Posted on 02/15/2014 9:08:02 AM PST by EscondidoSurfer
Many groups—including Christians—take the phrase “Let go and let God” to heart. The idea of getting out of the way and letting God take over is appealing and has a spiritual sound to it.
Those who seek to overcome compulsive behavior are often exposed to this thinking. For example, imbedded in the 12 steps in the form that most recovery groups follow are the powerful assertions that one who is overcome by sin is “powerless” and needs to “turn their will and lives” over to God. This letting go allows God to “restore their sanity” and “remove their defects in character.”
Does the Bible teach “Let go and let God”? Not exactly—look for yourself.
(Excerpt) Read more at overcoming-lust.com ...
Not reading those as the same.
The quote is trite.
The verses are rich in meaning.
If these verses are the origin of the quote it is no wonder there is such a shipwreck being made of the church in America.
I am curious why you do not believe scripture teaches free will.
We all sin and one sin is no worse than any other.
I have only seen 'Let go and let God' in 12 step rooms. It's in a frame and on the wall sometimes. Trite maybe, but it's something a newcomer who was never exposed to the Bible can remember when they feel like giving up. See, these folks have lost God or more likely, never knew Him. In meetings, we WITNESS the power of God in our lives.
Alcoholics, drug addicts, compulsive over-eaters, gamblers, sex addicts, etc all have a God sized hole that is killing them and their souls. We don't send people away to seek help - we're the last house on the block. Without us, it's jails, institutions and death. We've 'been there, done that' and can communicate like no ordained clergy can.
We do the real work of repentance and regeneration. For me, I came to know God and sanity through the 12 steps - not any church.
Luke 6:47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.
There is not enough sin preached today to back up your claim. People are fed a steady diet of Joel Osteen like garbage.
There is no robust Christianity in America, and that is the problem.
Claim of what? The elders? I was just speaking from what I've heard. That and 'ooooooo, you're going to HELL'
'Robust Christianity' can be found in 12 step groups... really, I'm serious. I've seen so many lives changed it's nothing short of a miracle. Real people with real problems.
I used the Ten Commandments when I did my 4th step... and I'm going through the steps again in another fellowship to root out things I didn't get to the first time.
If we don't clean house, we have obstacles to seeing God and doing his will.
Osteen isn't on my radar and is off topic here. I will say I have friends who watch and will share something he says... one has 20+ years of sobriety and I respect what she finds insightful...
A church that doesn’t preach about sin doesn’t need a Redeemer.
Your right about that, but I really don't see what you are reacting to from what I've posted.
I dislike 'preaching'. More often than not, I've found the 'preacher' to be a sanctimonious hypocrite who would never admit their own sin or struggles. I can read for myself. Someone condemning my faults does not help me.
The people I trust honestly SHARE their own experience, strength and hope. I can relate and identify because I have been through the same things. Like I said, it's witnessing. It's spiritual, not religious. I desire what others have... serenity. And, there's no one there to deny me membership.
I've talked about repentance on this thread... the Ten Commandments, which I understand to encompass every evil. My church preaches about sin but I found salvation in working the 12 steps.
If so, then the scope of it will be limited.
The scope of what? I've been attending weekly Bible Study and working the steps has given me new and deeper insight. I feel true compassion for all. My entire life has changed and I'm no longer afraid of self-examination to see why a situation or person is upsetting to me.
Churches that preach sin tend to lead by fear. I respond to love, because love lasts. If a church illustrates that the Ten Commandments are to make us happy, then I can accept that. Same with the Seven Deadly Sins.
I'm in a good place now - withOUT anger, fear and hatred. I have no idea where you get a Christian inspired program is limiting.
Therein lies the rub. The root of that word, the idea of the word is Christ, through Him only is salvation. The Ten Commandments show us our sin, but cannot save, because they cannot be kept by man, they show only the wages of sin. Christ kept the Law for man, in Christ we are reconciled to God, in Christ there is forgiveness, without faith in Christ (a gift of God given by grace)there is no forgiveness of sins.
Most folks I know were so burned and traumatized by bad religious teachings they will probably only realize in the next life what God is all about for them. I'm sure He understands.
Keep it simple.
He does indeed, but He has revealed the process to man in scripture. While Jesus died for the sins of the world, the salvation attained by that sacrifice is only obtained by faith in Christ's redemptive work.
Most folks I know were so burned and traumatized by bad religious teachings they will probably only realize in the next life what God is all about for them
More's the pity, the time of grace is now. First death, then the judgement. Hebrews 9:27-28. Seek the Lord while He may be found. Is 55:6-9.
I found salvation in Jesus, not a manmade program.
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