"He wants to be known by us."And more.
"His Word is a record of that, and the only way we can know Him."Depends on how you define "Word." If you means scripture, I disagree and I think you would too with more thought and conversation on it.
You want to overlay the Word with all this mumbo-jumbo, Tradition, pomp and circumstance, mystery and layers of heirarchy.Nope. I'd remove it all for those who find it unuseful or a hindrance. I'd add more for those it helps in their growth toward communion with God.
Sometimes, I think I have had a remarkable experience and growth toward that which God wishes me to be. And then I tend to think "It must be this way for everyone." That's normal, to want to give others what we find of value. But then all of God's children are individuals who can only come to God as they are and to God as God is. Here, there are no words to describe, no pomp or noise, no fears, no theological constructs, no questions. Only you as you are; God as God is. No matter what others may say.
thanks for your reply.
Did you disagree with that statement? If so, why?
Me:"His Word is a record of that, and the only way we can know Him."
You: Depends on how you define "Word." If you means scripture, I disagree and I think you would too with more thought and conversation on it.
I was referring to the scriptures, and I believe that they are the Primary Way that one comes initially to know God, and to learn of Him. That's not to say that He can't or won't reveal Himself directly to someone, but that doesn't happen to everybody. Those who are born again are indwelt by His Spirit, who opens and enlightens scripture to the believer. For most, reading and study of the Word (scripture) and prayer are the primary ways that we know God. I didn't make my definition complete enough, as I was trying to make a point.
In my own experience, it has been those quiet moments in prayer and meditation on the Word that have revealed God to me, and helped me to know Him better. I have been in all kinds of churches, from Catholic to Black Baptist (now those people know how to praise God!), and I still find that it is that time alone, just me and God, where I learn the most. Like you, I want others to know the experience I have. It must be a personal one on one experience, in my view, because salvation is concerned with individuals, not with churches or groups of people. In my opinion, the RCC tends to keep God at a distance rather than draw Him close, and encouraging the individual to enter into that close communion with God. I believe that's what He desires, which is why I say that he went to a great expense for us to be able to have that close fellowship/relationship with Him. It's the desire of God's heart to have that, and a desire born in every true child of God.