Posted on 09/14/2013 12:29:44 PM PDT by matthewrobertolson
...calmer now...serenity now...this too will pass...deep breaths...
I do not see any cursing at all in post 148.
To me taking the Lord’s name in vain as it was used here is cursing. I know there is a difference. Using God’s name in this way is just very offensive to me.
I suspect our correspondent does not consider something to be a meeting if one of the parties is non-fleshly.
Diminishing Paul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus would require also diminishing Moses' at the burning bush, in receiving the ten commandments on Mt. Sinai and Jesus being conceived in Mary's womb.
God did not appear in the flesh in any of those instances either.
Indeed, Jesus appeared in the flesh for our sakes, not His - for our redemption.
God is Spirit. The flesh, the earthy, the carnal profits nothing.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. - John 6:63
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. - Romans 8:1-9
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. – Galatians 1:11-19
I have little patience with those who seemingly glory in their arrogant, prideful attack on those outside of their own narrow, parochial understanding of Christianity.
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That is fine. But defending sound theology and critiquing incorrect, poorly-presented theology is not what you describe above. It is called honestly clarifying the issues. :-)
In other words, if guys like you were in charge, we would never have had a reformation to begin with, and we’d all be bedding it with Erasmus and those feeble minded humanists with their man-centered philosophies, while the Catholics would still be selling salvation for top dollar. I for one prefer sound doctrine over these evil things.
You can go join together with Pope Francis and his “Atheist Good Samaritans” marching on to their supposed heaven (but really, it’s hell) against a common enemy, walking with smug faces into the ditch as they abandon the power of the Gospel, but embrace its image. Meanwhile, I’ll stay with my God who is the true ruler of the world, and will not be intimidated by the self-righteous speeches of the ecumenists.
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Why you “prideful,” “arrogant” Catholic-”attacker!” Don’t you know you don’t have to believe in God to get to heaven — so saith The Pope! /sarc
Actually, your post is hard-hitting and articulate — and spot on! Thank you for taking the time to compose it.
Of course he was speaking of himself...Otherwise the story would have been pointless and useless...The 'guy' who learned things from God wasn't allowed to tell anyone so if it wasn't Paul, what's the point in the story...Of course it was Paul...
2Co 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
2Co 12:6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
It tells us right here...Paul would like to glorify that man (himself) but he won't because he would be a fool since everyone would put him on a pedestal and worship him...
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
What??? Whoever it was, wasn't allowed to tell anyone about the revelations and whoever 'went up' didn't reveal the revelations so for Paul to know the revelations, it had to be Paul that went up...
And why would Paul be given a thorn in the flesh for just knowing someone who told him this story??? And why would Paul be exalted above anyone for claiming to hear a pointles story from some other man??? I say bonkers...
And of course you know that but I just wanted to point it out for anyone reading that might be swayed by the deceivers...
I still am unsure whether it is willful ignorance or willful deception...
He most certainly does...
I am of a different vein...I believe God knocks on everyone's door...I believe it is those who are searching for religion and accept it as opposed to looking for God whose eyes are blinded...
Those religious who do not have nor accept the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are the ones blinded...
But just for the FR record, whether I am right or you are right makes no difference...Whether God picked us or we pick him, we are all still on the narrow path...
Simple, plain, easy to understand, Truth...
Thank you so much for your encouragement, dear brother in Christ!
...as a box of rocks...that one...
Excellent point...
Thank you.
:) Happens to all of us...
Thank you for your encouragements, dear sister in Christ!
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