tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post6742920368908086338..comments2023-10-03T06:25:41.357-05:00Comments on Grace Roots Blog: Beware of dogs - Part 2Joel Bruesekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395847887953875757noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-8561936260960834272007-10-14T20:56:00.000-05:002007-10-14T20:56:00.000-05:00Hi Kathy,I believe you hit the nail right on the h...Hi Kathy,<BR/><BR/>I believe you hit the nail right on the head in saying that you didn't need a changed heart, but you needed a new heart. Trying to follow all the principles-based teachings that are so prevalent in today's Christian culture will ultimately wear a person out! Your words provide a great transition into Part 3. :)Joel Bruesekehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10395847887953875757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-27506151807812955592007-10-14T12:51:00.000-05:002007-10-14T12:51:00.000-05:00Hi Joel--Great questions. I had always been taugh...Hi Joel--<BR/><BR/>Great questions. I had always been taught that to have my righteousness exceed the righteousness of the pharisees meant that beyond just 'doing the right things', I had to have the right heart attitude and motivation. Which I would agree with. BUT, that it was up to ME to change my motivation and my heart and get myself into a place of "righteousness" where my performance matched my heart. That lead to lots of self-focus, and trying to change my heart. But I didn't need a changed heart. I needed a NEW heart. And that was not something I could create in myself. Hmmmm...<BR/><BR/>The principles-based teaching that permeates so much of our current Christian culture has wearied me to the point of exhaustion. And I don't think I'm the only one. Too many sermons, books, and seminars could be summed up with two words--"Try harder." Jesus' words to the weary and heavy burdened were not to try harder, they were to come to Him and find rest. <BR/><BR/>Kathy Jgltns56https://www.blogger.com/profile/04427944709478229615noreply@blogger.com