Bible Topics and Questions

[SilentFeathers]

Posted by kreagle (here)

Posted by SilentFeathers (here)
If you subract 1260 days from the date Dewey Bruton claims is the center of tribulation (3-22-2013), you come to the date of October 9, 2009, the date Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize! This gets more strange every minute!!!!

SilentFeathers,

Yes, indeed,....it gets more strange, ( and profound), every minute, brother! I am genuinely expecting 'something' to happen around the '22nd' of this month. This 'selection of the Pope' fiasco is sinister in every sense of the word to me, so I won't be surprised in the least when 'all hell breaks loose', literally! I know that I used the word 'cataclysmic' earlier in my PM to you describing what I was expecting around the 22nd, and you personally felt that was a little 'harsh'. I'm almost convinced that whatever 'does' happen on, or about, the 22nd may not be originally perceived to be that 'earthshaking' to begin with,....but may very well prove to be, indeed, cataclysmic in the long run and that we just don't know it yet.

Thanks for the updated version, I didn't know it existed.

I agree something is very likely to happen on or near the 22nd of March, possibly (likely) leading into something down the road quite chaotic. Probably not far down that road either....

Too many "coincidences" are connecting too many things together that with just a quick glance you would never see any connection.

I think that whatever happens on or near the 22nd will be quite clear to those that are watching.....

[kreagle]

He 'Ain't Heavy,.....He's My Brother!

Posted by Kraut (here)
Even while I was still a "Christian" believer I grew very skeptical of Paul, to say the least. Christianity is more Pauline than actually of Christ, but few notice that.

Kraut,

You are certainly not the 'first' to be wary of the Apostle Paul,...nor will you be the 'last', my friend. Let me take a few moments, here, to explain something about Paul that you may have not fully realized.


It seems that Paul's past educational teachings, ( prior to his conversion), combined with him, equally, receiving the Holy Ghost experience, too, placed him on a much higher level, ( spiritually speaking), than most of his fellow 'original' Apostles. This sometimes caused 'confusion' as we see in these simple words by the Apostle Peter, as he was quick to defend his 'brother', here,.....

2 Peter 3:15-17 (KJV)

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

In this Text, Peter candidly admits that 'some things' Paul spoke about were 'hard to understand', in 'all of his epistles'. ( verse 16) This reveals to me that, even Peter, himself, had great difficulty understanding the spiritual depth that Paul went to in his many teachings that were directed towards the Church, and intended for edification of the saints within the Church. Here we find that Peter defended his brother, Paul, for even he fully knew there was a tremendous amount of 'wisdom' behind Paul's teachings and his writings. ( verse 15)


I want you to look at the 'vast' difference between the 'educations' of both these men,....Paul and Peter.

For Paul,.....

The scriptures tell us that Saul was an extremely well-educated man of his day, brought up, ( or taught), 'at the feet of Gamaliel'. ( Acts 22:3) This same Gamaliel was a 'teacher of the Law', noted for his learning, and was president of the Sanhedrin during the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius. Under Gamaliel, Saul would have started out as a 'scribe', in his early years of tutelage, and then would have graduated to the rank of a Pharisee as a young adult. Pharisees were considered the 'lawyers of their day', and as such, knew the Law, inside and out. His account of this is recorded in his Epistle to the Philippians.

Philippians 3:4-6 (KJV)

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

You see, Paul, would have received the equivalent of a today's degree from Harvard, or Yale, so-to-speak, in relationship to his privileged educational background, which very few had access to back then.

For Peter,.....

The Scriptures are not so kind in explaining the 'limited educational background' of the Apostle Peter, for It's description of him plainly states he was a 'common fisherman' and even goes a step further with this graphic depiction of his 'intellectual' capability.

Acts 4:13 (KJV)

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

You see, while 'one of them', ( Paul), had the equivalency of a 'Harvard/Yale' degree,.....the 'other one', ( Peter), would have had what we might refer to as a G.E.D., ( General Educational Development).

No wonder Peter,....along with many 'others' had difficulty, at times, in deciphering some of the in-depth teachings, and writings, of the Apostle Paul! God was 'specifically' utilizing that 'in-depth educational background', of Paul's, to teach His people 'how' to conduct themselves within His Church, and the Christian lives that He desired for them to live!

This takes me, specifically, to the next point I would like to reveal about the role of the Apostle Paul, and what you might not know about him. In this point, you will probably begin to recognize 'why' the Apostle Paul is so 'villainized' today by so many individuals.

It seems that the Apostle Paul would become 'saddled' with a solemn responsibility as he embarked upon his ministry, and calling, from our Lord. This 'responsibility' was going to cause a great deal of 'uncomfortable' moments for him throughout the rest of his life, and even the Lord, Himself, said as much when He candidly revealed this to Ananias.

Acts 9:13-16 (KJV)

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Here, we can clearly see that Paul not only suffered ridicule, rejection, and persecution, during his 'earthly' mission while he was alive,.....but he 'still',...today,....suffers the 'same' level, ( if not 'greater level'), of ridicule, rejection, and persecution from 'those' who still cannot understand, ( or appreciate), his role that God called him to perform.

Quite frankly, Paul was specifically called upon, ( by the Lord, Himself), to 'police',...set in motion,.....set the by-laws,....solve early Christian disputes,.....reprove and rebuke, when necessary,....etc,...etc,...etc,...etc! Paul was the 'bad guy',...if you please. He was specifically the 'one' the early Church looked to, in their infancy, to establish their 'by-laws' of exactly how they should conduct themselves. The 'early Church' was nothing more than a large group of 'New-Born' Christian Babies and in great need of a 'seasoned Spiritual leader' to help them establish their 'by-laws',....the 'dos and the don'ts',...if you will. Paul was that man,....specifically chosen by God, himself,....on that road to Damascus,....for this moment in time.

The Lord specifically needed a man who was thoroughly 'educated' in all the Jewish 'laws' and understanding, and Paul was that man! The Lord specifically needed a man who was 'filled with His Spirit' to carry out this burdensome, tedious task, and Paul, once again, was that man!

No wonder Paul was 'villainized',....then,....and today, also! His message to the 'early' Church was one that often 'went against the fleshly desires' of the hearer of such message! No one, ( back 'then'), wanted to restrain their 'fleshly desires',....nor do they today, either,.....so consequently, Paul's directives are just as unpopular today as the day they were originally penned to begin with!

Additionally, it should be specifically stated that absolutely no one will ever be able to fully understand, ( or appreciate), what the Apostle Paul endeavored to do for the 'early Church',......UNTIL,.....they have 'equally' been filled with the Holy Ghost,....so spiritual enlightenment can truly reveal to them just how important Paul's message was then,....and now!

The 'message' of the Apostle Paul came with a lot of 'baggage' that most people don't want to carry around, ( and most 'refuse' to carry!)

That 'extra weight' is just simply more that 'most' can bear,....so they simply don't try to!

Paul's message seems to be 'too heavy' for most individuals/believers to include, ( or carry), around with them, in their everyday lives.

Paul's message,....'heavy' as it may have seemed,....has our Lord's approval, and anointing, stamped all over it, my dear friends!


The 'Holy Ghost' experience will make that 'baggage', ( and all that weight), go away!



He 'Ain't Heavy,......He's My Brother!,......and I, like Peter, am my brother's keeper! That's why, like Peter,...I have no problem defending, ( and taking up for), my brother!


Your brother, friend, and servant, too!,.........kreagle

[Fred Steeves]

Posted by kreagle (here)
You see, while 'one of them', ( Paul), had the equivalency of a 'Harvard/Yale' degree,.....the 'other one', ( Peter), would have had what we might refer to as a G.E.D., ( General Educational Development).

Being a high school dropout myself (with only a GED), and having been a commercial fisherman amongst many other common man endeavors, I'll listen any day to what the fisherman has to say about life, over the smug Ivy League white shoe boy.

The fisherman would suggest something common sense and simple like: "Work hard, be honest, and treat people with respect".

The Ivy Leaguer, with no real life experience, would suggest something complex that would come across as: "Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah". (LOL)

[Prodigal Son]

The problem with "Paul" is that the epistles that are attributed to him are not consistently the same style and are filled with contradictions.

Case in point: In one breath, he says women should keep their mouths shut in Church and should especially not pray out loud. In another breath he says women should wear a head covering while teaching or praying. And then at the end of several epistles he praises the many different women that were either heads of their churches or taking leadership roles in spreading the "good news". However, according to him in Colossians 1:23, the good news had already been spread far and wide, to "every creature under heaven" before Christ even came along. He speaks of a Cosmic Christ, never once referring to the actual life of Jesus, as if he never knew it existed. He hated the Torah, claimed it was dictated by "angels', and hated the tyrannical Jehovah. He was plagued with physical problems, such as Epilepsy and was probably a closet homosexual. He was a Gnostic, and I am not entirely sure that he had bad intentions, because the poor guy's writings were tampered with for centuries after he died.

[kreagle]

Posted by Fred Steeves (here)

Posted by kreagle (here)
You see, while 'one of them', ( Paul), had the equivalency of a 'Harvard/Yale' degree,.....the 'other one', ( Peter), would have had what we might refer to as a G.E.D., ( General Educational Development).

Being a high school dropout myself (with only a GED), and having been a commercial fisherman amongst many other common man endeavors, I'll listen any day to what the fisherman has to say about life, over the smug Ivy League white shoe boy.

The fisherman would suggest something common sense and simple like: "Work hard, be honest, and treat people with respect".

The Ivy Leaguer, with no real life experience, would suggest something complex that would come across as: "Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah". (LOL)

Hey Fred,

I can certainly agree with your premise that siding with the one with the 'common sense' over the 'Ivy Leaguer' is more preferable. Common sense is a precious commodity that is woefully absent in much of our society, today, and few people seem to have it. I've often seen that the 'average Joe' has a much better grip on 'common sense', as you have indicated, and much more capable of making 'sensible' decisions than those who have exceeded him in the classroom.


My reason for highlighting the vast differences between Paul and Peter's educational backgrounds was to illustrate 'why' God specifically chose Paul for the task He had for him. God will, indeed, use our 'abilities' if we will avail ourselves to Him, and be willing vessels at His disposal. His 'educational background',....combined with his 'Spirit-filled' life,.....made him a 'perfect' candidate to... "bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:" ( Acts 9:15), and to guide the 'early' Church through It's infancy by establishing It's by-laws.

Certainly, don't take my post as a 'slap in the face' to the Apostle Peter, for he is one of my 'favorites' concerning great men in the Bible. Peter had a 'rare', special, quality about him that prodded him to venture into 'divine places' that the other disciples either 'failed to see',....or were simply unwilling to go there. As the twelve disciples were queried by the Master, Peter was the 'only' disciple who, 'originally', fully recognized Jesus' Divine Nature, over His Human origin, ( Matthew 16:13-19) Peter's keen observance, here, equally earned him the privilege to be the 'spokesman', or 'keynote' speaker, on the Day of Pentecost, where he personally delivered the inaugural Gospel Message, and It's 'message of salvation',....as the Lord specifically 'tossed him the keys' to open this event for all of mankind. ( Acts 2:14-31) Once again, when all twelve of them saw Jesus approaching the boat in the midst of a raging storm, Peter was the 'only' disciple who had the courage, ( and faith), to 'get out of the boat' and 'walk' on water towards the Lord. ( Matthew 14:22-31)


Yes, indeed, Peter may have been a 'commoner' in the eyes of humanity,....but he truly had the 'special eye of the Lord' upon him and was far from 'common' to Him,....but a rather 'special' individual in which He would use for His glory!


God Bless,.......your brother, friend, and servant,.......kreagle

[kreagle]

Posted by Prodigal Son (here)
The problem with "Paul" is that the epistles that are attributed to him are not consistently the same style and are filled with contradictions.

Brother,

The 'reason' Paul's style seems to be altered in his various Epistles is simply because he was addressing 'different needs',....for....'different people',.....at......'different locations'. What 'message' one particular group needed often was 'totally different' from what another group needed, thus we see the necessity to 'change spiritual gears' and address the particular need, accordingly. If Paul's 'style' suggests that 'someone entirely different' was writing a particular Epistle, then, quite frankly, he was, ( spiritually speaking),...'someone entirely different',...FOR THEM,...in their particular time of need. Mind you, this is not to 'suggest' that Paul casually 'altered' his message for certain individuals, for he always stayed, consistently, within the guidelines of the Gospel Message in a very dogmatic manner! ( see Galatians 1:1-9). Paul's 'style' was to simply 'get on whatever level it took' in order to win someone to Christ, as we clearly see in his writings, here,.....

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (KJV)

16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Verses 22 and 23, above, sums up 'why' the Apostle Paul's 'style' seemed to come from 'seperate individuals', for he literally revealed the 'dual' role he was willing to employ in order to claim another soul to Christ!,......"I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you."


Paul's 'specialty' was 'Church building,...and...Church maintenance', for this is specifically what Paul was qualified to do, with his 'vast educational background' that was equally interwoven with the Holy Ghost within him.


As far as your charge of 'contradictions' I will, once again, refer to my original post to Kraut, concerning this. Brother, I cannot possibly underscore, enough, the fact that it's going to require being 'filled with the Holy Ghost',....( spiritually 'Born Again' of the water and the Spirit),....in order for you, ( or anyone else), to be able to spiritually grasp the in-depth teachings/writings of the Apostle Paul. Then, only, will you see for yourself!

1 Corinthians 2:13-14 (KJV)

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Love, Peace, and God Bless,......your brother, friend, and servant,.....kreagle

[kreagle]

Reading Someone Else's Mail!!!

(....NOT Intended For You!!!)

While most of us know that it's a Federal Offense to 'willfully' open, ( and read), someone else's mail in the U.S.,...there's another set of 'letters' , ( 'Spiritual Mail'), that has been 'opened and read' by many, many, individuals who were not 'originally' intended to receive such 'letters!'


I am referring to the 'Epistles of Paul', ( letters to the many churches), that he specifically helped to establish, and then nurture, into existence. As each one of these 'churches' was established, Paul would personally visit them, ( when he could), and send them 'letters' of encouragement, ( and instructions), in his absence. It's through these many letters, ( the 'Epistles'), that we are able to get a 'glimpse' into what was transpiring during the 'early' years, ( and developmental stages), of each one of these precious works of God.


Of the 27 Books of the New Testament, Paul explicitly wrote 13 of them, and commonly is given credit for also writing the Book of Hebrews, bringing that total to 14 of the 27 Books. These Books are as follows,....

Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews

As stated, the first 13 on this list are the 'Epistles', ( or letters), that I have been referring to, and were expressly written to the churches Paul helped establish in,...Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philip-pi, Colossi,...and Thessalonica. In addition to these 'churches' , the remaining 'letters' were expressly sent to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. In 'each' one of these cases these many 'letters' were intended for 'already established members of the early Church', ( and 'fellow brethren'), who had already been 'Born Again' of the water and the Spirit, and had earlier been obedient, themselves, to the Gospel Message Peter preached in Acts 2:38, when the Church was 'originally' established. To 'read their mail', ( letters), is to read something that was not 'originally' intended for anyone, but them,......but, guess what?,.....that's perfectly alright with God for you to do so, my dear friends!


The only problem with this is that when one reads the 'Church's mail',....PRIOR....to themselves, equally, being 'Born Again' of the water and of the Spirit, ( or receiving the Holy Ghost), it exposes them to the reality that they are 'not spiritually capable to understand what they are reading' in the first place! This is a very 'common' occurrence and leaves a great deal of 'well meaning' individuals completely frustrated as they endeavor to 'spiritually' understand what the contents of these 'Epistles of Paul' was relating to His Church, and Christian 'fellow' laborers.

Remember, friends,.....spiritual understanding 'requires' a 'Spiritual-Infilling, first!'

1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Your 'understanding' will, indeed, make a 'dramatic turn' after you've been filled with His Spirit.

Acts 1:8 (KJV)

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:,.......


And,....


John 16:13(KJV)

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:,......

A 'Spirit-filled' experience will fully enable you to, finally, be able to read the 'letters', ( Epistles), that were formerly 'never intended for you!'


And,....THEN.....my dear friends,.....you won't be 'Reading Someone Else's Mail',.....anymore!

You'll be reading 'your own!'

With 'Great Love' for 'all',.......your brother, friend, and servant,.......kreagle

[kreagle]

Below the 'Surface' Where the Real Fruit Lies!

( '9 fruitful reasons' to yearn for the Holy Ghost experience!)

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Most things in life that we derive the most benefits from require 'peeling back the exterior' in order to reveal, ( and consume), the 'real fruit!' Unless this 'principle' is fully realized and performed, the 'fruit' goes undetected and the would-be consumer is resigned to never realizing it's sweet ingredients and joyful experience designed by God for us.


Such is the 'Holy Ghost' experience, ( the 'Real Fruit' of our lives),....IF.....we will only 'peel back' the callused layers of 'unbelief,...doubt,...fleshly carnal desires,...and ridicule from our fellow friends/relatives.'


'Unbelief and Doubt' - 'Both' of these are closely related to one another, with 'unbelief' being a 'full-scaled version',....and 'doubt' being a 'scaled-down version'. However,...'either of these' will prohibit you from getting down to the 'Real Fruit', and experiencing the infilling of God's Spirit, the Holy Ghost!

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

'Fleshly Carnal Desires' - This is the #1 Enemy that will prohibit you from being able to 'spiritually' enjoy the 'Real Fruit' experience of the Holy Ghost. The desire to 'blend in with society',.....instead of.....'separating oneself to, ( and for), God's service' will firmly keep that 'callused layer' in place and between you and the sweet ingredients of a Spirit-filled life! Somewhere along the line you're going to have to decide whether you want to 'peel back this callused layer' of your 'fleshly carnal desires', and claim the 'Real Fruit' that is yours, for the taking,...or not. 'Most' don't,...quite simply,....but a 'few' do! The 'choice' is entirely up to you!

Romans 8:4-10 (KJV)

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 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.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

'Ridicule From Our Fellow Friends/Relatives' - No one likes persecution,... but this pesky, ( and worrisome), inclusion that will surely come your way, often 'seals the fate' of whether one attempts to peel back,...find....and possess the 'Real Fruit' we've been referring to, here, or whether you will allow yourself to be 'spiritually victimized' and denied the most 'fruitful experience known to mankind!' Unfortunately, previous alliances with friends/relatives often suffer divisions that will need to be overcome, for they will more than likely not share your 'enthusiasm', ( or desire), to venture into a life of being 'Spirit-filled' with you. You're going to be required, in most cases, to venture into this 'spiritual' area by yourself,....and most of the time,...without the support of those friends and relatives!

Luke 12:52-53 (KJV)

52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

( Conclusion)


The desire to peel fruit, ( the 'spiritual' variety), is usually a path that is not very well traveled, and for all of the reasons that have been specifically identified, above.

But,....with a 'little' faith,....perseverance,....and determination,...there's a 'very sweet reward' in store for you!


With Love,....your brother, friend, and servant,.....kreagle

[kreagle]

Is there any of you expecting, ( or perhaps dreading), that something monumental is going to occur relating Obama's visit to Israel?

Opinions anyone?

[kreagle]

Sorry for my 'absence' of late, my brothers and sisters. I've been battling the 'flu' for the last several days. Hope to be back in the swing of things within a few days. Any 'kind' thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated.

With great love, always,........your brother, friend, and servant,.........kreagle

[humanalien]

Why do you think that God found it necessary to
mention Giants in Genesis?

Gen 6:4 states:

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

What does mentioning giants, have to do with anything?

Also. What are your views on the writings of Enoch?

Enoch goes into a little more detail about giants.

[Kraut]

Posted by kreagle (here)
Sorry for my 'absence' of late, my brothers and sisters. I've been battling the 'flu' for the last several days. Hope to be back in the swing of things within a few days. Any 'kind' thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated.

With great love, always,........your brother, friend, and servant,.........kreagle

Best wishes, get well quickly!

[Mark (Star Mariner)]

Hello kreagle and friends. I just wanted to chime in with a quick thought for the day:

"The Nature of God is not Important to us."

Some may picture God as an individual, a human-figure, dressed in a long white smock with a long white beard, sitting in a cloud. If that's your idea, then great. It doesn't matter. Some may think of him as a her, or an it. Or a bright light at the centre of the cosmos. Or as an all-pervasive spiritual energy, in everything, of everything, throughout the space-time continuum. But it doesn't matter.

God, as a power, as a presence, whatever he, her, it, maybe, will not mind how we perceive him, her, or it, because our tiny three-dimensional brains couldn't comprehend his ultimate nature anyway.

The only thing that is important is our connection to God. Our knowing of God's wisdom, and his infinite love and patience for us, and all things. The only important thing is the knowledge that God is in each and every one of us - that we are immortal spirits that came from him, and will one day return.

(All the best kreagle my friend, hope you feel better soon!)

[Akasha]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=aa5FDATiErk

[kreagle]

Posted by humanalien (here)
Why do you think that God found it necessary to
mention Giants in Genesis?

Gen 6:4 states:

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

What does mentioning giants, have to do with anything?

Also. What are your views on the writings of Enoch?

Enoch goes into a little more detail about giants.

humanalien,

Sorry for my delay in responding to your question, but I'm just now getting to the point where I feel like posting again. Thanks to 'everyone' for your kind responses and well wishes during my time of sickness.

Genesis 6:4-9 (KJV)

4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

When taken in context with the passage of scripture in Genesis chapter 6, the 'giant' issue is simply pointing out what type of conditions were existing on the earth at this time, and what drove God to arrive at His Divine decision to 'wipe the earth' from this degradation that had completely contaminated His creation. The 'wording' of Genesis 6:4, clearly shows that this 'offspring' that was created from the 'sons of God',......and.....the 'daughters of men' was not according to His design. These 'sons of God' were part of the 'fallen angels' who had been earlier cast out of Heaven, ( along with Lucifer), for their rebellion against God. It seems that Satan's goal was to 'further pollute' God's creation with a 'hybrid-type' race, which would make their offspring a combination of satanic/woman generated,....instead of the 'pure' man/woman offspring that was originally ordained by God for His creation. You'll notice that this was another 'major factor' in what caused God to choose Noah and his family to 'repopulate the world' with. Notice the wording in verse 9,.......

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Certainly, God wanted a 'pure' bloodline, ( perfect in his generations), to repopulate the world with, in addition to fact that 'Noah walked with God',....so with 'both' of these divine ingredients, Noah was a perfect candidate for God to select to accomplish His will, here.

Also. What are your views on the writings of Enoch?

I have only read certain passages from the Book of Enoch. I realize that Jude made reference to a prophecy by Enoch in Jude 1:14, which would mean that he, himself, ( Jude), would have had to have earlier read some of the writings of Enoch in order to know this information in the first place. I personally don't see any reason to completely avoid the writings of Enoch, ( as some scholars do), but I do highly admonish that one needs to 'follow the leading of His Spirit' in properly deciphering what is correct and to be believed, or not. As always, a 'spirit-filled' life is always going to be a prerequisite to guide the believer in the right direction to go in.


Your brother, friend, and servant,......kreagle

[kreagle]

Posted by Star Mariner (here)
Hello kreagle and friends. I just wanted to chime in with a quick thought for the day:

"The Nature of God is not Important to us."

Some may picture God as an individual, a human-figure, dressed in a long white smock with a long white beard, sitting in a cloud. If that's your idea, then great. It doesn't matter. Some may think of him as a her, or an it. Or a bright light at the centre of the cosmos. Or as an all-pervasive spiritual energy, in everything, of everything, throughout the space-time continuum. But it doesn't matter.

God, as a power, as a presence, whatever he, her, it, maybe, will not mind how we perceive him, her, or it, because our tiny three-dimensional brains couldn't comprehend his ultimate nature anyway.

The only thing that is important is our connection to God. Our knowing of God's wisdom, and his infinite love and patience for us, and all things. The only important thing is the knowledge that God is in each and every one of us - that we are immortal spirits that came from him, and will one day return.

(All the best kreagle my friend, hope you feel better soon!)

StarMariner,


Great to hear from you, again, my dear friend and brother!


I completely agree with your premise regarding our 'connection to God', my dear friend. I do, however, have a disagreement over your statement that,......."The Nature of God is not Important to us."


It's only through His 'Nature' that we are able to get an understanding of His Character and Divine Qualities so that we might be able to attempt to 'replicate them in our own lives'. As we endeavor to live our lives, ( once we have made the decision to obey His Word, and to be 'Born-again of the water and the Spirit'), we must have His Divine Example to equally guide us into the right direction of His Spirit's Will for our lives.


For example,.....notice these directives from our God to us in this following passage,.....

Hebrews 12:14-15 (KJV)

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

In this passage from Hebrews, we can literally see 'three' of God's Natures, here. The 'peace of God',.....'holiness of God',.......and the.......'grace of God' , are all vital character qualities that Paul is admonishing the New Testament believer to equally incorporate into their own Christian lives through a 'Spirit-filled' life with God.


Now,......I fully realize that it's the 'connection' that makes the ultimate difference! However, ( as you have also pointed out), the 'vast indecisiveness' over who God actually is to begin with, plays a major role in why this problem exists!

God, as a power, as a presence, whatever he, her, it, maybe, will not mind how we perceive him, her, or it, because our tiny three-dimensional brains couldn't comprehend his ultimate nature anyway.

Completely interwoven into the quote you have made here, StarMariner, is exactly why so many cannot comprehend the 'Nature of God' which ultimately plays right into whether they make a 'true connection' with God at a later date!


The 'questions' that run through so many minds is, ( as you have alluded to),....."is God a power,......is God a presence,.......is God even a He,......or is God a She,......is God an 'it',........or is God a 'maybe',......or does God even mind how we perceive him,...or her,....or it, to begin with?"


The 'answer' to this question is still the same as it has always been!

John 8:23-25 (KJV)

23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning

because our tiny three-dimensional brains couldn't comprehend his ultimate nature anyway.

You're exactly right, brother,.....and that's exactly 'why' I clearly saw that I, too, needed to be 'Born-Again of the water and the Spirit' as Jesus spoke about to Nicodemus in John, chapter 3, verses 1-7. His Spirit revealed to me what my brain couldn't,.....and never would be able to show me!

Complete obedience to God's Word will 'clear up your spiritual vision', ( as it did mine), where you won't be plagued with the many misconceptions that you have alluded to, here. No longer will you have to wonder 'if' He exists,.....for you will know for sure. There will no longer be a 'maybe',....or.....question his 'gender', for you will be convinced in every sense of the word.


He is 'One' Lord,......who operated as Jehovah in the Old Testament,......manifested Himself in flesh in the New Testament,......became the 'Sacrificial Lamb' at Calvary,.....shed 'His Blood' to cover our sins with,.....Resurrected Himself and defeated Death and Hell for those who would believe on Him,.......and made Himself available to 'all' as the Holy Ghost, God's indwelling Spirit, to those who complete the 'Born-Again' cycle.

His name is Jesus Christ!,.......and, yes, no 3D dimensional human mind can ever reveal this to you,......but His Spirit surely can and will, my dear friend!


Your brother, friend, and servant,.........kreagle

[kreagle]

Victory in the Vacant Tomb!

Matthew 28:6 (KJV)

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Happy Easter to 'all',......your brother, friend, and servant,.......kreagle

[Mark (Star Mariner)]

Posted by kreagle (here)
I completely agree with your premise regarding our 'connection to God', my dear friend. I do, however, have a disagreement over your statement that,......."The Nature of God is not Important to us."


It's only through His 'Nature' that we are able to get an understanding of His Character and Divine Qualities so that we might be able to attempt to 'replicate them in our own lives'. As we endeavor to live our lives, ( once we have made the decision to obey His Word, and to be 'Born-again of the water and the Spirit'), we must have His Divine Example to equally guide us into the right direction of His Spirit's Will for our lives.

Hey mate, great response, and I follow it and agree with it. But what I was trying to get across wasn't worded very well. What I meant was, precisely who/what isn't important - it's not as important to know or understand what God is as it is to have faith in his presence, power and reality.

A simple analogy is the Sun. You know it's there, you see it's light, and you can feel the warmth against your skin, but to experience this, and know this, you do not need to know the science of what's happening - the precise nature of the physics involved etc. (note: I am not associating God with the Sun here).

So many today 'dismiss' God on the mere premise that because He cannot be perceived rationally, scientifically, then he cannot exist. That's the linear 3-dimensional brain talking again. This is the "nature" of God, in regards to trying to tangibly pigeon-hole what he is, that I was talking about, and a stumbling block for many. They need to understand that they don't need to worry about it. Open up the heart, and the spirit and - as you point out - all will become clear.

[kreagle]

Posted by Star Mariner (here)
A simple analogy is the Sun. You know it's there, you see it's light, and you can feel the warmth against your skin, but to experience this, and know this, you do not need to know the science of what's happening - the precise nature of the physics involved etc. (note: I am not associating God with the Sun here).

So many today 'dismiss' God on the mere premise that because He cannot be perceived rationally, scientifically, then he cannot exist. That's the linear 3-dimensional brain talking again. This is the "nature" of God, in regards to trying to tangibly pigeon-hole what he is, that I was talking about, and a stumbling block for many. They need to understand that they don't need to worry about it. Open up the heart, and the spirit and - as you point out - all will become clear.

Very good 'analogy', brother, regarding the 'feeling of the sun's warmth', etc. The only thing I might add is actually what you are referring to, without actually saying the 'keyword', and that's where those who stumble over this fail to deploy their 'faith!'

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

To 'feel' the glowing warmth of God's boundless love should 'spiritually' activate the faith that is within each one of us as we fully acknowledge,......."there IS an ACTUAL GOD out there, somewhere!"


With great love and admiration,.....your brother, friend, and servant,....kreagle

[blufire]

Posted by kreagle (here)

Victory in the Vacant Tomb!

Matthew 28:6 (KJV)

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Happy Easter to 'all',......your brother, friend, and servant,.......kreagle

Hello kreagle,

I was wondering what your thoughts are on the true origins and meaning of the Christian Holiday Easter?