But Kevin in Samson's generation Jesus had not yet been
sent so it would have been impossible for Samson to "believe on
him" even though an angel who said his name is "Wonderful"
appeared to his father to announce his birth.
IMO we should be very careful about judging
him. When Samson wanted a Philistine wife we are told in Judges 14:4 that
his parents didn't know that this desire was of the Lord - God raised
him up to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines (who had been ruling
over them for 40yrs) and every time he did one of his mighty exploits it was
after "the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him"
He is the one who killed the (dead) lion and he
slew 1,000 men with the jawbone of an ass which was dead, not only that but God
supplied water when he was thirsty in this same jawbone. 300,000 men of
Judah who came to talk him out of his ministry so that they could remain
enslaved to the Philistines could not bind him (even with new cords) to deliver
him to the Philistines - It took Delilah and yes he missed it there.
But who are we to point the finger at him since God has obviously accepted
him? Only God sees the heart and Samson apparently passed the test.
judyt
On Thu, 24 Feb 2005 22:21:35 -0800 (PST) Kevin Deegan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
Samsons' works was the "works of God" which is defined in John as Believing The dead works that are in need of repentence (Hebrews) are the works of the flesh; works meant to merit reward from God they are DEAD works!JN 6 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Judy Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:And I should add - To whom much is given, much is required judytOn Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:02:43 -0500 Judy Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:BINGO Samson was a "BELIEVER"!Wow!JD you certainly don't honor the "anointed of God" like David did - even when a demonized Saul was trying to kill him and David slipped up on him in a cave and could have killed him first. He later repented for cutting off the corner of his garment because he did not want to harm "the Lord's anointed"The same God chose Samson and anointed him for ministry. How is it you are not afraid to call him "a screwed up fellow"? He is no worse than any of us on TT who have compromised and "missed it" How many of us can say we have not messed up one time since we were called of God and born of the Spirit? Remember John is the greatest of those under the Old Covenant and the least in the Kingdom is greater than he. JudytOn Thu, 24 Feb 2005 10:05:30 EST [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Understand that I completely agree that Samson was a screwed up fellow. His story is, in fact, a great story to share with a room full little tough guys locked up in a CYA facility. They identify with his weaknesses and are even surprised at his inclusion in the "Hall of Faith."
I am not sure I agree (emphasis on "not sure") about the "faith without works is dead" and, then including as "works," his works of the flesh. It appears that we ahve the conclusion. We just there there differently. Care to comment on your use of "works" and "works of the flesh?"
JD
JD
In a message dated 2/24/2005 4:32:42 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:Interested in your "leasr part"
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
In a message dated 2/23/2005 2:56:06 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS iis DEAD! Samsons' works were of the flesh, chasing after skirts, breaking his Nazarite vow. So how then could he be a hero? As Judy has pointed out by his FAITH, by his believing! He lived like a devil, but when it came down to it Samson believed God. That is what put him in Right relationship to God by His grace
Amen for the most part.
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