A view many........

[Rajesh Sahu]

If it just comes naturally, then why is a major part of the teaching of the NT Letters about how to act (bear fruit)?
Why does James say: "...be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."? (Jas 1:22)

If bearing fruit just comes naturally then why did Jesus say: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."? (Mat 5:16)

If we can just "abide" and not worry about doing then why would Paul think it necessary to say the following?
Eph 4:21-32
if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,”[fn] for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

IMO, a Gospel that does not make it very clear that it is necessary for a believer in Christ to "bear fruits worthy of repentance" and to do the "good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them"(Eph 2:10) is an incomplete Gospel which will lead people to be hearers of the word but not doers thereby deceiving those who would be saved and preparing the hear Christ say to them: "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me." (Mat 25;41-43)

iakov the fool

Amen. The verses you quote make it clear we have to be doers of the Word, not just hearers . We have to learn to do God's will over ours, lest our will lead us to judgment and possible condemnation as Christ cautions us in Matthew 7:21-24

 

[Rajesh Sahu]

I think it's pretty important to focus on the "do's" so that we actually do them.
It seems to me that Jesus said "doing" was very important.
John 5: 28-29 ... the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth — those who have done good,
to the resurrection of life,
and those who have done evil,
to the resurrection of condemnation.

It is not sufficient to know what is good. We need to DO what is good.
Doing what is good (as defined by God) is being salt and light.
And that is what we are supposed to be.

Mat 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Eph 2:10 For we are His (God's) workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand
that we should walk in them.

Amen amen Hallelujah!

 

[Rajesh Sahu]

Amen . no fruit--->fire

Not everyone can do that, Some folks are so damaged that their ability to love is broken.
In that case, obedience will suffice.

His strength, yes.
And our co-operation. (God doesn't force us to do anything.)


iakov the fool

I wish there were pastors out there who would teach like you , where the congregation is explained the importance not only of believing but OBEYING as well. Obedience is a very important part of the gospel of love and redemption. I'm very saddened by the easy believism doctrine that is being taught and followed,where obedience plays no part in salvation.
Christ expects and commands obedience . Sinfulness will be dealt with sternly. It is therefore vitally important to follow the Lord and at least wholeheartedly TRY to keep His commands. The lame excuse of " I believe i'm saved " will not work with the Lord.
Revelation 2:23
I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Proverbs 22: 22-23

Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
For the Lord will plead their cause,
And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

 

[PeterJens]

Positive doing

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:13-15

It takes effort to walk alongside people and understand why they think and do as they do.
I had a discussion in our house group last week about being friends with people, brothers and sisters
in Christ.

One member in a forum said it like this. They started to appreciate those around them even when
initially they did not like them, after getting to know them things changed.

So much of life is judged on 5 minutes of interaction, a short conversation. When did you last talk with
someone for over an hour. And at the end were you closer? How many shared experiences are needed
for people to gel and bond? For some they have never bonded, and others it takes a lot. And doing this
is not an easy road, or one of tangible rewards, but it is about building the church and the Kingdom.

 

[Jim Parker]

I wish there were pastors out there who would teach like you , where the congregation is explained the importance not only of believing but OBEYING as well. Obedience is a very important part of the gospel of love and redemption. I'm very saddened by the easy believism doctrine that is being taught and followed,where obedience plays no part in salvation.
Christ expects and commands obedience . Sinfulness will be dealt with sternly. It is therefore vitally important to follow the Lord and at least wholeheartedly TRY to keep His commands. The lame excuse of " I believe i'm saved " will not work with the Lord.
Revelation 2:23
I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Proverbs 22: 22-23

Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
For the Lord will plead their cause,
And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

Thank you for your encouragement.

iakov the fool