Hebrews 11:6 teaches, "Without faith it is impossible to please [God]. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” You cannot please God if you do not come to him looking for reward. Therefore, faith that pleases God is the hedonistic pursuit of God.
As Christian Hedonists we know that everyone longs for happiness. And we will never tell them to deny or repress that desire. It is never a problem to want to be satisfied. The problem is being satisfied too easily. We believe that everyone who longs for satisfaction should no longer seek it from money or power or lust, but should come glut their soul-hunger on the grace of God. We will bend all our effort, by the Holy Spirit, to persuade people
that they can be happier in giving than receiving (Acts 20:35);
that they should count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus their Lord (Philippians 3:8);
that the aim of all of Jesus' commandments is that their joy be full (John 15:11);
that if they delight themselves in the Lord he will give them the desire of their heart (Psalm 37:4);
that there is great gain in godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6);
and that the joy of the Lord is their strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
We will not try to motivate anyone with appeals to mere duty. We will tell them that in God’s presence is full and lasting joy (Psalm 16:11) and our only duty is to come to him, seeking this pleasure.
(Adapted from John Piper’s article, Christian Hedonism: Forgive the Label, but Don't Miss the Truth.)
воскресенье, 5 октября 2008 г.
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I am glad that the word of God has reached Far East Russia, Glory be to God.
Glory to God,
My brother in Christ,
Thank you for visiting and I am very happy to know that Jesus has touched your heart and shown you the Light.
I will testify to my church about you and your church and how the Lord has blessed you, your family, and your country. May the Lord God bless you today, tomorrow, and always. May you receive the blessing that you have been waiting for In Jesus Name.
My brother it has been an exciting time talking to you, especially here. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless you during this time of Holiday Seasons. In Jesus Name
Your friend and brother in Christ Anthony Gonzalez
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