General HOW DO WE GROW IN GRACE ?
- Thread starter LeeB
- Start date
I think it depends on how we parse this sentence - maybe. Since grace is "unmerited favor," we might look at this as that I should learn to show that favor to others (agape) or that I should enjoy the favor from Yeshua as I am blessed with more knowledge. Either way, it serves as obedience. We are to grow - not stagnate as it we already got our salvation and have a free ride to eternity.
Growing in grace can be the better understanding of it. As a Christian matures they realize more and more just how much they need this grace, how it cannot be bought or earned. David contemplating this grace said, “what is man that you are mindful of him” , realizing how unworthy we are of it and that it is given only by GODS mercy and love in response to the faith HE also gives us in the first place to believe. The song called amazing grace expressed this by an unknown author who I think had to be a true Christian. We have grace in time of need and that need for us all is daily if we are truly being honest about it. This is what produces a humble person with a meek and gentle spirit which in the sight of GOD has great value.
The image of GOD is agape and Jesus was created in agape and we recreated after Jesus in agape. GOD is creating agape, beings who will be in HIS image of agape. Without this agape we are nothing. With agape we are the sons and daughters of the most high GOD.
I sorta agree but not quite. I believe we are ALL created in the image of God and have all capabilities within us such as agape but we have to learn to use it and to master it. Only then are we like Jesus and hence like God. We are able to display and master Godly qualities now - Jesus showed us how. That is our mission - agape / love.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15, ESV)
"Whoever has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them" (John 14:21)
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15, ESV)
"Whoever has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them" (John 14:21)
Key Commands of Jesus
- Love God and Love Your Neighbor
- "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind" (Matthew 22:37).
- "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39)
- Repent and Believe
- "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17)
- Follow Me
- "Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people" (Matthew 4:19)
- Forgive Others
- "Forgive, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:21-22)
- Do to Others as You Would Have Them Do to You
- "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12)
- Be Reconciled
- "If you are offering your gift at the altar and remember your brother has something against you, first go and be reconciled" (Matthew 5:23-24)
- Care for Those in Need
- "I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink" (Matthew 25:35-36)
Agape is a gift of the Holy Spirit only, unconverted people do not have agape. Romans 5:5 The image of GOD that you and I were created in is the Hebrew word Tselem meaning a shadow, illusion. We are in GODS image in the sense that we are a spirit in a temporary body of flesh. This is a shadow much like the law was a shadow, we have no substance without Christ who was an exact copy of GODS image in righteousness and agape. Hebrews 1:3 “express image” Strongs G5481 Jesus was a great light whereas we only a shadow. We need to be recreated in the image of that great light in order to truly be in the image of GOD.
I understand your view and know it is a common one but I have a different interpretation. I think we all from birth have holy spirit within us. We need to recognize it and develop our connection to it but it is there within our grasp.
Historical examples of agape love by non-Christians can be found in various cultural and philosophical traditions, even though the term itself is deeply associated with Christian theology. Below are some examples:
Historical examples of agape love by non-Christians can be found in various cultural and philosophical traditions, even though the term itself is deeply associated with Christian theology. Below are some examples:
1. Ancient Greek Phiolosophy
- In pre-Christian Greek philosophy, agape was sometimes used to describe selfless and compassionate love. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle discussed forms of love that emphasized care for the community and the well-being of others, although these concepts were not fully equivalent to the Christian understanding of agape15.
- For instance, Plato's writings occasionally touch on love that transcends personal desires, aiming at the greater good or universal harmony3.
2. Buddhist Concept of Metta
- The Buddhist principle of mettā (loving-kindness) closely resembles agape. It involves unconditional goodwill toward all beings, including strangers and enemies. This selfless love is a central tenet in Buddhist practice and aligns with the idea of universal compassion6.
3. Confucian Virtue of Ren
- In Confucianism, ren (benevolence or humaneness) embodies selfless care for others and a commitment to social harmony. This virtue encourages individuals to act out of compassion and kindness toward all people, transcending personal interests6.
4. Sacrificial Acts by Non-Christians
- Historical examples of individuals who demonstrated sacrificial love include first responders or humanitarian workers who risk their lives for others without religious motivation. These acts emulate the essence of agape through selflessness and service to humanity2.
5. Mother Teresa's Work
- While Mother Teresa was a Christian, her work inspired many non-Christians to engage in similar acts of unconditional service and compassion toward marginalized communities. Her legacy demonstrates how agape principles can transcend religious boundaries4.
It looks like we have diverted into the weeds.
I think we must not forget that Adam was told that eating the fruit of the forbidden tree would cause him to die. He did not die physically, so how did he?
The spirit in him came from the breath of Yahweh, but nothing says it was the Holy Spirit. If it WAS the Holy Spirit of God, he would not have eaten the fruit offered by Eve. The Holy Spirit cannot sin.
Yet, God gives us a spirit at birth - just not His.
Yahweh is Spirit, and He sends himself forth as spirit to interact with man. We are told that Yeshua was born with the fullness of His Father's Spirit. We are not. We are born with our individual spirit which ( in my view) can be doomed when we sin. Until we are reborn - think "infant" - with the Spirit of God, we are to be considered dead. We have not yet perished, but there will come a day when that can happen. At this point, we are to grow. Even the scriptures say:
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature (can also mean "maturity") and in favor with God and man.
It is true - to my eyes - that anyone can display love, kindness, concern, generosity, etc. - However, we may never see the source of such behavior. Any suggestions as to what circumstance would define the person who has Christian agape? When the world is treating someone well, it is easier to be loving, kind, concerned, and generous.
How about when the world is being a harsh place to live? Just look at the words and phrases used in this and other forums when a thread goes sideways.....
But, I hope everyone understands that I do not claim to have total understanding of everything that Yahweh and Yeshua have said, done, instructed. God has not affirmed all my thoughts yet.
I submit these passages in the interlinear version so that English translations may not deceive: I think most of us can tell just Who is being described here. That person is our Messiah. He was not born under The Law, so the Law did not make Him guilty of sin.
Isaiah 42:
6 I, Yahweh, I call You in righteousness, And I shall hold fast to Your hand; I shall preserve You And give You for a covenant of the people, For a light of the nations,
7 To unclose the eyes that are blind, To bring forth the prisoner from the enclosure, And those dwelling in darkness from the house of detention.
8 I am Yahweh; that is My Name, And My glory I shall not give to another, Or My praise to carvings.
9 The former things, behold, they came; Now I will tell the new; Ere they are sprouting I shall announce them to you.
Isaiah 49:8 - 13
8 Thus says Yahweh: In a season acceptable I answer You, And in a day of salvation I help You; I shall preserve You And give You for a covenant of the people, To set up the land, To allot the desolated allotments,
9 To say to the prisoners, Go forth, And to those in darkness, Be revealed; On all the mountains shall they graze, And on all the ridges shall be their pasture.
10 They shall not hunger nor thirst, And the parching wind or sun shall not smite them; For He Who shows them compassion, He shall lead them. And onto founts of water shall He conduct them.
11 I will make all My mountains a way, And My highways, they shall be raised up.
12 Behold, these from afar, they shall come, And behold, these from the north and from the sea, And these from the land of the Sinim.
13 Be jubilant, heavens! And exult, earth! Let jubilant song burst forth, mountains, For Yahweh comforts His people, And He is having compassion on His humble ones.
Mind you, I am not bringing "the Soul" into this. That would require a separate thread.
I think we must not forget that Adam was told that eating the fruit of the forbidden tree would cause him to die. He did not die physically, so how did he?
The spirit in him came from the breath of Yahweh, but nothing says it was the Holy Spirit. If it WAS the Holy Spirit of God, he would not have eaten the fruit offered by Eve. The Holy Spirit cannot sin.
Yet, God gives us a spirit at birth - just not His.
Yahweh is Spirit, and He sends himself forth as spirit to interact with man. We are told that Yeshua was born with the fullness of His Father's Spirit. We are not. We are born with our individual spirit which ( in my view) can be doomed when we sin. Until we are reborn - think "infant" - with the Spirit of God, we are to be considered dead. We have not yet perished, but there will come a day when that can happen. At this point, we are to grow. Even the scriptures say:
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature (can also mean "maturity") and in favor with God and man.
It is true - to my eyes - that anyone can display love, kindness, concern, generosity, etc. - However, we may never see the source of such behavior. Any suggestions as to what circumstance would define the person who has Christian agape? When the world is treating someone well, it is easier to be loving, kind, concerned, and generous.
How about when the world is being a harsh place to live? Just look at the words and phrases used in this and other forums when a thread goes sideways.....
But, I hope everyone understands that I do not claim to have total understanding of everything that Yahweh and Yeshua have said, done, instructed. God has not affirmed all my thoughts yet.
I submit these passages in the interlinear version so that English translations may not deceive: I think most of us can tell just Who is being described here. That person is our Messiah. He was not born under The Law, so the Law did not make Him guilty of sin.
Isaiah 42:
6 I, Yahweh, I call You in righteousness, And I shall hold fast to Your hand; I shall preserve You And give You for a covenant of the people, For a light of the nations,
7 To unclose the eyes that are blind, To bring forth the prisoner from the enclosure, And those dwelling in darkness from the house of detention.
8 I am Yahweh; that is My Name, And My glory I shall not give to another, Or My praise to carvings.
9 The former things, behold, they came; Now I will tell the new; Ere they are sprouting I shall announce them to you.
Isaiah 49:8 - 13
8 Thus says Yahweh: In a season acceptable I answer You, And in a day of salvation I help You; I shall preserve You And give You for a covenant of the people, To set up the land, To allot the desolated allotments,
9 To say to the prisoners, Go forth, And to those in darkness, Be revealed; On all the mountains shall they graze, And on all the ridges shall be their pasture.
10 They shall not hunger nor thirst, And the parching wind or sun shall not smite them; For He Who shows them compassion, He shall lead them. And onto founts of water shall He conduct them.
11 I will make all My mountains a way, And My highways, they shall be raised up.
12 Behold, these from afar, they shall come, And behold, these from the north and from the sea, And these from the land of the Sinim.
13 Be jubilant, heavens! And exult, earth! Let jubilant song burst forth, mountains, For Yahweh comforts His people, And He is having compassion on His humble ones.
Mind you, I am not bringing "the Soul" into this. That would require a separate thread.
The Holy spirit is a gift to the saints. Acts 2:38 If all people have the Holy Spirit then all humanity is already a Christian. There are fruits and gifts that are given by the Holy Spirit. The reason humanity needs salvation is because all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of GOD. Jude 1:9 “do not have the spirit “ 1 Corinthians 2:14 Romans 8:9
John 3:5,6 John 7:39 I would think that the scriptures I have provided completely refute the idea that all people are born with the Holy Spirit.
The examples you give of other religions is mixing apples with oranges. None of them can compare to Christianity. What separates them from Christianity is the spirit of GOD, the only true GOD as Jesus said. John 17:3 Therefore the gods of any other religion are false gods, products of Satanic deception. Remember Satan and his ministers appear as angels of light but are in reality thick darkness. If history teaches us anything all these religions you have mentioned have had violent histories that involved persecution and death. The mistake here is comparing carnal human emotions to those of GOD and thinking they are the same. Carnal human love is not agape. Agape is a gift that comes to those having the Holy Spirit. Human love cannot fulfill the law, it is based on carnal thinking and not all inclusive but full of prejudice.
What Outcast wrote about is true and biblical. We cannot and should not form our beliefs on our own thoughts or emotions but on those of GODS. Isaiah 55:8,9 These verses in Isaiah speak the truth and provide volumes of spiritual wisdom to the one having the Holy Spirit.
John 3:5,6 John 7:39 I would think that the scriptures I have provided completely refute the idea that all people are born with the Holy Spirit.
The examples you give of other religions is mixing apples with oranges. None of them can compare to Christianity. What separates them from Christianity is the spirit of GOD, the only true GOD as Jesus said. John 17:3 Therefore the gods of any other religion are false gods, products of Satanic deception. Remember Satan and his ministers appear as angels of light but are in reality thick darkness. If history teaches us anything all these religions you have mentioned have had violent histories that involved persecution and death. The mistake here is comparing carnal human emotions to those of GOD and thinking they are the same. Carnal human love is not agape. Agape is a gift that comes to those having the Holy Spirit. Human love cannot fulfill the law, it is based on carnal thinking and not all inclusive but full of prejudice.
What Outcast wrote about is true and biblical. We cannot and should not form our beliefs on our own thoughts or emotions but on those of GODS. Isaiah 55:8,9 These verses in Isaiah speak the truth and provide volumes of spiritual wisdom to the one having the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38, where Peter instructs believers to "repent and be baptized... for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit," can be reconciled with the belief that all humans inherently possess God's Spirit through three key theological perspectives:
Reconciliation Summary:
Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share
1. Universal Presence vs. Personal Indwelling
The Holy Spirit’s work is understood differently in terms of general presence and specific indwelling. While God’s Spirit sustains all life (Job 34:14-15; Acts 17:28)122, the "gift" in Acts 2:38 refers to the Spirit’s personal indwelling as a mark of covenantal relationship with Christ. This distinction mirrors incarnational Trinitarian theology, which affirms that God’s love encompasses all humanity through Jesus’ work, but the Spirit’s indwelling becomes experiential through repentance and faith212.2. Objective Inclusion vs. Subjective Reception
Theologically, all people are objectively included in God’s redemptive plan through Christ’s incarnation and Pentecost23. However, the "gift" of the Spirit in Acts 2:38 is a subjective reception tied to repentance and baptism, signifying a conscious alignment with Christ’s lordship16. This parallels Paul’s teaching that only those who belong to Christ possess the Spirit (Romans 8:9)711, while acknowledging God’s universal life-giving presence12.3. Baptism as Covenant Sign, Not Causative Mechanism
The phrase "for the forgiveness of sins" (Greek eis) is debated: some interpret it as "because of" forgiveness already granted through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)69, while others view baptism as the moment of covenant inclusion. Either way, the Spirit’s indwelling is not a transactional result of baptism but a relational reality for those who repent16. The "gift" here likely refers to the Spirit’s empowering presence (Acts 1:8)48, distinct from the general sustaining role of the Spirit in creation12.Reconciliation Summary:
- All humans: Participate in God’s sustaining Spirit by virtue of creation (universal presence)122.
- Christians: Receive the Spirit’s indwelling as a transformative "gift" through repentance and baptism, marking covenantal identity in Christ (Acts 2:38)1611.
This framework maintains the exclusivity of the Spirit’s redemptive work in believers while affirming God’s universal love and presence23.
Citations:
- https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/2/Acts-2-38.html
- https://thesurprisinggodblog.gci.org/2012/12/does-everyone-have-holy-spirit.html
- https://www.wisdomonline.org/blog/christian-universalism?lang=English
- https://theos.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3614
- http://www.bibletruths.net/archives/BTAR241.htm
- https://www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Acts-2-38.html
- https://christiancourier.com/articles/what-is-the-gift-of-the-holy-spirit-in-acts-2-38
- https://faithalone.org/journal-articles/the-gospel-and-water-baptism-2/
- https://thebiblesays.com/en/synopsis/act+2:38
- https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-do-i-know-if-the-holy-spirit-is-in-me
- https://www.andrewkgabriel.com/2017/07/06/spirit-non-christians/
- https://biblehub.com/commentaries/acts/2-38.htm
- https://hermeneutics.stackexchange....baptism-for-the-remission-of-sins-in-acts-238
- https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/acts-2-38.html
- https://onwardinthefaith.com/are-humans-made-of-three-parts-are-we-body-soul-and-spirit/
- https://www.moodybible.org/beliefs/holy-spirit/
- https://www.postost.net/2019/09/does-god-intend-all-people-be-saved-universalism-david-bentley-hart
- https://forum.evangelicaluniversali...res-that-show-jesus-will-save-all-people/4008
- https://www.acts29.com/the-universality-of-gods-people/
- https://www.newnatureministries.org...n-universalism-is-misguided-and-unscriptural/
- https://christianity.stackexchange....alism-the-majority-belief-of-the-early-church
- https://www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Acts-2-38.html
- https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/blog/baptism-thoughts-from-acts-238-by-john-macarthur/
- https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/acts-2/
- https://www.gotquestions.org/repent-and-be-baptized.html
- https://versebyversecommentary.com/2022/02/04/acts-238/
- https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/acts-2-38
- https://www.gotquestions.org/human-spirit.html
- https://www.str.org/w/the-holy-spirit-is-god
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_universalism
- http://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/2014/05/gods-love-is-in-your-future.html
- https://www.faithfacts.org/world-religions-and-theology/universalism-refuted
- https://spiritbodysoul.com/recognising-universalism/
Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share
I interpret what is considered "indwelling holy spirit" by mainstream christianity is actually awakened awareness of what was already there. It is activated by repenting and having the mind of Christ. The gift of holy spirit when it is realized is peace, love, joy, long suffereing, etc.
I endeavor to do that but am hesitant to accept the bible as inerrant. It is easily provable that is not the case. Genesis alone has many contradictions. I'm not saying i totally reject it - I actually love studying it but I recognize man has his sticky hands in it. So I'm assuming when you say we should only form our beliefs on God's thoughts that you take that from the Bible and the Bible only. I don't. I am made in God's image and once I started focusing on Jesus words and how he described his God and Father I was able to understand "God's thoughts" so much better.
I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything. Just offering anohter POV. It has brought me much comfort and peace from the spirital abuse / pain I've subjected myself to from the Watchtower teachings and more recently those in another "biblical" fundamental community.
In the hand of the original writers the Bible is inerrant. You are correct that Satanic inspired men have altered words, phrases, verses, eliminated the 2nd commandment and divided the 10th into two parts, butchered 1 John 5:7 , John 1:1-5 and many others, but how do I know this ? I claim to have by the power of GODS Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ the ability to be taught the truth in spite of all these corruptions. GODS spirit is able to overcome any perversion men have done to the scriptures. I have mentioned to you in the past that all of GODS elect saints are prophets and prophetesses because of the Satanic inspired alterations GOD eliminated all human ministers . Therefore anyone who claims to be a minister or teacher or leader is a liar and of Satan and not GOD. The saints have the GOD given gift of discernment to be able to try the spirits of men or angels to prove if they are of GOD or not. Spiritual “tools” of this sort enable GODS saints to yet use the Bible but glean out the lies and still find the truth. All things are possible with GOD.
If you wish to judge GOD that is not wise. I have posted articles here on your forum that explain the question you ask. Briefly, Adam knowingly ate the forbidden fruit and sold out all of us to Satan. Adam acquired the knowledge of good and evil that is required to sin. GOD gave Adams children the choice Adam made, Israel , the law through Moses that for the carnal mind defines good and evil, the forbidden knowledge Adam acquired. The law was to be a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ but Israel used it to generate their own self righteousness. Even though Adam had sinned Christ was declared the lamb slain from the beginning of the world. All the violence suffered was brought upon humanity due to Adams sin. If humanity had really obeyed the Ten Commandments the world would have been much better even though the Ten Commandments would not provide salvation but they would have made carnal life much more tolerable. The law also demonstrated the seriousness of sin and demanded death for its violation. Again this is due to Adams choice not GODS. GOD would have desired that Adam do the right thing and obey HIM but Adam loved is wife more than his GOD. There are many lessons to be learned by what happened in the old covenant days. If Adam had only obeyed what would have been the result ? The two trees were a choice Adam was to make and GOD helped by informing him that one led to everlasting death and the other to everlasting life. In these two trees are the two covenants. All GOD did was give Adam what he chose thus proving the free will of man because GOD knew in advance Adams choice but did not alter it. All of this boils down to love. GOD loved Adam but Adam loved Eve and GOD yet desires that we love HIM because HE first loved us. Agape must be by free will else it is not real, love or agape cannot be legislated by law or preprogrammed into humankind but must over the course of the plan of GOD be freely given and accepted by both GOD and man. This process became long and drawn out because of sin whereas if Adam had chosen correctly things would have transpired very differently.
Think about it, GOD even allowed men to butcher scripture, because HE knew HE could still get the truth to HIS saints. Men can’t foil the will of GOD. Be very careful not to judge your creator when we operate with very little knowledge and understanding but GOD has all knowledge and understanding. If there was a better way to have done things in order to achieve HIS will GOD would have done it.
Another help. In Matthew 17:11 Jesus makes this remarkable statement. This Elijah to come is not a man. That Jesus says “restore all things” is key to understanding. John the Baptist restored nothing and was only sent to baptize with the baptism of repentance. To restore means to bring back what was lost, to return to a former situation practice or custom. There is no doubt that massive deception entered and many lies and false gospels were preached to the degree where much truth was lost. John 24:26 This teaching by the Holy Spirit would be needed in each succeeding generation of saints that would be called and chosen. The Elijah that restores all things is the same spirit that was empowering Elijah the Tishbite and John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit of GOD. This spirit is what teaches me and I have been hearing in my spirit the truth of GOD In spite of all the damage caused by mistranslations or deliberate alterations. GOD expects me to overcome but HE must make that possible for me in the face of so much deception. I realize that my words carry no spiritual weight with anyone, I can say it is the truth but I cannot give that truth to anyone else, it must come from GOD through Christ. John 6:45 1 John 2:27 John 16:13 1 Corinthians 2:12,13 Isaiah 54:13 1 Corinthians 2:10 1 John 2:20 These scriptures testify that what I have written here is the truth.
My sister, I can fully understand what you are saying here. I was on that road for a long time. My "church family" is/was the same way.
They claimed that they "knew" that their KJV bibles were inerrant - and they were upset if I ever mentioned the discrepancies in that claim. Rather than work through those problems, they just ignored the contradictions. That way, they got to keep their friendships, associations, and some fine buffet meals.
These issues were a large part of my commitment to get my degree in scripture studies - and found out the professors tended to be the same way. However, I got very good grades in the tests because, the grades were my goal.
I wanted to feel God near me. I wanted to have genuine peace and true understanding. It did not come from my bibles -which I have in many translations.
It is probably too weird for most people to understand what would make a man cry and fall on the floor begging Yahweh for understanding and yield his mind and body to whatever God wanted of him. That sounds too much like some Hollywood production - or an imitation Pentecostal stage. However, it CAN happen. The true desire has to be there, but our human sides prefer less drama and less sacrifice with MORE friends and associations.
I have close family who do not want to speak with me on scriptural things for those reasons. It is too complicated and then they would not be in the majority of "christianity."
Yes, they are comfortable. They have so many telling them how good they are, how knowledgeable they are, etc. They also do not understand the contradicting scriptures, but they have learned how to be OK with that. My prayer for them, always, is that Yahweh will call them to surrender their all to His Son. Right now, they do not understand the concept.
Christians have always been taught by GODS spirit. From Able to forward to just before Moses there was no bible, no written scripture yet according to Hebrews 11 the people mentioned all were of faith. Moses was the first to write scripture. As you have said todays bibles all contain errors, some by poor translation and some deliberately altered to support a false doctrine. GOD did not stop this because HE can teach without the scriptures but has the power to also reveal the bad translations and deliberate alterations to HIS saints so that they are not deceived by them. The fact that the Bible has errors is no reason to throw it away. The spirit of GOD gives the saints the ability to sense the errors and find the truth. The small group I fellowship with has this ability. Errors will contradict the truth and will stand out and be seen. Most of the Bible is true because the people who created the errors could not cover every possible scripture concerning any given subject. Also the people of the errors do not have the Holy Spirit and are unable to find the truth anyway. 2 Timothy 3:7 Proverbs 3:5,6 This verse in Proverbs is a good spiritual rule to follow. Psalm 32:8 The saints must in faith believe that GOD will guide them
You're making a huge assumption - that all the words in the Bible actually came from or were inspiried by the true God - source of all things. I am allowing myself to question EVERYTHING. I know in my soul that our heavenly father is GOOD. He is not going to detroy me for "making sure of all things". Men corrupted scripture, attributed things to God that are not in his nature - the nature I infer from the red letter writings of Jesus words.
And yes I look at other ancient texts and don't discount them just because they are not in the Bible. I evaluate them against Jesus words and teachings. If I see anthing that does not align with the fruits of the spirit then I know it is not of God.
So when you say the above I say so do Judeo Christians. To excuse it away with fear mongering "be careful don't judge God" is a very weak argument IMHO.
I appreciate your sharing your story of how you left yoru former church family - I think all of us have that find this site. I feel your pain and rejoice in your finding God in a deeper more meaningful way.
I feel the same but yet we have different opinions / interpretations. So I chose to focus on loving God and Neighbor in a big way and let the theology sort it self out later. I trust in my heavenly father that if I endeavor to be of service to "the least of these" he will be happy.
- Matthew 25:35-40: Jesus teaches that serving "the least of these" is serving Him directly.
- James 2:14-17: Faith without deeds is dead; helping those without clothes or food is essential.
- Hebrews 13:16: "Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
- Galatians 6:10: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
- Luke 6:30: "Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back."
- 1 John 3:17: "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"
- Proverbs 3:27: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."