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
Showing posts with label encounter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label encounter. Show all posts
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Sunday, March 24, 2013
(03/24/2013) How To Love GOD?
Developing spiritual love, and more on the value of law and science are topics, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Wimean” (Level 2 with 798 points, a member since January 18, 2013) posted the following:
How can I love god..?
THE BATTLE AXE: Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013)—The value of natural laws and science are called into question by many Christian believers, because those who lack faith mistakenly attribute greater authority to these products of mankind than to GOD, our Creator. As a result, natural law and science may be seen as idols, and man-made devices that promote defiance, ignorance, irreverence, false worship and unbelief. As was found with the covenant of Moses, where knowledge (science) or law is taken to be the ultimate good and an end in itself, these tools are not rightly applied as a means to higher purpose and correct sacred relationship. Conflicts, limitations and shortcomings of the law may become an obstacle to full realization of truth. The righteousness intended by the law may be lost through a focus upon its letter, rather than its spirit. The covenant of Moses was not “bad” or wrong, yet, a better covenant had to be supplied (see Hebrews 8: 1-13 and Hebrews 12: 18-29, KJV). Similarly, natural law and science are not “bad” or wrong within their limited sphere of application; and a better system of experience and knowing are demanded to explain the origins of life and the fullness of such sacred process as death, rebirth, resurrection, sanctification, and eternal life.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1st John 4: 12-21, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Love in Christ (10/23/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012); Unconditional Love (03/28/2012); On Properly Setting Our Sights (03/29/2012)
Wimean, here are some thoughts you and your readers may find helpful:
Where men and women (boys and girls) fail to develop their human potential to embrace others as a dimension of the Self, they continue to exist and operate only through their animal nature. Combativeness, defensiveness, self-awareness and self-promotion dominate human consciousness through the peculiar mechanisms of the flesh. Included are appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sexual climax), sense experience (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and mental functions (e.g., fantasy, fear, imagination, recall, projection). Along with other temporal elements that frequently and quickly come and go (such as affection, anger and other emotions, lust and passion), the flesh breaks-off awareness of divinity that is generated from within ones inner spirit provided through Creation.
Love for GOD, who is a spirit, can only be accomplished as an operation of the spirit from GOD that has been deposited into created beings and living creatures. Love is never merely a product of the body and the mind. (Even what we call “making love” is not just a physical or mental act; at the same time, there are emotional, psychological and spiritual events taking place.) Because love is an expression of the whole person, the commitment of body and mind are also important to any full and sincere expression of love.
Showing love for GOD may be thought of as beginning when a person expands their spiritual awareness, and prepares for direct encounter with GOD by first learning about GOD through accounts and experiences of others. Here, the Bible is invaluable along with the personal testimonies of living believers in the church. Obedience and persistence in practicing and performing those things that are recorded as commanded by, and pleasing to GOD, are recognized by most believers as expressions of love toward GOD. Included here are charitable giving, praise, prayer, prophesying, truth-speaking, and unselfish service.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, when love is properly understood as the goal of benefiting another without seeking payment or reward for oneself, obedience is clearly seen as one of the highest aspects of love, for to obey is to put aside ones own will to carry out the will of another. Similarly, sacrifice, sharing and suffering pertain to love; and in Jesus Christ we see the multiple demonstrations of perfected love.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
How can I love god..?
THE BATTLE AXE: Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013)—The value of natural laws and science are called into question by many Christian believers, because those who lack faith mistakenly attribute greater authority to these products of mankind than to GOD, our Creator. As a result, natural law and science may be seen as idols, and man-made devices that promote defiance, ignorance, irreverence, false worship and unbelief. As was found with the covenant of Moses, where knowledge (science) or law is taken to be the ultimate good and an end in itself, these tools are not rightly applied as a means to higher purpose and correct sacred relationship. Conflicts, limitations and shortcomings of the law may become an obstacle to full realization of truth. The righteousness intended by the law may be lost through a focus upon its letter, rather than its spirit. The covenant of Moses was not “bad” or wrong, yet, a better covenant had to be supplied (see Hebrews 8: 1-13 and Hebrews 12: 18-29, KJV). Similarly, natural law and science are not “bad” or wrong within their limited sphere of application; and a better system of experience and knowing are demanded to explain the origins of life and the fullness of such sacred process as death, rebirth, resurrection, sanctification, and eternal life.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1st John 4: 12-21, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Love in Christ (10/23/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012); Unconditional Love (03/28/2012); On Properly Setting Our Sights (03/29/2012)
Wimean, here are some thoughts you and your readers may find helpful:
Where men and women (boys and girls) fail to develop their human potential to embrace others as a dimension of the Self, they continue to exist and operate only through their animal nature. Combativeness, defensiveness, self-awareness and self-promotion dominate human consciousness through the peculiar mechanisms of the flesh. Included are appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sexual climax), sense experience (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and mental functions (e.g., fantasy, fear, imagination, recall, projection). Along with other temporal elements that frequently and quickly come and go (such as affection, anger and other emotions, lust and passion), the flesh breaks-off awareness of divinity that is generated from within ones inner spirit provided through Creation.
Love for GOD, who is a spirit, can only be accomplished as an operation of the spirit from GOD that has been deposited into created beings and living creatures. Love is never merely a product of the body and the mind. (Even what we call “making love” is not just a physical or mental act; at the same time, there are emotional, psychological and spiritual events taking place.) Because love is an expression of the whole person, the commitment of body and mind are also important to any full and sincere expression of love.
Showing love for GOD may be thought of as beginning when a person expands their spiritual awareness, and prepares for direct encounter with GOD by first learning about GOD through accounts and experiences of others. Here, the Bible is invaluable along with the personal testimonies of living believers in the church. Obedience and persistence in practicing and performing those things that are recorded as commanded by, and pleasing to GOD, are recognized by most believers as expressions of love toward GOD. Included here are charitable giving, praise, prayer, prophesying, truth-speaking, and unselfish service.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, when love is properly understood as the goal of benefiting another without seeking payment or reward for oneself, obedience is clearly seen as one of the highest aspects of love, for to obey is to put aside ones own will to carry out the will of another. Similarly, sacrifice, sharing and suffering pertain to love; and in Jesus Christ we see the multiple demonstrations of perfected love.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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