Replies

The scriptures are not some kind of taxidermy performed on a frozen god, God is in motion even now, moving among us, at work on all sides. There are people who operate from an awareness of the living God, and who simply love him. And find themselves drawn toward him inexorably.

Amen to that, marron -- Amen! Our God is a Living God!!! As you say, "the scriptures are not some kind of taxidermy performed on a frozen God." They are God's Living Word. To treat them as if they were some kind of once-and-for-all, fully specified universal instruction set -- as if God's Word, once spoken, was frozen in time (instead of being a call, an invitation to a living communication with Him) -- is to risk making an idol out of the Bible. And we all know that God does not look kindly on idolatry.

Thank you for your so very beautiful reply, marron.

Jeepers, what a conversation has transpired while I was away! Thank you so much for your beautiful posts, betty boop and marron!

And thank you, Religion Mod, for trying to keep the conversation from turning personal. Alas, personal attacks were already posted against me at 919 and 921. I would however like them to stand because they constitute a testimony to the points that betty boop, marron and I have been making here, i.e. that God is love, those who dwell in love dwell in God and God dwells in them (1 John 4:16).

Ephesian210, the thrust of your posts is that you insist I must come and join your group in making various judgments and defending the Scriptures according to a particular interpretation.

Again, I respectfully and lovingly decline. This is not negotiable. Like Mary, I am under Christ’s protection because I have chosen to sit at His feet and listen to His Word. Again, with emphasis:

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. – Luke 10:38-42

Ephesians210, the choice I have made not to judge other beings has evidently infuriated you. Again, I stand firm in my refusal to judge any being, including you; it is a "luxury" I cannot afford (with emphasis):

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:9-15

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. – Luke 6:36-38

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. – Galatians 6:7-8

Christ choose twelve apostles with very different personalities. And they argued amongst themselves. (Acts 15) Jesus could have chosen twelve like John or Paul or Peter, etc. Likewise, Christ accepts very different churches in Revelation 2 and 3. He could have commanded they all be of one type.

It is my choice to be more like the apostle John and the church of Philadelphia. But by all means, Ephesians210, choose your own path, but please quite insisting I follow you. I will not.