Posted on 05/22/2007 1:46:29 AM PDT by Silly
Glad you like it!
Wow! Thanks. Just what I wanted...!
Yes, feeling and living and experiencing the Bible as you read it is so essential. You have to step into it as a screenplay, look at the details, and let it sweep you away. This means taking your time, giving yourself permission to slowly digest it, and really enjoy every morsel of meaning.
Thanks so much for your post.
God’s plans are so great they dwarf our dreams. in fact, few of us dare to dream high enough. And it is our daring dreams that help us get through the hard times, especially when they are accompanied by the assurance of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
I listen to Charles Stanley’s podcast every morning on the way to work. And coming from my religious background this aspect of love is something I’m learning every day. It seems I’ve been hearing many of the same things just not put so succintly in the messages of late. Thanks for posting this. Will have to find and read this sermon later
I would highly recommend the online sermons of Tim Keller. He has opened up to me this area you mentioned in an enormous way. Life transforming, and I thank God for him. A link to many of his mp3 files can be found at my home page, http://www.paulklenk.us.
Just remember, it is usually not in the mere intellectual grasping of his love that we can understand his love. The intellectual part is necessary, of course. It is when we experience his love, directly, intimately, that it becomes real. It's not possible to explain to someone what honey tastes like, especially if they have never developed a sense of taste. One must first have one's sense aroused (the spirit awakening from death to life) and then taste him -- that is, experience his love and salvation.
Thank you. I am going to post that where I see it frequently.
You’re very welcome.
And if you live outside Western Civilization, or areas influenced by Western Civilization (e.g., Japan), life is not so good.
1. You will likely experience much more suffering than a Westerner, especially European or American. But why is the Gospel spreading so quickly in Africa, Asia and South America? Because it is especially satisfying to the poor and suffering, not less so.
2. And what "good things" do you have as a suffering, third world Christian? You have life (which you can't lose), a daily, intimate walk with God -- not a theoretical one, mind you a real, experiential one (what could be better than that), and the assurance that you will never lose it.
3. And finally, you have heaven ahead of you, an eternity of bliss, love, joy, excitement, and a great grand feast. Your body will work perfectly, your mind will be able to accumulate vast amounts of knowledge, and you'll be able to successfully put it into practice. And you'll do it with loved ones, all loving each other and loving God.
Your thoughts? Have you throught through the implications of the Gospel (because the three truths don't mean much if you haven't).
bttt
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.