Many times in our Christian walk we go after the “deep things of God” and in the process misstep on some of the most obvious things having to do with a committed Christian life. Jesus talked about some of these things in the Sermon on the Mount. This article is discussing some of these very things.
The Controversy of Faith and Works, Part 8
The Parable of the Sower shows four categories of people in relation to how they hear and receive God’s Word. Many don’t come to hear, others have lives clogged up with too many distractions and cares to hear and apply, others are going through very difficult times and can’t find their bearing. But then there are those that hear, understand, and apply God’s Word. They bring fruit, 30-fold, 60-fold, or 100-fold.
The Conflict of Faith and Works, Part 7
We are living at the end of the age. It is important for those of us that are followers of Jesus Christ to see that there is much more to the Christian life than just getting “saved”. The Bible also tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This is something that many miss and the consequences of this will be evident when the Kingdom of God comes.
Controversy of Faith and Works, Part 6
There are still a few more comments to be made about the parable of the ten virgins before moving on. There is an interesting distinction between the statement made to the five foolish virgins and what was said in Matthew 7:25 where Jesus was talking about those who made a profession of having done so many wonderful works in His […]
Controversy of Faith and Works, Part 5
The parable of the ten virgins might have more spiritual depth of meaning than many give it credit for. It is easy to pass off some of the details in Jesus’ parables and say that the details aren’t all that important because they are only parables. I don’t believe this and through this series of articles am trying to show this. Even salvation is absolutely free, there are still requirements that God has placed upon our living upon this earth. We tend to forget that this is the training ground and we are just passing through.
The Controversy of Faith and Works, Part 4
It is a hard thing for many of us to realize that some of our traditional teachings do not cover the whole truth being conveyed in God’s Word. This is of course also a common line used by many cultists and so I would encourage the reader to check these things out for yourself before accepting “truths” from anyone. It must be confirmed in the Word of God. Often it is of great value to research the original usage of words so that the true meaning is understood. This often casts a bit of light on the subject not seen before. This is the case with many of the things that Jesus said, particularly in His parables.
The Controversy of “Faith and Works”, Part 3
The parable of the ten talents found in Matthew’s Gospel has had controversy over what was said to the third servant. When he was rebuked and tossed out into “outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth”, was that hell? Was it the lake of fire? Some might find it controversial, but could there be a third possibility not often thought of due to traditional teachings? It’s worth looking into??
The Controversy of Faith and Works, Part 2
Right at the outset of part 2 of this controversy, I need to make clear that the principles brought up in this series of articles are not meant to throw anyone for a loop in their Christian walk. To repeat an earlier statement, and will probably be repeated again, nothing is being stated here that says we “earn” our way […]
THE CONTROVERSY OF FAITH AND WORKS, Part 1
One of the Biblical controversies has to do with the subject of “Faith” and “Works”. The controversy can be extended to the discussion of God’s “Grace”, versus His “Requirements.” This subject has been the fuel for debate for centuries. I believe it is very important for those of us who make the claim to be being Christ-followers to understand both […]
CROSSROADS
I was reading in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah a couple days ago and once again read a passage that I have read many times; in fact have highlighted as well as partially underlined. This scripture makes a good foundation for a few thoughts that have been running through my mind. The passage is found in Jeremiah 6:16 and […]