September 1, 2016 Steps to Life Newsletter

 

Dear STL Supporter

Feelings and Faith

In our everyday, temporal lives we are continually acting in faith, and we don't think anything of it. When we turn on the tap, switch on a light or use our GPS we act in faith. Why? Because we have the evidence of our past experience to tell us if we do these acts again then the water will flow, the light will come on or we will be guided to our destination. We also, don't do a lot of things because we have faith that tells us that by not doing them we are far better off. If we jump out of a tall building we will fall, if we tip scalding water on our hand we will get burned or if we ingest a poison we get sick or worse. We know the consequences of doing some acts would be harmful to us.

Much of the behaviour we see all around us is based on feelings. The criterion is that if it feels good it must be ok. This is particularly true in the domains of eating (if it tastes good), entertainment (if it excites) and sexuality (if it arouses). So sin becomes defined by our feelings - if it feels good it must be ok - particularly if there are no apparently immediate consequences to the feel good actions we take.

In the spiritual and moral domains feelings are a poor guide for actions. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Prov 14: 12 and Prov 16: 25). In matters of right and wrong we simply can't trust our feelings. When we do, we get to a point where wrong appears to be right and right appears to be wrong.

In fact, the great apostle Paul tells us that there is only one way to live - For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (Romans 1: 17). Faith in who or what ? Paul has already answered that question in the verse before - it's the gospel of Christ. Not only does he say it's the standard of behavior we can have faith in, buts it also provides the power to live according to the standard - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth...

When Martin Luther realized the power that is in the promise the just shall live by faith, it lifted him out of his gloom, despair and hopelessness giving him hope and peace. It gave him assurance that his sins could be forgiven and that he could overcome temptation. It propelled him into a life that sparked the Reformation. It gave him peace with God. It enabled him to live by faith and put his life on the line for God. It helped him distinguish right and wrong.

In the complex debate that is raging presently in the Australian community and beyond about same-sex marriage, we would do well to not let our opinions be based on our feelings but on the moral guidelines laid down throughout scripture. Paul in Roman's chapter 1, in the same discourse in which he says the just shall live by faith, gives an explanation of why human sexuality is being perverted to the extent its being perverted today. (Take time to read Romans Ch 1 - it's a road map of the reasons for what is happening today in Australia!!)

The Christians of ancient Rome that Paul was writing to had similar issues as we do today. History tells us that civilizations go into rapid decline when their moral fabric is destroyed. Paul does not leave us languishing in despair. He also says (1 Cor 10: 13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

This promise of assurance is not intended to be limited to the temptation of perverted sexuality, according to the Bible's standards for sexual relationships. It applies across the board to all those temptations of feeling where we want to do something that is contrary to the gospel of Christ. Sin is sin is sin! It's the transgression of the law. Sometimes the immediate consequences in some areas of transgression appear to be less severe than in others. But all sin breaks our relationship with God and ultimately leads to the one place. Repentance leads to forgiveness and empowerment. Thank God that He has made a way of escape.

Same-Sex Marriage? Safe Schools Curriculum: Heathmont Baptist Church 2.30 pm, Saturday, September 24.

Will Australia have a plebiscite or will our parliamentarians vote on this matter according to their conscience's or their parties policy line or will they be guided by their electorates? Will the voice of those who don't want same-sex marriage be allowed to be heard? If it is, will it be called 'hate speech'? Is the Safe Schools Curriculum a ploy to socially engineer the acceptance of same-sex relationships?

How will you vote? What are your reasons? Will your reasoning stand up to criticism?

Steps to Life is flying Lyle Shelton, from the Australian Christian Lobby, down to Melbourne to come and speak for us on both topics on the afternoon of Sabbath, September 24. He will present the ethical, moral and Biblical reasons why he is prepared to stand against the introduction of both same-sex marriage and the Safe Schools Curriculum. If you live in Melbourne its your chance to be informed on his stance.

An offering will be collected to defray expenses and any surplus will be donated to the ACL. The presentations will not be filmed due to time constraints for set up and pack up. We will be making a prompt start to maximize time for questions and because we have to vacate the church by 4.30 pm.

Venue: Heathmont Baptist Church, 78 Cuthbert St, Heathmont.

Beyond No Heil Hitler - Sabbath Afternoon, Sept. 17, 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm, Steps to Life, 15 Industrial Park Dve, Lilydale.

Pastor Paul Cieslar will expand on his recently released, best selling book, No Heil Hitler. The experience of Pastor Cieslar and his family is one of much hardship and the intervention of God. Are there lessons for us today from his experiences?

Documentary Film 1844: Our Only Hope - Trailer Released.

Steps to Life is supporting the production of the documentary film 1844: Our Only Hope. The official trailer for the documentary has just been released. To watch it, go to www.1844.tv You can follow the progress of the production by subscribing to the email updates or by liking the 1844 Facebook page. Please tell your friends about this exciting new project.

Christian Greetings from Cherryl and the STL Team,

Brian Way/Programs Co-ordinator

 
 
 
 

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