This is really a perplexing situation, and it is a problem that is growing in size. The entire body of Christ is under attack worldwide. Some of the attacks are overt, such as you can see in Asia and the Middle East. Here in the West it's more subtle, it consist of deception and lies, as well as overt actions.
Back when I was young and foolish, I engaged in such debates. Of course no one ever change their their positions or their opinions. That is when I learned a hard lesson of simply stating what I believe and why I believe it and left it at that. Folks could either accept or reject, and in the exchange. I sometimes actually learn something, but not usually what the opponent was expecting for me to learn. For me, debates are a waste of effort, energy and time. I would rather spend these resources in Bible study. However, as it has happened on this thread, I have been asked some questions. I really try to respond and address those questions. When folks disagree with me I can accept that, and I will listen to their rebuttal and evaluate it. If it has biblical value I will certainly consider it, if not, I reject it and go on with my life.
You have responded well Mr. Bowman.
I have read your article..
Three and One?
The Hebrews have never believed in a trinity the way the Western world does. They have always believed that there is only one God with a triune nature, and man was created in that image. The Hebrews have recited the prayer of "sh'ma" (pronounced she-ma) every day for centuries now, and it comes in part from Deut. 6:4, "Hear O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD." (KJV)
This is the Hebrew text, It reads like this if we substitute our alphabet for the Hebrew symbols, "sh'ma yisrael YHVH eloheinu YHVH ekhad."
Well thought out, especially the last part...
Some Trinitarians attempt to unravel the rope into three separate strands, and of course, it is no longer a rope. Some Oneness believers attempt to coil the rope too tightly and it becomes kinked and twisted. Neither position is supported by history or scripture.
AW
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Rom 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
1Co 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
1Co 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
1Co 4:8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
1Co 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
1Co 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
1Co 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
1Co 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
1Co 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
1Co 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
1Co 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
1Co 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
1Co 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
1Co 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
1Co 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
1Co 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
1Co 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
Shalom to you and family
J.