Stop Trying - Try Believing

Researcher Merton Strommen recently surveyed several thousand Protestant youths. More than 60% agreed that "The way to be accepted by God is to try sincerely to live a good life". 70% agreed with the statement "God is satisfied if a person lives the best life he can". And more than half agreed that "The main emphasis of the gospel is on God's rules for right living".

One would think the apostle Paul or Martin Luther had never opened their mouths, or that Jesus had never come to die.... Shouldn't we devote equal times to explaining that rules are merely 'joints' and 'bones' to make the Body effective, NOT a ladder to God.

From Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by P.Yancey & Dr.P.Brand
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Mk.2:27 "Don't you know that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath"
Ac.15:9,11 "He forgave their sins because they believed...we believe and are saved by the gracious (gift) of the Lord Jesus - just as they are"
Jn.6:28-29 "'What can we do to do what God wants?'. Jesus answered 'What God wants is that you believe in the one he sent"
2 Cor.3:6 "We do not tell them that they must obey every law of God, or die; but we tell them there is life for them from the Holy Spirit. The old way, trying to keep commandments, ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives them life" (Living NT)
Heb.11:6 "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him"
Rom.5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God"
Jn.6:63 "What gives life is God's spirit; man's power is of no use at all"

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