The Mind

[amadeus]

understand and I can relate since we have a three year old granddaughter. She is so easy to love. I was thinking the other day how she doesn’t judge or condemn but just generously loves, as close to unconditionally as I’ve seen aside from God. but she is weary of strangers.

with all due respect I’m hesitant on the simple part…for example Matthew 5:43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others ? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Again, with all due respect “without malice” and the above doesn’t sound so simple, but in my opinion sounds impossible without God.

1 Corinthians 14:19-20 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. [20] Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

We have become complicated and our handling of the things of God is by our own set of complicated ways. Serving and loving God is NOT complicated! No more complicated than you loving your granddaughter!

You are correct when you say, "in my opinion sounds impossible without God."

For us it is not simple when we come to Him already being full of knowledge and much of it even biblical knowledge. How much of the written scripture is your 3 year old granddaughter able to quote? Is it easy to love her because she is the very smartest and best of all the Bible students you have ever known? I think not! She is however closer to being how God wants all of us to be than probably most people over the age of 20 years who carry the label of Christian. Can we approach that ideal by head knowledge of the Bible? Not by our knowledge alone!

I am certainly not against reading, studying and memorizing scriptures, but if in doing those things, we move toward being a learned professor of theology and away from being a humbled child of God, how pleasing to God are our efforts ultimately likely to be...?

The "understanding be men" speaks of God's understanding received in "here a little, there a little" measures as we learn to humble ourselves before Him. I see perhaps the main culprit in the failures of men in their service and love toward God in the misunderstanding and misapplication of this verse:

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Tim 2:15

Do those words tell us to study in order (1) to learn knowledge; or (2) to study to be approved unto God? How many people understand the difference? Of those who seemingly or allegedly do understand the difference why does it seem that so many throw themselves more earnestly into their Bible studies in order to learn... I did that in my early years serving God and it was the primary reason I backslid for 10 years!

 

[VictoryinJesus]

We have become complicated and our handling of the things of God is by our own set of complicated ways. Serving and loving God is NOT complicated! No more complicated than you loving your granddaughter!

You are correct when you say, "in my opinion sounds impossible without God."

I understand the “in my opinion” and admit I have issues. I was just telling my husband the night before it baffles me how Jesus Christ took what happened at the cross and yet didn’t threaten or curse or try to justify himself …admitting I would be threatening and cursing and trying to justify myself. All I meant with my granddaughter is: she doesn’t push you away but instead easily embraces you flaws and all. No she can’t quote scripture. One of her teachers works with mentally disabled and does bible studies with them…she mentioned their love with simplicity and not over complicating it.

For us it is not simple when we come to Him already being full of knowledge and much of it even biblical knowledge. How much of the written scripture is your 3 year old granddaughter able to quote? Is it easy to love her because she is the very smartest and best of all the Bible students you have ever known? I think not! She is however closer to being how God wants all of us to be than probably most people over the age of 20 years who carry the label of Christian. Can we approach that ideal by head knowledge of the Bible? Not by our knowledge alone!

I am certainly not against reading, studying and memorizing scriptures, but if in doing those things, we move toward being a learned professor of theology and away from being a humbled child of God, how pleasing to God are our efforts ultimately likely to be...?

The "understanding be men" speaks of God's understanding received in "here a little, there a little" measures as we learn to humble ourselves before Him. I see perhaps the main culprit in the failures of men in their service and love toward God in the misunderstanding and misapplication of this verse:

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Tim 2:15

Do those words tell us to study in order (1) to learn knowledge; or (2) to study to be approved unto God? How many people understand the difference? Of those who seemingly or allegedly do understand the difference why does it seem that so many throw themselves more earnestly into their Bible studies in order to learn... I did that in my early years serving God and it was the primary reason I backslid for 10 years!

Agree.

 

[Waiting on him]

There are those who are called 'sons of God' pre-Calvary: Those being the Angels (Job 1:6); who are called so because created by God, as was Adam, who is also called the 'son of God' in the genealogy of Christ, in Luke 3:28.

It is my opinion that the account Job is giving is a post Calvary account.

Adam was the first man in which 'the breath of life' (or spirit) was breathed.(Genesis 2:7) Though the breath of life is also in other created flesh other than human (Genesis 6:17)

in my understanding this is a reference to Christ. All life has breath, but Jesus was the first to receive the breath, you have to know that only in Him is life. This is why He breathed on them and said,,,, receive the Holy Ghost. He hadn’t done this lest they had yet received.

Those who are in Christ are the Sons of God, I understand that it is popular believe that when man is born of woman he receives the breath of God. Nothing could be further from the truth.

 

[amadeus]

I understand the “in my opinion” and admit I have issues. I was just telling my husband the night before it baffles me how Jesus Christ took what happened at the cross and yet didn’t threaten or curse or try to justify himself …admitting I would be threatening and cursing and trying to justify myself. All I meant with my granddaughter is: she doesn’t push you away but instead easily embraces you flaws and all. No she can’t quote scripture. One of her teachers works with mentally disabled and does bible studies with them…she mentioned their love with simplicity and not over complicating it.

Jesus overcame the world of his own temptations before he walked up Calvary hill and lay down for them to nail him to that cross. All of us who have ever really walked with God have overcome some things, but if we are still tempted and if we sometimes still yield to a temptation and sin, the overcoming processing is not completed in us yet.

When I mentioned your granddaughter I was not even thinking for her as being mentally disabled. I was thinking of her as a 3 year old who has not yet learned to contend in the world of men with their selfish attitudes and actions. She does not try! That little 3 year old girl very likely is closer to being like the selfless Jesus now than anyone on this forum. She cannot quote scripture, but she can and does manifest the Word of God when she embraces you "flaws and all".

For you or me to love like she loves, that is, like Jesus loves, is there... to be fulfilled in that Light which for us in visible in the distance if we ever attain to it. When the Light manifested in Moses, the people insisted he cover his face with a veil. When Jesus was to be transfigured, he took with him only three of his closest followers because he knew how brightly his face would shine. By Peter's foolish statement on that mountain we realize that even he was could not see very well yet the things of God. Was it not similar to us gazing into the sun without protective eye coverings?

Are we climbing up the mountain now with Jesus? Will we be blinded by the Light? Will we cover our own eyes or ask that He cover his face shining so blindingly bright? Your granddaughter does not cover her eyes. Can you similarly approach the Light? Ask God to help you approach the Light without worry, with and by Love alone.

 

[Waiting on him]

Hello @VictoryinJesus,

You really love the word of God don't you? :)
You appear to enjoy doing word searches too, within the word. Am I right?

* Yes, that word 'stable' really brings to mind the fact that our faith rests upon the truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ - Which is our Rock.

With love in Christ Jesus
Chris

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis. This Angel is a Son of God.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Jesus overcame the world of his own temptations before he walked up Calvary hill and lay down for them to nail him to that cross. All of us who have ever really walked with God have overcome some things, but if we are still tempted and if we sometimes still yield to a temptation and sin, the overcoming processing is not completed in us yet.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

That is why (just an opinion) the above is so hopeful. With “the just shall live by faith.”

When I mentioned your granddaughter I was not even thinking for her as being mentally disabled.

That was confusing on my part. She isn’t but was slow to walk…always up on her tip toes. Only mentioned the specialist who came in to work with her because I learned something in her saying “the children teach me about love.”

I was thinking of her as a 3 year old who has not yet learned to contend in the world of men with their selfish attitudes and actions. She does not try! That little 3 year old girl very likely is closer to being like the selfless Jesus now than anyone on this forum. She cannot quote scripture, but she can and does manifest the Word of God when she embraces you "flaws and all".

Yes…all the grandchildren have until the message gets changed. There is not much I remember about being a child except: being fearful all the time.

 

[amadeus]

@VictoryinJesus

Amadeus said:
Jesus overcame the world of his own temptations before he walked up Calvary hill and lay down for them to nail him to that cross. All of us who have ever really walked with God have overcome some things, but if we are still tempted and if we sometimes still yield to a temptation and sin, the overcoming processing is not completed in us yet.

Victory in Jesus said:
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

That is why (just an opinion) the above is so hopeful. With “the just shall live by faith.”

What I see is a process in each person. At the point of physical death, was the person still striving to overcome and surrendering regularly to God? That may be perfection as God sees it. How long is a person's time? One day? 6 years? 100 years? Whatever the answer is for a person what is happening at the end?

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Matt 24:13

When our "end" arrives either we have endured or we have not. The "perfect" day is what and is when according to God? Is that not what ultimately matters?

 

[amadeus]

@VictoryinJesus

Amadeus said:
When I mentioned your granddaughter I was not even thinking for her as being mentally disabled.

VIctoryinJesus said:
That was confusing on my part. She isn’t but was slow to walk…always up on her tip toes. Only mentioned the specialist who came in to work with her because I learned something in her saying “the children teach me about love.”

Yes, that you learned something good there. When people really pay attention to very young children they can learn a whole lot about God and what He is really looking to see also in older people. When they see and also submit themselves to God He will help them become, in ways where it matters, like those little children!

 

[farouk]

@VictoryinJesus ; @amadeus

Matthew 19.14: "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

 

[VictoryinJesus]

The "perfect" day is what and is when according to God? Is that not what ultimately matters?

I don’t know. Only mentioned above the quote concerning “be ye perfect as your Father”…unless I’ve misunderstood His perfection being that even while we were yet dead in sin and trespasses He loved us, not because we first loved Him but because He first loved us; His perfection being “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Causing it to rain on the just and the unjust.

It was mentioned our granddaughter being without the word (knowledge) but yet closer to His image than most grown ups. Yet, we consider that born dead until coming to the knowledge of Christ? How can that be when children before this world breaks them are closest to His image (Mercy), then they are to the worlds image(destruction)?

 

[farouk]

I don’t know. Only mentioned above the quote concerning “be ye perfect as your Father”…unless I’ve misunderstood His perfection being that even while we were yet dead in sin and trespasses He loved us, not because we first loved Him but because He first loved us; His perfection being “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Causing it to rain on the just and the unjust.

It was mentioned our granddaughter being without the word (knowledge) but yet closer to His image than most grown ups. Yet, we consider that born dead until coming to the knowledge of Christ? How can that be when children before this world breaks them are closest to His image (Mercy), then they are to the worlds image(destruction)?

Hi @VictoryinJesus ; I think it's probably because of the idea of the simplicity of faith and trust. The trust in Proverbs 3.5 can commended in terms of simple, child-like faith.

 

[farouk]

I understand the “in my opinion” and admit I have issues. I was just telling my husband the night before it baffles me how Jesus Christ took what happened at the cross and yet didn’t threaten or curse or try to justify himself …admitting I would be threatening and cursing and trying to justify myself. All I meant with my granddaughter is: she doesn’t push you away but instead easily embraces you flaws and all. No she can’t quote scripture. One of her teachers works with mentally disabled and does bible studies with them…she mentioned their love with simplicity and not over complicating it.



Agree.

@VictoryinJesus I'm reminded of this passage in 1 Peter 2:

"...Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."

 

[VictoryinJesus]

@VictoryinJesus ; @amadeus

Matthew 19.14: "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Was the greatest teacher teaching in “suffer them …suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come to Me: for such is the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

remember He suffered without the gate that we (the little children)might enter in. Get “the little children” he set on His lap and spoke of, but there is another “little children” spoken of in the Word “babes”. With all due respect it is sometimes said (definitely not by you) concerning the babies still suckling on the milk. Paul treated them as a Father to a Son in saying I’ve fed you with milk because you are not ready for the meat and could not bear it, and still are not able to bear it. What that says to me is Paul knew the meat would destroy them who Christ died for “little children.”

Romans 14:15-17 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. [16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of: [17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Frightening is the “now walkest thou not charitably.” Frightening Because : 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling 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, and have not charity, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. [4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; [6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

what did Paul say in regards to destroying a brother “not yet able to bear it”? 1 Corinthians 8:11-13 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? [12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. [13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

“Suffer the little children”
“Forbid them not to come to Me.”
“For of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”
…For whom Christ died.

Matthew 18:10-11 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. [11] For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
“Suffer the little children”
“Forbid them not to come to Me.”
“For of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”
…For whom Christ died. “Despise not” consider that with
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

consider this returns to what Charity said concerning “stable”. strengthen that which remains and “stable” as He said to Peter do you love Me “strengthen your brethren”. Consider with Paul saying your not yet stable so I have feed you with milk, in not to destroy that which is not yet stable whom Christ died for.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

@farouk not meaning to be overwhelming. Hopeful in continued growth towards 1 John 4:17-21 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. [18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. [19] We love him, because he first loved us. [20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? [21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

 

[farouk]

@farouk not meaning to be overwhelming. Hopeful in continued growth towards 1 John 4:17-21 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. [18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. [19] We love him, because he first loved us. [20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? [21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

@VictoryinJesus John's First Epistle is very searching...and one can see how the author of John's Gospel continues themes in the First Epistle.

 

[farouk]

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis. This Angel is a Son of God.

Hi @Waiting on him Some commentators see the 'angel' of each of the seven churches of Asia as being the spiritual element within the congregation through whom the Lord communicates and leads.

 

[Waiting on him]

Hi @Waiting on him Some commentators see the 'angel' of each of the seven churches of Asia as being the spiritual element within the congregation through whom the Lord communicates and leads.

It would seem odd to me, the man who penned revelation would be writing to an Angel of God if we are to understand this angel to be an celestial creature?

 

[Waiting on him]

Hi @Waiting on him Some commentators see the 'angel' of each of the seven churches of Asia as being the spiritual element within the congregation through whom the Lord communicates and leads.

Galatians 4:14 KJV
[14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

 

[Waiting on him]

I myself have never read commentary, I prefer to hear what God says.

 

[farouk]

Galatians 4:14 KJV
[14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

@Waiting on him Interesting verse there; thank-you...