the freedom wherein Christ has made them free and in the power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost, they would be more likely to grow hungry or thirsty for that same life. The won't find it if they are not seeking. Our mistake comes when we try to force our own substitute on them.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by jaamez

I don't believe it's necessarily a lack of good leadership, as it is perhaps a lack of a good example. Let me explain, because I know that sounds harsh.

The thing is, unless people are hungry, they won't go looking for food. Unless people are thirsty for living water, they won't go looking for something to drink. Instead, they are lulled to sleep and end up becoming fat and lazy. Our job, as salt, is to make people thirsty! If people had more examples of people on fire for God, making a difference, walking in the freedom wherein Christ has made them free and in the power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost, they would be more likely to grow hungry or thirsty for that same life. The won't find it if they are not seeking. Our mistake comes when we try to force our own substitute on them.

I totally agree with what you are saying!

But then, back again, I'm reminded of a particular church where the dynamics changed when a few of us came into the prayer room. People began to pray, but if any were absent, for some reason, it wasn't the same.

So, coming in and being on fire for God or being the salt - and if I may use an illustration - seemed like an air conditioning unit in a trailer home - when it's blowing everything is cool, but when it turns off it doesn't sustain the same degree in temperature.

I still find that amazing and still see that many people can't seem to take the initiative for themselves.

Therefore, my opinion is that, to some degree, the mindset has bred "legalism" in many cases.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by jaamez

I don't believe it's necessarily a lack of good leadership, as it is perhaps a lack of a good example. Let me explain, because I know that sounds harsh.

The thing is, unless people are hungry, they won't go looking for food. Unless people are thirsty for living water, they won't go looking for something to drink. Instead, they are lulled to sleep and end up becoming fat and lazy. Our job, as salt, is to make people thirsty! If people had more examples of people on fire for God, making a difference, walking in the freedom wherein Christ has made them free and in the power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost, they would be more likely to grow hungry or thirsty for that same life. The won't find it if they are not seeking. Our mistake comes when we try to force our own substitute on them.

I like that! Great thought!

Blessings, Rhoni

[Steve Epley]

Grace is NOT God's septic tank that catches all our trash.
Grace gives victory over sin.

LEGALISM IS NOT OBEYING WHAT IS COMMANDED IN THE NEW COVENANT THAT IS GRACE WITHIN ITSELF.

[Withdrawn]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

LEGALISM IS NOT OBEYING WHAT IS COMMANDED IN THE NEW COVENANT THAT IS GRACE WITHIN ITSELF.

Amen, Elder! I respect your position, and hope that you can respect mine.

Let me just say that obeying what is commanded in the New Covenant is not legalism, it also is not creating dress codes and rules based on a group of men's concept of how it should be applied. I believe in modesty, and in discipling new believers by example. But codifying our convictions removes grace and DOES replace it with legalism.

God bless.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Grace is NOT God's septic tank that catches all our trash.
Grace gives victory over sin.

LEGALISM IS NOT OBEYING WHAT IS COMMANDED IN THE NEW COVENANT THAT IS GRACE WITHIN ITSELF.

Actually it is...Christ became sin and accepted the penalty of all our sin from the beginning of time until the end of it.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Grace is NOT God's septic tank that catches all our trash.
Grace gives victory over sin.

LEGALISM IS NOT OBEYING WHAT IS COMMANDED IN THE NEW COVENANT THAT IS GRACE WITHIN ITSELF.

Grace is what covers sin after you have received the promise and repent again for those sins.

Legalism does not cover sin it creates an ability for man to punish what man legislates as sin.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Neck

Grace is what covers sin after you have received the promise and repent again for those sins.

Legalism does not cover sin it creates an ability for man to punish what man legislates as sin.

POTD