I wonder what angelo and Steven are doing? Do you think they're itching? They certainly missed some thought provoking dialog yesterday.
Sarah is teething, so if I am unusully short with someone who I am not ususally short with, please forgive me in advance. I will try to control myself, but sometimes certain thigns can set me off.
I would like to bring forward from yesterday for comment a few things.
1. If we haven't exhausted the subject and if we can avoid discussing Calvinism too much, I think opinions on Judas could be interesting from everyone here. That is, was he acting freely or did God "program" him to betray Jesus? In what sense did God need to have a betrayer, or what is the point of this betrayal? Couldn't the Romans have found Him without Judas?
2. How do we know that we are being truly inspired by the Holy Spirit, as opposed to being decived by our own wishes, or even a false spirit(demon)?
3. Do we still all pray wrong? We all petition the Lord for our causes. Is this wrong? Is God on His timetable and unaffected by our prayers? Can we convince Him to change his mind?
Any and all comments are appreciated.
SD
Do you think they are considering this as their abstinense, or pennants? I personally think it would be easier to fast. LOL (^g^)
I'll second that. Ours has a cold and both ears are infected. Needless to say, we were sleepless in Allen, Texas last night (and the night before).
Judas was created a "vessel of wrath, fitted to destruction" destined by thousand year old prophecy.
In what sense did God need to have a betrayer, or what is the point of this betrayal?
To fulfill the ancient prophecy. Many points can be made such as the choice of Judas for treasurer, thirty pieces of silver, love of money being the root of all evil. Judas also serves as an example of the discussion about crucifying the Lord afresh after partaking of the powers of the world to come. Judas was given the power of healing, providing a warning that even if someone could heal the sick isn't in itself proof that God is with them.
Couldn't the Romans have found Him without Judas?
Of course.
John 17
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Judas was acting freely. Point of this betrayal was to fulfill scripture. The fulfillment of scripture is proof of who Jesus was. OT scripture is what Peter used on Pentecost to prove to the people that the man they crucified was Jesus the Messiah.
2. How do we know that we are being truly inspired by the Holy Spirit, as opposed to being decived by our own wishes, or even a false spirit(demon)?
One thing I have come to the conclusion about this question is (boy I'm fixing to start something here, but remember you asked:) If you can imagine you or anyone else being able to loose their salvation, you are NOT being led by the Spirit. I know without a doubt, 100%, that I am going to heaven. Why? Because I know JESUS is going to keep me saved. He can't loose MY salvation. 2 Tim. 2:12...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Becky