Seasoned by Grace

Good morning in the Lord R. Hartono and Betha I see a lot of references to Jewish customs and ways of worship in many of the threads and posts, including yours!! I am not Jewish. I go to church not a synagogue and on Sunday, and I honor God's Sabbath on Sunday in Christ as Jesus called me to. Also, I live by the SPIRIT of the law not the LETTER. I don't live by rules and regulations that were the LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. And I'm not a legalist ! Jesus became the curse of THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH on the cross to set us free from what could not save us (The 10 commandments). Only Christ can save us, so to be under the authority and power of the law brought death (separation from God), but being under grace brought the availability of life eternal for the first time. As Christians we are no longer UNDER the law, but if we love God we are still to OBEY the 10 commandments (The law - both are the same if properly in context). If you lived in Old Testament times and you looked forward to Jesus coming and, believed all the prophecy of the salvation He would make available to all, you could be saved. They looked forward and were saved by believing and God's grace, just like we look back and are saved by believing and God's grace. Remember - WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE, not the law. Thank you in Christ's name for your interest and posting. In Godly love - Dave P.S. If this is confusing to you, the Mosaic law was eliminated in Christ's death on the cross. Christ is our sacrifice now. The affects of the 10 commandments, the curse, was eliminated also, but the need to OBEY the 10 commandments was NOT eliminated.

Thank you LadyKay I've seen way to many others doing what you mention. I'm not the Holy Spirit. It's enough work making my own life work, I don't have the time or inclination to try to live others lives for them. I'm just here to share my faith and thoughts and hope maybe others are challenged or inspired to consider something they may have never heard before. I hope that's a blessing and nothing more All God's many blessings on you, Dave

I don't think the question should be is my work Christian, but am I a devout Christian in the way I conduct my business?? I think he already knows. That's why he is here. Like the rich young ruler he is trying to satisfy his cheating love of money, but wants to feel comfortable with it, so he doesn't have to give up what he has.. He already knows he has done wrong, and his conscience is bothering him the longer he does this. His whole life is built on what he does including his family life and his wealthy life style that he would have to give up. Back to the rich young ruler that walked away from Jesus. I think many of us have been in somewhat similar situations, maybe with a woman, drinking or drugs or some other inappropriate lifestyle, including me many years ago. I don't judge, and neither should any of the rest of us, but ask you to search your heart as I did many years ago, and just like the Tax collector had to do when Jesus asked him to give back what he had stolen and follow HIM. The rich young ruler walked away, but the tax collector followed Jesus. What will you do Kevin McCabe???

Lady Lady ladyKay Boy have you touched me where I have been before. I went to the doctor and even ended up in Christian counseling with several different counselors and for me it really helped. Many of us today have so much stress in our lives - our kids, those around us who can bring all kinds of issues into our lives, our jobs and those very close to us can just fragment our lives and leave us feeling helpless and hopeless, BUT, thank you God we have You and Your word and we can pray to you and ask for help. Philippians 4:6-7 says, " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication make your request known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. James 1:2 says "Consider it all JOY when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith brings endurance, and let that endurance have it's perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing". "Come to me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest". Having the right people in my life to lean on and depend on was such a blessing. I hope and pray there are special people you can talk to and they can comfort you whenever your hurting. At times life can be so painful, but maybe someday when you've gotten through this God can bring others into your life that you can help because you have been where they are, and you can help comfort them. I have prayed for you and know that - "This too shall pass", because no matter how you feel, God is right there with you through all of this. May God bless you richly as you pass through this trial and find the peace your seeking - Dave

Ledster my brother in Christ When I approached God about what I was to do on the Sabbath I gave Him the choice to decide what work was in MY LIFE. For me a relationship with God is very real and personal and theirs no rules or regulations - there is just love and respect and a desire to surrender to any choice He has for my life. I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to work in my life and lead me into what honoring the Sabbath was about for me. Each person could be different. The Jews either had or have regulations for their observance, under Christ we have a personal relationship through His Grace. I just listed what I do and don't do because I was asked by a member here, GOD WANTS A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH ONE OF US and to me that means praying and asking for His will and asking Him how to surrender our lives to Him so that He can accomplish all that He has for you personally - Jer. 29:11-14 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans for good and bot evil, for a future and a hope, and you will pray and seek me with all your heart, and I will be found by you declares the LORD" - I absolutely LOVE and ADORE that verse. God is just so loving and sweet and kind, and loves us with all His heart, and wants a loving relationship where he can pour out His love on us to protect us and provide for us in a loving personal way. His love for mankind goes far beyond anything we can experience here on earth from anyone. God wants to custom design a personal relationship with you that is unique to you and your personality and needs like no one else's, that you can be so excited about that you want to go out and tell the whole world about this loving God that they just have to meet. Like meeting this fabulous girl that just blows you away, and you want everyone to meet her because she is so amazing - GOD IS JUST SO AMAZING !!! Ledster you have a fabulous day in the lord, God bless my friend Dave

Thank you Melinda. I love this post so much .

Hi there Beaujangles. Thanks greatly for your response. Have a wonderful blessed day and weekend - Dave

Hello LadyKay, Thank you so much. I see no reason to act as anyone's Holy Spirit. God has a plan for each life and far be it from me to presume God's plans or intentions for anyones life. We are commanded to be salt and light in a dark world and like many here feel God's calling to share His truth as he has revealed it to us. There are many voices here, and I am just one more voice in the caous and confusion of beliefs, trying to bring what it has taken me years to discover for myself, so that some may at least consider what I have posted here. So wonderfull that this forum and the internet exist so we can exchange idea's and beliefs that all can consider in their quest for their own faith. Enjoy your day and may God bless you in all He has called you to - Dave

Thank you Justin. I knew before I posted this that there would be backlash, because even in church and from acqaintances I have received resistance, sometimes downright condemnation, so this isn't new or unexpected. Jesus said to count the cost before we choose to follow Him. Many have counted the cost and then stood for His truth in the face of persecution. It's to be expected in the Christian life. God has called me to be an apologist to defend and contend for the TRUTH of His word in hopes that the truth will win out for a "FEW". Matthew 7:14, Luke 13: 23-24. Again, thank you and may God bless you beyond all you could hope for - Dave

Good morning everyone. I hope everyone had a restful night sleep. Been sitting here with my cup of coffee and am a little stunned that the thread I posted here has seemingly been HI_JACKED by people using it as theirs to promote Jewish traditions and sacrifice under the Mosaic law which was abolished in Christ blood on the cross as the eternal sacrifice for all man's sins. I do not agree with any of these posts and don't want them posted here as Christ died as our sacrifice, and I want HIS sacrifice on the cross to always be where our salvation began. No matter who you are don't post anymore of this heracy here on this thread. It's not appreciated. I'm sure your hearts are in the right place, and I say this in great love for you and your acceptance into the kingdom, but your knowledge is twisted and your words and beliefs could bring damnation and destruction to any who would believe your SATANIC BELIEFS. SATAN GET THEE BEHIND ME. Please don't post your destructive beliefs here anymore and don't anyone HI_JACK this thread anymore. I posted this thread to talk about honoring the Sabbath and obeying the 10 commandments and that's where I want it to continue. This is not a place for other agendas !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't like being harsh like this, so I'll say this in my strongest voice of love, that we're talking about God and His plan for mankind not to be taken lightly. I POST IN FEAR OF THE LORD AND HIS HOLY NAME The life we're living is LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH and I shudder at the thought of Christ saying to me - I NEVER KNEW YOU. James 3:1 NASB "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgement". To me and I think in God's word, any opinion here in a public setting is a type of teaching and will carry a stricter judgement on the DAY OF JUDGEMENT. I would take this as serious as death itself for we will all die someday and either heaven or hell is waiting for us - IT"S A CHOICE so choose carefully!!!! Matthew 12:36 Jesus said, "and I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgement." With all my love in Christ and most honest intentions - Dave

Thank you 1to3!!!

Thanks for your post John. I focused in on a sentence in your post so I could respond to it. People like me obey the law BUT we haven't placed ourselves UNDER the law, otherwise known in other bible verses as the Law of sin and death. I am not under the law, but under grace. There is a distinct difference between being under the law and obeying the law. God commands us to obey the Law if we love Him, but the law of sin and death was the curse that was removed at the cross for those who would believe All your best in Christ, Dave

Hello 1103 I edited your post so I could focus in on the verse you posted. I am so glad you brought up this verse Matthew 5:17, "I did not come to abolish the law but to FULFILL. A prophecy of this action of Jesus began in Isaiah 42:21, "The lord is well pleased for His righteousness sake; He will MAGNIFY the law and make it HONORABLE" In Hebrew the word MAGNIFY is transliterated GADAL and the word HONORABLE is transliterated as ADAR. Both are synonomous or have the same meaning to make greater, to make magnificent, to bring to a greater understanding, to make glorious, to increase in importance, but definetly not to bring to completion as is proven in Matthew 5: 17-44. One of the main reasons Jesus came wasn't just for salvation but to explain the law that the Jews had changed and brought destruction to themselves by making up rules and expectations never required by God, that the leaders put on everyone. But Christ in his love for us brought us the truth once again so we as Christians could obey the law as God meant it to be obeyed, and out of love, not by the letter of the law !!!! Matthew 5:17 "I did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill. The word FULFILL in Greek is pleerro, or pleroo, plerosis or pleroso which all pretty much mean the same thing(sysnonomous) and only have slight difference that don't distract from the over-all meaning. If you looked them up in a Greek thesaurus or Greek dictionary you would find them all together and a meaning to MAGNIFY, to make greater, amplify, to make magnificent,to make glorious, to bring to greater understanding, to increase in importance. Sound like Isaiah 42:21 - it should. If you have study tools like concordances, dictionaries in English, Greek and Hebrew and some word study books, all you have to do is look everything up. If you go on through all the verses up to Matthew 5:44, Jesus validates this idea of not bringing the law to completion, but making it greater by saying 6 times - "you have heard it said, but I say", "but I say unto you". Jesus stunned them by a NEW TEACHING that "Abolished the letter of the Law, and for the 1st time pronounce the SPIRIR of the law - A NEW TEACHING, and that includes the honoring of the Sabbath because He was speaking of all 10 commandments including the 4th, and making all 10 commandment to be obeyed and honored in a much greater way and practice them in a much greater way FROM THR HEART and not just by the letter of the law (LEGALISM). I could go on and talk about the olive tree type, the wild olive branch being grafted into the natural or cultivated olive tree, and more, but that just goes on and on but does continue to validate Christians honoring the Sabbath. Basically what I'm saying is that over many years, man has twisted God's word to mean what they want, to satisfy their own needs and desires for a faith that is comfortable and suits them - HISTORY REPEATED - because this is just what the Jews did also and Christ came back to set things straight. Thank you for checking in and I pray that what I have shared challenges you and gives you some new perspectives to consider. God bless you all with all my love for you in Christ .

The basic idea from God is a day of resting, refreshing, and reframing from anything a person would call work. I believe it's a very personal thing for each person to decide for themselves through prayer and seeking God's will. The Jews were very legalistic and added all kinds of requirements never meant by God. They lived by the letter of "THEIR LAW and never considered the Spirit of God's law. For me I have a hobby that I don't do and I don't do shopping, I don't go to the gym, and I don't wash dishes or load my dishwasher or do laundry and I don't prepare any meals. I'm single. What I enjoy on the Sabbath is church, having lunch with friends or family, water my flowers but not trim them. Pray, and spend time praising the Lord, take naps, and rest. It's a wonderful day of relaxation and stepping away from all the cares of life and just live in a greater peace, free from the caous and pressure that life can bring into our lives. I plan my week around it and protect it from any distractions or any interruption. This day belongs to God and has been set aside, SANCTIFIED, for God alone and for the REST He called me to for my refreshing. If I were a fisherman, I would go fishing or if I had a boat I would go boating as I live in the Northwest, but I would have to prepare certain things so I was sure to honor God as I relaxed and knew I was in harmony with the God that I love. Ya see, honoring the Sabbath is about loving God and not rules. Rules define legalism, not love. As I said above, I don't cook on the Sabbath . Instead I prepare my meals on Saturday, I honor the Sabbath on Sunday as this is the day God called me to. We are very close and he has his way of communicating with me that I understand how I should honor His Sabbath the way He has called me too. Very personal !! It took me several months of prayer and trying things to see how God wanted me to practice the Sabbath, but God knows my heart, so He was very patient and loving with me until I found what honored the Sabbath as He called me to. It was a wonderful time and I look forward to it all week and prepare for it. Thank you for asking and I hope I sufficiently answered your question. All His best to you, Dave

LOL

Thank you for your response. Sorry, but I am not of the Jewish faith or under the Mosaic law. I am under the grace of Christ. May God bless you richly - Dave

This can be a rather "TOXIC" topic as there are some strong opposing views among the Christian culture. I AM A CHRISTIAN by the way who honors the Sabbath in Christ. I have not started this post to get into a "Spiritual battle" with people here who takes exception to my views or to deal with people who are devisive or like to argue or feel I'm attacking their views. or convictions. I'm an easy going loving person, not condemning or judgmental, and don't try to force my views on anyone. I simply want to help others considering this by sharing my views and convictions so that those who have questions can have information and options that could help them think about this as a possible part of their walk with God, Romans 14:22 Says "the faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God, happy is he who doesn't condemn himself in what he approves" !! There seems to be quite a bit of interest and questions about this topic and I have put this out here to answer questions that I can about my choices, because the Sabbath topic seems somewhat mysterious to many, but nevertheless people here would like some imput and answer's. I have strong beliefs about this, and I have verses and history about the Sabbath that I can share. I have been honoring the Sabbath for around 12 years in my 41 year walk with God, am now a young 76 years old, and look forward to the sabbath more and more the longer I am with Christ. I feel more fulfilled as a believer in Christ and more in harmony with God since I became fully convinced that I was not only called by God to honor the Sabbath, but that by studying it out for several years proved to myself beyond any question that it was meant for me as a Christian, and that the Sabbath was a gift to me, and the whole world from God. This isn't something I do because I "SHOULD" or I'm supposed to. I do it because of my love for God and the truth of His word and love for the Holy Spirit that has revealed this to me as He has led me in His truth. God bless you all in Christ's love and His Holy name, Dave

Hello Addison It's nice to hear your reading your bible and searching out God's truth for yourself. When I first became a Christian, reading the bible and understanding it was way over my head and confusing. A totally different language and words I didn't understand. But I had several guys in my church that helped me through the first few years and that really helped a lot. If you go to a small enough church maybe you could find some older man there to mentor you for a while. My pastor helped me too, by meeting me at a restaurant before work and fed me the word of God as we ate. That was over 40 years ago and I'm so glad they started me out on the right path and helped me understand properly. I have already prayed for you. Don't forget this is for the rest of your life and it takes time to make sense of things and apply them to your life. God is very patient and loves you very much and understands where you are and will help you on your path through the bible and through life. He's a wonderful caring God who wants your very best. Your in my prayers - Dave

I've read many of the posts here with many different opinions, so I'll add mine. God tells us we can eat or drink anything, but there are warnings all through the bible about how much to consume and causing a brother(or sister) to stumble. Always being aware of your actions and thinking of others, as well as remembering we are not "of the world but in the world" helps us to adjust how we practice our daily lives keeping our eyes on "eternity" and to bring glory to God in our choices. Learning to sacrifice some things can help us be an example to others and let us be a witness or "to witness". I'm not an alcohol drinker, but I do love cookies and ice cream, but don't eat them as it's easy for me to pack on the pounds and become guilty of being "Glutonous" - eating more than I need to, and violating God's word. We are not even to hang with people who are glotonous or it will bring shame to our fathers. I have a son who eats too much and drinks way to much and I try to be a loving example of how we should live and I don't say a word in judgement. My example say's all I need to, and he periodically mentions how he needs to eat and drink less and should exercise - I go to the gym too. I don't believe any of this is a matter of being legalistic or following rules as much as it is about loving and thinking of others and thinking about pleasing God for all He has done for us. To me it's more a matter of the heart and your spirit, than just following the letter of the law. Keep God's word buried in your heart and let the Holy Spirit speak to you through your conscience as well as through God's word. Don't let the worlds opinion of their "RIGHTS" for their choices and don't care what others think, cause you to stumble. It's not just that God is watching, but he knows our heart, and being in harmony with God brings tremendous peace. In great love and a desire for you peace, Dave

Good morning JoeCanada. I've been where you are in this topic and many others. There are so many voices out there and so many differing opinions with opposing views on everything, that I decided to do a comprehensive study on my own. Over the years I bought a library full of study aids and they have been so valuable in seeking God's wisdom and HIS truth as I prayed and studied. I am now not only a Sabbath keeper for over 12 years, but I obey the law - the 10 commandments, which includes the Sabbath. I see the Law as our Declaration of Independence from sin that we'll be judged by after the rapture - if we're included. I would suggest you do a comprehensive study on your own to let GOD speak to you and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth. God say's it's His job. I could quote all kinds of scriptures to you about the validity of honoring the Sabbath, but I'm sure many others here would come against my use of scripture with their own as I have seen here so many times. Let God speak His truth to you. It's a lot of work, but your salvation and eternal life is worth it. God bless you as you seek out the truth to honor God and bring glory to His name - Dave

Thanks enoob57. I get along with everyone and love everyone. I have been persecuted many times for my faith by believers and non-believers. I turn the other cheek and pray for those who seem to disagree with my opinions. I'm not a perfect man and certainly don't have all the truth, but God knows my heart and the love I have for those He created. Only God has all the truth, so all my posts are only my opinions not spoken as a fact that's opposed to others. Romans 14:22 says, "The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God: happy is he who doesn't condemn himself in what he approves" - LOVE THAT. Love you all,Dave

WILLA - Thank you for your kind response. YES we can disagree but in kindness and love and I do appreciate yours . Dave

You know rivers, in the Christian culture there are different opinions about being saved and receiving the Holy Spirit. Once saved always saved, inviting Jesus into your heart, just believing, etc. According to scripture and what I have accepted is Acts 2:38, where we receive the Holy Spirit as a Gift after we are baptized. If you haven't been baptized, you have never received the Holy Spirit. As for your early experience in church thinking you received the Holy Spirit, the bible says satan can come to us as an angel of light. If we don't start out in our walk with a solid foundation, we can end up with all kinds of false beliefs and problems. Simply pray to God that he will lead you in all truth and seek nothing but the truth from God, for "The truth will set you free", not anyone's opinion, even mine. I know there are different opinions here about this. I'm just sharing my opinion. Not a devisive person or argumentative, so be kind in your response if you disagree.

Good morning everyone I'm sitting here drinking a cup of coffee and having breakfast and enjoying your responses to this topic. This can be a very toxic and devisive subject. Nice to see all the respect . I have been a Sabbath keeper and law keeper (The 10 Commandments not the Mosaic law) for about 12 years. Been a believer for over 40 years and am retired 16 years. Keeping the Sabbath has been a huge blessing to me after so many years of study and research. It's wonderful to feel I'm in harmony with God and his wishes for my life as I continue to grow and change in my faith. I'm not a devisive person and don't argue or "WRANGLE" over God's word, as we're commanded not to , and it's not my nature to argue, but if anyone has questions or wish to discuss the topic or ask why I honor the Sabbath, I'm willing to DISCUSS it with you in love God bless in His love, Dave