Lets explore the Mystery II

[larry]

well I was going to post this on the first thread, but didn't want to cut anyone off.....so here's the question, what do you feel is one of the greatest means (aside from the Word) God uses to perfect our faith ?

I'll share more after I read some of your responses.

larry

[Bill McNeal]

Wisdom of/from the Spirit

Shalom!

[BLACK WOLF]

"what do you feel is one of the greatest means (aside from the Word) God uses to perfect our faith ?"

The number one answer for me is "communication through relationships".

God created us to have an intimate, unconditional, loving and chosen relationship with Him, which includes the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as one. He wants to communicate with us. He wants to show us His unconditional love for us.

He also created life so that we would have additional opportunities with other people to share and experience a simular ralationship with.

Through those relationships God has created the means in which we can be sharpened as iron sharpens iron.

Ray

[Esquire]

I was thinking along those lines also, Black Wolf.

Of course, I have to pay my tribute on this question to James Ch. 1:2-4: "2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

But give me relationships and iron sharpening iron over trials and tribulations every time, if I get to choose!! :)

[BLACK WOLF]

Mike,

I also agree and meant to include "trials and tribulations" as a means of communication God can also use to reach us.

Ray

[WildmanSC]

There is only one thing that will perfect the faith and that is coming into the very presence of Jesus Christ. That will happen either upon the death of each saint or at the Rapture of the Bride/Church for those still living. Until we are in His presence, our faith is a work in progress. Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

He achieves this by, Ehesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Bill

[larry]

very true wildman, and I would not dispute that at all. however there does seem to be another means by which God perfects His saints, and that is through trials and sufferings.

James 1;2-4 My brethren, count it all joywhen you fall into various trials. knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

2 Corinthians 12;9-10 And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, than I am strong.

with all the health, wealth and prosperity doctrines so prevelent today, not many talk about the realities of life, that pain, suffering, tradgedies, affect us all, and are tools used of God to perfect our faith.

Yes, the mountain tops are lovely wonderful places, but not much grows there. but when we are brought down to the valleys,the valleys of life, there we will find growth. yes it is in the valleys where much grows.

larry

[WildmanSC]

Larry,

That ultimate perfection will still be when we come into the very prresence of Christ. For then we will no longer have two natures, the Adamic/fleshly nature and the born again Christlike nature. We will at that time have only His nature, will receive our robes of righteousness, our new, heavenly bodies and will be perfect in Him.

Insofar as patience goes, be careful for what you ask. The means of getting patience is a mighty tough road down through a long, winding and steep valley. You wouldn't want to drag a big whitetail or elk out of there! It's tough enough getting yourself out of there, and then it is only by His all sufficient grace and the power of the Holy Spirit!!

Bill

[larry]

Bill, I wouldn't want to drag an elk anywhere! :)

larry

[WildmanSC]

Larry,

At my age and with the bad wheels I have, I don't think I even want to attempt to harvest one, let alone get out of wherever I have to go to put an arrow through it!! I do understand it is some mighty fine tasting meat though!

Bill