intersting article in legalism in the church

[Richard_yaash]

Sometimes I do grow weary. I've not been feeling very well the past week

For whatever it may be worth...

I do hope you feel better soon.

[tsth]

I have a question. ARE there absolutes in the Christian walk? Many or few?

I get the impression sometimes that many believe that to define absolutes, is to practice legalism? Would that be a fair assessment of thought?

In His Love,

Suzanne

[tsth]

I wasn't addressing any particular topic mentioned on this thread. I was asking in general.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Emily~Anne]

Because people refuse to accept it...many think taking up their cross means that we are to live day by day in self flagellation.

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Do you feel that dying to self conflicts with the above verse you quoted?

And to Jackie D: Self flagellation means self punishment. Do you feel dying to self is punishing oneself?

no and God has no conflict with me, nor do I have any with myself regarding the subjects touched on in this thread. But I'm sure not required to hang Christ on the cross for what I or others perceive my sins to be...that is between Him and me and we get along just fine. Repentance is not the same as giving ourselves a daily beating.

And do you see dying to self as beating ourselves daily? Do you think true peace comes from ourselves, or from God? Do you think apart from Christ you can do anything good?

Romans 7:18 (New International Version)

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

[Guest Biblicist]

Sometimes I do grow weary. I've not been feeling very well the past week

For whatever it may be worth...

I do hope you feel better soon.

Thank you Richard, I truly appreciate that.

[Guest Biblicist]

I wasn't addressing any particular topic mentioned on this thread. I was asking in general.

In His Love,

Suzanne

I believe that there are certain Biblical absolutes.

[Richard_yaash]

You are the one who mentioned self flagellation, so clarify what you mean. What do you deem to be self punishment?

If I may: I think it was used in the context of Colossians 2:20-23.

[Richard_yaash]

always back to the same old stuff, how come there is no new life? Because people refuse to accept it...many think taking up their cross means that we are to live day by day in self flagellation.

See, considering what you posted the 'flagellation' argument in response to, it seems you were saying that by denying ourselves we would be living day by day in self flagellation.

Do you see the error in that?

It still seems to me to be in reference to Colossians 2:20-23.

[Vickilynn]

I have a question. ARE there absolutes in the Christian walk? Many or few?

I get the impression sometimes that many believe that to define absolutes, is to practice legalism? Would that be a fair assessment of thought?

In His Love,

Suzanne

Shalom Suzanne,

Yes, there ARE many Biblical absolutes and they cannot be compromised. We, as Christians, must be willing to die for these absolutes and the essentials of our faith.

However, there are other things that are not absolutes and that's where we get into personal convictions.

Yes, I agree with you that there are those who throw stones and cry "Legalist" and "Pharisee" when people define absolutes and it is wrong. A legalist, in the purest term is one who believes the LAW of G-d is literal and is willing to stand up for it. That's not a bad thing at all.

According to the dictionary a legalist is someone who "adheres strictly and literally to the law." In regards to the Word, you can call me a legalist any day because I believe the Word is G-d's Law and I seek to live it, literally.

[Vickilynn]

I have a question. ARE there absolutes in the Christian walk? Many or few?

I get the impression sometimes that many believe that to define absolutes, is to practice legalism? Would that be a fair assessment of thought?

In His Love,

Suzanne

Shalom Suzanne,

Yes, there ARE many Biblical absolutes and they cannot be compromised. We, as Christians, must be willing to die for these absolutes and the essentials of our faith.

However, there are other things that are not absolutes and that's where we get into personal convictions.

Yes, I agree with you that there are those who throw stones and cry "Legalist" and "Pharisee" when people define absolutes and it is wrong. A legalist, in the purest term is one who believes the LAW of G-d is literal and is willing to stand up for it. That's not a bad thing at all.

According to the dictionary a legalist is someone who "adheres strictly and literally to the law." In regards to the Word, you can call me a legalist any day because I believe the Word is G-d's Law and I seek to live it, literally.

Oh, well then count me in, I'm a legalist too!!!!

Shalom Emily Anne

Somehow I knew you were!

You've been missed around these parts, BTW!!