Crossroads Church Blog Thingy

Truth that transforms... or at least makes you think...

Welcome to the Crossroads Church blog.  I started this blog as I'm reading through the Bible and wanted a forum to discuss topics/passages that struck my interest or may have intrigued others.

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m
 

Faith and Actions

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This entry was posted on 3/24/2008 11:34 AM and is filed under General.

I've been leading a video series called the "Truth Project".  The opening night, the leader asked the question "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?"  His intent in asking that question, was to prompt us to look at what we say we really believe and see if our actions, our words, our attitudes really reflect our beliefs.  That question, combined with the passage from James about faith and actions, really has me thinking about my actions more.

Now combine that with the temporary versus eternal discussion.  When I do things that are more focused on the temporary, then I must believe (at that moment) that there is more value in temporary things then in the eternal. 

Now go one more step with me... If God would have me focus on the eternal things of life, then it must be a temptation to focus on the temporary.  I can think of a few things that help me escape that temptation, but I'm curious how others escape temptations to live like their old beliefs rather than in the new way of the Spirit in us.

 
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    • 3/24/2008 2:04 PM Donkey Kong wrote:
      James 1:13 says that God does not “tempt” and that it is Satan (or our own evil desires) that cause temptation… ie: temptation is automatically bad … or at least leads to bad and ultimately to sin ….

      I disagree with the initial premise of: “If God would have me focus on the eternal things of life, then it must be a temptation to focus on the temporary” ….

      Personally, I think I can focus/think/imagine/ on many things that are NOT eternal and all the while still not be headed towards sin.

      There has got to be more options than just these two:
      1) eternal things
      2) temptation

      Question: Will focusing upon a temporary beautiful sunset (which God made) - ultimately leading me into sin?

      bottom line: i think anything COULD lead me to sin ... i suppose even the very thought of focussing on the eternal ... but isnt this MY choice?

      Donkey Kong
      Reply to this
    • 3/25/2008 9:23 AM mah wrote:
      Sorry I wasn't more clear on this. Yes, not every 'temporary' thing is leading me to sin. Sunsets can lead us to God or I suppose sunsets can make us think of beautiful women, which could (at least in my case) lead me to lust. But that's not my point.

      The point of the post is not what could lead us to sin, (which is a discussion for another day since my temptations may not be yours) but rather when we are being led into sin how do we escape the temptation to go down that road.

      When desires are deceived and we are ready to give birth, how do we abort the sin before it comes to life? When God says that he will always provide a way out (I Cor 10:13) what does that look like for you and whatever sin tends to trip you up???
      Reply to this
    • 3/26/2008 9:07 AM Carrie wrote:
      I think we definitely think in terms of the 'here and now' mentality most of the time...and sometimes it's the 'RIGHT HERE AND NOW!' mentality, yes?

      There are a couple of practical things that I have done when dealing with temptation. Especially the 'repeat offenders' that creep up. One thing is to move. Physically move somewhere else. Taking your fishing analogy into consideration...fish who swim away are less likely to get the hook.

      If it's habitual temptation, change the habit. Like eating for instance. Instead of snacking every day at 9...walk instead. Habit is something you have to be careful of...it is so easy to continue to do things without even thinking...because they have become a habit.

      The main thing to keep in mind though...is that if you have God...keep that wi fi connection open...keep talking to Him...asking for His help...because all too often we think that we can 'do it ourselves'...when we can't.
      Reply to this
    • 3/28/2008 12:16 PM Rebel Nazarite wrote:
      sacrifice. That's what it looks like with me.

      Temptation usually takes the form of what makes us "feel better" (albeit temporary). This falls into if it feels good do it.

      Temptation attempts to make us feel more important than we ought to be. This could be as simple as being too tired to go to Church today to something as complex as believing one has all the answers to God's Purpose and Truth and everybody should believe as you believe.

      Try to follow Jesus's example and honor God by sacrifice.

      Remember also, God provides us a way out of temptation but does not guarantee we will take it.
      Reply to this
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