Change from within

[Robban]

Hi folks,
Nobody is changed from within by the the promise of a reward,
Neither by the fear of a punishment. So anyone, if you were standing in the pulpit, What would your message be?
Regards
Robban.

 

[Criada]

Love.

 

[ephraimanesti]

Hi folks,
Nobody is changed from within by the the promise of a reward,
Neither by the fear of a punishment. So anyone, if you were standing in the pulpit, What would your message be?
Regards
Robban.

God Loves you more that you will ever be able to grasp or understand, and He desires, above all, for you to enter freely into that Love for all eternity as His beloved child.​

ephraim

 

[Adoniram]

It is not by their own power that change is made possible in the lives of those who believe, but by the power of the Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within them. The Holy Spirit is a helper and a guide to that change.

John 14
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you...

23 ... “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

[Robban]

Hi Ephraimanasti,
Sounds great, but where does that leave the individual. Something like a father saying to his son " I love you but I dont need you". I think everyone wants to feel needed. People like to hear they are here to do something however small, because it is only that one person who can do just that one thing. Even if it is "only" a smile to a stranger, to that stranger it can turn his whole day around. Thats what I meant by a change from within. Or if you like,getting some perspective on life. And living in the moment. You know what they say "Yersterday is a cancelled cheque,today is cash in hand.
Now Im rambling on, thank you for your response. with regards .
Robban.

 

[Robban]

Thanks Adoniram for your reply too,
The Godlysoul or Holy Spirit is totally ego less, But when it/He enters the body and becomes ignighted thats when the battle really begins. The flesh wants one thing and the Godlysoul/Holy Spirit wants something else.What do you folks reckon, can one just ignore that Godly desire?
Regards Robban.

 

[the.Sheepdog]

Love.

What she said!

 

[Robban]

Love.

Hi Criada,
IThanks, honestly did not see your reply, even though I got an e-mail notification.
I found it now when I read the last post.
Regards Robban.

 

[ephraimanesti]

Hi Ephraimanasti,
Sounds great, but where does that leave the individual. Something like a father saying to his son " I love you but I dont need you". I think everyone wants to feel needed. People like to hear they are here to do something however small, because it is only that one person who can do just that one thing. Even if it is "only" a smile to a stranger, to that stranger it can turn his whole day around. Thats what I meant by a change from within. Or if you like,getting some perspective on life. And living in the moment. You know what they say "Yersterday is a cancelled cheque,today is cash in hand.
Now Im rambling on, thank you for your response. with regards .
Robban.

MY BROTHER,

Perhaps i'm not understanding your reply, but i am confused by your "I love you but I don't need you" supposed statement by God. While it is true that God doesn't "need" us in the same manner as we NEED Him, He IS by nature Love, and Love, by nature, needs to express itself. After all, what is Love without an object? By being receptive and responsive to God's Love, we meet both His and our most basic "need" at the same time.

For an example of God's "need" in our regard, re-read the story of the Prodigal Son--Luke 15:11-32.

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

 

[ebia]

Hi folks,
Nobody is changed from within by the the promise of a reward,
Neither by the fear of a punishment. So anyone, if you were standing in the pulpit, What would your message be?
Regards
Robban.

It depends on what text I'm preaching on. You can listen to a couple of them if you want!

But seriously, I wouldn't say "follow God to get to get a reward" or "follow God to avoid a punishment" but ask Steve Chalke's question:

"If you knew what God was doing to put right everything that is wrong with the world, wouldn't you want to get involved?"

 

[Robban]

Thanks ebia,
but I have to take away the matchsticks from under my eyelids and get some sleep(time difference). Intressting reply, be
back tomorrow, God willing.
Regards Robban.

 

[traditionalist]

In regards to change from within;

The grace that does not change my life, will not save my soul.

 

[Robban]

Hi Ebie,
thought awakening question,though could be a somewhat dangerous road for the mind to wander down. I like to think of a relationship as personal, as the relationship God wants with each and everyone of us.And becoming Gods partner in making the world a better place.Simply because that is what He wants.
Regards
Robban.

 

[Robban]

Hi Ephraimanesti,
I think we are on the same page, but then you have the age old question,"why am I here". If God has a vast eternal plan, a big jigsaw puzzle, which today has about 6 billion pieces yet to be put in place, if we are ever going to see the picture, well each peice must know where it fits and be satisfied with their place.
Its something along those lines I was thinking.
Regards
Robban.

 

[Robban]

Hi Traditionalist
Thought awakening.
Regards
Robban.

 

[genifer]

Robban, you are taking a lot of time contemplating these things, I can tell, and seem to be taking your own questions very seriously. Not a whole lot of people really do that, I mean in a genuine way, without their own agenda to disprove something. What I mean is that you seem to be genuinely seeking and not simply making a point just to argue with us (christians) which I see a whole lot of...

I really really agree with what ephraim said here...

Perhaps i'm not understanding your reply, but i am confused by your "I love you but I don't need you" supposed statement by God. While it is true that God doesn't "need" us in the same manner as we NEED Him, He IS by nature Love, and Love, by nature, needs to express itself. After all, what is Love without an object? By being receptive and responsive to God's Love, we meet both His and our most basic "need" at the same time.

..............................................................
And I kind of wanted to tackle what you said here... albeit, in my not so perfect way, Im sure.

Hi Ephraimanesti,
I think we are on the same page, but then you have the age old question,"why am I here". If God has a vast eternal plan, a big jigsaw puzzle, which today has about 6 billion pieces yet to be put in place, if we are ever going to see the picture, well each peice must know where it fits and be satisfied with their place.
Its something along those lines I was thinking.
Regards
Robban.

Ill take it in bits and pieces if thats ok...

That age old question you asked... 'Why am I here?'

I dont proclaim to be an evangelist but I feel very strongly about what Im going to say to you regrading that question. I believe with all my heart that this is the true, one and only true answer to that question and whats more is that the rest of your statement hinges on what one decides regarding what Im about to say...

Jesus Christ is the answer to that question 'Why am I here'. It is quite simply as easy as that. I have learned a LOT about that fact, and even one time wanted to deny it myself, but I havent learned how to eloquently put it into words so others can understand. Perhaps because its God's greatest mystery. I am of the firm belief, utterly convinced, that Jesus Christ, knowing Him, aknowledging Him and what He did for us humans on the cross, is Key to understanding anything about our lives.

I didnt catch what your 'religion/faith' icon said, but by your posts Im assuming you are atleast willing to accept that God is real? Am I right in assuming that?

Next thing I want to say in regards to your response is about the 6 billion piece puzzle. I find this amazing and stand in wonder and awe over it so often. Its not just the 6 billion lives we have on earth today that God is weaving together into a perfectly beautiful tapestry that is to reveal Himself us... Its the whole entire history of mankind to boot! In our bible it says that not a sparrow falls from the sky without our Father in heaven knowing about it, that He knows the number of hairs on our head, and Ill bet he has a purpose for each and every one! And that it is only in Him, in Jesus Christ, that we can really know our purpose.


That is amazing to me! Absolutely amazing. That everything about this life is precious to God.

Now, we havent talked about corruption... or 'the corruption'... The fall, sin, the human will, which by nature is opposed to God....

Im beginning to wonder if you've just gone and opened a whole can of worms!!

I will be genuinely honest with you. I can only tell you from my own experiences. I accepted Christ at the age of 21. I was very much a partying college girl with no direction and Jesus Christ got hold of me out of no where! I had no previous experiences with evangelical christianity, no christian background whatsoever. When I accepted Christ, I just knew it was the right thing to do. Not many people fear hell these days anyway and I was no different. Nor did I know of any of the promises God had given me or to humans for accepting Christ, His Son. I had just gotten to the point, the Holy Spirit had apparently done a work in me the months or even years previous that I had NO idea about! It came as a shock to my parents and friends, thats for sure! 11, almost 12 years later, its still a shock to them! Lol.

Now, from accepting Christ, that moment I could understand the bible when previously I had tried to read it and I couldnt. I had so many questions, but upon accepting Christ, I couldnt put that book down, I ate it up and I understood it, quite supernaturally looking back upon it. I found the answers to the questions you are asking in Christ Jesus, in fact Im still recieving answers to those questions. And Im sorry for sounding like an infomercial, really really sorry, but its the genuine truth.

Whats more, is that 11 years later, God is revealing more and more of His plan for my life, the life of my family as well, as I pray for them. You talked about that little role, that ...

each peice must know where it fits and be satisfied with their place.

I have a tiny role. Im just a wife and a mum. But if you knew the story, I dont know what you'd say, to me.... its quite beautiful and amazing how the Lord is using me! Little ole me to accomplish some amazing things ...

What we have to be satisfied with, my friend, is this... that all the glory goes to God. This is ALL about Him, the Originator, the Lover of our souls, the One who wants to lavish ALL of who He is on the people he created for that very purpose.

The truth of the matter is that some, many in fact, have, and will continue to reject Him, and His love. Some will ask 'why!? Why would someone reject a God who is so loving?' (He is love but he is also just, HOLY and a whole host of other things that are unlocked upon knowing and walking with Jesus Christ)... I have some theories as to why people reject Jesus Christ, but Im only just beginning to understand that part, Ive only just become willing to accept the reason why people reject Him (I still find it hard to believe bc I love Him so, but understanding is coming...)

I hope I sounded as genuine as I mean to. And I genuinely hope something resonates within you with anything Ive said. Christ loves you with a love you cant imagine possible and He wants to spend eternity with you...

 

[andreha]

Change from within can only come by the Holy Spirit's influence. After all, it is written that no man can proclaim Jesus as Lord without Him. The best we Christians can do, is to ask the Holy Spirit directly to lead, teach and shape us. As we yield to His influence, we change. His love, patience, kindness and gentleness is a wonderful example for us. Once we start to experience the love He has for us, we are more able to show Christlike love to others. After all, who can do anything without having an example of how it's done?

 

[Robban]

Firstly a big thank you folks for taking the time and trouble to reply,
I beleive I can sense that you all genuine in your replies. And genifer, dont just hope
you are genuine, I was touched by what you wrote.I have to reread them all more than once.
Untill in a little while then
Regards
Robban.

 

[Robban]

Well folks I dont know what the time is where you are I seem to have lost track somewhere." Love is patient and good" I read, looked it up in the NT.Well it sure is true of God. I have said it to myself many times. At times when no one else seems to understand. Which goes way beyond our understanding, just the fact that He is instressed in what we have to say. Talking of hairs and sparrows it is also said that not even a leaf falls without Him willing it. May be a little background wouldnt hurt, just so you we can tune in on the same wavelength. I was born in London in 42.
We like many others we were bombed out. So unknowingly to me at the time, later on when I started I to get the hang of things, understanding what people were talking about I realized that from day one I must have heard prayers and praise to God. So if the God that my parents beleived and trusted in saved us then, and looking back must have watched over us all along. It not difficult for me to acknomledge that God is real. Have later learnt that God is the only reality, there is no other reality outside of God. There is only God. He sustains His creation not day by day but moment by moment. Because He wants to, if He were to stop wanting to then there would be less than nothing in an instant. Less than nothing because nothing is no thing. Something we cannot describe before creation, in the beginning.
This may be long folks, but remember what we agreed upon that love is patience.
Im sure I must get to point soon, get carried away sometimes.
Well the only times I heard of Jesus during my growing up was at school in religious classes. But it didnt make an impression, kinda Wow did he really?
On the other hand listening to my father talk about Moses , boy that was intresting
To be short the years went by. quite a few years. Then I met my now wife who was
from a Christian background. So I followed her to her meetings with an open mind no bias at all. Really listened to what they were saying, the years went by here too, And still have some different editions of the NT. Three of which are so worn and tattered. I really did witness some real bad stuff though,which was what made me wonder about "change from within". There are a few other hangups also concerning Messiah. My wife and I having come to an agrement on how to handle this issue us between.
Boy do I go on.
Regards
Robban.

 

[genifer]

Robban, thank you for sharing that with us. I really appreciated that. It really sounds like you are seeking for that true meaning as if you know you can find it, as if you know its there, you just dont know what it is yet.

Ill say one thing tho.... hang ups are so easily sorted out ... we have eternity to learn, our life here on earth... now thats but a breath. Like a single breath is our life here on earth, it is too short.

Can I ask... I hope you dont mind, this is a christian forum ... What do you know about Jesus? What do you think about him?

These were the questions that were put to me by a perfect stranger, who I believe God put in my path. I met her just once, she gave me her number but she vanished. It was during that stage I mentioned, running up to giving my life over to Jesus Christ. I was at a job interview for a coffee stand in a mall. There was a woman sat opposite me and we started chatting (I never get tired telling this story, bringing tears to my eyes now). There wasnt anything spectacular about this woman, I didnt see anything spectacular about her then, I should say. She confided in me that she was living in a woman's shelter, a refuge. I didnt ask why and she didnt tell me. We started chatting before I had the interview and continued for some hours after. She just listened for a while. Then out of no where she asked me 'Do you know Jesus?' And like you I had heard about him, duh everybody's heard about Jesus (lol). I told her he was probably a good man, a teacher definately. She pointed her finger at me and said 'You need to know Jesus... you need to know Him'. I just tucked that away in my heart, I didnt dismiss it but I didnt understand what she meant until later. It was almost a year later that I gave my life to Christ. I had met my soon to be dh (boy thats a long story), and we were both a mess really but he was already saved. He said I needed to say that sinners' prayer (the one that's gone out of fashion now, the one that everyone is now saying 'doesnt work'... lol!). That I had to confess with my mouth that I believed Jesus was born of a virgin, that he died on the cross to save me from my sins. And I did, quietly, on my own under a tree during a break at work. Ill be honest with you, at the time, I did NOT fully understand any of that. These are things people see as hurdles to accepting Christ, like they have to understand those things before they take that leap of faith, but I didnt. And whats more is that I was just ready. I knew I wanted Jesus. I didnt even know I needed him yet! All this came with my walk with him. Learning from Him, who I believe to be that Originator you mentioned, the Sustainer. And He will be the Finisher as well. I can be blunt with you, I think.

Now, there are still answers to questions that I have yet to suss out. Hell... Who is saved from it. Ya know, the hard questions. Im not willing to walk away from Christ tho and I do urge everyone I meet to make a decision about Him, not to reject Him.

Oooh Im learning some heavy stuff right now that Id be willing to share if you were interested. But I want to...not rush. Its hard to know how to proceed with people, what to communicate. You saying you've read the NT thru and thru, you must know your stuff then.
that we are dead already. to be born again, of the spirit, means we are dead...

Anyway. Have a wonderful day. And may God bless you with all wisdom and knowledge concerning His love for you personally. The abundance of His riches, may He pour them out upon you for you to fully know how wide and deep His love for you is.

God bless you
in Christ,
Gen