I thought it prudent to mention my friend after mentioning a letter I was just about to write to my cousin advised me to wait a bit until my Aunt passes then decline the service if I am invited. I am stating this because there is a balance not only between trying to be peaceable with all men ( Romans 12:18-19) when we can and not being ashamed of the Gospel; but also not trying to anticipate negative reactions or always be proactive to avoid anticipated conflicts. My friend helped me to consider this matter; although I am sure I will have to face it if the Lord tarries.
Understanding different challenges the Lord gave to different individuals helps; one person was asked to give up ALL he had to follow Christ; while Zaccheus only volunteered to give a portion of what he had to anyone he defrauded and half to the poor if I remember it right. In this case we had an individual who self righteously followed all the law and on the exterior maybe he did; pride in his own strength was his downfall because money was this rich man's security. For Zaccheaus though he was ready to live a lifestyle indicating repentance that demonstrated true faith.
Of course the concepts of Predestination and "Free Will" are one of the most common areas of friction. I would argue both are indicated in scripture and God can be a big enough God to not have His plan thwarted by allowing His Creation to be able to make their own decisions. Predestination has several layers; some of which relate to National Israel and God's Covenants while others relate to the salvation of specific individuals. Whether one believes in what is known as "double predestination" or people created who are determined ahead to be lost I won't argue with; nonetheless God knows ahead of time the fate of all men no matter how you slice it. If He is patient with vessels fitted for destruction ( Rom. 9:22) for their sake; or for our sanctification this is a true fact.
I thought it prudent to mention my friend after mentioning a letter I was just about to write to my cousin advised me to wait a bit until my Aunt passes then decline the service if I am invited. I am stating this because there is a balance not only between trying to be peaceable with all men ( Romans 12:18-19) when we can and not being ashamed of the Gospel; but also not trying to anticipate negative reactions or always be proactive to avoid anticipated conflicts. My friend helped me to consider this matter; although I am sure I will have to face it if the Lord tarries.
Understanding different challenges the Lord gave to different individuals helps; one person was asked to give up ALL he had to follow Christ; while Zaccheus only volunteered to give a portion of what he had to anyone he defrauded and half to the poor if I remember it right. In this case we had an individual who self righteously followed all the law and on the exterior maybe he did; pride in his own strength was his downfall because money was this rich man's security. For Zaccheaus though he was ready to live a lifestyle indicating repentance that demonstrated true faith.
Of course the concepts of Predestination and "Free Will" are one of the most common areas of friction. I would argue both are indicated in scripture and God can be a big enough God to not have His plan thwarted by allowing His Creation to be able to make their own decisions. Predestination has several layers; some of which relate to National Israel and God's Covenants while others relate to the salvation of specific individuals. Whether one believes in what is known as "double predestination" or people created who are determined ahead to be lost I won't argue with; nonetheless God knows ahead of time the fate of all men no matter how you slice it. If He is patient with vessels fitted for destruction ( Rom. 9:22) for their sake; or for our sanctification this is a true fact.
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