Focus, today, is upon expressions of love for “unseen” divinity. Also, there is more on parables about the kingdom. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Prowess” (Level 2 with 352 points, a member since March 19, 2013) posted the following:
Why do people say they love god?
I mean, they've never met God. How could you truly love someone you've never even seen or talked to?
THE BATTLE AXE: Parables About the Kingdom? (05/02/2014)—(4.) While we understand that parables serve as verbal illustrations and object lessons, many miss that parables are also to be understood as statements of prophecy. Many were based upon common experiences in daily life; some were taken from historical events, and familiar Scriptures. The intent of using parables was not so much to provide full explanations and complete knowledge as to engage hearers, excite curiosity, and establish an appetite for more spiritual matter. (5.) The kingdom Jesus came to demonstrate and increase can not be correctly described and detailed using only the language, material objects, and processes of human experience. There must be a peculiar resonance (aspects of oneness and sameness) between the content of being that resides within a person, and that residing within divinity and GODhead. Jesus himself is a sum and vessel of the kingdom, such that by his Advent and coming, mankind receives divine governance, frameworks for sacred practice (we say, sacraments), and rule without there also having to be a change in eternal law. Consider Deuteronomy 18: 18-19, Psalms 78: 1-8, Proverbs 1: 5-7, Ezekiel 17: 1-10, Isaiah 14: 3-12 and Revelation 12: 10-12, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1st Peter 1: 3-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); Desire for Love? (07/05/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013)
“Prowess”, here are a few points to consider that may help you have a clearer view of Christian belief:
(1.) For many the process of love to GOD is one of preparation for encounter. We expect to meet GOD at some point during our full life experience, and so we cleanse, study, and otherwise prepare ourselves. Think of this as an exciting process of expectation and hope similar to that of a married couple about to have their first child. Their affection, commitment, and sense of relationship should begin long before the child is actually born. They begin to examine and decide upon possibilities for their little one, as surely as they prepare a little room, a crib, and articles of clothing.
(2.) For many the process of love to GOD is one of endurance until reunion. We are in a painful separation from the Almighty, and so we go about to maintain and strengthen ourselves until we are together again. Such believers have deep-grained “memories” of divine glory, the beauty of holiness, majesty, and sovereignty.
(3.) What believers receive by fellowship and participation in study and worship within a congregation is often spoken of as a “foretaste of glory divine.” Attitudes, behavior, conduct, goals, language and thinking are shared that immerse a believer in experiences of sacred truth. Otherwise hidden and personal thoughts are found to be shared, and to have their common origin in divine operations, eternal purposes, and correct relationship with GOD.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly put into place, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Carnal love relationships begin in a diffuse recognition of our needs for continuing affection and companionship as well as “what we bring to the table,” and want to offer within a relationship. Similarly, our responses to divine love begin in recognizing needs, and wanting to make offering. In the same way we use intellect, logic, and reason to choose what we eat and drink, we should not depend upon the animal aspects of our nature (e.g., appetite, instinct, intuition) to establish and maintain relationships that are healthy, lasting, productive, and satisfying. We may pursue an informal plan that allows us to experience “chemistry” and fit with candidates for relationship (dating), before committing ourselves to friendship or marriage. Similarly, believers explore their possibilities for right relationship with GOD. It is not enough to simply desire to avoid isolation and rejection, or want to escape damnation and hell.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith, and your integrity as a genuine believer.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1st John 3: 1-3, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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