Many christians complain of the lack of emotion in their religious exercises, but overlook the great reason of their deficiency. They do not seem to see that the fountain out of which proceeds the strong, deep, flow of emotion, is no other than faith. See that daughter. She is here at school; her dear mother is at home. She sits down to write to unbosom her soul. See how her faith in her mother's love opens the great fountain of her emotions. That mother's character is before her mind a present reality. She never can question the strength or the fulness of her mother's love. Hence when her attention turns to her mother, a thousand thoughts rush upon her mind, "and tears unbidden start."
Is it any wonder that a christian's faith should in like manner inspire his affections and quicken his emotion?
By faith, the just live a life of obedience. Faith works by love, and love inspires the heart to obey. Faith brings the soul into such union and harmony with God that love and obedience become a second nature. Nothing can be more easy and natural than to obey where there is love and faith. If you confide in your Heavenly Father you will of course try to please him.
By faith, the just live a life of obedience. Faith works by love, and love inspires the heart to obey. Faith brings the soul into such union and harmony with God that love and obedience become a second nature. Nothing can be more easy and natural than to obey where there is love and faith. If you confide in your Heavenly Father you will of course try to please him.
So can we say for a truth that a lack of obedience to God is a lack of faith and also love? Wouldn't the root of the dead, dry, unemotional services be then,the lack of obedience,to God? Doesn't the scripture say, "if ye love me, keep my commandments"? I will let you finish preaching the message to yourself, that way you can take it as far as your faith will allow.
So can we say for a truth that a lack of obedience to God is a lack of faith and also love? Wouldn't the root of the dead, dry, unemotional services be then, the lack of obedience, to God? Doesn't the scripture say, "if ye love me, keep my commandments"? I will let you finish preaching the message to yourself, that way you can take it as far as your faith will allow.
Snooky, you make some very good points here . . .sobering.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
I have been in my share of dead, dry services. Emotions are in my opinion part of the flesh. Not that emotions are not often in line with our spiritual side, but they can and have been exploited in church services. While the intentions may be noble the results can be less than desirable. I feel it is emotionalism that leads many down the aisle during an invitation, only to see the person go back to their old fruitless ways. While church services may or may not be emotional, they should always be spiritual.
I have been in my share of dead, dry services. Emotions are in my opinion part of the flesh. Not that emotions are not often in line with our spiritual side, but they can and have been expoited in church services. While the intentions may be noble the results can be less than desirable. I feel it is emotionalism that leads many down the aisle during an invitation, only to see the person go back to their old fruitless ways. While church services may or may not be emotional, they should always be spiritual.
WELL SAID. I fear THIS is the greatest failings of the church, for this wouldn't happen with proper discipleship.Jesus stressed by example, the importance of discipleship within His body of believers.
I have been in my share of dead, dry services. Emotions are in my opinion part of the flesh. Not that emotions are not often in line with our spiritual side, but they can and have been expoited in church services. While the intentions may be noble the results can be less than desirable. I feel it is emotionalism that leads many down the aisle during an invitation, only to see the person go back to their old fruitless ways. While church services may or may not be emotional, they should always be spiritual.
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WELL SAID. I fear THIS is the greatest failings of the church, for this wouldn't happen with proper discipleship.Jesus stressed by example, the importance of discipleship within His body of believers.
Let me see if I understand what is being said; It is better to refrain from, and restrain others who for whatever reason would make a start for God, because some will not endure to the end?? The bible does speak about it would have been better for some if they had never known God, than to have know him and then turn away.
Our God is a consuming fire. Has anyone ever put their hand on a hot stove and not shown some emotion?? IMO no one has ever has a real and personal experience with God in all his power and glory without some show of emotion. Winning the mega million lottery would bring some emotion, would it not? Just a glimpse of HIS glory makes all else seem as nothing. When HE washed and makes one white in the blood of the slain Lamb, and the vilest sinner is transformed into the image and body of Christ, is there nothing there to cause a little emotion?
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Those seen there in the book of Revelation before the throne of God and The Lamb, do they sit stiff, starchy, pious, and otherwise unemotional before the presence of his glory, power, and grace?
We need to be careful, lest in our emotional state we be found guilty of worshipping God in Spirit and in truth.
I have been in my share of dead, dry services. Emotions are in my opinion part of the flesh. Not that emotions are not often in line with our spiritual side, but they can and have been exploited in church services. While the intentions may be noble the results can be less than desirable. I feel it is emotionalism that leads many down the aisle during an invitation, only to see the person go back to their old fruitless ways. While church services may or may not be emotional, they should always be spiritual.
[/blockquote]
WELL SAID. I fear THIS is the greatest failings of the church, for this wouldn't happen with proper discipleship.Jesus stressed by example, the importance of discipleship within His body of believers.
Let me see if I understand what is being said; It is better to refrain from, and restrain others who for whatever reason would make a start for God, because some will not endure to the end?? The bible does speak about it would have been better for some if they had never known God, than to have know him and then turn away.
Our God is a consuming fire. Has anyone ever put their hand on a hot stove and not shown some emotion?? IMO no one has ever has a real and personal experience with God in all his power and glory without some show of emotion. Winning the mega million lottery would bring some emotion, would it not? Just a glimpse of HIS glory makes all else seem as nothing. When HE washed and makes one white in the blood of the slain Lamb, and the vilest sinner is transformed into the image and body of Christ, is there nothing there to cause a little emotion?
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Those seen there in the book of Revelation before the throne of God and The Lamb, do they sit stiff, starchy, pious, and otherwise unemotional before the presence of his glory, power, and grace?
We need to be careful, lest in our emotional state we be found guilty of worshipping God in Spirit and in truth.
No Snooky, I highlighted the sentence where I say our emotions can be in line with our spiritual side. I agree with you that no one could have an personal experience with God without having emotions.The point I wanted to make was that we need to be careful ones salvation is true and not just someone that got caught up in the moment. Or coerced by a pastor after a 20 minute invitation while all eyes are closed and heads bowed and verse after verse of the invitational hymn play.
Or coerced by a pastor after a 20 minute invitation while all eyes are closed and heads bowed and verse after verse of the invitational hymn play.
Coerced?....I have never heard our pastorcall anyone by name to the invitational. It'supon your heart to do so if you feel the need to. Youdon't go foward to ask the Lord for things you need or want, you go foward to ask the Lord to forgive you for your every day selfish Sins which we areAllguilty of.
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
A short word about faith from Charles Finney
