kas

The basis of Christian joy is Faith- believing and loving Him without seeing Him. Quite honestly I've not experienced this overwhelming joy except one time, 20 years ago. It wasn't a baptism of the Holy Spirit but I was touched and filled with an overwhelming joy. My sister thought I was drunk. It lasted for an evening and I have never experienced it since. I know I'm excited about God, His Word and Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but I can't say I have the fruits of the spirit or that inner peace or calmness yet (but I do have convictions and a strong desire for the Truth!). I know the experience was genuine because it wasn't from me. I was alone and reading or doing something and suddenly through a pressure on my head I became filled with tremendous joy. I picked up the phone and called my sister and she asked if I was drunk.

Can I remember? It's hard to forget! When God whacks you with a 2 x 4, you listen and you don't forget. I'm being refined as I type this. Without going into details, let me say that the trial God has allowed me to suffer, (still am suffering) has brought me soooooooooooo much closer to Him. If it weren't for the trial, I can honestly say I would still be in backsliding mode and headed quickly into a downward spiral. I thank God everyday for all he has done in both trials and blessings because it led me back to Him and for that I am forever grateful. I hope my new life in Christ (even though still a babe) will soon bring glory to Him. God has already used my trial to affect some people within my circle to come to Him. Glory and Praise to the Lord!

God's part is shielding us with His power. Our part is having faith.

To think we can have obedience without forgiveness implies that God is without mercy to those who are obedient (but as humans we cannot be perfectly obedient). To think we can have forgiveness without obedience makes a mockery of the cross. Those who ask for forgiveness must believe and those who believe, obey. To not obey Him is not to believe him. Obedience and belief are synonomous. Because we are trapped in flesh, we must overcome its' sinful desires and that takes the special power of the Holy Spirit. When we fail, we ask forgiveness and try not to do it again (repent). How can one ask for forgiveness knowing they're going to repeat the same sin again? No one is good, not one. Our righteousness is as filthy rags. Therefore there is nothing we can do to obtain grace, lest we boast. It is only by faith that we are saved. Even the bible biggies failed. Moses murdered, David murdered, Solomon lusted and commited idolatry, etc...

They are still living in the flesh. They need to focus on God's Word. They need to walk, talk and live His word. When we learn to put God as our #1 priority over all people and material things on a daily basis, our behavior should fall into line with God's will.

Hello, I'm kas (karen) and I'm from Chicago, IL. This is my first on-line bible study and I look forward to much learning and growth in God's Word. I'm ready to light the fire!