Hello , i read a lot on here for a long time and most sound a bit authoratitive . I think that's because you have to believe what you are saying is true or you wouldn't post it . I know I wouldn't post something if I didn't think it was correct I would be scared to make a fool of myself . Some people on here can sound a bit condescending to me but then I think maybe it's the way I'm reading it ? Maybe it's because they are convinced they are right and we can't help how others hear us . Your posts are excellent , most posts on here are good . Even if they sound dogmatic I don't let that put me off because I just want to learn so I try not to be easily offended and remember typed messages from total strangers might sound bossy but that could just be coming from my own perception .
You are what I would call emphatic , you have the courage of your convictions . I don't think you should be ashamed of that . Jesus spoke with authority because he had the courage of his convictions , his faith was rock solid . Being lukewarm never helped anybody .
The idea of you beating up on me has never entered my mind. As usual, you are and have always showed kindness and respect to those you comment to. You should never have to think any apologies are in order. I respect you for being solid in your faith.
I would briefly like to add though that I don't adhere to any beliefs regarding God as an energy, life force, consciousness of the the universe. By it's own definition, energy involves an exchange. I believe God is changeless. You probably know more about New Age stuff than I do, as I haven't read up on much as such. I've read very little about Hinduism, especially recently, so I certainly have not purposely based my beliefs on it. Yet in my limited exposure to various "religious" systems I have noticed they all have some things in common with each other, including Christianity.
I don't consider your dialogue as argumentative either. You are obviously genuine and caring as I can feel that from you. In no way do I sense either of us as wanting harm to come to each other. In this we can both be at peace.
God bless you GiGi, and thank you for your concerns.
Hi Tupperdan. I think you are responding to me, since I quoted Revelation 22:8,9,16.
Yes, John would have done wrong by falling at the Angel's feet to worship. How he perceived this angel, we are not told & to make guesses about this would then be unfruitful. But am I doubting the passage? I only shared the applicable verses to show that it was angel directly before John at this point & not Jesus. But when we read the whole passage, vv 8-11 reveal the angel before John & speaking to him. Then vv 12,13 & 16, show Jesus speaking (the verses 14 & 15 are not in red, but this being man's highlighting does not give us certainty of who is speaking). More than this, I don't understand where my doubt exists. If you could clarify please.
I have responded on another of your post so I will not reiterate. You can always study what is called the simplicity of God or His aseity for a better explanation that I can give here. Also, I have not said that God is all those things you enumerated in this post.
I do believe that God is loving, pure, holy, good, merciful, and every honorable positive attribute we could use to describe Him. But Scripture does reveal that God is just, wrathful, jealous, vengeful, and many other attributes that we would consider negative (but in God these are wholly righteous and untainted by sinfulness). Describing God by way of attributes He has revealed to mankind is not attesting that He is a composite being. He is completely unified in His Being without shadow or turning. He does not change when He acts in history in mercy and then acts in history with wrath. He is Sovereign and His will is perfectly carried out according to His perfect nature.
A.W. Pink wrote a good book called "The Attributes of God". Perhaps you can read this to help you understand what I am saying.
As you said, there are many on this site who speak the same teachings I do. But most of all, reading the Bible comprehensively will give anyone knowledge of who God is in His essence and what He is like in His actions towards mankind , angels, and all creation.
Have a good evening, again. And thank you for your kind thoughts towards me concerning my health. Got my stitches out of my hand from my carpal tunnel surgery. So, have a few more weeks of light duty and then I can begin using my hand more strongly. I am so thankful I am breathing so well now. There are many prayer request that come to this site. I encourage people to be prayerful for those who come here. We can be used this way to bring about many great things from God, who doesn't need us to accomplish anything, but chooses to. We are privileged to be used of Him for His glory.
I am not saying any of this to "beat up" one your ideas or to act like I have all the answers (I don't). But because I care for you and cannot leave you with what you have posted without responding. That would not only be unloving, but also disobedient of what God would have believers do to warn those who error in serious ways. I also post what I know to be classic, tested, orthodoxy for others who read these posts so that they can test their own beliefs against what has been the tried doctrines of our faith.
Like me, anyone can google ideas that come forward on this forum or from any situation that one finds themselves hearing doctrines that they may not adhere to in order to find out more about those who believe a certain doctrine and those who refute it as well as learn about what has been taught consistantly throughout the centuries.
So, please take this all in love. Maybe do a search about these ideas for yourself. And always, take everything to the word of God, as that is our final authority. Have a good evening , One-eighty. My thoughts and prayers are with you as I appreciate the same from you.
I have considered what you have posted concerning God and also as your response to my post. Since sending my post to you i have endeavored to understand where your belief that God is Knowledge or energy (as you have stated in the past) and that only God exists (as in this and some past posts) come from, as they are not historic doctrines of the Christian Church that are supported by Scripture.
I found that Monism (which prevails in Hinduism and New Age Philosophy) is the belief that all is God and therefore nothing exists but God. This is termed pantheism and is outside of Christian belief. You can look it up to find out more. ]]
I found that those who affirm that God is Knowledge or energy or life force or consciousness or the universe, are speaking the belief of many New Agers, Buddhists, etc. who equate God with something that is part of the creation (or all as in the Universe) but these beliefs are outside of the Christian faith.
Dear One-Eighty, I am not trying to beat you up here, nor be argumentative with you. I am standing up for what has been considered classical, orthodox (correct and true) Christian doctrines that go back to the beginnings of the church. This teaching makes God an aspect of creation rather than the creator who created everything from outside of Creation.
Today we live in culture where anyone can be exposed to all sorts of false beliefs and idolatrous ideas about God either inadvertently or purposefully through such sources as books, internet, friends, media such as movies and t.v. Our current culture is replete with doctrines that stand against the true doctrines of Scripture entrusted to the saints of God. It is always a good thing to test our own beliefs and be watch over our faith and doctrine carefully to see if we are truly of the faith ( 1 Tim. 4:16) passed down through the apostles.
I know that I can be wrong as easily as you can, any of us can be deceived by false doctrines if we are not diligent....cont.
I think we should desire to be pure in heart and should ask God for this to come about in us. But, just as he saved us while we we sinners and enemies of God, so can He speak to us and ensure that we understand even when we are still, as Martin Luther said along the lines of we are "both saint and sinner at once", because we have the Holy Spirit in us to sanctify us and ensure we receive and understand the truth of God and from Him.
You have spoken well here. We are weakened by sin and corrupted by its wickedness even as believers. But nonetheless, Jesus graciously causes us to "hear His voice" and receive help and guidance in all things from the Holy Spirit who lives within us. He has the power to communicate to us in many ways and ensure that we do comprehend the will of God as well as the wisdom of God.
I probably do sound authoritative, Paul said several times it was HIS gospel; isn't the gospel, Christ's gospel, was Paul being arrogant, or had he been taught by the spirit what the kingdom is ----Christ in you ---
Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the KINGDOM of GOD has COME unto you.
Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days COMES, and judgement (like the judgement of Solomon) was given to the saints of the most high; and the time came that the saints POSSESSED the KINGDOM.
Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall HATE the whore, and shall make her desolate, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Revelation 17:17 For God has put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to AGREE, and give their (the saints) kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God be fulfilled,
Revelation 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
I will humble myself, and hopefully not appear so arrogant and authoritative.
Respectfully, consider this: If our hearts had to be pure to hear from God, then no one would ever hear the Voice for God. Our hearts (mind) is pure in eternity, but not in time, which is where we perceive ourselves as being.
In regards to your third paragraph; I've never said or inferred something exists outside of God such as the knowledge of the universe or history. I'm completely befuddled how you could infer this, when I've made it perfectly clear that nothing except God exists. These things can't exist outside His essence simply because they do not exist at all. What God did not create can only be in our own mind apart from His. They are not reality. Only what God creates is. His essence denies His ability to know of anything that is not reality (exists). He does not believe in illusions (dreams). Knows nothing of them. Only reality.
"Sometimes we say things that seem reasonable but they may be subtly off the mark of what is true". Sound familiar? Surely you must also apply your own suggestion to yourself. Yet, there is nothing subtle about implying God can be divided by opposing Himself. And by attributing to Him qualities from the dark.
When light enters darkness the darkness is abolished. Light abolishes darkness by showing us the darkness and everything with it is NOT there (does not exist, not real). Love is incapable of any exceptions. Only if there is fear (darkness) does the idea of exceptions SEEM to be meaningful. Exceptions are fearful because they are made by fear.
I'll say it again - God is Knowledge; but knowing only what exists in reality, not fantasy land.
And again: Anything that comes from God must be exactly like Him. God could not create anything that is not perfect, or else He wouldn't be perfect. The logic of that is flawless. If God is perfect and eternal, then by definition, anything He creates would also have to be perfect and eternal. Nothing subtle about this.
I'm confused. All humans are sinners, John sinned when he worshipped at the angel's feet. The only perfect person was Jesus. It sounds as if you're doubting Rev 22:8,9,16.
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, I am the Messiah, and will deceive many.
If God tells us something we know it's true. Otherwise, be hesitant. God has put this on my heart for a good reason. Learn to pray fervently and if your heart is pure you will hear from God.
Yet it appears as if you've given every attribute there is to God; His and ours which oppose His. That leaves nothing left for satan. Where does he play apart in this. If you say he doesn't, I would agree, because as I've already pointed out, nothing except God can exist, including the "devil".
Guess who's dreaming and having nightmares? God's children, including myself. Wake up oh sleepers, rise from the "dead" and Christ will shine on us.
I don't have any more time at present. I was very happy and thankful to hear your recent physical challenges have gone well. I'm confident we both agree that without your faith and love for God, this would have been a much, much more worrisome time for
This may sound like a competition thing, but please don' take it that way, but I believe I perceive God as simpler than you do. Neither, as you, do I believe God is a "composite of many things indicating that He has many parts that together make up the whole of him," unlike us. Yet, if I've correctly understood you over the months, you attribute God's qualities not only to love but also fear, like most on this site. You should know by now I believe God is only Love. How simple is that? No conflict, no doubts, no wavering, no nothing like shifting shadows, no opposition in my mind regarding Who God Is. You believe in love and fear, holiness and sin, spirit and flesh, heaven and hell, life and death, innocence and guilt, worthiness and condemnation along with punishment, condemnation, wrath, vengeance and damnation. Peace and war, and so on. You and others have made this very clear that this is your God. Therefore you DO believe God is ACTUALLY a composite of MANY things indicating that He has many parts that together make up the whole of Him. And just LIKE us. Not very simple.
My simple belief: God is One. God is only Love, and everything in and One with this Love is holiness, Spirit, heaven, life, innocence, worthiness, peace, etc. These are not many things or parts separate from God. They are God, i.e. the Mind of God.
I'll repeat what I've stated in past postings. What except God can exist? Nothing beyond Him can happen, because nothing except Him is real. What God did not create does not exist, and everything that does exist exists as He created it. The world we see has nothing to do with reality. It is of our own making and it does not exist.What God creates has no alternative, the truth arises from what He knows, not what we mistakenly perceive and see with the bodies eyes.
You said, "We can describe God by His known attributes and by attributes that He doesn't possess." I agree.
Thank you. Yes, I can see that. And the Jewish betrothal is interesting also. It's sort of like our engagement except during their one year betrothal they are actually considered married.
Blessings to you also my brother. And please know that you and your family have been in my prayers.
For the time is at hand ---- that which is, and was, and shall be ----
You weren't born when Christ fulfilled all, but you are given the words as if it's taking place NOW, the same would be true for someone living 500 years ago, as well as 500 years from now.
The Old saint were given the gospel but had to wait for the resurrection, you weren't born when all these prophecies were written, and fulfilled; but, they are reveal to you NOW, as if it where happening NOW.
Hello Deborah. If you look at the following verses, your query should be answered: Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:8,9,16; which then answers Revelation 19:9,10.
One could compare this to the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai ( Deuteronomy 33:2), when the LORD God came down upon the mount with ten thousand of His saints (angels), of whom it was said (in Acts 7:53), were present & used of God in some way in that delivery. There are various interpretations of this verse, but it can be seen that angels, at least certain angels, played an important part in the impartation of God's Message, which were actually voiced & given by the LORD & the risen Savior.
The previous verse mentions an angel. Men are not to worship angels; which is also synonymous with servants as they are there to serve the saints under Christ and also are messengers. God is in no way diminished by using angels as there are many instances in Revelation where that is the case. Deity always has a capital A in the word angel; as we see with the one who talked with Moses when the other two went to Sodom; as well as when Jacob worshipped the one who he wrestled all night; as well as asking a blessing. Such things would not be done by saints of God with created beings.
I had to chuckle a bit when I read the first words of your comment; "At least you understand.....". Kind of sounds as if you think you are the authority and final say on all things. No harm done. Just thought you might want to be aware of it. I try to use the plural forms when commenting, as I did in my post to you, so as to not give the false impression that I'm including myself in accomplishing the task at arriving to some ultimate state of enlightenment, while excluding others. I haven't. And I would venture to say no one on this site has. I hope I'm misreading you. It just sounded that way. I realize at times I may unintentionally give that impression.
So ahead of time, I forgive MYSELF for the mistakes I may think I see in you and others. You do not need my forgiveness as I see only the Christ in you, just as the Holy Spirit does; the rest is just my own projections. Peace to us both. I agree with you; our sins have already been forgiven.
I agree with you also that maturing is a process. If this was not 100 % unambiguous to you and other readers in my comment to you, well, I don't know what else to say.
I completely understand the caution. This was something that a pastor had shared with me about 10 years ago. I believe he received this information from a Jewish Rabbi but I cannot confirm that. So yes, caution would be in order. These actual steps are not in the Bible. There are also many other Jewish customs and traditions that cannot be found in the Bible, but learning some of their customs and traditions and seeing how those things line up with scripture I find fascinating. In the future, I will try and be a little more careful on what I share.
Ruby Lea Read You say all prophecies are fulfilled? The book of Revelation was written around 60 or so years AFTER the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew was written close to 15 years after. They are prophecy for us today. Rev.1:1-3 (1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: (2. Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the (words of this prophecy), and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Rev.22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the (sayings of the prophecy of this book). (prophecy)#4394; it means prediction, (scriptural or other) prophecy, prophesying, an inspired speaker. ((The book of Revelation is 100% prophecy, (prediction) How could the wrath of God have been poured out on Jesus ((if the wrath of God is apart of the prophecy (prediction) that is the testimony of Jesus Christ for things to come in The Revelation of Jesus Christ?)) Thank you for your comment Ruby.
They seem to claim that Jesus was God .
Thanks so much for understanding where I'm coming from. That means a lot to me. We are helping each other grow!
Be back later.
By the way, I received your messages. And I don't think there is a need to take that with cautious saying they Married that way.
What's important is that describes how we are espoused or Betrothaled to Christ.
I hope to elaborate on it further over the weekend.
God bless.
The idea of you beating up on me has never entered my mind. As usual, you are and have always showed kindness and respect to those you comment to. You should never have to think any apologies are in order. I respect you for being solid in your faith.
I would briefly like to add though that I don't adhere to any beliefs regarding God as an energy, life force, consciousness of the the universe. By it's own definition, energy involves an exchange. I believe God is changeless. You probably know more about New Age stuff than I do, as I haven't read up on much as such. I've read very little about Hinduism, especially recently, so I certainly have not purposely based my beliefs on it. Yet in my limited exposure to various "religious" systems I have noticed they all have some things in common with each other, including Christianity.
I don't consider your dialogue as argumentative either. You are obviously genuine and caring as I can feel that from you. In no way do I sense either of us as wanting harm to come to each other. In this we can both be at peace.
God bless you GiGi, and thank you for your concerns.
Yes, John would have done wrong by falling at the Angel's feet to worship. How he perceived this angel, we are not told & to make guesses about this would then be unfruitful. But am I doubting the passage? I only shared the applicable verses to show that it was angel directly before John at this point & not Jesus. But when we read the whole passage, vv 8-11 reveal the angel before John & speaking to him. Then vv 12,13 & 16, show Jesus speaking (the verses 14 & 15 are not in red, but this being man's highlighting does not give us certainty of who is speaking). More than this, I don't understand where my doubt exists. If you could clarify please.
I thought the information interesting and informative as you say.
God bless you also. All is well.
I have responded on another of your post so I will not reiterate. You can always study what is called the simplicity of God or His aseity for a better explanation that I can give here. Also, I have not said that God is all those things you enumerated in this post.
I do believe that God is loving, pure, holy, good, merciful, and every honorable positive attribute we could use to describe Him. But Scripture does reveal that God is just, wrathful, jealous, vengeful, and many other attributes that we would consider negative (but in God these are wholly righteous and untainted by sinfulness). Describing God by way of attributes He has revealed to mankind is not attesting that He is a composite being. He is completely unified in His Being without shadow or turning. He does not change when He acts in history in mercy and then acts in history with wrath. He is Sovereign and His will is perfectly carried out according to His perfect nature.
A.W. Pink wrote a good book called "The Attributes of God". Perhaps you can read this to help you understand what I am saying.
As you said, there are many on this site who speak the same teachings I do. But most of all, reading the Bible comprehensively will give anyone knowledge of who God is in His essence and what He is like in His actions towards mankind , angels, and all creation.
Have a good evening, again. And thank you for your kind thoughts towards me concerning my health. Got my stitches out of my hand from my carpal tunnel surgery. So, have a few more weeks of light duty and then I can begin using my hand more strongly. I am so thankful I am breathing so well now. There are many prayer request that come to this site. I encourage people to be prayerful for those who come here. We can be used this way to bring about many great things from God, who doesn't need us to accomplish anything, but chooses to. We are privileged to be used of Him for His glory.
I am not saying any of this to "beat up" one your ideas or to act like I have all the answers (I don't). But because I care for you and cannot leave you with what you have posted without responding. That would not only be unloving, but also disobedient of what God would have believers do to warn those who error in serious ways. I also post what I know to be classic, tested, orthodoxy for others who read these posts so that they can test their own beliefs against what has been the tried doctrines of our faith.
Like me, anyone can google ideas that come forward on this forum or from any situation that one finds themselves hearing doctrines that they may not adhere to in order to find out more about those who believe a certain doctrine and those who refute it as well as learn about what has been taught consistantly throughout the centuries.
So, please take this all in love. Maybe do a search about these ideas for yourself. And always, take everything to the word of God, as that is our final authority. Have a good evening , One-eighty. My thoughts and prayers are with you as I appreciate the same from you.
I have considered what you have posted concerning God and also as your response to my post. Since sending my post to you i have endeavored to understand where your belief that God is Knowledge or energy (as you have stated in the past) and that only God exists (as in this and some past posts) come from, as they are not historic doctrines of the Christian Church that are supported by Scripture.
I found that Monism (which prevails in Hinduism and New Age Philosophy) is the belief that all is God and therefore nothing exists but God. This is termed pantheism and is outside of Christian belief. You can look it up to find out more. ]]
I found that those who affirm that God is Knowledge or energy or life force or consciousness or the universe, are speaking the belief of many New Agers, Buddhists, etc. who equate God with something that is part of the creation (or all as in the Universe) but these beliefs are outside of the Christian faith.
Dear One-Eighty, I am not trying to beat you up here, nor be argumentative with you. I am standing up for what has been considered classical, orthodox (correct and true) Christian doctrines that go back to the beginnings of the church. This teaching makes God an aspect of creation rather than the creator who created everything from outside of Creation.
Today we live in culture where anyone can be exposed to all sorts of false beliefs and idolatrous ideas about God either inadvertently or purposefully through such sources as books, internet, friends, media such as movies and t.v. Our current culture is replete with doctrines that stand against the true doctrines of Scripture entrusted to the saints of God. It is always a good thing to test our own beliefs and be watch over our faith and doctrine carefully to see if we are truly of the faith ( 1 Tim. 4:16) passed down through the apostles.
I know that I can be wrong as easily as you can, any of us can be deceived by false doctrines if we are not diligent....cont.
I think we should desire to be pure in heart and should ask God for this to come about in us. But, just as he saved us while we we sinners and enemies of God, so can He speak to us and ensure that we understand even when we are still, as Martin Luther said along the lines of we are "both saint and sinner at once", because we have the Holy Spirit in us to sanctify us and ensure we receive and understand the truth of God and from Him.
You have spoken well here. We are weakened by sin and corrupted by its wickedness even as believers. But nonetheless, Jesus graciously causes us to "hear His voice" and receive help and guidance in all things from the Holy Spirit who lives within us. He has the power to communicate to us in many ways and ensure that we do comprehend the will of God as well as the wisdom of God.
I probably do sound authoritative, Paul said several times it was HIS gospel; isn't the gospel, Christ's gospel, was Paul being arrogant, or had he been taught by the spirit what the kingdom is ----Christ in you ---
Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the KINGDOM of GOD has COME unto you.
Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days COMES, and judgement (like the judgement of Solomon) was given to the saints of the most high; and the time came that the saints POSSESSED the KINGDOM.
Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall HATE the whore, and shall make her desolate, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Revelation 17:17 For God has put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to AGREE, and give their (the saints) kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God be fulfilled,
Revelation 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
I will humble myself, and hopefully not appear so arrogant and authoritative.
God Bless you!
Respectfully, consider this: If our hearts had to be pure to hear from God, then no one would ever hear the Voice for God. Our hearts (mind) is pure in eternity, but not in time, which is where we perceive ourselves as being.
Peace,
GOD IS
In regards to your third paragraph; I've never said or inferred something exists outside of God such as the knowledge of the universe or history. I'm completely befuddled how you could infer this, when I've made it perfectly clear that nothing except God exists. These things can't exist outside His essence simply because they do not exist at all. What God did not create can only be in our own mind apart from His. They are not reality. Only what God creates is. His essence denies His ability to know of anything that is not reality (exists). He does not believe in illusions (dreams). Knows nothing of them. Only reality.
"Sometimes we say things that seem reasonable but they may be subtly off the mark of what is true". Sound familiar? Surely you must also apply your own suggestion to yourself. Yet, there is nothing subtle about implying God can be divided by opposing Himself. And by attributing to Him qualities from the dark.
When light enters darkness the darkness is abolished. Light abolishes darkness by showing us the darkness and everything with it is NOT there (does not exist, not real). Love is incapable of any exceptions. Only if there is fear (darkness) does the idea of exceptions SEEM to be meaningful. Exceptions are fearful because they are made by fear.
I'll say it again - God is Knowledge; but knowing only what exists in reality, not fantasy land.
And again: Anything that comes from God must be exactly like Him. God could not create anything that is not perfect, or else He wouldn't be perfect. The logic of that is flawless. If God is perfect and eternal, then by definition, anything He creates would also have to be perfect and eternal. Nothing subtle about this.
Peace,
GOD IS
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, I am the Messiah, and will deceive many.
If God tells us something we know it's true. Otherwise, be hesitant. God has put this on my heart for a good reason. Learn to pray fervently and if your heart is pure you will hear from God.
Yet it appears as if you've given every attribute there is to God; His and ours which oppose His. That leaves nothing left for satan. Where does he play apart in this. If you say he doesn't, I would agree, because as I've already pointed out, nothing except God can exist, including the "devil".
Guess who's dreaming and having nightmares? God's children, including myself. Wake up oh sleepers, rise from the "dead" and Christ will shine on us.
I don't have any more time at present. I was very happy and thankful to hear your recent physical challenges have gone well. I'm confident we both agree that without your faith and love for God, this would have been a much, much more worrisome time for
you. You are blessed.
Continued blessings,
GOD IS
pg. 1
This may sound like a competition thing, but please don' take it that way, but I believe I perceive God as simpler than you do. Neither, as you, do I believe God is a "composite of many things indicating that He has many parts that together make up the whole of him," unlike us. Yet, if I've correctly understood you over the months, you attribute God's qualities not only to love but also fear, like most on this site. You should know by now I believe God is only Love. How simple is that? No conflict, no doubts, no wavering, no nothing like shifting shadows, no opposition in my mind regarding Who God Is. You believe in love and fear, holiness and sin, spirit and flesh, heaven and hell, life and death, innocence and guilt, worthiness and condemnation along with punishment, condemnation, wrath, vengeance and damnation. Peace and war, and so on. You and others have made this very clear that this is your God. Therefore you DO believe God is ACTUALLY a composite of MANY things indicating that He has many parts that together make up the whole of Him. And just LIKE us. Not very simple.
My simple belief: God is One. God is only Love, and everything in and One with this Love is holiness, Spirit, heaven, life, innocence, worthiness, peace, etc. These are not many things or parts separate from God. They are God, i.e. the Mind of God.
I'll repeat what I've stated in past postings. What except God can exist? Nothing beyond Him can happen, because nothing except Him is real. What God did not create does not exist, and everything that does exist exists as He created it. The world we see has nothing to do with reality. It is of our own making and it does not exist.What God creates has no alternative, the truth arises from what He knows, not what we mistakenly perceive and see with the bodies eyes.
You said, "We can describe God by His known attributes and by attributes that He doesn't possess." I agree.
see pg. 2
Thank you. Yes, I can see that. And the Jewish betrothal is interesting also. It's sort of like our engagement except during their one year betrothal they are actually considered married.
Blessings to you also my brother. And please know that you and your family have been in my prayers.
For the time is at hand ---- that which is, and was, and shall be ----
You weren't born when Christ fulfilled all, but you are given the words as if it's taking place NOW, the same would be true for someone living 500 years ago, as well as 500 years from now.
The Old saint were given the gospel but had to wait for the resurrection, you weren't born when all these prophecies were written, and fulfilled; but, they are reveal to you NOW, as if it where happening NOW.
God bless YOU!
One could compare this to the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai ( Deuteronomy 33:2), when the LORD God came down upon the mount with ten thousand of His saints (angels), of whom it was said (in Acts 7:53), were present & used of God in some way in that delivery. There are various interpretations of this verse, but it can be seen that angels, at least certain angels, played an important part in the impartation of God's Message, which were actually voiced & given by the LORD & the risen Savior.
I had to chuckle a bit when I read the first words of your comment; "At least you understand.....". Kind of sounds as if you think you are the authority and final say on all things. No harm done. Just thought you might want to be aware of it. I try to use the plural forms when commenting, as I did in my post to you, so as to not give the false impression that I'm including myself in accomplishing the task at arriving to some ultimate state of enlightenment, while excluding others. I haven't. And I would venture to say no one on this site has. I hope I'm misreading you. It just sounded that way. I realize at times I may unintentionally give that impression.
So ahead of time, I forgive MYSELF for the mistakes I may think I see in you and others. You do not need my forgiveness as I see only the Christ in you, just as the Holy Spirit does; the rest is just my own projections. Peace to us both. I agree with you; our sins have already been forgiven.
I agree with you also that maturing is a process. If this was not 100 % unambiguous to you and other readers in my comment to you, well, I don't know what else to say.
Peace and blessings,
GOD IS
I completely understand the caution. This was something that a pastor had shared with me about 10 years ago. I believe he received this information from a Jewish Rabbi but I cannot confirm that. So yes, caution would be in order. These actual steps are not in the Bible. There are also many other Jewish customs and traditions that cannot be found in the Bible, but learning some of their customs and traditions and seeing how those things line up with scripture I find fascinating. In the future, I will try and be a little more careful on what I share.
I've run across this in my studies as well.
You see a portion of it in the parable of the 10 Virgins.
The first step I believe is called the Betrothal.
You see a sample of this in
Deuteronomy 20:7.
There is a lesson on sanctification, redemption, ect. ect. in this Jewish wedding ritual as well.
This area of study is rich and profitable.
Thanks and God bless you.