New, Reluctant Agnostic, hope it's okay to post here

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

quietthinker

Well-Known Member
May 4, 2018
11,544
7,584
113
FNQ
Faith
Christian
Country
Australia
The ones that God is not looking for are those with pre-conceived ideas.....the ones that want God to conform to what they want to believe He is, rather than have Him show them who he really is. This is why scripture must be the measuring line for all things. Always go straight to the scriptures and if you need help, just ask.
hmmmm, didn't he come to seek and save the lost?......surely that applies to all?
....even the lost coin which didn't know it was lost? ....a part of the trilogy of Jesus story, the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost Son. Luke 15:1-31
You will find conflicting ideas and doctrines here, but if you are hungry for the truth and disillusioned with the churches, you have come to the right place. All is openly exposed on these forums and we have our bullies and the judgmental ones who insist that theirs is the only truth even when you prove from the scriptures that their ideas are flawed. Jesus never bullied people, nor did he judge them as unworthy of his time and attention.
The "lost" sheep are the ones he was sent to rescue.

Yes, there are those that out you because you are judged unworthy of their time and attention. Particularly those who insist that theirs is the only truth even when you prove from the scriptures that their ideas are flawed.

Hmmmmm, I wonder who those might be?

Just ask your questions and ponder prayerfully over the answers that will come from all directions....clear your head of all pre-conceived ideas and start with a clean slate......start at the beginning and ask why God put us here on this carefully prepared earth....when you have a handle on that, everything else will fall into place......God will guide you.
In other words, do as I say, not do as I do!
 
Last edited:

Ronald David Bruno

Well-Known Member
Nov 7, 2020
3,807
1,855
113
Southern
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
...her being led by the Holy Spirit, seldom mentioned on this forum.
Strange
Blessings
J.
How else does God draw us besides His Word before we become Christians? He is preparing people for years, even a lifetime for some. Even though the unbeliever does not have God dwelling in them it does not mean He doesn't guide them, speak to them. Not all our thoughts are self generated. We read, get information from others, but sometimes God speaks to us. His voice intervenes, an intuitive message enters into to our minds, it interupts our normal flow of thoughts like a light telling us that we should "Go this way" or "You ought not do this" or to "Help this person", "Do not trust this guy", etc. We make decisions and think it was based on our own will, reason, intellegence, knowledge, etc. The truth be told, if Satan can influence us, tempt us, whisper in our ear, you can bet God is too, protecting you, thwarting Satan's work along the way. He has to if you were writtwn in the Book of Life.
One who is spiritually blind needs assistance, direction and He is there, keeping us alive, teaching through life's experiences and bringing us close to that divine appointment He has orchestrated. Oh he asigns guardian angels to protect us - for sure. Otherwise we would have made deadly decisions so He intervenes and overrides them. It is mysterious and often indistinguishable, His guidance.
 
Last edited:

Johann

Well-Known Member
Apr 2, 2022
8,588
4,869
113
63
Durban South Africa
Faith
Christian
Country
South Africa
How else does God draw us besides His Word before we become Christians? He is preparing people for years, even a lifetime for some. Even though the unbeliever does not have God dwelling in them it does not mean He doesn't guide them, speak to them. Not all our thoughts are self generated. We read, get information from others, but sometimes God speaks to us. His voice intervenes, an intuitive message enters into to our minds, it interupts our normal flow of thoughts like a light telling us that we should "Go this way" or "You ought not do this" or to "Help this person", "Do not trust this guy", or "Move to Texas". We make decisions and think it was based on our own will, reason, intellegence, knowledge, etc. The truth be told, if Satan can influence us, tempt us, whisper in our ear, you can bet God is too, protecting you, thwarting Satan's work along the way. He has to if you were writtwn in the Book of Life.
One who is spiritually blind needs assistance, direction and He is there, keeping us alive, teaching through lives experiences and bringing us close to that divine appointment He has orchestrated. Oh he asigns guardian angels to protect us - for sure. Otherwise we would have made deadly decisions so He intervenes and overrides them. It is mysterious and often indistinguishable, His guidance.
How else does God draw us besides His Word before we become Christians? He is preparing people for years, even a lifetime for some. Even though the unbeliever does not have God dwelling in them it does not mean He doesn't guide them, speak to them. Not all our thoughts are self generated. We read, get information from others, but sometimes God speaks to us. His voice intervenes, an intuitive message enters into to our minds, it interupts our normal flow of thoughts like a light telling us that we should "Go this way" or "You ought not do this" or to "Help this person", "Do not trust this guy", or "Move to Texas". We make decisions and think it was based on our own will, reason, intellegence, knowledge, etc. The truth be told, if Satan can influence us, tempt us, whisper in our ear, you can bet God is too, protecting you, thwarting Satan's work along the way. He has to if you were writtwn in the Book of Life.
One who is spiritually blind needs assistance, direction and He is there, keeping us alive, teaching through lives experiences and bringing us close to that divine appointment He has orchestrated. Oh he asigns guardian angels to protect us - for sure. Otherwise we would have made deadly decisions so He intervenes and overrides them. It is mysterious and often indistinguishable, His guidance.
I hear you....ἄγονται Are Led...


ἄγω
agö
ag'-o
A primary verb; properly to lead; by implication to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specifically) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce: - be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.

LXX related word(s)
H622 asaph ni.
H935 bo hi.,qal.,ho.
H1540 galah qal,ni,pi,hi
H1980 halakh qal,hi
H2266 chavar hithp.
H2790 charash hi.
H2974 yaal hi.
H2986 yaval ho.
H3013 yagah ni.
H3318 yatsa qal,ho
H3381 yarad hi.
H3947 laqach
H4491 minhag
H4900 mashakh qal,pu
H5090 nahag
H5095 nahal pi.
H5148 nachah hi.
H5414 natan
H5844 atah aph.
H5927 alah hi.
H5975 amad hi.
H6213 asah qal,ni
H6231 ashaq
H6589 pasaq pi.
H7121 qara
H8388 taar

Thayer Definition:
1) to lead, take with one
1a) to lead by laying hold of, and this way to bring to the point of destination: of an animal
1b) to lead by accompanying to (into) a place
1c) to lead with one’s self, attach to one’s self as an attendant
1d) to conduct, bring
1e) to lead away, to a court of justice, magistrate, etc.
2) to lead
2a) to lead, guide, direct
2b) to lead through, conduct to: to something
2c) to move, impel: of forces and influences on the mind
3) to pass a day, keep or celebrate a feast, etc.
4) to go, depart
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: a primary word

Part of Speech: Verb
Tense: Present<

Voice: Passive<

Mood: Indicative
Person: third [they]
Number: Plural

...a daily leading..By the Spirit, not us "leading" ourselves for IN Christ we live and move and have our being.
Blessings
J.
 

BarneyFife

Well-Known Member
Dec 19, 2019
8,978
6,219
113
Central PA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
How else does God draw us besides His Word before we become Christians?
Nature and revelation alike testify of God's love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of man, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator's love. It is God who supplies the daily needs of all His creatures. In the beautiful words of the psalmist—

“The eyes of all wait upon Thee;
And Thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand,

And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15-16.

God made man perfectly holy and happy; and the fair earth, as it came from the Creator's hand, bore no blight of decay or shadow of the curse. It is transgression of God's law—the law of love—that has brought woe and death. Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God's love is revealed. It is written that God cursed the ground for man's sake. Genesis 3:17. The thorn and the thistle—the difficulties and trials that make his life one of toil and care—were appointed for his good as a part of the training needful in God's plan for his uplifting from the ruin and degradation that sin has wrought. The world, though fallen, is not all sorrow and misery. In nature itself are messages of hope and comfort. There are flowers upon the thistles, and the thorns are covered with roses.

“God is love” is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green—all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy.

The word of God reveals His character. He Himself has declared His infinite love and pity. When Moses prayed, “Show me Thy glory,” the Lord answered, “I will make all My goodness pass before thee.” Exodus 33:18, 19. This is His glory. The Lord passed before Moses, and proclaimed, “The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:6, 7. He is “slow to anger, and of great kindness,” “because He delighteth in mercy.” Jonah 4:2; Micah 7:18.

God has bound our hearts to Him by unnumbered tokens in heaven and in earth. Through the things of nature, and the deepest and tenderest earthly ties that human hearts can know, He has sought to reveal Himself to us. Yet these but imperfectly represent His love. Though all these evidences have been given, the enemy of good blinded the minds of men, so that they looked upon God with fear; they thought of Him as severe and unforgiving. Satan led men to conceive of God as a being whose chief attribute is stern justice,—one who is a severe judge, a harsh, exacting creditor. He pictured the Creator as a being who is watching with jealous eye to discern the errors and mistakes of men, that He may visit judgments upon them. It was to remove this dark shadow, by revealing to the world the infinite love of God, that Jesus came to live among men.

The Son of God came from heaven to make manifest the Father. “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:18. “Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” Matthew 11:27. When one of the disciples made the request, “Show us the Father,” Jesus answered, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” John 14:8, 9.

In describing His earthly mission, Jesus said, The Lord “hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Luke 4:18. This was His work. He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by Satan. There were whole villages where there was not a moan of sickness in any house, for He had passed through them and healed all their sick. His work gave evidence of His divine anointing. Love, mercy, and compassion were revealed in every act of His life; His heart went out in tender sympathy to the children of men. He took man's nature, that He might reach man's wants. The poorest and humblest were not afraid to approach Him. Even little children were attracted to Him. They loved to climb upon His knees and gaze into the pensive face, benignant with love.

Jesus did not suppress one word of truth, but He uttered it always in love. He exercised the greatest tact and thoughtful, kind attention in His relationships with the people. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He spoke the truth, but always in love. He denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity; but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He wept over Jerusalem, the city He loved, which refused to receive Him, the way, the truth, and the life. They had rejected Him, the Saviour, but He regarded them with pitying tenderness. His life was one of self-denial and thoughtful care for others. Every soul was precious in His eyes. While He ever bore Himself with divine dignity, He bowed with the tenderest regard to every member of the family of God. In all men He saw fallen souls whom it was His mission to save.

Such is the character of Christ as revealed in His life. This is the character of God. It is from the Father's heart that the streams of divine compassion, manifest in Christ, flow out to the children of men. Jesus, the tender, pitying Saviour, was God “manifest in the flesh.” 1 Timothy 3:16.

:)
 

Ronald David Bruno

Well-Known Member
Nov 7, 2020
3,807
1,855
113
Southern
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
I hear you....ἄγονται Are Led...


ἄγω
agö
ag'-o
A primary verb; properly to lead; by implication to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specifically) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce: - be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.

LXX related word(s)
H622 asaph ni.
H935 bo hi.,qal.,ho.
H1540 galah qal,ni,pi,hi
H1980 halakh qal,hi
H2266 chavar hithp.
H2790 charash hi.
H2974 yaal hi.
H2986 yaval ho.
H3013 yagah ni.
H3318 yatsa qal,ho
H3381 yarad hi.
H3947 laqach
H4491 minhag
H4900 mashakh qal,pu
H5090 nahag
H5095 nahal pi.
H5148 nachah hi.
H5414 natan
H5844 atah aph.
H5927 alah hi.
H5975 amad hi.
H6213 asah qal,ni
H6231 ashaq
H6589 pasaq pi.
H7121 qara
H8388 taar

Thayer Definition:
1) to lead, take with one
1a) to lead by laying hold of, and this way to bring to the point of destination: of an animal
1b) to lead by accompanying to (into) a place
1c) to lead with one’s self, attach to one’s self as an attendant
1d) to conduct, bring
1e) to lead away, to a court of justice, magistrate, etc.
2) to lead
2a) to lead, guide, direct
2b) to lead through, conduct to: to something
2c) to move, impel: of forces and influences on the mind
3) to pass a day, keep or celebrate a feast, etc.
4) to go, depart
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: a primary word

Part of Speech: Verb
Tense: Present<

Voice: Passive<

Mood: Indicative
Person: third [they]
Number: Plural

...a daily leading..By the Spirit, not us "leading" ourselves for IN Christ we live and move and have our being.
Blessings
J.

[The Holy Spirit also ministers to unbelievers. (extracted from HSU Library Bible study)
John 16:7-11 confirms this.
In verse 8, "convict" (elegxei) appears 17 times in the NT and translated eight different ways:
To reprove (Luke 3:18)
To expose (John 3:20)
To show him his fault (Mt. 18:15)
To convict (John 8:46)
To convince (John 16:8)
To confute (Titus 1:9)
To punish (Hebrews 12:5)
To rebuke (Titus 1:13)] Brian's lines, edited from study

So as in a courtroom of law, when a person is convicted of a crime, all of these aspects of the trial come out. The result is we are held responsible, guilty as charged, we are persuaded to accept the charges, punishment is announced and hanging over our heads ... but a resolution, a second chance is offered, we can be set free of this judgment . Christ paid for our sins and all we have to do is believe, follow and obey Him. He enables us to do this by making us a new creature, a spiritual transformation occurs and we can now see and are able to discern scripture.
The Spirit gives life!
God is over all through all and in all". Eph.4:6
He is present throughout all creation, giving life and breath to every human.( Gen.6:17; Is. 42:5)

"The Spirit's work may indeed be ambiguous in the world, not often being recognized by those in whom or around whom He works, but His work is also ambiguous in Church." Hendrikus Berkhof
 
  • Like
Reactions: BarneyFife

Johann

Well-Known Member
Apr 2, 2022
8,588
4,869
113
63
Durban South Africa
Faith
Christian
Country
South Africa
Nature and revelation alike testify of God's love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of man, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator's love. It is God who supplies the daily needs of all His creatures. In the beautiful words of the psalmist—

“The eyes of all wait upon Thee;
And Thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand,

And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15-16.

God made man perfectly holy and happy; and the fair earth, as it came from the Creator's hand, bore no blight of decay or shadow of the curse. It is transgression of God's law—the law of love—that has brought woe and death. Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God's love is revealed. It is written that God cursed the ground for man's sake. Genesis 3:17. The thorn and the thistle—the difficulties and trials that make his life one of toil and care—were appointed for his good as a part of the training needful in God's plan for his uplifting from the ruin and degradation that sin has wrought. The world, though fallen, is not all sorrow and misery. In nature itself are messages of hope and comfort. There are flowers upon the thistles, and the thorns are covered with roses.

“God is love” is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green—all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy.

The word of God reveals His character. He Himself has declared His infinite love and pity. When Moses prayed, “Show me Thy glory,” the Lord answered, “I will make all My goodness pass before thee.” Exodus 33:18, 19. This is His glory. The Lord passed before Moses, and proclaimed, “The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:6, 7. He is “slow to anger, and of great kindness,” “because He delighteth in mercy.” Jonah 4:2; Micah 7:18.

God has bound our hearts to Him by unnumbered tokens in heaven and in earth. Through the things of nature, and the deepest and tenderest earthly ties that human hearts can know, He has sought to reveal Himself to us. Yet these but imperfectly represent His love. Though all these evidences have been given, the enemy of good blinded the minds of men, so that they looked upon God with fear; they thought of Him as severe and unforgiving. Satan led men to conceive of God as a being whose chief attribute is stern justice,—one who is a severe judge, a harsh, exacting creditor. He pictured the Creator as a being who is watching with jealous eye to discern the errors and mistakes of men, that He may visit judgments upon them. It was to remove this dark shadow, by revealing to the world the infinite love of God, that Jesus came to live among men.

The Son of God came from heaven to make manifest the Father. “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:18. “Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” Matthew 11:27. When one of the disciples made the request, “Show us the Father,” Jesus answered, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” John 14:8, 9.

In describing His earthly mission, Jesus said, The Lord “hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Luke 4:18. This was His work. He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by Satan. There were whole villages where there was not a moan of sickness in any house, for He had passed through them and healed all their sick. His work gave evidence of His divine anointing. Love, mercy, and compassion were revealed in every act of His life; His heart went out in tender sympathy to the children of men. He took man's nature, that He might reach man's wants. The poorest and humblest were not afraid to approach Him. Even little children were attracted to Him. They loved to climb upon His knees and gaze into the pensive face, benignant with love.

Jesus did not suppress one word of truth, but He uttered it always in love. He exercised the greatest tact and thoughtful, kind attention in His relationships with the people. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He spoke the truth, but always in love. He denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity; but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He wept over Jerusalem, the city He loved, which refused to receive Him, the way, the truth, and the life. They had rejected Him, the Saviour, but He regarded them with pitying tenderness. His life was one of self-denial and thoughtful care for others. Every soul was precious in His eyes. While He ever bore Himself with divine dignity, He bowed with the tenderest regard to every member of the family of God. In all men He saw fallen souls whom it was His mission to save.

Such is the character of Christ as revealed in His life. This is the character of God. It is from the Father's heart that the streams of divine compassion, manifest in Christ, flow out to the children of men. Jesus, the tender, pitying Saviour, was God “manifest in the flesh.” 1 Timothy 3:16.

:)
Nature and Revelation Testify of Gods Love

Blessings
J.
 

Johann

Well-Known Member
Apr 2, 2022
8,588
4,869
113
63
Durban South Africa
Faith
Christian
Country
South Africa
[The Holy Spirit also ministers to unbelievers. (extracted from HSU Library Bible study)
John 16:7-11 confirms this.
In verse 8, "convict" (elegxei) appears 17 times in the NT and translated eight different ways:
To reprove (Luke 3:18)
To expose (John 3:20)
To show him his fault (Mt. 18:15)
To convict (John 8:46)
To convince (John 16:8)
To confute (Titus 1:9)
To punish (Hebrews 12:5)
To rebuke (Titus 1:13)] Brian's lines, edited from study

So as in a courtroom of law, when a person is convicted of a crime, all of these aspects of the trial come out. The result is we are held responsible, guilty as charged, we are persuaded to accept the charges, punishment is announced and hanging over our heads ... but a resolution, a second chance is offered, we can be set free of this judgment . Christ paid for our sins and all we have to do is believe, follow and obey Him. He enables us to do this by making us a new creature, a spiritual transformation occurs and we can now see and are able to discern scripture.
The Spirit gives life!
God is over all through all and in all". Eph.4:6
He is present throughout all creation, giving life and breath to every human.( Gen.6:17; Is. 42:5)

"The Spirit's work may indeed be ambiguous in the world, not often being recognized by those in whom or around whom He works, but His work is also ambiguous in Church." Hendrikus Berkhof
Another powerful piece of work Ronald
2Ti_3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:


Office. Van Oosterzee does well to say, “Happily, not the sounding the depths of the Holy
Spirit’s nature, but the receiving and possessing of the Holy Spirit himself, is for us, even as
Christian theologians, the main point.” Hence, without detracting from the value of what has
preceded, of paramount importance is the office and work of the Holy Spirit. This is indicated
as follows: (1) The Spirit is the immediate source of all life, physical and intellectual (Ps.
104:30; Isa. 32:15; Job 33:4; Gen. 2:7, KJV; Ex. 31:3; Num. 11:17; etc.). (2) He bore an
important part in the coming of Christ in the flesh and the qualifying of His human nature for
His work (Luke 1:35; John 3:34; 1:32–33). (3) He is the revealer of all divine truth. The
Scriptures are especially the product of the Holy Spirit (Mic. 3:8; John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor.
2:10–13). (4) He moves upon the hearts and consciences of all men, attending revealed truth
with His power wherever it is known and even where it is not known, affording some
measure of divine light and gracious influence (Acts 2:17; John 16:7–11; 1 Cor. 2:4). (5) He
convicts men of sin; graciously aids them in repentance and faith; regenerates, comforts, and
sanctifies believers; bears witness to their acceptance with God and adoption as God’s
children; and dwells in them as the principle of a new and divine life. In addition to Scripture
quoted above, see Rom. 8:14–16; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 3:17–18 (see Witness of Spirit). (6) He
also exercises guidance in the ministrations of the church, calling men to various offices and
endowing them with qualifications for their work (Acts 13:2, 4; 1 Cor. 12:4–11).
Special Work in the Believer. The Holy Spirit in this particular age from Pentecost to the
outtaking and glorification of the church, the Body of Christ, performs a special work in
every believer the moment he exercises saving faith in Christ. Simultaneously with
regenerating him the Spirit baptizes the believer into union with other believers in the Body
(1 Cor. 12:13) and into union with Christ Himself (Rom. 6:3–4). This is a unique and
distinctive ministry of the Spirit during this age. The Holy Spirit also dwells perpetually
within every believer (John 14:17; Rom. 8:9–14; 1 Cor. 6:19–20) and seals every believer for
the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30). In addition, the Holy Spirit fills every believer when
special conditions of filling are met (5:18).
Dispensational Ministry. According to the prophetic announcement of John the Baptist of
the Spirit’s baptizing work (Matt. 3:11–12; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16–17; John 1:32–33), the
death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ were to inaugurate the new age of the Holy
Spirit’s ministry. Our Lord prophetically announced a drastic change in the Holy Spirit’s
operation in the age that was to begin. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came as the ascension
gift. He came, moreover, in a sense in which He was not here before and to perform all the
ministries delegated to Him in this age; namely, regenerating, baptizing, sealing, and
indwelling every believer with the added privilege of each believer’s being filled with the
Spirit, if he meets the conditions of filling. The distinctive ministry of the Spirit for this age is
His baptizing work. This occurred for the first time in Acts 2 (cf. 1:5; 11:15–16). The first
occurrence of the baptizing work of the Spirit in chap. 2 marked the birthday of the Christian
church. In chap. 8 the racially mongrel Samaritans were admitted to gospel privilege and
granted the gift of the Holy Spirit, which included the Spirit’s baptizing work, placing them
in the church, the Body of Christ. In chap. 10 the Gentiles were likewise admitted. This latter
instance marks the normal course of the age. Every believer, upon the simple condition of
faith in Christ, is regenerated, baptized into the Body, indwelt perpetually, sealed eternally,
and given the privilege of being continuously filled. The experiences of OT saints and all pre
Pentecost believers came short of these tremendous blessings that are the heritage of every
genuine believer in this age.
Unger.

Blessings
J.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ronald David Bruno

Ronald David Bruno

Well-Known Member
Nov 7, 2020
3,807
1,855
113
Southern
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Barney, did you get some of this from Ellen White? It seems to be a quotation. We should always give credit to writers. Don't worry, we all have been guilty of sharing morsels if wisdom here and there. It's good though. Everything we can see is from God.
 

Johann

Well-Known Member
Apr 2, 2022
8,588
4,869
113
63
Durban South Africa
Faith
Christian
Country
South Africa
[The Holy Spirit also ministers to unbelievers. (extracted from HSU Library Bible study)
John 16:7-11 confirms this.
In verse 8, "convict" (elegxei) appears 17 times in the NT and translated eight different ways:
To reprove (Luke 3:18)
To expose (John 3:20)
To show him his fault (Mt. 18:15)
To convict (John 8:46)
To convince (John 16:8)
To confute (Titus 1:9)
To punish (Hebrews 12:5)
To rebuke (Titus 1:13)] Brian's lines, edited from study

So as in a courtroom of law, when a person is convicted of a crime, all of these aspects of the trial come out. The result is we are held responsible, guilty as charged, we are persuaded to accept the charges, punishment is announced and hanging over our heads ... but a resolution, a second chance is offered, we can be set free of this judgment . Christ paid for our sins and all we have to do is believe, follow and obey Him. He enables us to do this by making us a new creature, a spiritual transformation occurs and we can now see and are able to discern scripture.
The Spirit gives life!
God is over all through all and in all". Eph.4:6
He is present throughout all creation, giving life and breath to every human.( Gen.6:17; Is. 42:5)

"The Spirit's work may indeed be ambiguous in the world, not often being recognized by those in whom or around whom He works, but His work is also ambiguous in Church." Hendrikus Berkhof

You just answered a question I am struggling with Ronald via that post.
I don't know how to "extract" sources though Lol!
Many, many blessings to you and family
Shalom
J.
 

Johann

Well-Known Member
Apr 2, 2022
8,588
4,869
113
63
Durban South Africa
Faith
Christian
Country
South Africa
Barney, did you get some of this from Ellen White? It seems to be a quotation. We should always give credit to writers. Don't worry, we all have been guilty of sharing morsels if wisdom here and there. It's good though. Everything we can see is from God.
No worries Ronald, I can see where Barney gets his information from but it is all good...for the advancement of Christ Jesus and the Basileia
Blessings
J.
 

Ronald David Bruno

Well-Known Member
Nov 7, 2020
3,807
1,855
113
Southern
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Another powerful piece of work Ronald
2Ti_3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:


Office. Van Oosterzee does well to say, “Happily, not the sounding the depths of the Holy
Spirit’s nature, but the receiving and possessing of the Holy Spirit himself, is for us, even as
Christian theologians, the main point.” Hence, without detracting from the value of what has
preceded, of paramount importance is the office and work of the Holy Spirit. This is indicated
as follows: (1) The Spirit is the immediate source of all life, physical and intellectual (Ps.
104:30; Isa. 32:15; Job 33:4; Gen. 2:7, KJV; Ex. 31:3; Num. 11:17; etc.). (2) He bore an
important part in the coming of Christ in the flesh and the qualifying of His human nature for
His work (Luke 1:35; John 3:34; 1:32–33). (3) He is the revealer of all divine truth. The
Scriptures are especially the product of the Holy Spirit (Mic. 3:8; John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor.
2:10–13). (4) He moves upon the hearts and consciences of all men, attending revealed truth
with His power wherever it is known and even where it is not known, affording some
measure of divine light and gracious influence (Acts 2:17; John 16:7–11; 1 Cor. 2:4). (5) He
convicts men of sin; graciously aids them in repentance and faith; regenerates, comforts, and
sanctifies believers; bears witness to their acceptance with God and adoption as God’s
children; and dwells in them as the principle of a new and divine life. In addition to Scripture
quoted above, see Rom. 8:14–16; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 3:17–18 (see Witness of Spirit). (6) He
also exercises guidance in the ministrations of the church, calling men to various offices and
endowing them with qualifications for their work (Acts 13:2, 4; 1 Cor. 12:4–11).
Special Work in the Believer. The Holy Spirit in this particular age from Pentecost to the
outtaking and glorification of the church, the Body of Christ, performs a special work in
every believer the moment he exercises saving faith in Christ. Simultaneously with
regenerating him the Spirit baptizes the believer into union with other believers in the Body
(1 Cor. 12:13) and into union with Christ Himself (Rom. 6:3–4). This is a unique and
distinctive ministry of the Spirit during this age. The Holy Spirit also dwells perpetually
within every believer (John 14:17; Rom. 8:9–14; 1 Cor. 6:19–20) and seals every believer for
the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30). In addition, the Holy Spirit fills every believer when
special conditions of filling are met (5:18).
Dispensational Ministry. According to the prophetic announcement of John the Baptist of
the Spirit’s baptizing work (Matt. 3:11–12; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16–17; John 1:32–33), the
death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ were to inaugurate the new age of the Holy
Spirit’s ministry. Our Lord prophetically announced a drastic change in the Holy Spirit’s
operation in the age that was to begin. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came as the ascension
gift. He came, moreover, in a sense in which He was not here before and to perform all the
ministries delegated to Him in this age; namely, regenerating, baptizing, sealing, and
indwelling every believer with the added privilege of each believer’s being filled with the
Spirit, if he meets the conditions of filling. The distinctive ministry of the Spirit for this age is
His baptizing work. This occurred for the first time in Acts 2 (cf. 1:5; 11:15–16). The first
occurrence of the baptizing work of the Spirit in chap. 2 marked the birthday of the Christian
church. In chap. 8 the racially mongrel Samaritans were admitted to gospel privilege and
granted the gift of the Holy Spirit, which included the Spirit’s baptizing work, placing them
in the church, the Body of Christ. In chap. 10 the Gentiles were likewise admitted. This latter
instance marks the normal course of the age. Every believer, upon the simple condition of
faith in Christ, is regenerated, baptized into the Body, indwelt perpetually, sealed eternally,
and given the privilege of being continuously filled. The experiences of OT saints and all pre
Pentecost believers came short of these tremendous blessings that are the heritage of every
genuine believer in this age.
Unger.

Blessings
J.
Awesome summation.
 

Johann

Well-Known Member
Apr 2, 2022
8,588
4,869
113
63
Durban South Africa
Faith
Christian
Country
South Africa
hmmmm, didn't he come to seek and save the lost?......surely that applies to all?
....even the lost coin which didn't know it was lost? ....a part of the trilogy of Jesus story, the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost Son. Luke 15:1-31


Yes, there are those that out you because you are judged unworthy of their time and attention. Particularly those who insist that theirs is the only truth even when you prove from the scriptures that their ideas are flawed.

Hmmmmm, I wonder who those might be?


In other words, do as I say, not do as I do!
@quietthinker I owe you a huge apology for my response to you, way out of line and not Christlike.
If it is in your heart I ask your forgiveness.
Let me know if it is all OK between you and me dear brother...
Shalom
Johann
 
  • Like
Reactions: BarneyFife

LookingForGod

Member
Apr 11, 2022
21
37
13
USA-Southeast
Faith
Agnostic
Country
United States
Thank you again for your responses, although I did skim through them and see that some of them aren't about me. :) I will read them again more carefully, but I'm itching to ask a specific question that I think will be better in a new thread. Then I can moan about how I don't have time to thoughtfully read those. :)

When people don't know you I think it's important to put smilies so they can see in what way you mean what you're saying. I'm happy to be here and happy to have these things to read--and I don't think everything is about me, or should be.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BarneyFife

Johann

Well-Known Member
Apr 2, 2022
8,588
4,869
113
63
Durban South Africa
Faith
Christian
Country
South Africa
Awesome summation.
Awesome summation.
Problem though Ronald, great to read about the Holy Spirit quite another to experience Him for oneself..that's why I enjoy this Christian forum.
I have stepped over the line with some members here and my response was not Christlike..but I'm more than willing to learn and to temper my zeal and pathos since we are all in a race.
shalom to you
J.:)
 
  • Like
Reactions: BarneyFife

quietthinker

Well-Known Member
May 4, 2018
11,544
7,584
113
FNQ
Faith
Christian
Country
Australia
@quietthinker I owe you a huge apology for my response to you, way out of line and not Christlike.
If it is in your heart I ask your forgiveness.
Let me know if it is all OK between you and me dear brother...
Shalom
Johann
Not a problem Johann....I have no hard feelings.....so, chin up, soldier on!
 
  • Like
Reactions: BarneyFife

quietthinker

Well-Known Member
May 4, 2018
11,544
7,584
113
FNQ
Faith
Christian
Country
Australia
Thank you again for your responses, although I did skim through them and see that some of them aren't about me. :) I will read them again more carefully, but I'm itching to ask a specific question that I think will be better in a new thread. Then I can moan about how I don't have time to thoughtfully read those. :)

When people don't know you I think it's important to put smilies so they can see in what way you mean what you're saying. I'm happy to be here and happy to have these things to read--and I don't think everything is about me, or should be.
Good on you LFG. Your few posts have not gone unnoticed by several of us. We look forward to getting to know you.
 

Ziggy

Well-Known Member
Oct 19, 2020
10,111
9,685
113
58
Maine, USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Edit: There are two similar threads because I posted in the wrong place and it got moved here. :) The smilie is to say that I understand why.

Hi... I'm an odd bird, neither an atheist nor a believer, and I'd rather be a believer.

I don't know if I'm supposed to post here, not being a Christian. I will understand if this post is removed. But I'd like to talk to some Christians who can accept a person like me. I've had lots of sermons, though. :) I just want some person-to-person honest, low-key talk.

There are details down in the non-religious forum, which by the way I think is a very nice and understanding thing for a board like this to have, so I have hopes of some useful conversation.
Hello Looking!
Welcome to the family :D


iu
iu


Hugs
:D
 
  • Like
Reactions: LookingForGod