Is there such a thing as having "simple faith?"

[superwoman8977]

Okay I have been on here a little bit and I have to ask..is there such a thing as just having faith and accepting that Christ died on the cross for our sins? I am not a Calvinist or any kind of bible scholar I go to church becuase I was brought up in the church and it has always been a part of my life and I admit there are things in the word that I dont agree with but is there anyone out there that has "simple faith" like me? I am just wondering. To define simple faith I am talking spends time in the word but isnt into the whole studying it in like 5 different versions including the greek and hebrew and all of that and just having a simple prayer life where you pray for your friends and family requests and then go to church on Wed and Sun and absorb what the pastor is trying to teach. The more I get into this group the more I see I am the minority because I am not over analyzing everything, something is taught to me I take it home I meditate on it, get what the Holy Spirit is wanting me to get out of it and apply it to my life or to my prayer time or whatever..so is there anyone out there like me with very "simple faith?"

 

[donnA]

Simple bible reading is easy, bible study is harder and well worth the time for anyone who wishes to know and understand scripture. Paul comended the Breans for doing it, we are told to do it, (study to show thyself approved). If we don't 'analize' scripture we may miss some very important things in it somethings in scripture must be compared with multiply scripture to understand it. (scripture interpeting itself, which means we will have to do a lot of study).
I don't think that what your describing is 'simple faith', some of it (thought not all) describes a new believer. As we grow spiritually in Christ is becomes deeper then what you have described as 'simple faith'.

 

[superwoman8977]

Simple bible reading is easy, bible study is harder and well worth the time for anyone who wishes to know and understand scripture. Paul comended the Breans for doing it, we are told to do it, (study to show thyself approved). If we don't 'analize' scripture we may miss some very important things in it somethings in scripture must be compared with multiply scripture to understand it. (scripture interpeting itself, which means we will have to do a lot of study).
I don't think that what your describing is 'simple faith', some of it (thought not all) describes a new believer. As we grow spiritually in Christ is becomes deeper then what you have described as 'simple faith'.

I am not a new believer by any means. I was saved in 1995 at a Newsboys concert. I am just not into the over analyzation stuff, I mean I am a person who reads something or is taught something and I just let the Holy Spirit sink it into my head the way it needs to be sunk in, no need to get a headache trying to figure out what it is saying, I am also learning the more I get into the word (still not over analyzing) that God left alot of gray areas in the word as to where we are supposed to use what we have learned and apply it to a situation. I will admit I read alot of the bible but I dont study alot. I will read something and then meditate on it all day while I am at work or something and then about halfway through my day usually bam! Is when I get my answer. When we overstudy something I feel like I am shutting the Holy Spirit out and trying to figure something out on my own, which isnt God's will..jmho

 

[webdog]

Why do you keep refering to study as "overstudying" or "overanalyzing"? With the Word of God, that is an impossibility!

While maybe not a new believer, it sounds like you may be a "milk fed" believer still. Paul tells us as milk fed Christians we are to move on to meat. There should be a desire to do so, and if there isn't, you should ask God to give you such a desire to know Him more intimately.

 

[Amy.G]

there are things in the word that I dont agree with

What do you mean?

How can you disagree with God?

 

[donnA]

I am not a new believer by any means. I was saved in 1995 at a Newsboys concert. I am just not into the over analyzation stuff, I mean I am a person who reads something or is taught something and I just let the Holy Spirit sink it into my head the way it needs to be sunk in, no need to get a headache trying to figure out what it is saying, I am also learning the more I get into the word (still not over analyzing) that God left alot of gray areas in the word as to where we are supposed to use what we have learned and apply it to a situation. I will admit I read alot of the bible but I dont study alot. I will read something and then meditate on it all day while I am at work or something and then about halfway through my day usually bam! Is when I get my answer. When we overstudy something I feel like I am shutting the Holy Spirit out and trying to figure something out on my own, which isnt God's will..jmho

I love the newsboys,
but your still describing a new beleiver.
A perosn can be saved 50 years, and not advance past year #1, they are constantly at the level of a new believer, they never mature or grow past yr 1. Bible study is a part of the maturity and growth. It's hard to learn to do it regularly, but well worth it in our relationship with God and our growth.

no need to get a headache trying to figure out what it is saying,

It's called bible study, and yes, there is a need.

God left alot of gray areas in the word as to where we are supposed to use what we have learned and apply it to a situation.

one reason why we need bible study, not as many gray areas as you think.

When we overstudy something I feel like I am shutting the Holy Spirit out and trying to figure something out on my own, which isnt God's will..jmho
What about your pastor or bible teachers, do they overstudy too? Or do they do little or no bible study too?

The Holy Spirit is our teacher, but for us to learn from scripture we must be in scripture, at least making an effort to study it as best our ability. Theres no excuse other then spiritual laziness not too.

 

[donnA]

Why do you keep refering to study as "overstudying" or "overanalyzing"? With the Word of God, that is an impossibility!

While maybe not a new believer, it sounds like you may be a "milk fed" believer still. Paul tells us as milk fed Christians we are to move on to meat. There should be a desire to do so, and if there isn't, you should ask God to give you such a desire to know Him more intimately.

This is what I meant. A new believer is milk fed, a growing mature believer is not.

 

[Thinkingstuff]

What do you mean?

How can you disagree with God?

Actually you can. I don't suggest it but it can be done. You do it by saying "God your wrong" or if you post on this board you can say: "wong." and not be specific.

 

[donnA]

Actually you can. I don't suggest it but it can be done. You do it by saying "God your wrong" or if you post on this board you can say: "wong." and not be specific.

The op has stated several times God is wrong, and that scripture is not for her. She choses to pick out what she thinks He is not wrong about and call herself obedient, and leave off what she thinks He is wrong about, as she has said.
To think one knows better then God what is right or wrong is the hight of pride, and ignorance of scripture.
And shows, as I said, the immaturity of a new believer.
Nothing wrong with the immaturity of a new believer, unless one has been a believer a long time.

 

[Thinkingstuff]

The op has stated several times God is wrong, and that scripture is not for her. She choses to pick out what she thinks He is not wrong about and call herself obedient, and leave off what she thinks He is wrong about, as she has said.
To think one knows better then God what is right or wrong is the hight of pride, and ignorance of scripture.
And shows, as I said, the immaturity of a new believer.
Nothing wrong with the immaturity of a new believer, unless one has been a believer a long time.

Actually, there is a lot of emotional based "salvation" experiences. Not that these things aren't authentic but if reliance on an emotional high is a persons salvation I wonder even if they know the God they are saved by. The God of Euphoric feeling that I and the Universe is ok or the God who was broken for our sin that we might live. Hmmmm.

 

[MB]

Okay I have been on here a little bit and I have to ask..is there such a thing as just having faith and accepting that Christ died on the cross for our sins? I am not a Calvinist or any kind of bible scholar I go to church becuase I was brought up in the church and it has always been a part of my life and I admit there are things in the word that I dont agree with but is there anyone out there that has "simple faith" like me? I am just wondering. To define simple faith I am talking spends time in the word but isnt into the whole studying it in like 5 different versions including the greek and hebrew and all of that and just having a simple prayer life where you pray for your friends and family requests and then go to church on Wed and Sun and absorb what the pastor is trying to teach. The more I get into this group the more I see I am the minority because I am not over analyzing everything, something is taught to me I take it home I meditate on it, get what the Holy Spirit is wanting me to get out of it and apply it to my life or to my prayer time or whatever..so is there anyone out there like me with very "simple faith?"

I guess you could say that in the beginning I had a simple faith. Although the more I read of the Bible the more I wanted to read it and study it. I'm not really interested in anything else. I've studdied it all my life and I still can't get enough.
One thing about the study of it I have found is that the more you study it the more God brings certain details to your attention. I've discovered this is how he perfects our faith. This is how God finshes the work began in us all.
MB

 

[Amy.G]

Actually you can. I don't suggest it but it can be done. You do it by saying "God your wrong" or if you post on this board you can say: "wong." and not be specific.

You are quite the argumentative one, aren't you? :laugh:

Yes, you could say God is wrong, but we all know that HE IS NOT!
Cafeteria style Christianity really isn't Christianity at all. I think it's called "believing in vain".

 

[mercy4all]

I guess you could say that in the beginning I had a simple faith. Although the more I read of the Bible the more I wanted to read it and study it. I'm not really interested in anything else. I've studdied it all my life and I still can't get enough.
One thing about the study of it I have found is that the more you study it the more God brings certain details to your attention. I've discovered this is how he perfects our faith. This is how God finshes the work began in us all.
MB

Very well put.

 

[skypair]

Okay I have been on here a little bit and I have to ask..is there such a thing as just having faith and accepting that Christ died on the cross for our sins?

Yes, indeed!! It is not found here a lot because we are "outfitting" our "mansions" with "gold, silver, and precious stones" (God's wisdom, God's thoughts, and God's glory -- 1Cor 3:10-21. We are not just growing spiritually. We are "building" upon the foundations of Christ and the apostles and some of us are being "careful how we build thereon."

However, there was a time when I did not think my eternal life was relevant to this life. Paul tells us about such people in 1Cor 15:12-41 -- that they failed to realize that God had given them a new life HERE -- that it would be more glorious and fruitful than any they could conger up! It begins with "unity of the Spirit" (salvation in Christ), Eph 4:3 and never stops as we endeavor, through the "knowledge and faith of Christ," to all come into a "unity ... unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" Eph 4:13. But, sadly, you will find a lot of the latter around, too. That's also why we study.

..so is there anyone out there like me with very "simple faith?"

It gets more complicated around here because we are always trying to pull our fellows out of "speculative doctrines" and "philosophical theologies," as one had said. Yes, those doctrines and theologies are very complex and it is like "panning for gold" -- we who would find the truth in them have to continuously swirl the "pan" until the truth, the "gold," appears and can be picked out of the debris.

skypair

 

[Revmitchell]

Simple faith = I am happy where I am at and do not want to grow any further.



Heb 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Heb 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Heb 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

 

[Thinkingstuff]

Okay I have been on here a little bit and I have to ask..is there such a thing as just having faith and accepting that Christ died on the cross for our sins? I am not a Calvinist or any kind of bible scholar I go to church becuase I was brought up in the church and it has always been a part of my life and I admit there are things in the word that I dont agree with but is there anyone out there that has "simple faith" like me? I am just wondering. To define simple faith I am talking spends time in the word but isnt into the whole studying it in like 5 different versions including the greek and hebrew and all of that and just having a simple prayer life where you pray for your friends and family requests and then go to church on Wed and Sun and absorb what the pastor is trying to teach. The more I get into this group the more I see I am the minority because I am not over analyzing everything, something is taught to me I take it home I meditate on it, get what the Holy Spirit is wanting me to get out of it and apply it to my life or to my prayer time or whatever..so is there anyone out there like me with very "simple faith?"

Devotions. Hmmmm. I look at it this way: Jesus gave a parable about a man who had found a treasure in a field and sold everything he had to purchase the land it was on. Matthew 13:44

44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

So I take two things from this. The man gave everything he had to obtain it.
and obtained everything relating to it. So we believe that Jesus died for our sins and by his attoning sacrificed we are made right with God yet this is a valuable thing to be right with God and to partake in it we must give everything (ourselves: our hopes, loves, ambition, everything about ourselves) to God. And then wrap yourself in everything about God. Prayer, bible study, fasting, and a multitude of other things that we might not take anything about our faith for granted. So we are then transformed

2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

. Instead of saying. "oh yeah I believe and pray when I need help" but live an active or proactive chirstian lifestyle. So that we are not guilty of a dead faith or taking for granted the faith we have that was so dearly bought.

14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

The christian life is one of sacrifice not just getting stuff.

11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffering for Being a Christian
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

I think this aspect of christianity often gets lost with the I'm saved because I believe. But what's the point of believe if its not acted on? Is that really belief? And christianity cost God and those who want God. This is the example we must follow as christians

16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Also keep in mind the bible isn't a Smorgasbord. We don't pick and choose what we like or don't like. Its the truth. Period. You follow it or you don't there is no halfway point. like the treasure. You purchase the land and get it or you don't. Christianity is very much like that.

 

[superwoman8977]

Simple faith = I am happy where I am at and do not want to grow any further.



Heb 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Heb 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Heb 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

I never said I dont want to grow. I grow everyday but I dont sit there analyzing everything. I have grown so much in the past year in the bible its amazing. I can look up something and have the Lord speak to me about that passage so powerfully. So if that isnt growing up then I dont know what is.

 

[MB]

I never said I dont want to grow. I grow everyday but I dont sit there analyzing everything. I have grown so much in the past year in the bible its amazing. I can look up something and have the Lord speak to me about that passage so powerfully. So if that isnt growing up then I dont know what is.

How does one know anything with out an analytical mind? We have to examine it in order to discern it. We have to study it and study always involves analysis. Is there another form of study that I don’t know about?
We study and we pray and ask questions our questions are the result of analysis.
MB

 

[MB]

I would like to add;
There are a lot of people who would just rather let others do the study and then just take their word for it being true. This idea is terribly flawed. Although it is a simple faith.
MB

 

[superwoman8977]

How does one know anything with out an analytical mind? We have to examine it in order to discern it. We have to study it and study always involves analysis. Is there another form of study that I don’t know about?
We study and we pray and ask questions our questions are the result of analysis.
MB

Because you dont have to over analyze to learn anything. I am in the process of doing a weekly bible study. Now with my simple faith I can read the passage of scripture and answer the questions in about 45 minutes because I dont pull out the Hebrew Bible the Greek Bible, see what the KJV says I read it answer the questions on it and I am done. Then the Holy Spirit applies what I have read to my life. Its that simple. Thats what I mean by having simple faith, not meaning I dont grow because this is my 3rd study this year and I have grown so much just with the classes.