Lizbeth
Well-Known Member
Speaking of balance, I consider that we need to be walking a kind of tightrope (balance) between assurances and the fear of God which spurs us on. The thing is that we need to hold onto all these things not set in cement of the carnal mind, but alive in spirit. I see the word of God as being alive and active, like the green pastures that the sheep are browsing in and the Shepherd is feeding each individual soul on whatever corner of the pasture we need at any given time and circumstance. Sometimes we need comfort and encouragement, other times we need the fear of the Lord to keep following Him. An over emphasis on either one without the other balancing it is problematic.Religious certainty is as strong as any narcotic. It gets in the way of biblical faith. The Pharisees were just as certain as you are...and from exactly the same kind of outer man belief. Of course, the religious person will say that their beliefs are much better than other kinds. They ALL say that. One drug user will swear that the drug he/she is taking s better than what others are taking. This is not about Jesus...but the person claiming to have all the benefits for himself...and then claiming others do not.
What you need is faith in Christ not religious beliefs about Jesus and all the benefits you have stored for yourself based on religious certainty.
Funny, how the Lord has used the tightrope walking of Nick Wallenda to show a living parable of how we run the race....first walking a tightrope across the Niagara Falls gorge, then walking across the mouth of an active volcano! That is the walk and life of a follower of Christ. Good news...he made it across both obstacles, and he was praying to Jesus both times. The word of God says when you go through the waters I will be with you...and when you go through the fire it will not burn you, hallelujah, praise Jesus!