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#1 michelle34

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Posted 02 September 2011 - 12:14 PM

I am a new Christian and was in a Bible study with the Pastor of the church .They were not real serious and the Pastor caused confusion with the things he say .I would say read your Bible til it hits you turn from your sin .Pastor would say in Deuteronomy there is far too repent from .I know the Holy spirit convicts from Gods word I didnt understand .They told me to accept grace .They often talked about Always Grace.Almost reminds me of the book of Jude . He hates sin .Not sure about the Pastor .He says Dont worry about sin there is Grace .I then say turn from your sin we shouldnt enjoy it .I was called juddizer . I feel God wants me to go back in a few more times but I need better understanding .I feel there something wrong .I understand Grace but still when I get convicted I embrasse it and thank God for that .Dont want to keep hurting God .One more thing he said He says sorry to his wife but not God .i dont get it .Always Grace . I am praying for insight and to stand firm .

#2 Joel Stoddert

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Posted 03 September 2011 - 11:31 AM

I am a new Christian and was in a Bible study with the Pastor of the church .They were not real serious and the Pastor caused confusion with the things he say .I would say read your Bible til it hits you turn from your sin .Pastor would say in Deuteronomy there is far too repent from .I know the Holy spirit convicts from Gods word I didnt understand .They told me to accept grace .They often talked about Always Grace.Almost reminds me of the book of Jude . He hates sin .Not sure about the Pastor .He says Dont worry about sin there is Grace .I then say turn from your sin we shouldnt enjoy it .I was called juddizer . I feel God wants me to go back in a few more times but I need better understanding .I feel there something wrong .I understand Grace but still when I get convicted I embrasse it and thank God for that .Dont want to keep hurting God .One more thing he said He says sorry to his wife but not God .i dont get it .Always Grace . I am praying for insight and to stand firm .


Hi, Michelle. I found your post a bit hard to follow, but the group sounds fishy to me too. I too would say to focus on God's grace, not your sin--which Christ has already paid for on the cross. Ephesians 2:8-10 says that we are saved by grace, through Christ; that salvation is totally God's gift, not something we've done to deserve His love. If that's what you're being taught, that's true. Many new believers struggle with this idea, as every other religion in the world teaches that we are saved (although they may not use that word) by what we do & don't do. Legalistic churches may say we're saved by grace, but stress do's & don'ts. Many who were brought up very traditional Catholics have a hard time getting over the idea that being saved is by grace and....(and going to Mass, and doing good deeds, etc.). If you are from such a background and the Bible study group is trying to help you understand that your salvation is totally a gift from God, that you don't have to earn it, they're right. However, if they're telling you sin is no big deal, you need to find a group that will teach you God's Word, which they aren't if they downplay sin. It also strikes me as suspicious that they're into name-calling (Judaizer), especially when dealing with a new believer who's still trying to learn the basics. It's not only rude, but tells me this group has no patience with someone who disagrees with their pet ideas. I'd find another.

#3 Travis Richey

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Posted 03 September 2011 - 12:39 PM

Michelle,

James 1:5 says this, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." So I would urge you to ask God daily...even multiple times a day....for Wisdom to learn His Way for you, and to guide you to where He wants you to be. I agree with Joel's concerns, that based on what you are saying, this group sounds like it might be misdirected in it's thinking. Ask God to lead you to others that will lovingly help you and come along side of you as you begin this wonderful Journey that you have embarked upon. God is Good, and He wants His Best for each one of us. He is not out to trip us up or make things difficult for us (even though we will find ourselves in difficult circumstances, just as everyone else does). However, He is very interested in our relationship with Him.

One of the problems with "church" is that there is a "language" of the church, and for some reason, a lot of Christians just assume that everyone who is a Christian knows this language and what all the words and phrases mean...and that's just not true. Sadly, there are a lot of long-term church goers that don't know what they mean, but they aren't afraid to tell others how much they think they know.

Paul, in writing to the Ephesian Church, provides us all with a wonderful prayer in chapter one of this letter:
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." I pray this prayer for you this day, and I pray that you pray it for yourself in the days to come. May the Lord BLess you and Keep you.

#4 michelle34

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Posted 04 September 2011 - 02:28 PM

Hi, Michelle. I found your post a bit hard to follow, but the group sounds fishy to me too. I too would say to focus on God's grace, not your sin--which Christ has already paid for on the cross. Ephesians 2:8-10 says that we are saved by grace, through Christ; that salvation is totally God's gift, not something we've done to deserve His love. If that's what you're being taught, that's true. Many new believers struggle with this idea, as every other religion in the world teaches that we are saved (although they may not use that word) by what we do & don't do. Legalistic churches may say we're saved by grace, but stress do's & don'ts. Many who were brought up very traditional Catholics have a hard time getting over the idea that being saved is by grace and....(and going to Mass, and doing good deeds, etc.). If you are from such a background and the Bible study group is trying to help you understand that your salvation is totally a gift from God, that you don't have to earn it, they're right. However, if they're telling you sin is no big deal, you need to find a group that will teach you God's Word, which they aren't if they downplay sin. It also strikes me as suspicious that they're into name-calling (Judaizer), especially when dealing with a new believer who's still trying to learn the basics. It's not only rude, but tells me this group has no patience with someone who disagrees with their pet ideas. I'd find another.



#5 michelle34

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Posted 07 September 2011 - 12:47 PM

Hi, Michelle. I found your post a bit hard to follow, but the group sounds fishy to me too. I too would say to focus on God's grace, not your sin--which Christ has already paid for on the cross. Ephesians 2:8-10 says that we are saved by grace, through Christ; that salvation is totally God's gift, not something we've done to deserve His love. If that's what you're being taught, that's true. Many new believers struggle with this idea, as every other religion in the world teaches that we are saved (although they may not use that word) by what we do & don't do. Legalistic churches may say we're saved by grace, but stress do's & don'ts. Many who were brought up very traditional Catholics have a hard time getting over the idea that being saved is by grace and....(and going to Mass, and doing good deeds, etc.). If you are from such a background and the Bible study group is trying to help you understand that your salvation is totally a gift from God, that you don't have to earn it, they're right. However, if they're telling you sin is no big deal, you need to find a group that will teach you God's Word, which they aren't if they downplay sin. It also strikes me as suspicious that they're into name-calling (Judaizer), especially when dealing with a new believer who's still trying to learn the basics. It's not only rude, but tells me this group has no patience with someone who disagrees with their pet ideas. I'd find another.



#6 michelle34

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Posted 07 September 2011 - 12:54 PM

I understand why it is a bit hard to follow I confused .All know is I asked God to forgive me for all my sin and I think I see people that dont have the law in their hearts .I cry when I sin My heart is on the Lord .I cant earn it but always I aware of when I sin .Not sure they like that .What is the differace between doing what is right and being Legalisic .

#7 Joel Stoddert

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Posted 07 September 2011 - 08:50 PM

I understand why it is a bit hard to follow I confused .All know is I asked God to forgive me for all my sin and I think I see people that dont have the law in their hearts .I cry when I sin My heart is on the Lord .I cant earn it but always I aware of when I sin .Not sure they like that .What is the differace between doing what is right and being Legalisic .


You sound very tender-hearted toward God, which is wonderful, Michelle. But don't let the Enemy exploit that tender heart regarding pleasing the Lord to guilt trip you--Satan will often do just that. You never have, and never will, shock God. You'll never sin in a way He didn't see coming. The Bible says God is all-knowing, so He knew everything about you--including any future sins--before He saved you, & He did it anyway. The Bible says when "we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." You can rest in the Lord's promise of forgiveness, for you're one of His children, as dear to Him as His own Son.

You asked about the difference between being legalistic & doing what is right: Being legalistic is , making your personal way of thinking and doing things equal with what the Bible says, & judging other people by whether they live your way or not. I, for example, don't drink alcohol. The Bible doesn't forbid it, but I've chosen not to. I don't judge those who enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer. If I were being legalistic, I'd say they can't be good Christians & drink because I'm a Christian & I don't. The problem is that legalism isn't always that easy to spot: All too many legalistic people say "the Bible says" when insisting others obey something it doesn't even teach.

#8 Albert Morse

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Posted 10 September 2011 - 05:43 AM

I understand why it is a bit hard to follow I confused .All know is I asked God to forgive me for all my sin and I think I see people that dont have the law in their hearts .I cry when I sin My heart is on the Lord .I cant earn it but always I aware of when I sin .Not sure they like that .What is the differace between doing what is right and being Legalisic .


Michelle you speak well when you say that you cry when you sin. This tells me that you do not want to sin. You are turning away from your sin. You are repenting of your sin. Now that you have turned from your sin trust in what Jesus did upon the cross. Trust that Jesus paid the price you should for your sins. Trust that Jesus willingly died so you don't have to. His resurection proves He conquered death. His life after the tomb is vibrant and full. He is living with us untill we see Him in Heaven.

Doing what is right is obeying the God's law in obedience because you want to please God. You end up spending your time living in close fellowship with God.

Being leagalistic is doing what is right and obeying God's law because don't want to make God mad. You end up spending you time in fear of dissapointing God.

It is a difference in understanding of what Jesus did upon the cross.

Jesus paid for all of you sins you have commited and all the ones you will commit.

However, just because He paid for all the sins you will commit don't go comitting a bunch of sins. Live a life that reflects Jesus. He knows you are a sinner rest in His power to fogive.

#9 michelle34

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Posted 10 September 2011 - 10:06 AM

Michelle you speak well when you say that you cry when you sin. This tells me that you do not want to sin. You are turning away from your sin. You are repenting of your sin. Now that you have turned from your sin trust in what Jesus did upon the cross. Trust that Jesus paid the price you should for your sins. Trust that Jesus willingly died so you don't have to. His resurection proves He conquered death. His life after the tomb is vibrant and full. He is living with us untill we see Him in Heaven.

Doing what is right is obeying the God's law in obedience because you want to please God. You end up spending your time living in close fellowship with God.

Being leagalistic is doing what is right and obeying God's law because don't want to make God mad. You end up spending you time in fear of dissapointing God.

It is a difference in understanding of what Jesus did upon the cross.

Jesus paid for all of you sins you have commited and all the ones you will commit.

However, just because He paid for all the sins you will commit don't go comitting a bunch of sins. Live a life that reflects Jesus. He knows you are a sinner rest in His power to fogive.



#10 michelle34

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Posted 10 September 2011 - 10:21 AM

What I dont understand And left me confused is when they were down playing sin and told me he has known sin and does not care to please God because pleasing God is of works . I believe this is a conflict of the Bible .I am leaving that church .Satan would love me to destroy myself with this attitude .I understand alot more after praying. Also heard someone say we dont live by the law .But I know God has writing it on my heart .I really not interested in sinning against God and trust the Holy spirit.(but we all fall)

#11 michelle34

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Posted 10 September 2011 - 10:44 AM

What I dont understand And left me confused is when they were down playing sin and told me he has known sin and does not care to please God because pleasing God is of works . I believe this is a conflict of the Bible .I am leaving that church .Satan would love me to destroy myself with this attitude .I understand alot more after praying. Also heard someone say we dont live by the law .But I know God has writing it on my heart .I really not interested in sinning against God and trust the Holy spirit.(but we all fall)He says sorry to his wife but not God .There is something wrong and dont want to follow this pastor .I dont live in guilt God is faithful to forgive and I thank for it .



#12 Laurie Collett

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Posted 28 September 2011 - 04:36 PM

Dear Michelle,

God loves you, and each of us, infinitely, without limits. No matter what sins we do or did, He couldn't love us any less because His love knows no bounds. No matter what good works we do to try to please Him, He couldn't love us any more because His love is already beyond measure. We are saved only by His grace, through faith that Jesus died on the cross to pay for all our sins, and that He rose again so that whoever trusts Him will have eternal life. There is nothing we can add to Christ's finished work on the cross, and no works we can do to earn going to Heaven. Similarly, there is nothing we can do, once saved, to lose our salvation.

It sounds to me like you love God and that it makes you sad when you sin. This is appropriate, because He died for us, so when we sin it pains us. Every day we fight a battle between our old sin nature and the Holy Spirit Who lives inside us beginning at the moment we are saved. Even Paul fought this battle every day, saying he had to die to self to let Christ live within Him. It is part of the Christian life that we fight our sin nature, resist Satan, and flee from temptation every day. This is not legalism, but spiritual warfare. Please see my blog post on spiritual warfare for more details: http://savedbygraceb...-suited-up.html

God will gladly give you wisdom if you ask Him to, and it sounds like He already has because you have left that study group. I will pray for you also in your Christian walk. Love in Christ, Laurie Collett, Saved by Grace http://savedbygraceb...y.blogspot.com/