Whose yoke is this anyway?

[Sheep]

Feeling overburdened and discouraged tonight. Think this started with a sermon around the subject of tithing/giving on Sunday. Was my first Sunday back to church in a long...time. Studied Romans chapter three with my husband tonight for small group Bible study tomorrow night. Didn't understand what "propriation" meant. It wasn't in my NIV Bible but is in the NAS translation. Feel guilty for "not knowing" and it seems like I am still learning the elementary teachings of Christ after being a believer for 20 years. Does this sound like shame? SHAME = Should Have Already Mastered Everything? If we have been studying being justified by faith in Jesus, why does it seem like the longer I am a believer the HARDER it is to follow Christ? I'm wondering if the way I think my Heavenly Father views me is distorted at times and am just trying to figure out and ask Him what is so entangling me while I'm desiring to live my life for Him. Why is it so difficult to be gracious/gentle with myself????

Just some frustrations...

Sheep

[Florence]

To paraphrase David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen: Jesus said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." If your yoke isn't getting easier and your burden isn't getting lighter - it ain't Jesus.

Jesus promises us that He is the one who will be faithful to complete in us what He has started. God also says that He is the One who works in us - for His good pleasure! We don't have to do the work or the striving - just rest and let Him do it. No pressure. Read Galatians - His only requirement is faith. Add any other requirement to that and you got nothin' but condemnation.

Why does it seem harder to follow Christ after so long? For me, it's because I more and more realize that I can't do anything to measure up - I'll never know enough, do enough, be enough, give enough, love enough . . . It would be so much easier if I could contribute to my own justification. The more time goes by, the more I realize how impossible that is and that following Jesus doesn't mean keeping the law - it means living by faith that He has done all that is needful and trusting that whatever He wants to accomplish in and through me, He will do in His own good time. Lean on the Everlasting Arms little Sheep . . .

Florence

[Satscout]

Didn't understand what "propriation" meant. It wasn't in my NIV Bible but is in the NAS translation. Feel guilty for "not knowing" and it seems like I am still learning the elementary teachings of Christ after being a believer for 20 years. Does this sound like shame? SHAME = Should Have Already Mastered Everything?
Propitiation - Jesus took our place and satisfied the demands of the law.

Shame - what happens when we believe otherwise.

*gentle hugs*

Good thing we should NOT have "already mastered everything" or we'd be totally sunk...

[Jerry]

Why is it so difficult to be gracious/gentle with myself????

Just some frustrations...

Sheep

Perhaps,,,,a full depth of understanding of a totally incaporial force of intellect so powerful that it can call into existance an entire universe,,,,,,is a bit too lofty a goal,,,,,,,,, :rolleyes:
:D Love You Sheep :D ,,,,,,,Jerry

[Voyager]

Most religions are shame-based. So, if you feel shamed after participating that should explain it. Most pastors seem to find it easier to use shame, guilt, fear, and manipulation to get results as opposed to using grace. It brings about more compliance and makes them feel more in control.

:cool:

[Hope 98]

To paraphrase David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen: Jesus said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." If your yoke isn't getting easier and your burden isn't getting lighter - it ain't Jesus.

Florence

Just had to add AMEN to that :D