Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for … And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him … These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect … Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
pearlie
where does faith come from? from man's determination or gift from God?
ReplyDeletehaha,,, storm your brain...
Luke 18:8b – Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
ReplyDeleteThis verse haunts me and makes me determined to hold fast to my faith and not let my master down.
Susan
I tell my wife that hope is believing that it is possible for things to be better.
ReplyDeleteFaith so good to have
ReplyDelete不肖生 Sceptics,
ReplyDeleteIt is both -- it is like you have been given a book as a gift -- the difference is whether you read it or not.
Susan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the verse - I am encouraged by Luke 18:7 "now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?"
Bob,
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, but we are sometimes quite impatient :) at least I am.
Yes Milly, definitely good to have, even expected of us. Let us all not fall short.
ReplyDeleteI think Calvinist say, book from God, and reading of the book also from God,,,,,man is totally depraved...
ReplyDeleteMaybe those informed Calvinist could confirm this?
不肖生 Sceptics,
ReplyDeleteBut reading the book will still be your decision, wouldn't it? How depraved a man would be, he would still be free to decide to pick up the book and start reading it.
I think Calvinists say, man is free as to what to eat for lunch,haha, those casual decision..
ReplyDeleteas to reading and knowing God, have faith in God, is solely gift from God.. Man is absolutely passive in this aspect...
if not, man could boast by saying synegism(God and man, collaboration)..
maybe, informed Calvinist could confirm the above?
tks for discussion..