Decision Making and Guidance from God
1 Corinthians 10:25-29; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Zane C. Hodges (1972-1975; May 23, 2004)

Is there any support in the Bible for the concept that we will receive some sort of divine mystical guidance from God before we make a significant spiritual decision? Is a vague feeling of inner peace, the same as divine guidance? Do the Scriptures encourage us to take a combination of circumstances which may be ambiguous in themselves and translate it into guidance for our lives? Where should we find guidance for our lives today? Do we recognize that the Word of God within the guidelines laid down to us, give us tremendous areas of freedom within which the decision-making process is our own? If there is something you need to learn, the Bible can teach you, because it is profitable for doctrine. If there is something in which you need to be rebuked, the Bible can rebuke you, because it is profitable for reproof. If there is something in which you need to be straightened out, the Bible can straighten you out, because it is profitable for correction. If there is training that you need, the Bible can train you, because it is profitable for instruction in righteousness, that you might be the complete man of God that God wants you to be. The Bible is enough for you and your conscience.

Other passages mentioned: Colossians 3:15; Acts 8:26-29; Acts 10:1-6; Acts 16:6-9; Judges 6:14, 36-40; Luke 15:13; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, 7:39; 2 Timothy 4:13. #Godsplan #freewill

In this sequel to Naaman’s story of leprosy, Naaman learns that the mercy and grace of God are absolutely free. One of the tragedies of the American church is that there are so many churches who teach and believe, that you cannot get into heaven unless you are willing to follow the Lord Jesus Christ or surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ. People who think that way about the God of the Bible, do not understand the God of the Bible. Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, is afflicted with the disease of greed, which is similar to playing with a loaded gun. The Lord doesn’t need our pennies, but if we are smart, we will invest everything we can into His capable hands, and He will return it with magnificent interest in the kingdom of God.

2 Kings 5:14-27
That Gun Is Loaded
Zane C. Hodges

Coast Bible Church

May 2004

Zane Hodges explains James 2:14-26 by providing an overview of the entire Epistle of James. Zane explains the expression "save your souls" in James 1:21, and demonstrates that "save" in James is about saving your earthly lives not salvation from hell. Zane show the Greek word for "trial" and "temptation" have two meanings, (1) troubles and (2) temptation to do evil. Justification before God by faith versus justification before men by works is explained.

Dead faith is when we stop acting on what we believe. In that instance faith becomes like a dead body, a dead faith is unproductive. How do we keep our faith alive? By acting on what we believe. When people see us acting on what we believe, then we are justified by works before men.

Other passages: Matthew 7:24-27; Proverbs 11:19; Romans 4:2; Hebrews 11:31

#deadfaith #saveyoursoul #james2 #justifiedbyfaith #justification

May 24, 1992