Examining Faith #2

In the conversation below I asked about the meaning and significance of Abram being credited with righteousness by God for his belief.

God had been speaking to Abram for some time. Abram had consistently believed, obeyed and been rewarded throughout that time. This was not the first promise Abram had put faith in.

Now I am curious to know if it significant only that Abram believed what God said in general, or that he believed specifically what God said directly before being credit with this righteousness?

"After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying,

'Do not fear, Abram,
I am a shield to you;
Your reward shall be very great.'

Abram said, 'O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'

And Abram said, 'Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.'

Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 'This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.'

And He took him outside and said, 'Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.' And He said to him, 'So shall your descendants be.'

Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness."

Genesis 15:1-6

What do you think?

UPDATE:

As I was studying this, I noticed that it really seemed like an "introduction" with the phrase, "Do not fear" in verse 1. But we know Abram had conversations with God prior to this. Then I noticed the phrase, "the word of God" was used to describe who Abram was hearing. I've now emphazised that phrase above in red. This is the first time in scripture that this is used.

Do you think that is significant?

Examining Faith

In Genesis 15, a short verse (oft repeated) simply states, "Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness." (NIV)

Yet, skip a verse and Abram needs assurance once again!

"But Abram said, 'O Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?'"

Abram asked a lot of questions - he reasoned with God a lot, too.

What do you think it means that Abram was "credited with righteousness"?

Do you think this is a significant revelation?

Wise Words?

It is to a man's honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Proverbs 20:3




My skin is finally clear, and I just got my hair did!
I was considering this new profile pic. It makes me think of the phrase, "Whatchoo talkin' about, Willis!"

Personal vs. Ecclesiastical Relationships

I have been in a discussion with another blogger about the concept of separation. Based on his interpretation of Romans 16:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6,7-14, this blogger has recommended that I must leave my current congregation that believes that baptism is the point of salvation.

I am working through this matter of baptism myself, and would prefer not to get into a discussion on that as I am already inundated with info and up way to late every night continuing the study. I will post my thoughts for discussion, once I figure out what my thoughts are. :)

However, in this discussion, where initially I had focused on a dilemma of separation regarding a friend's marriage, it dawned me that if I were to truly follow this man's understanding of the scripture, that I would have to leave my husband.

He explained that I had no knowledge of the difference in applying this doctrine of separation to personal and ecclesiastical relationships.

I basically said he was right, I have no such knowledge. And I asked him to share those differences. But he decided to cease discussion with me.

Is there such a difference in applying this or any doctrine to a personal vs. an ecclesiastical relationship?

And what of those relationships that are both personal and ecclesiastical (which for me, are almost all of them!)??

There is no reason to listen if I cannot hear.
Just Another Voice,

What DID Jesus do?

Some people spend a great deal of time trying to figure out what Jesus would do, today, if found in the same predicament. But I think it's pretty important to focus more on what He actually did do.


He died.


If I really want to be like Jesus, I will, too.

1. I will die to self, like He did. Not lead, not defend, not judge, not strive to be the best, not impress others - but serve.
2. I will obey God to the point of dying, not because I want glory but because I trust even my very life to the Father.

God sat at the tables of men and women who not only disagreed with His doctrine, but those He knew plotted His demise. He spoke truths that might later change and save their souls after they had succeeded in slaying Him. I cannot think of one instance when Jesus "withdrew fellowship" or ever spoke up to even defend Himself. Knowing what these men would do, knowing they not only disagreed, but despised Him - Jesus continue to accept their invitations, answer their questions, share insight and parables. He only spoke of the "Pharisaical Heart" to the Pharisees themselves. To the crowds, He taught what it was to be loving, merciful and generous to one another - and of a kingdom to come - not preaching of the dark hearts and heresy of the pharisees.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:4-8

I'm going to try to follow that advice! Fancy that - the peace of GOD will guard my heart and mind, and I can keep my mind on doing good.