Comments on Lawrence W. Wilson: The Opportunity

Good point. Do you think there is a difference bet...

2009-11-07T10:42:20.475-05:00

Good point. Do you think there is a difference between "believing God is there" and acting out in faith on that belief? I think that is a big factor. The Bible does make it clear that many "believe" in God (even the demons), but don't live active, engaged lives of faith...and I think that is because they don't have a RELATIONSHIP with Him. What do you think? If Abraham had been asked to sacrifice his son- early in his life, when his walk with God was still young, would he have responded the same way? He certainly didn't act in faith when he lied and let his wife be taken to save his own skin multiple times. Was it because he didn't believe in God...or because he didn't "actively" BELIEVE God- have faith that God would provide an escape? Hmmmm...:)
Something interesting- when the NT talks about Abraham acting in faith in Hebrews 11, it is the greek word "pistis" a noun. And when it talks about him "believing God and it was credited to him as righteousness" in Romans 4:3, the word is "pisteuo"- same root, but this one is a VERB. Active belief/faith. Cool, yes? God bless you, and again, thanks for bringing a discussion that has me praising God for His sweet believers and His wonderful Word.

Craig, I like you idea but I'm not sure I see ...

2009-11-06T07:32:58.070-05:00

Craig, I like you idea but I'm not sure I see it in the text. Thinking of Abraham specifically, where does love or friendship precede his decision to trust God?

I don't disagree that our response to God is, in part, based on our relationship, but I see faith as leading to that relationship, not springing from it.

Do we believe God is there because we love him? Or because he is there?

Agreed, true faith is impossible without a relatio...

2009-11-05T10:37:54.989-05:00

Agreed, true faith is impossible without a relationship. To me- faith in God has to do with trusting Him to be GOOD. We can believe in God, agree with all the "stuff", feel that we have a relationship with our Creator, but if we don't TRUST that every single one of His intentions are good, and that His purpose is to love and bless us- we are going to have a hard time following what He asks us to do when it looks (to our human eyes) that what He asks is going to turn out awful. Knowing God's character through His word is a huge piece of having "Abraham-like" faith, yes?

Thanks for the great post, it reminded me to thank God for His goodness and amazing ways- here's to believing God is who He says He is. :)

Excellent observations regarding faith. I do beli...

2009-11-05T09:10:47.413-05:00

Excellent observations regarding faith.

I do believe that biblical faith is contingent upon (and perhaps almost synonymous with) personal love. The faith that was counted unto Abraham as righteousness was more than his placing a bet upon the better God. It was about believing in God--believing in who he says he is and what he says he is doing. It's not unlike believing in a friend--it isn't a question of mere existence, but in who he is and what he can do . . . because you love that person, you believe in him or her.

Faith is more about friendship with God than ontology (though of course, beleving in the other's existence is a crucial starting place for a sane relationship).

2009-11-05T09:09:22.484-05:00

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