Henry, I very much appreciated your focus on that part of our faith which iinvolves our freedom to live out our grateful response to this incredible gift of salvation from God. Which simply put is to follow Christ’s example of loving others as we are loved.
I agree that disaster trips are one great example of this! And since there seems to be a general appreciation and admiration for this kind of behavior, it might be one way for the Holy Spirit to wave a “ come and see” flag for some curious soul seeking meaning in their lives. Maybe just doing good works in the company of Jesus followers would be good soil for the Spirit to work.
You referred to “the faith of Jesus which brings us salvation”. I agree that God’s agape.LOVE manifested in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus brings salvation —-“not by works lest any man should boast”. This said I,also, believe that we can refer to our”our faith” as naming that love/trust relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father. My understanding is that ALL are given a measure of faith from God which we, by means of a free will, can accept or reject. If we accept this gift, we are saying “Yes, God. Thank you for making me your forever child. Nourish and guide the moments of my days to become the child you created me to be.” God’s gift of salvation in Christ places us on a firm foundation on which to build our lives.
Amen to that!
Henry, I very much appreciated your focus on that part of our faith which iinvolves our freedom to live out our grateful response to this incredible gift of salvation from God. Which simply put is to follow Christ’s example of loving others as we are loved.
I agree that disaster trips are one great example of this! And since there seems to be a general appreciation and admiration for this kind of behavior, it might be one way for the Holy Spirit to wave a “ come and see” flag for some curious soul seeking meaning in their lives. Maybe just doing good works in the company of Jesus followers would be good soil for the Spirit to work.
Henry
I believe it is the faith of Jesus that brought salvation to all. Not by my faith, works, or anything I can do or not do.
God is the giver of grace which is freely given to all, regardless of their faith. It is God’s action and love of creation.
Best wishes
George Leikauf
Hi, George
You referred to “the faith of Jesus which brings us salvation”. I agree that God’s agape.LOVE manifested in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus brings salvation —-“not by works lest any man should boast”. This said I,also, believe that we can refer to our”our faith” as naming that love/trust relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father. My understanding is that ALL are given a measure of faith from God which we, by means of a free will, can accept or reject. If we accept this gift, we are saying “Yes, God. Thank you for making me your forever child. Nourish and guide the moments of my days to become the child you created me to be.” God’s gift of salvation in Christ places us on a firm foundation on which to build our lives.