Bro. James, I must apologize for missing one of your posts. I remember reading it and intending to respond but, for some reason, forgot to do it. I think I will blame it on my wife; she must have called me to eat. How about that for a coverup. Come to think of it, I think I will blame ALL my failures and weaknesses on her. You know, in marriage, two have become one, so she must be causing the difficulty. Just kidding, she is a wonderful woman.
The thread seems to be experiencing some controversy right now. It rather puts me in a quandry as to my responsibilty to the lost. There seems to be two concepts that I struggle with. One is the motivating power of the love of Christ. The other is, when is enough, enough? I present some scriptures to show my inner conflict. The bottom line is, we must let the Lord lead and seek His wisdom in these matters. His grace is sufficient for all things.
(2 Cor 5:14 NASB) "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;"
(2 Cor 5:15 NASB) "and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf."
God's love which He has given us by the Holy Spirit urges us on, (Rom 5:5 NASB, "...... because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.")
On the other hand we see God's word provides us a way out.
(Titus 3:10 NASB) "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,"
(Titus 3:11 NASB) "knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned." And others, (Mat 10:14 NASB) ""And whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet."
(Acts 13:51 NASB) "But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium."
(Acts 13:52 NASB) "And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."
Additionally you wrote, " It is extremely difficult for all to approach His word, being blinded by our inheritance of half truths taught by others. ". It is God's desire that we all approach Him thru His Living Word (Jesus, our great high priest) and also, His Written Word. Can you imagine a loving Father who would not desire for His children to come to Him? In this so called age of enlightenment, the danger is that we listen too much to people. There are many voices calling out across the land. Most of them are false prophets. God has given us the sure word from His mouth. It is most necessary that we pray and study His Word because this pleases Him because it edifies us., "(2 Tim 2:15 NASB) "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth."
(2 Tim 2:16 NASB) "But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,"
In accordance with His blessed grace He invites us to Him.
(Heb 4:16 NASB) "Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need."
Praise God for His infinite love which is the seedbed from which sprouts His grace and mercy.
Our Lord is with us, even to the end of the age.
Beware of men, beware of satan, trust the Lord.
David |
