Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
When I say things like: "The fact is that MANY do buy into it simply because they are lead to believe that 'little effort' is required on their part. Look at how it's marketed: "Don't you want eternal life? It's a free gift."
it is clear that I am speaking of the effort required by those who buy into "cheap salvation". For you to continue to e to comprehend what others have posted before you go off on your little rants?
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When I say things like, "The fact is that MANY do buy into it simply because they are lead to believe that 'little effort' is required on their part.
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That may be true. But compare it to asking someone to marry you. Many a man and woman proposed marriage without realizing the depth of commitment that was involved too.
I been happily married for 33 years. When I look back on the evening I asked that woman's hand in marriage I almost shudder
"Man, was I naive !!!"
Don't be angry with people or with God because the gift of salvation is received so easily from man's standpoint.
You have little confidence in the Holy Spirit. He eventuall impresses the believer that what he has received is exceedingly costly, precious, and should be valued so.
Such an unfolding realization comes from the Holy Spirit within the Christian. God is very good at being God, you know ?
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Look at how it's marketed: "Don't you want eternal life? It's a free gift.", it is clear that I am speaking of the effort required by those who buy into "cheap salvation". For you to continue to go on as if I wasn't referring to the effort required by those who buy into "cheap salvation", is dishonest.
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Okay, okay. I see your point. I have long see this point. However, look at Paul's attitude while he was shut up in prison and had to see inferior gospel work done, and that just to make him jealous.
"Some preach Christ even because of envy and strife, and some also because of good will ... But the others announce Christ out of selfish ambition, not purely, thinking to raise up allfiction in my bonds.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truthfulness Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice; yes, and I will rejoice." (See Phil. 1:15-18)
Look at the Apostle Paul's attitude. Whether in pretense of in truthfulness, he is just glad that Jesus Christ is being preached. That is because Jesus is a living Person. The gospel preacher is just a forerunner, an announcer.
Sure, there are some bad announcers. But Jesus is a living Person. And once they meet the living Person, He will take over.
Some people wait their whole lives for the perfect Gospel preacher to come along. That person may never come. So you respond to
Jesus Himself and not focus on the messenger too much.
When I went to college a Christian told me that I would never be at peace until I received Jesus. Some time latter I notice that that dude had a kind of casual girlfriend, and I raised my eyebrows a bit. I thought "What's the difference here?"
It didn't stop me from getting to know Jesus Himself. Maybe you'll meet the perfect evangelist some day. But most of us are flawed and still a work in progress.
Can't waiting around for Mr. Perfect Evangelist to share the truth of Jesus be an excuse to procrastinate a Christless life for as long as possible ?
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Do you even bother to read what others post? Once again:
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I need some improvement in the area of being sure I understand exactly what someone has written.
The point is taken.
Could you use some impovement in comprehending exactly what the New Testament is saying ?
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If anything is a lie, it is your characterization of what I posted as saying "a gift ALWAYS brings out the worst in humanity in history is a lie". What I said was that it "INVITES the worst in humanity" which it does. Why the deceit?
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I did not adaquately notice the little word "likely". Sorry.
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Is it really asking too much for you to take the trouble to comprehend what others have posted before you go off on your little rants?
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No "rant" now. Just a little question repeated:
What in this universe would you say exists which is more valuable and more precious then the life of Jesus Christ ?
Or do you consider the whole question not fair based on my overlooking the significance of the word "likely" ?