> General Discussions
We Can Only Experience
hillsbororiver:
It is a fact that we can only experience the things that God puts in our path, we do not accomplish anything of ourselves, I know this seems rather basic but seeing this repeated so often throughout the Old and New Testament it amazes me that virtually all Christiandom believes man himself needs to choose and come to Him rather than He chooses and comes to us to complete His work.
Exo 34:10 And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.
Terrible to our flesh yet glorious to our spirit, I still find it incredible and at the same time humbling that the Creator and Source of all power and life would take an interest in such an insignificant player in the scheme of the world such as myself.
Ecc 7:13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
Once again the fallacy of "free will" is demolished, who has the power within themselves to change what God has ordained?
Ecc 8:17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
When we believe we of ourselves can know or figure out what His plan and purpose for us we are then doomed to failure, understanding that He will open our spiritual eyes and ears in His good time requires a faith that again can only come from above.
Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
Kat:
Hi Joe,
Once you have been set free by the truth, it is odd to think they can't see the obvious, that we have no free-will. But it is true the whole world believes we have a free-will, because they are deceived.
Titus 3:3 "For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived..."
Rev 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great has fallen, has fallen!....v. 23 For your merchants were the great ones of the earth; for by your sorceries all nations were deceived.
For the few God is revealing the truth that He controls all things and man has no free-will. Still it is hard concept to fully comprehend that He causes everything, directly or indirectly.
Pro 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Eph 1:11 In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
v. 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory.
It's all to His glory, but we will recieve tremendous benefits from the work He will accomplish.
mercy, peace and love
Kat
indianabob:
[quote author=hillsbororiver
Exo 34:10 And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.
Thanks Joe, By the way I noticed in regard to the word terrible. Consulting the Strong's Concordance for additional meanings we find the following.
Strongs # 3372 "fear" and also "to revere"
Meaning #2 = Used of a person in an exalted position, yare' connotes "standing in awe". This is not simple fear, but reverence, whereby an individual recognizes the power and position of the individual revered and renders him proper respect."
It could also demonstrate what God is going to do with us and that what God does will inspire respect. Not respect just for us, but respect for what God can do with the lowliest of persons such as us.
I sometimes reflect that when my relatives and friends see me in the Kingdom that they will not recognize me as anyone they have ever known. At least not until I have been reintroduced to them. It will truly be a miracle, when they believe.
Indianabob
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
[/quote]
hillsbororiver:
Hi Kat,
Thanks for the additions you made to this thread, indeed the whole world is deceived by this concept of free will, but in reality is anything on this earth really free at all? In any sense? I have come to the conclusion the word "free" itself is deceptive.
Earlier today at lunch I saw a "buy one, get one free" ad for a coupon book that gives the holder 2 lunches or dinners for the price of one (as long as you pay for the more expensive selection). First you have to buy the coupon book and then pay for a lunch (or dinner) then you get one "free." What is so free about that? Sure, you get a better price but hardly free.
How about a free estimate, you don't pay for the estimate in dollars and cents but you sure do pay (in time and sometimes aggravation) once the sales pitch begins and when they get your address and phone number to follow up with.
Can anyone think of any earthly thing that is totally free? Without commitments, without consequences, without effort, without some sort of compromise or promise or action?
Jer 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Now the concept of an uncaused thought or action seems so naive when at one time it seemed so basic and unquestionable.
God can close eyes every bit as effectively as He can open them!
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: indianabob on November 01, 2007, 12:37:45 PM ---
I sometimes reflect that when my relatives and friends see me in the Kingdom that they will not recognize me as anyone they have ever known.
--- End quote ---
:D That goes double for me Brother!
Thank you for your contribution Bob, I like the definition of "terrible" you presented as it shows the trials and tribulations of this short time in the flesh accomplishes His purpose of teaching us reverence for Him and His Righteousness, ultimately making us perfect Sons and Daughters.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version