Dave,
This is what I am getting at. He does take us from faith to faith and glory to glory. Yes, He gradually gives us more and more light so that we can surrender more and more, yielding our will to His will. You are right about the Rich Young Ruler, but you have to admit there are some pathetic Evangelistic methods out there and one thing Jesus demonstrates is that you can't decide to follow Him because you think you are "so good". We agree on that.
Axehead
Actually, the Holy Spirit then begins to teach us about our new life in Christ and how to walk in the Spirit. When we are walking in the Spirit (walking in love and preferring others) we are pleasing the Lord. I think you are somehow thinking that myself and others are promoting sinless perfection and we are not.
As far as what the Lord is asking me to do, Dave. It is simple: He is asking me each day to come to Him with my whole heart and to repent of any idols in my heart that He brings to my attention.
Axehead
i agree with what you just stated! but the answer to the problem is not to point back to the law! nor worry myself about that bunch! the thing to do is grow in grace and knowledge and in POWER! and preach the gospel
Paul preached! the ministery of righteousness! and those who believe WILL BE CHANGED BY THE WORD! not this looking back at law!
Believe me, I don't look back at the law. I have had big debates with law keepers (Sabbath, Tithing, etc). I look to Christ and I believe dragonfly and Episkopos do too.
[background=rgb(247, 247, 247)]As far as what the Lord is asking me to do, Dave. It is simple: He is asking me each day to come to Him with my whole heart and to repent of any idols in my heart that He brings to my attention. But, I am not to get introspective. I am to keep my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith and He will lead me and guide me and He never leads me into sin. I do a good job of that on my own, but Jesus never leads anyone into sin. He leads us to put to the death the deeds of the flesh (the picture that I posted). [/background]
[background=rgb(247, 247, 247)]Good talking with you. It is getting late here and tomorrow's gathering is in my house and I need to clean the place up a little bit. [/background]
[background=rgb(247, 247, 247)]Talk to you later,[/background]
[background=rgb(247, 247, 247)]Axehead[/background]