From: Greg
To: Paul Cohen
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2014 5:59 AM
Subject: RE: Seeking GodIraq, Faith, Works, Imaginations, Example, Following, Muslim, Islam, Sunni, Shiite, War, Works of Faith, Works of the Law, Grace, Mercy, Thoughts, Repentance, Denying Oneself
Hi Paul,what do you make of this madness in Iraq? Regards,Greg.
From: Paul Cohen
To: Greg
Cc: Victor Hafichuk
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2014 8:45 AM
Subject: RE: Seeking God
Hi Greg,
What’s happening in Iraq is no surprise at all, given the corrupt nature of Islam and the ongoing centuries-long dispute between the Sunni and Shiite sects. The way the US created a power vacuum by pulling out of Iraq ensured further mayhem. Is there something else you’re seeing or asking about? Have you red our section on Islam, particularly The Muslim Scourge?
On a more personal level, how are things going for you?
Paul
From: Greg
To: Paul Cohen
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 4:50 AM
Subject: RE: Seeking God
Hi Paul, thanks for your response to my question on Iraq. You asked how things are here,much the same but it’s in God’s timing for change to happen.I would like some clarification on what I’ve been reading.I read here’s the way it is which teaches putting away all my own works to please God which I’ve learnt to be correct.In some other papers it’s taught we need to deny ourselves,take up the cross and follow Jesus.Could you please share your thoughts as I’m a bit confused.I hope you understand what I’m asking.Also many thanks for the emails you send me.Kind regards,Greg.
From: Paul Cohen
To: Greg
Cc: Victor Hafichuk
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2014 7:45 AM
Subject: Works of Faith
Hi Greg,
As you say you’ve learned, the works of men will never cut it with God. We can try to be and do our best, but it comes nowhere close to fulfilling His Law and standard of conduct.
Does that mean there’s nothing for us to do? Not at all. Paul explains the difference through the example of Israel, which sought righteousness by the works of the Law as opposed to the Gentiles (nations) who were granted works of faith:
Romans 9:30-33 MKJV
(30) What shall we say then? That the nations, who did not follow after righteousness have taken on righteousness, but a righteousness of faith.
(31) But Israel, who followed after a law of righteousness did not arrive at a law of righteousness.
(32) Why? Because it was not of faith, but as it were by the works of the Law. For they stumbled at that Stumbling-stone;
(33) as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a Stumbling-stone and a Rock-of-offense, and everyone believing on Him shall not be put to shame.”
The call to repentance and faith is one of denying ourselves, and the power to do so is made available by the grace of God through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. If we’re responding to His initiative, then He will see us through by the faith that is in Him, which requires we give it our all:
“Strive to enter in at the narrow gate. For I say to you, many will seek to enter in and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24 MKJV).
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which when a man has found it, he hides it, and for the joy of it goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls; who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matthew 13:44-46 MKJV).
But unlike men’s works, the works of faith aren’t burdensome and enervating. His faith brings rest, relief, restoration:
“Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light”
(Matthew 11:28-30 MKJV).
Philippians 4:6-9 MKJV
(6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
(7) And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(8) Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things.
(9) Do those things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me. And the God of peace shall be with you.
Does this help?
In summary, we’re totally dependent on faith by God’s grace, like an automobile is dependent on gasoline. And with that faith we can and must travel the road He sets before us, to the intended destination that represents our salvation.
“Him who overcomes I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will go out no more. And I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name” (Revelation 3:12 MKJV).
Paul
From: Greg
To: Paul Cohen
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2014 3:39 PM
Subject: RE: Works of Faith
Hi Paul.Thanks for your reply. You’ve put your finger on exactly my problem in the 4th paragraph of your answer,namely distinguishing His initiatives from my own imaginations.So much time and effort wasted in the past for no result.I really appreciate the time you take to write so please let’s keep in touch.Kind regards,Greg.