IntenseDebate - exegete77

12 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - he never gives up · 0 replies · +1 points

Good words, Serena. Ones we need to hear often. Always appreciate your writing.

You wrote: “This thing is so much bigger than you. It’s about Jesus and what He’s done for you.” And that is the heart of everything! Thank you.

Rich
My recent post Review: Embracing Shared Ministry

12 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - sin no more · 1 reply · +1 points

Serena wrote: “Go and sin no more. Sinners see it as a prescription for behavior. Saints see it as a proclamation over them.”

Those sentences are powerful and need to be reinforced for every Christian. We tend to forget what Paul writes in Galatians, “Having begun in the Spirit, are we now maturing under the Law?” By now means!!

Excellent post, Serena.

Rich

13 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - your justification · 1 reply · +1 points

Serena wrote: “Without the reminder of the truth, humans tend to gravitate to a gospel of behavior.”

Indeed, and that is why the Law needs to be spoken in its severity to show sin, not to relieve bad feelings. The “gospel of behavior” (love that phrase!) is really sugar coated Law that pretends to be Gospel, when it is not. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians he helps them see this when they try this “gospel of behavior” and where it leads. “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Gal. 5:7). In other words, those who emphasize “gospel of behavior” (Law) actually prevent “obeying the truth.” Only the Gospel sets us free to do that.

Serena, your words are so important, so on-target. Thank you!
My recent post “Sacred” texts Pt 1: Challenge of Translating

13 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - the line · 0 replies · +1 points

Have we walked in the same paths? Amazing how much our stories and paths are the same.
My recent post Why do we exist (as a church)?

13 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - the line · 2 replies · +1 points

Yes, indeed. Look at points 1 and 4 in the following article:
http://pastordavidkim.com/2012/06/seven-signs-you...

I’m glad you mentioned trust. Without restoration, trust can be a tool for manipulation and control.
My recent post Ephesians 1:3-14 rearranged

13 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - the line · 4 replies · +1 points

The Church has been lax in the restoration of sinners. Yet, Jesus addressed it head-on because it is critical to the Church and its survival as Church. Matthew 18:15-20... the goal is to restore the fellowship.

Serena, God has blessed you with insight and wisdom to address the unmentionables in public. Restoration isn’t people bound or church bound, but rather hinges on confession and absolution. And absolution is just that, taking away all sin and its effects. We pray that the Church comes to grips with restoration. Without that the church is only a clanging cymbal.

As I helped start a mission church (from a distance) 2+ years ago, the issue of restoration came up. I told the leaders that this very issue will make or break you as a church. If you forgive and restore, you have set the pattern for how you will live for Christ in the future. I am pleased that they chose the restoration path. What a blessing that has been!

Thanks again, Serena, for your words.

Rich
My recent post Ephesians 1:3-14 rearranged

13 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - stop the cycle · 1 reply · +1 points

I find that such situations scream at me to “justify” myself, to them, to the world, maybe even to God, and most of all to myself. But when I realize that God’s justice has been served for me, by Jesus enduring the insults and mocking for me (1 Peter 2:21-25), and now in justice God declares me just/righteous. It is humbling to live in grace, that free declaration. Why do I fight it so hard at times? That battle of the flesh still rages (Romans 7:13-25).Your reminder is excellent: “Do you believe that you’re forgiven and loved in spite of their opinions?“

I am also reminded of Galatians 6:1 “Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted.” (GW)

Very important words you have written, Serena. The Church in its broadest terms needs to hear this. Thank you.

Rich
My recent post General Observations of Four Translations

13 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - when it hurts to go to... · 0 replies · +1 points

Serena wrote: “However, people make mistakes with each other and focus more on His demands for right living and less on His command to love and offer restorative grace.”

This is critical. Thanks for stating it so well. That may be why in Galatians 5:7 Paul writes: “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” In other words, the ones wanting to impose the Law again on the Galatian Christians were actually preventing them from obeying the truth. Much for serious thought there.

I think of Galatians 6:1 (“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”). By nature we like the Law and are deluded when we think we can live it as God intended, rather than living in the grace of God. But God’s grace is sufficient...

Thanks for your posts, Serena. Always a blessing and thought-provoking.

Rich

14 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - the girl in tangles · 1 reply · +1 points

Thank you, Serena, for the sensitive glimpse into a world that few of us want to see. As Christians we can only weep when we read. But not only weep...then we can love, even if the person feels unlovable. And grace is for sinners, and grace is sufficient.

Rich

14 years ago @ Grace Is For Sinners - saving the rich · 0 replies · +4 points

Spot on, Serena.

I find it interesting that after David’s multiple sins (lust, adultery, murder), in his confession of Psalm 51, he writes this: “Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You” (Psa. 51:13). In other words, because of our sins, and God’s forgiving and restoring grace, we become his instruments of grace to others. You are doing that. Do give up, don’t be discouraged. You have an important voice for all to hear!

Rich

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