Encouragement in Failure

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Rom 5:3-5

Feelings cannot dictate what is true. Scripture alone tells us what is true because it is God-breathed.

Man's traditions cannot tell us what is true. Traditions come and go.

Works-based salvation, which acts as though grace, faith or belief are a work, promotes lies. We are saved by God's grace, His unmerited favor, through faith--belief and trust in Him, and not of ourselves--nothing we do saves us, it is a gift of God. It is what we think--agreeing with God about who and what we are, and Who and What He is, that saves us. Believing is not a work. It is worth repeating because in these recent days, there are cults that twist Eph 5:8 and explain it as meaning something other than what it clearly says.

Cults tell you what the Scriptures say; they actively teach you what they say so that when you read the Word of God yourself (which they do not encourage), you interpret it how they say, which promotes blasphemy and false belief. It by-passes the power and work of the Holy Spirit, although He can break through if He desires and if a person is genuinely seeking to understand. 

Praise God the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. 

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Hebrews 4:12-13