Response to Shawn's blog
hey,...
I will say that certain churches have different beliefs and some doctrines may seem strange. let's all go back to the word, and study it carefully for ourselves. I feel that when christians say that "my pastor said this..." and not " the bible says this", they do not really have a good grasp of the issues. listening to someone's interpretation (preaching) is fine if they are good teachers.
having attended NCC previously, as I've told shawn, that church has a special gifting to teach and preach mainly on the grace of God. And I would think that certain things taught by the pastor can be taken out of context. Let me give an example. From my memory, one example quoted from the bible is the robber who was crucified next to Jesus. He acknowledged Jesus and Jesus accepted him into the kingdom of heaven. The robber did not have time to work out his salvation or do any good works. He just believed and confessed with his mouth. Jesus saw his heart and knew about his repentence. However, this cannot be said for all of us, who are in an entirely different circumstance. The person who acknowledges God would also naturally do good work. THis is something even NCC preaches. One cant help but love his neighbours after having received the grace of God.
I find it unproductive to get into arguments with other believers on our faith. non-believers will see the disunity and think that there's so much fighting among believers. Learn to discern what is being said. using our swords (sword of the spirit, word of God) is not a piece of armour (Eph 6) we want to use unless someone is very off and needs correction.
In your case, your friend is very convinced about what his pastor says. Personally I wont get into this argument coz he doesnt appear to want to learn and to hear other truths. (side note - for all sensibles, PLS REMAIN TEACHABLE. Do not think that you know it all. )
Shawn, what you said is absolutely right. Faith comes first, then this will naturally be followed by good deeds.
Keep loving your neighbours. Keep loving God.
God bless.
jinwei
it was at; 8:18 AM
