ddowdy
Junior Member
Posts: 79
|
Post by ddowdy on Oct 29, 2008 17:14:16 GMT -5
eyedeetentee wrote,
"I remember a story about Jesus riding an ass but I do not remember a story about him being an ass."
Very revealing. Now you have shown us what your mind is fixated upon. I only think logically and I am not irritated with you. You are in my prayers brother. I love you and so does my friend (not, of course in the way you would prefer but, one can't have everything). Don't despair if there is hope for me, there most certainly is for you as well.
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Oct 30, 2008 11:48:01 GMT -5
Mrleo If you could provide a quote in which I said I wanted you to be silent, or in which I mentioned silence at all, I would be happy to reconsider my words.
Thank you my friend Mrleo, please don’t take what I write with offense, as I said to many others already, I really get into defending MY FAITH in the Bible and my God. I understand that sometimes I seem to sound like I’m too forceful, but that is still a weakness on my part. The truth is, I know God doesn’t need me protecting anything of, or about HIM. All this we do and say is for us Mrleo, God is watching how WE respond and defend OUR faith. Maybe (very possibly) my forceful responses are appropriate against such accusations against the True Words of God. I’m sure you would have spoken up against John the Baptist too. My stand on His Word is not as strong as say, Apostle Paul was;
2 Tim 4:7-8 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. NKJV
I still struggle with doubts, and the threat of once again turning from Him as I have many times before. Because of this I pray all the time and make my stand KNOWN to all, no more wavering to and fro as I used to, but speaking out and defend the Word from those that want to belittle its value.
The other reason is, it is evident to me that these are perilous times; the end is very near, especially for those true Believers (those that stand up and encourage other believers in their faith),
1 Peter 5:8 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. NKJV
As for you telling me to be quiet, you did NOT say those very words. I’m sure you are not that slow as to make your true intention THAT obvious. So not to add anything to what you said, why don’t you and everyone read it again:
If you were truly content to let God's Word do the work, you would find yourself with very little to say. If this were the Preach At Me Because I've Never Heard of This 'Bible' You Speak Of" board, your attitude would make more sense to me...but you're talking to people here who have read the Bible all their lives - cover to cover. They know what it says.
I encourage you to take responsibility for what you say and how it affects others instead of throwing your stones and then hiding behind God.
I re-read my answer to you and see no need to change anything other then add my explanation that why I sound so forceful. Like at a party, if someone is telling the same old jokes, repeating the same old stories, you would not tell him front of everyone to ‘Shut Up already’, but would say what you said above to me.
How could you after reading Gods Word and all the places it says to go out and preach the Word to ALL the world say that I should find myself with very little to say? So just because the Mormons, the Jehovah’s Witnesses KNOW what it says in the Bible you would just let them talk and say very little? You would let GODS WORD do the WORK? How, if I may ask? By saying very little?
That is YOUR version of Christianity, NOT what I understand the scripture telling me. That DAY has come, Satan has sent out his demons to destroy what is left of Christianity. The Occult is gaining ground, can’t you read what Rational and the others are saying? Oprah’s audience is world-wide; can you imagine how many people she reaches with her perverted views on the Bible? And you want me to say very little?
I went back to school many years ago to get a LPN degree, and I used to argue with my classmates of about 40 women in all, on abortion, divorce and many other issues, and after about 8 months with these same people in my class, one day this girl needed a ride home. And when we rode for a while, she said to me: ‘You know Odon, I am ashamed to tell you this, but I’m a Christian too. I agree on everything you talk to others about. I’m just chicken to speak up, and I know I should have defended your view many times. Me and my dad go to church at least 3 times a week, we have Bible studies, and I told him about you and how you stand up and defend Gods Words, and you don’t even have a church you go to.’
I was so glad she told me that. Even though she told me this in private, it boosted my strength and pushed me to keep on going;
Eph 6:10-13 10 Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. 12 For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this Dark Age. 13 So put on God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground. TEV
|
|
|
Post by mrleo on Oct 30, 2008 14:18:36 GMT -5
My statement was not in reference to what the Bible says about what you are supposed to say (or not), but rather to what you said about what you have been saying.
So let's recap: What you said about what you had been saying was, "I do not ‘condemn’, I let Gods Word do that... " My reply to your statement - "If you were truly content to let God's Word do the work, you would find yourself with very little to say," still stands.
|
|
|
Post by eyedeetentee on Oct 30, 2008 15:33:12 GMT -5
In other words, your words are pointless if your god's word is perfect.
Even I, the despairing fixated one, got Mr. Leo's point. Imagine.
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Nov 1, 2008 9:48:17 GMT -5
MrLeo wrote: So let's recap: What you said about what you had been saying was, "I do not ‘condemn’, I let Gods Word do that... " My reply to your statement - "If you were truly content to let God's Word do the work, you would find yourself with very little to say," still stands.
O.K., “I am content to let Gods Word do the Work”, and yet I ‘find myself with a LOT to say’!
What church do you belong to MrLeo? Does your preacher open the Bible, read for an hour, and close the Bible and say: ‘well, those Words are true and faithful, right brothers and sisters? We’ll see you next week’, or;
Acts 8:27 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, … was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. NKJV
Luke 4:17-21 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
21 And He began to say to them,NKJV
Am I missing something my Brothers? Should I be content reading God’s Word, and if I have anything to say, It should be ‘little’? I this what you are telling me?
Is quoting scripture part of what ‘I’ say?
|
|
|
Post by mrleo on Nov 1, 2008 11:39:20 GMT -5
If you believe yourself to be anointed to preach and/or a modern-day Isaiah and/or a modern-day Jesus, then carry on. You may never know what you're missing - I'm not sure any of us do.
|
|
ddowdy
Junior Member
Posts: 79
|
Post by ddowdy on Nov 2, 2008 2:11:10 GMT -5
Brother Odon if your words were not on point, not finding their mark they wouldn't cause such discomfort and unrest. Please stay the course and pay no attention to the illogical, irrational allegations, aspersions and innuendos cast in your direction.
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Nov 2, 2008 9:03:49 GMT -5
If you believe yourself to be anointed to preach and/or a modern-day Isaiah and/or a modern-day Jesus, then carry on. You may never know what you're missing - I'm not sure any of us do.
Oh no, please don't tell me that, MrLeo, I don't want to miss anything especially in a Spiritual fellowship with other believers. This here TMB is one of the most diverse and interesting Blogs I have ever visited. It is because the variety of people who make it up. It kind of represents the world as a whole, squeezed down to TMB. I listen to all of you carefully; nothing that anyone has wrote me did I ever just blow off or anything, have I?
“You may never know what you're missing”
You are a wise Christian I value your opinion, but what you have just said is frighteningly confusing to me; Are we not all supposed to be a modern day Jesus, an Isaiah, a John the Baptist? Not 'THE' John the Baptist but ‘AS’ John the Baptist, ‘AS’ Jesus, no?
AM I MISSING SOMETHING YOU ALL SEEM TO KNOW AND I DON'T?
When I turned myself to God by accepting Jesus as my Shepherd, I am supposed to DIE to myself and to be born again into a Spiritually minded instrument for my Master to do with as He wills. I still don't know what He is making out of me, but this past 3 years has been a much changing one. As if I ‘feel’ His hands molding me, folding me this way, then THAT. Just when I think I'm this, then He works on me more and I loose track of who I am. Am I to refuse his labor so I would NOT miss out on something in this physical realm? Or should I tell Him to stop whatever He is doing since I can’t figure out what I’m becoming right now?
Rom 9:19-21 19 You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? NKJV
As He is working on me I already see things NO OTHER Christian I talked to so far can even comprehend. My Brother in Christ Mr. Dowdy sees something in me, I am so grateful for him for mentioning it, why is it that no one else can see it?
IS what I say not according to Gods will? If so, then why can’t someone explain using scripture, instead of just these ‘Fire Arrow’ remarks like; you are judgmental, you should this and that. TELL ME WHAT I’m ‘MISSING’ that you, Eyedeetentee, Ghost, Rational, and the others have that I don’t seem to have?
You did say; “I'm not sure any of us do.” So maybe it’s NOT me, maybe I’m not that bad? I do seem to lack the ‘fruits’ of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, and so on, but as I said, I SEEM to lack it only with the letters I write to those who twist the meaning of Christian (Or when I talk to Christian Mega-Church Ministers, TV evangelists, TV atheists, Debaters, because they reach so many people I feel the urge to stop their deceptive messages.) but John the Baptist stepped on people and really hurt the feelings of even King Herod, especially regarding his adultery. Was God displeased with him?
Can you imagine the King passing by, being carried showing off his pomp on the street with people revering him and his beautiful wife, and here comes John wearing a camels hair outfit yelling and screaming; ‘Repent you adulterer, you will burn in hell unless you repent!’
Not something a ‘tolerant’ Christian of our day would do, right MrLeo?
Just listen hard my friend, (not just you, but all of you that I love here on TMB) and you will hear the calling of the Master for you to come into His workshop, where He could mold you into an instrument of His desire, to be used for His purpose. This is where most of you are wrong about me, because it was that 'I’ who has come up with a purpose for your life, even though it doesn’t fit with what the Master wanted for you, you go on doing it anyways.
So of course you think what I’m doing is also driven by this same selfish, self centered, say anything to prove your point desire.
It’s NOT. Thank you my brother Daniel, it is obvious He’s molding you too.
I guess ‘we’ will just have to be patient for now, we must not resist His molding, kneading, or it will cause ‘lumps’ and we will become useless. Once the Master is done with us, only THEN will we be truly able to fulfill HIS purpose.
So once again; It is not what ‘I’ think I am but what ‘HE’ makes me to be. This is the ‘only’ part where we are asked to be as little children, pliable, moldable, submissive and even naive and in complete surrender to His will, but ‘mature’ in our Christian walk;
1 Cor 13:11-13 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. NKJV
So in the name of ‘Love’, your friend, and I do mean ‘Friend’.
|
|
|
Post by mrleo on Nov 2, 2008 13:15:49 GMT -5
I sense, perhaps mistakenly, a considerable amount of worry/anxiety in what you post about your own condition and if you're measuring up to a very high standard in what you say and do, and whether or not you're following scripture to a 'T'...and it strikes me that this sort of fixation is spilling out onto others and their behavior. Now, if as you say you have found only one or two other Christians who are like you in your zeal and ambition, then it is my opinion that you are either very, very special (in a good way that others simply don't get) or else you are needlessly working overtime.
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Nov 3, 2008 22:54:34 GMT -5
1 Thess 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. NKJV
|
|
ddowdy
Junior Member
Posts: 79
|
Post by ddowdy on Nov 4, 2008 4:59:16 GMT -5
Mr. Leo wrote,
"I sense, perhaps mistakenly, a considerable amount of worry/anxiety in what you post about your own condition and if you're measuring up to a very high standard in what you say and do, and whether or not you're following scripture to a 'T'...and it strikes me that this sort of fixation is spilling out onto others and their behavior. Now, if as you say you have found only one or two other Christians who are like you in your zeal and ambition, then it is my opinion that you are either very, very special (in a good way that others simply don't get) or else you are needlessly working overtime."
I can tell you with certainty Leo, that you are indeed mistaken about Odon's anxiety levels. He is a fine, well rounded person who is supremely and quietly confident about what he knows because his beliefs have been tested and, continue to be. Allow yourself to think how much easier it would be for him to simply avoid this board and all the slights and arrows cast at him here. He does not because he is compelled to share with others what has redeemed him.
It is of no consequence that the number of people who agree with Odon and myself is few. History is replete with examples of men who have stood alone or in small numbers yet made large differences. Christian history is literally based upon that very premise. Neither Odon nor myself speaks for God, we speak only to urge each of you toward your own closer personal relationship with Him. If that intent is misunderstood, I apologize and will try to communicate more effectively in the future.
I appreciate your reasoned discourse Mr. Leo and I am sure that Odon does as well.
|
|
|
Post by eyedeetentee on Nov 5, 2008 0:10:56 GMT -5
Brother Odon if your words were not on point, not finding their mark they wouldn't cause such discomfort and unrest. Please stay the course and pay no attention to the illogical, irrational allegations, aspersions and innuendos cast in your direction. Strong winds do not cause discomfort and unrest but they can be annoying at times. The older we get, the more tolerant we become and eventually ignore what other places or states consider dangerous winds. A fifty mile per hour wind is just a better day to dry clothes on the line. Do what you must and talk till your windpipe collapses.
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Nov 5, 2008 10:57:14 GMT -5
Nov 2, 2008, 2:11am, ddowdy wrote: Brother Odon if your words were not on point, not finding their mark they wouldn't cause such discomfort and unrest. Please stay the course and pay no attention to the illogical, irrational allegations, aspersions and innuendos cast in your direction.
eyeedentee Strong winds do not cause discomfort and unrest but they can be annoying at times. The older we get, the more tolerant we become and eventually ignore what other places or states consider dangerous winds. A fifty mile per hour wind is just a better day to dry clothes on the line.
Do what you must and talk till your windpipe collapses.
Dear Eyedeetentee, after I read your post I prayed, and asked God to say something regarding my preaching, IS IT just wind? Is what I feel deep in my heart that I must say just to mess things up, and good only for drying clothes?
I then opened my PC Bible and closed my eyes and moved the cursor, stopped, opened my eyes and this is where the cursor laid to rest:
1 Tim 4:11-5:25 11 Give them these instructions and these teachings. 12 Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity. 13 Until I come, give your time and effort to the public reading of the Scriptures and to preaching and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things and devote yourself to them, in order that your progress may be seen by all. 16 Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Keep on doing these things, because if you do, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
I do this every time I need a quick answer from God, and as you can see, He does answer. Try it, it will change your life and make God a more personal being.
In His name: Odon.
|
|
|
Post by degem on Nov 5, 2008 11:45:58 GMT -5
Ariandgabe, you mention in your above post that you opened up your PC Bible. I am curious,do you go to a website for this, or is it a program that you have installed on your computer? Thanks Gem
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Nov 5, 2008 12:37:55 GMT -5
I thank you Gem, Yes, I own a program called: PC Study Bible by ‘Biblesoft’ and over a hundred books are all combined (including 18 Bible versions) to help me find references to words through commentaries, topics, devotionals, Bible maps, pictures, and all sorts of media, you name it, it has it. I bought this program in 1987 when they just came out with it, and have upgraded it over the years. I’d say the value of what I have is over $600. If you were to get the whole deal today, depends on the version of course, about $1,000. I think it starts like $399 and then you add what you want, .. www.biblesoft.com/new/If ANYONE who is remotely interested to grow in the Word of God, who is not content with what others just tell them figuring that they know more then you, (as I have done for many years, taking their word for it) then I would strongly recommend it for you no matter if you are a novice to a Bible Scholar, you will not be disappointed. When I tell you that in 1987 I did not know the difference between Adam and Moses, with this program (It is also a desire to learn that God seen in me) I have debated with some of the most stubborn TV debaters I have ever heard. What would take me (Odon) weeks to look up and cross reference through dozens of books, thousands of articles, I can do in seconds. It’s like having Unger, Faucet, Nelson, McClintock, Easton, Hitchcock to name a few sitting in the same room giving you hints and comments. So when I say that the theory of the ‘trinity’ is nonsense and a dangerous concept, I say that by what the Holy Spirit revealed to me having ‘read’ a lot of different views about it. I thank God for this program; it also works with my ‘Word’ processor through Macros. Go out and get it, it will be the best investment you have EVER made, the payoff continues for eternity, I promise you. Odon.
|
|
|
Post by Scott Ross on Nov 5, 2008 15:28:48 GMT -5
So when I say that the theory of the ‘trinity’ is nonsense and a dangerous concept, I say that by what the Holy Spirit revealed to me having ‘read’ a lot of different views about it. I thank God for this program; it also works with my ‘Word’ processor through Macros. If another person says that they believe in the theory of the Trinity because they have 'read' a lot of different views about and that they were convicted by the Holy Spirit that it is a true concept, and an essential part of Christianity.... Would you believe them? Scott
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Nov 6, 2008 11:48:51 GMT -5
Quote So when I say that the theory of the ‘trinity’ is nonsense and a dangerous concept, I say that by what the Holy Spirit revealed to me having ‘read’ a lot of different views about it. I thank God for this program; it also works with my ‘Word’ processor through Macros.
If another person says that they believe in the theory of the Trinity because they have 'read' a lot of different views about and that they were convicted by the Holy Spirit that it is a true concept, and an essential part of Christianity....
Would you believe them?
Scott
Yes, I believe that THEY believe that it is a true concept, but NOT that it was the Holy Spirit that convinced them of this. It WAS a spirit, but NOT ‘the’ Holy Spirit.
This I would ‘prove’ without a shadow of doubt (to those that walk in the Spirit of Truth as described in the Bible) from scripture. But to those that ‘love the darkness’ even if Christ Himself came down again in person, could not convince them otherwise. That’s why they ‘love the darkness’ I guess. So the story goes on, the blind leading the blind, …
The ‘concept’ is not scriptural, or can be explained by those Theologians that came up with this concept. So if a spirit tells you that ‘you have to believe it’, even though it’s NOT Scriptural, even though (as THEY say) it’s ‘confusing and hard to comprehend’ then it’s not from God. God is NOT a God of confusion …
Odon
|
|
|
Post by Scott Ross on Nov 6, 2008 12:22:41 GMT -5
Yes, I believe that THEY believe that it is a true concept, but NOT that it was the Holy Spirit that convinced them of this. It WAS a spirit, but NOT ‘the’ Holy Spirit.
So you believe that everyone that believes in the Trinity falls into the following category, is that corr\rect? But to those that ‘love the darkness’ even if Christ Himself came down again in person, could not convince them otherwise. That’s why they ‘love the darkness’ I guess. So the story goes on, the blind leading the blind, …
It appears as if you are telling us that you personally can tell whether or not the Holy Spirit is working in someone else's life, is that correct? Are there other issues that you can share with us that you personally can tell whether or not the Holy Spirit is working in other peoples lives? I have followed your postings with diminishing interest, because you tell us that you have studied the bible, and personally know 'without a doubt' what is right and what is wrong. Basically, you have put yourself in the same category as a religion who has members that look around and say, " because we are here and you are there you cannot be saved because you are not like us". Since I believe in the Trinity, you have made the statement that I am led by a spirit other than the Holy Spirit. This I would ‘prove’ without a shadow of doubt (to those that walk in the Spirit of Truth as described in the Bible) from scripture. But to those that ‘love the darkness’ even if Christ Himself came down again in person, could not convince them otherwise. That’s why they ‘love the darkness’ I guess. So the story goes on, the blind leading the blind, …
Therefore, you say that I m 'blind', and that I 'love the darkness'. It must be an awesome feeling to know that you are such an exclusive person and so much better than I am. The question remains: ariandgabe, What church do you attend for fellowship and worship?And I will add: do you feel it is important to fellowship with other Christians? Scott
|
|
|
Post by Scott Ross on Nov 6, 2008 12:24:14 GMT -5
From another thread in case you missed it: 1 John 1 Walking in the light 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. Matthew 18:20 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." 1 Corinthians 1 2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 14 Orderly Worship 26What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. Ephesians 2 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
arianandgabe, Do you think it is important to gather with other Christians to worship the Lord? Scott
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Nov 6, 2008 15:10:29 GMT -5
I have followed your postings with diminishing interest, because you tell us that you have studied the bible, and personally know 'without a doubt' what is right and what is wrong.
Thank you Scott for even your ‘diminished interest’ to communicate with me. I not only value your opinions, but have high respect for you because of your humane approach to posts in general, using your common sense that was taught to you by preachers and teachers who have accepted the interpretations of other theologians, and writers. I would say in the ‘worldly’ sense, you are a good man Scott, a loyal subject, like Dennis Jacobson and many other good people here on TMB who would not want to ‘rock the boat’ so-to-speak.
The subjects that I post and claim that I know without a doubt, is just that, I know without a doubt simply because I read it in the Bible, when it coincide with other part of the scripture, God just removes any doubt, and I know, period.
The tings I don’t know, I post at the end with, ‘what do you think’? But the things I KNOW, I know and there is no sin in that, actually the opposite is true.
For instance the word ‘trinity’ is a confusing, indescribable, contradicting theological concept that even the ones who came up with it admit to it being so.
Now please reason with me here my dear friend; for something like 1600 years (since a man Arian pointed out its fallacy) the ‘trinity concept’ has not been harshly debated. It has been on occasion here and there, and even the 2X2’s understand that its concept is wrong, but in general, Christianity accepts it as fact. Why?
Read its description and you will see that it’s anything but factual, (just like evolution). So, I studied it and the Bible reveals plainly that the Son is just that; The Only Begotten of God. Everywhere you read Jesus talking; He gives all glory to His Father and NEVER once takes the position of the Father. ‘I and the Father are one’ is plainly understood by any even a ‘child’ of God to mean the same as when Jesus taught us that when a woman and man marries, they too shall become ONE.
So why not just accept the Biblical truth that God had a Son that He beget and loves dearly, came down to earth and died for us breaking His Fathers heart seeing Him crucified, rose again and went back to His Father in heaven, sat NEXT to Him on the RIGHT side (not left, not top, not inside, nor blended into, but His right side)? Why would I accept a contradicting, confusing, unexplainable doctrine that is nowhere even ‘hinted’ in scripture? I guess that’s YOUR part and ‘choice’ to believe. Fine.
So because I tell you I am convinced, without a shadow of a doubt, that the ‘trinity’ doctrine is a dangerous and evil teaching of Satan in an attempt to make Jesus nonexistent, and Mary elevated above God to ‘Mother Of God’, (making God less then the Great I Am) your interest has diminished in what I say anymore?
So if I tell you that there is a heaven and a hell and that there is an evil being called Satan, that there is a Creator God who beget a Son somewhere in eternity which I believe without ANY DOUBT, without ever seeing it, or them, you would get disappointed in me? Everything about Christianity is by FAITH, and THEN and ONLY then by sight.
Of course the things I write I “personally know 'without a doubt' what is right and what is wrong.” EVERY Christian must also know this if they expect to go to heaven or to get at least INSIDE the door to the Kingdom.
James 1:6-8 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. NKJV
It appears as if you are telling us that you personally can tell whether or not the Holy Spirit is working in someone else's life, is that correct?
Of course I can, and if you are a Christian who expects to last till our Lords Coming, you better too. Don’t be like the seed that fell on the road, and because you care so much of what people might say of you, be trampled by them and die!
Eph 4:14 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, NKJV
Not only can I tell if the Holy Spirit is working in someone, (that’s easy) but sometimes I recognize the evil spirit working in someone also. That one is much harder, but Jesus gave us hints in discerning the good from the bad; “You will know them by their fruits.”
Matt 7:15-16 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. NKJV
I am a sheep of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I hear His voice, it comes from the Bible, to my mind, then my heart, and finally my soul, then I work hard to bring the three together and cast out doubt, and I ‘BELIEVE’ and know.
John 10:25-28 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. NKJV
Faith is the ONLY way into the KINGDOM. The Bible teaches me to seek after faith, to ask for faith, and to use faith in every day life. I am now working on my faith to walk on water. God has already done some pretty amazing, miraculous things through me, so why should I listen to unbelieving Christians and be discouraged from doing that also?
Matt 14:31-32 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. NKJV
Matt 21:21-22 21 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." NKJV
Mark 11:23-24 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. NKJV
Do you believe in ANY of these above verses? I do, and will teach others to believe also, even if I never gain enough faith from God to do them. What I can do, will never discourage me from what I BELIEVE is possible through God. If you believe in one thing, you got to believe in the others also. Telling who has the Holy Spirit leading them is the easiest of all. But you have to have them talk, only when they talk do they reveal the spirit or Spirit guiding their lives.
In Jesus name: Odon
P.S.
Scott Ross: The question remains:
ariandgabe, What church do you attend for fellowship and worship?
And I will add: do you feel it is important to fellowship with other Christians? Is my next post, Odon
|
|
ddowdy
Junior Member
Posts: 79
|
Post by ddowdy on Nov 7, 2008 12:02:39 GMT -5
This is perhaps the most complex part of the Christian faith for me. I won't even pretend that I have a solid handle on understanding it and, I certainly cannot convey my thoughts on the subject with anything that approaches my friend Odon's coherant eloquence.
How can God be Three (3) separate and distinct people? Or, is the Holy Trinity, Three (3) Gods melded into one being?
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16 & 17 (KJV)
It seems to me that God is plural consisting of Three (3) distinct entities, God the Father, The Holy Spirit and Jesus the Son. Jesus himself referred to this later in the Book of Matthew:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost...." Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
As I say, it may be that I am off the track with respect to this subject, if so, I would appreciate any enlightenment that might come my way. Also with respect to my good friend and brother Odon, it never ceases to amaze me how specific words and intentions are imputed to him incorrectly in this and, other threads. Just because he puts forth his own point of view which is always well researched and painstakingly thought out, does not mean that he is targeting others for scorn and criticism. And as for fellowship, on this board alone I know that Odon interacts regularly not only with myself but, a number of others as well, freely sharing his wisdom, knowledge and experience. In my book...that is very much fellowship however one might wish to define it.
|
|
|
Post by Scott Ross on Nov 7, 2008 13:02:11 GMT -5
ddowdy, Also with respect to my good friend and brother Odon, it never ceases to amaze me how specific words and intentions are imputed to him incorrectly in this and, other threads. Just because he puts forth his own point of view which is always well researched and painstakingly thought out, does not mean that he is targeting others for scorn and criticism.Really? Here is what Odon has to say about me: Thank you Scott for even your ‘diminished interest’ to communicate with me. I not only value your opinions, but have high respect for you because of your humane approach to posts in general, using your common sense that was taught to you by preachers and teachers who have accepted the interpretations of other theologians, and writers. I would say in the ‘worldly’ sense, you are a good man Scott, a loyal subject, like Dennis Jacobson and many other good people here on TMB who would not want to ‘rock the boat’ so-to-speak.There you have it. Odon claims that my views are NOT from reading and studying the bible and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me, but that I am allowing others to teach me what is right. At the same time he trumpets about how HE is guided by the Holy Spirit. As far as not 'rocking the boat'. I find that to be pretty funny. In regards to some stuff with the truth fellowship, I have been told I have not only 'rocked the boat', but I have come close to swamping it. I post my thoughts and views about my walk with Christ as do many here on the TMB, and along comes Odon to tell us how wrong we are. When we deny the working of the Holy Spirit in someone elses life, that is pretty close to blasphemy in my opinion. We are not all convicted in our beliefs the same way, and Paul writes of this. Scott
|
|
|
Post by eyedeetentee on Nov 7, 2008 15:46:14 GMT -5
Scott, if he thinks it is the best path, a bolting horse headed for low limbs will not turn no matter how hard you yank on the reins.
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Nov 7, 2008 17:42:58 GMT -5
Eyeedentee, I don't let the horses run uncontrollably, but make them trot at a steady pace.
Jer 12:5 "If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? NKJV
Sorry Scott, but can you please tell me how you tell if someone is lead by the Holy Spirit?
You said: There you have it. Odon claims that my views are NOT from reading and studying the bible and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me, but that I am allowing others to teach me what is right.
At the same time he trumpets about how HE is guided by the Holy Spirit.
The subjects that I post and claim that I know without a doubt, is just that, I know without a doubt simply because I read it in the Bible, when it coincide with other part of the scripture, God just removes any doubt, and I know, period.
If I show you from scripture about something that opposes your personal view of the matter, and if I do that over and over again, does that still give you the right to believe it your way? Will God's Word on the matter be on equal level as yours? And we'll just have to 'agree to disagree' as some put it to me before?
This is what most Christians actually believe, that if my view is Biblically sound and yours is just that; 'your view', we should just leave it be, your view is your view, mine is mine no matter how it is justified or what it is based on.
Gods Word is above all, 'My Word shall NEVER pass away" so the Lord says.
That is not my words, that I say is lead by the Holy Spirit, but HIS WORD. and if YOU or I stand on His Word, how can somebody say your wrong?
|
|
|
Post by MsMarie on Nov 8, 2008 8:04:05 GMT -5
There is a lot of confusion about the Holy Spirit and especially baptism with the Holy Spirit. I cannot claim to know the mysteries of this third person of the Trinity. He does exist and affect people because the Bible tells us this over and over. He convicts people of sin, He changes our minds and lives. He dwells in us and we know we could grieve Him. There is no real way to discern except by the fruits we can observe in ourselves which were not previously there by nature and in the lives of others. A person who has the indwelling of the Spirit is somehow recognisable. The Bible gives us a long list of what those fruits are and sometimes it is evident they are in short supply in some religious lives! Resolve to do better and keep trying as help is available....
|
|
|
Post by Gene on Nov 8, 2008 8:15:42 GMT -5
Love Joy Peace Longsuffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance
All of these can be achieved without the aid of supernatural inspiration. Except maybe faith. Not sure about that one. Thoughts?
|
|
|
Post by MsMarie on Nov 8, 2008 8:34:46 GMT -5
Depends what was present before these qualities were manifest. It would of course be possible to naturally have some of them, or even none of them, but all of them? When I look back I really don't like or even recognise the person I once was and hate to remember things I have said or done but would not do now. As for faith, then that is certainly a gift as it really doesn't come naturally. God does the drawing to Him and we respond.
|
|
|
Post by ariandgabe on Nov 8, 2008 12:28:52 GMT -5
Love Joy Peace Longsuffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance
All of these can be achieved without the aid of supernatural inspiration. Except maybe faith. Not sure about that one. Thoughts?
Wrong Gene, it is LOVE that you don't know anything of, my dear friend. You know love as in (Eros) but not the love (Agape or even Phileo) mentioned in Bible along with the fruits of the Spirit.
You could NEVER be happy living in homosexuality and/while possessing the true LOVE the Spirit gives us.
As for the rest, YES you are right, you could learn to posses those deeds, you could even learn to have faith to move mountains;
1 Cor 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. NKJV
The love I'm talking about does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth
1 Cor 13:4-7 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, (or goes in a Mardi Grass with hundreds of other gays) is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. NKJV
|
|