tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529365993866431111.post355667853928163960..comments2023-04-30T04:57:11.101-07:00Comments on A Great God and Good Coffee: We are HisErick Reinstedthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17687593837022660081noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529365993866431111.post-25768092780579535582013-04-16T13:58:10.275-07:002013-04-16T13:58:10.275-07:00Thanks so much, Collin! I am blessed by your comme...Thanks so much, Collin! I am blessed by your comment and for all you have helped me see about the Trinity and holiness. The issue of faith as a gift vs faith as something we are responsible for is one that I am still working on. I believe that we play a role in it or else I don't think God would be displeased with those (like the Israelites) who didn't walk in it. I believe Jesus wouldn't have asked Peter about his little faith if the only faith he could be expected to have is what Jesus would give him. It would be like Jesus criticizing Himself. I believe our saving faith comes from God in some way, but our daily walking faith sure seems to require that we play a part in it---taking doubts, etc., captive to who God is who promises. It's a lot to think about and talk about . . . sounds like a reason for some more good coffee talks!Erick Reinstedthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17687593837022660081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529365993866431111.post-13267122516062493912013-04-16T13:54:52.599-07:002013-04-16T13:54:52.599-07:00A comment sent from a friend (Collin) via email, p...A comment sent from a friend (Collin) via email, posted w/ permission:<br /><br />Erick,<br />Thank you for this post. As an expansion, in agreement, the holiness of God is beyond terrestial comprehension. "in whom there is no mutation or shadow from revolving motion.", so the James 1:16 assertion illuminates the sanctity/ (QDSH) holiness of YHWH. The name indicates divine independence (I am what I am) not beholden, or begotten, while we are both beholden to God and begotten by God. My experience has been that God is gracious beyond measure. His divine independent nature allows transcendence of all but His character (I am what I am). The thing about knowing God, (or what we in a roundabout way refer to as faith,) is that it is a gift (Eph 2:8-10) "For in Grace through faith are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is God's approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting. For His achievement are we, being created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God makes ready beforehand, that we should be walking in them."<br /><br />Manufacturing, or even cultivating faith, in one sense, I believe is fruitless and perilous. I think it can only be given, and is given for the asking, through tidings Romans 10:17 (hearing, that which is heard akoe- hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)) the word of God in the gracious nature of YHWH. Wrong is wrong and cant abide in the light with no mutation or shadow from revolving sphere, so faith (or knowledge of God) lives in Humility. Grace saves through faith "...and this is not out of you" So thanks for the post, and I dont mean to be redundant to your postt, but rather support it. As God's word is illuminated, it all sounds more and more similar/consistent; whether an eternal salvation discussion, faith discussion, discussion of God's nature: they all become indistinguishable as they originate from God, outside of ourselves, and ultimately reflect their creator and giver.Erick Reinstedthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17687593837022660081noreply@blogger.com