@mcm666 🤣 🤣 🤣 I have no authority for 99% of the shit that comes out of my mouth, but I say it anyway.
Questions in bold and @vanpastorman please help.The good news is that we're not alone in our struggle to live lives that are pleasing to God. Even the Apostle Paul struggled. As long as we're in the flesh we're stuck in sin, apparently.
Romans 7:14-20 esv
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin (what is sold under sin in this context)?. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.(is this saying that I'm following principles now that are good, and I hated them before)? 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. (If I act totally against my natural feelings, which are bad, just because (I guess?), I am agreeing with the law now)? 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me (I don't know how to question this one). 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.(Nothing good dwells inside me is a bit hyperbolic when "for I have the desire to do what is right") I could use a little guidance on this one. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.(Heard this loud and clear!) 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. (seems like an excuse of a weak person, blaming the sin for their actions instead of owning their own actions). I think a bit of coaching would be appreciated here. Thank you in advance.
Questions in bold and @vanpastorman please help.
Brother, in my humble opinion there is a difference between us struggling with sin as opposed to reveling in sin. I believe that Paul was describing the former. Try as we might we cannot be perfect, in spite of our efforts. That's different, or so I believe, than engaging in all manner of bad behavior without a care or a second thought.
Questions in bold and @vanpastorman please help.
Brother, in my humble opinion there is a difference between us struggling with sin as opposed to reveling in sin. I believe that Paul was describing the former. Try as we might we cannot be perfect, in spite of our efforts. That's different, or so I believe, than engaging in all manner of bad behavior without a care or a second thought.
Thanks, I think. My mind only works is very transactional ways though. I tried to ask specific questions, deliberately. Although your reply may answer everything to some, its much to vague for me. ... This isn't a you problem, I swear. I simply can't comprehend. I need specific answers to specific questions, drilled down line by line. And yes, I am that type of a simple minded man. (go figure).
@joe_hoopsier mind your ps and qs here. My only warning
First they came for my honest questions, because I wanted understanding, and thought I might find it. ....
I swear, old scripture just boggles my mind, but I feel that I "get" 20% of the intent, but then there are swirling circles that create questions. That is all that I was asking about. I swear! .. If someone can't answer, then maybe I hit a nerve, that was NOT my intention!!
@joe_hoopsier mind your ps and qs. We finally got a new addition to the board Thats worthwhile
And yes, I am that type of a simple minded man. (go figure).
My brother, after exhaustively studying scripture, praying to our Heavenly Father, and listening to the opinions of countless Christian brothers and sisters over the past 9 years, I believe that we only need to focus on believing and doing what is described in the following scriptures.
The trappings of religion are wonderful, particularly for kids growing up. Among other things I think the decline in participation in this country speaks to part of the general decline
I've honestly thought about this many times. I have wondered if secularism was actually a detriment to the development of society. But when you look at the countries where religion genuinely controls today....oof. No thanks.
I'm 59 and have always believed in Jesus but I can't say that I always followed him. At age 50 I felt compelled to study the Bible and since then I've chosen to try my best to live a life pleasing to Jesus and our Heavenly Father. I'm very pleased and thankful to our Father for blessing me with the ability to believe in and follow Christ, although I don't always succeed.
How about you? Are you trying to follow Christ?