Judy wrote: > The Spirit and Word work simultaneously which is what > we see in Acts and all of the Epistles so we would need > more than John 6:44 to construct a "wooing doctrine".
I agree that the Spirit and the Word work simultaneously, but many people have recognized that they were prepared to accept God's Word long before they actually heard it and accepted it. I think the Scriptures support these personal testimonies, and if we are humble enough, we will see that we are what we are only because of God's grace and work upon us. He chose us first, then we accept his call. While you recognize the Spirit and the Word working together, notice what Jesus says about his sending out his apostles. John 4:37-38 (37) And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. (38) I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. If other men had prepared those to whom the apostles preached, how much more might we understand that the grace of God was at work wooing these people to come unto God. Judy wrote: > ... it greatly saddens me to see so little interest in > God's Word. People are so excited over the prospect > of hearing the words of Athanasius, Polyani, or whoever > their latest theological fad is, just like the people Paul > encountered at Mars Hill in Athens. But I see none of > this happening when it comes to God's Word which is > labelled "scripture bombing" and received as "Ho Hum" > or else mixed with the words of theologians and distorted > until it is unrecognizable. You are quite right about this. It bothers me too how some dismiss the quoting of Scripture with one line phrases like "proof-texting" or "don't ignore context" or "Scripture bombs" or that the passage is figurative, etc. They never seem to explain the proper context or teach the meaning of the passage. It is always simply a discrediting to favor the traditions and teachings of men over the Scritpures themselves. It is exactly the same problem Jesus faced with the scribes (scholars) and Pharisees and Saduccees of his day. Judy wrote: > Unless there is something more concrete David I see > this "wooing" as a good example of what is wrong. > Only the Word delivered in the power of the Spirit > can open the hearts of the people. God sent John > the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus the Word > - this would have been a wonderful opportunity for > the Spirit to woo (if that were his job) before the > arrival of the Word Himself don't you think? I certainly agree with you that we need this delivery of the Word of God in power, but let's not negate the wooing work of the Spirit either. In fact, John the Baptist too was part of this work of grace on God's part. John 16:9 speaks of a work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the unbelievers. Of course, this particular work concerns a new work of the Spirit after the Lord ascended on high, but it is noteworthy to recognize that the Spirit does work to convince the unbeliever of his sin while at the same time works to convince the believer of his righteousness. I believe that the Holy Spirit does this work through anointed men of God (as you seem to recognize), but I also believe he works in a spiritual way at the same time. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
