tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378184.post109763019394523408..comments2023-09-22T12:50:47.881-05:00Comments on Effortless Grace: FREEDOM REVISITEDTom Reindlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03109080936641920690noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378184.post-1097801159802194832004-10-14T19:45:00.000-05:002004-10-14T19:45:00.000-05:00Hello Phil, and welcome!! :)
I understand the pa...Hello Phil, and welcome!! :)<br /><br />I understand the part about abusing freedom. I did not come to this understanding of freedom, however, without first understanding grace a lot better than when I first met Christ. Understanding a little better what my part is, and how much Christ did, does, and will do for us has really helped. I find that when I focus on a fear of stumbling, I stumble. However, when I focus on grace, then freedom isn't something I have to manage.<br /><br />You have added a lot to this post, Phil, please don't sell yourself short. Your comment provoked some deep thoughts in me, and I love it when people do that. Thank you.Tom Reindlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03109080936641920690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378184.post-1097790332607667842004-10-14T16:45:00.000-05:002004-10-14T16:45:00.000-05:00My problem here is me. I like to be free, but I f...My problem here is me. I like to be free, but I find that all too often I abuse the freedom I'm given. <br /><br />Of all the things I don't understand about this earth, it's the idea of freedom. I think it's critical both theologically and temporally.<br /><br />Now I don't believe it's a dilemma to God in the sense that it was something He was indecisive about. But the questions do come to mind as I think about what must have occured to Him. If I give humanity freedom they are going to abuse it. If I don't give them freedom I'm going to create puppets with no ability to respond to Me. <br /><br />That's about all I can add to the discussion. Not much I admit.Phil Dillon, Prairie Apologisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00933117233625601141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378184.post-1097714302972944952004-10-13T19:38:00.000-05:002004-10-13T19:38:00.000-05:00Hi Trish,
I think those are great thoughts. Obvi...Hi Trish,<br /><br />I think those are great thoughts. Obviously, we do not have great faith, yet. At least not anyone I know, including me. Some have strong faith, some have weak faith. I'm not sure where I am on any "scale". But I do know that there is little that bothers me about things we can do. Mainly, it's stuff I have done in the past, stuff that would be a stumbling block for me today were I to be exposed to it. At some point, those things won't be a stumbling block, but for now, they are. <br /><br />This entire passage just amazed me, the depth that Paul took it all, at one point saying he was convinced that nothing is unclean in itself. Amazing!!<br /><br />Have a good night, Trish. Still love the blogging name!! :)Tom Reindlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03109080936641920690noreply@blogger.com