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Showing posts from April, 2023

We Should Weep & Mourn? James 4:7-9

Let's submit to God. We are sinners in need of cleansed hands & our hearts are filthy.  Isaiah 46 tells us our heart is like old feminine napkins that are used and bloody... Our wavering thoughts and fluctuating emotions make us all double-minded,  with fleeting desires that only bring momentary satisfaction. We are told in James Chapter 4 to be wretched, which means we should be very unhappy. We're also told to mourn & weep.  This is evident when we're in the Light of Truth:  we can See that we are nothing, and we've been fighting for rotting fruits.  So our laughter really should be turned to mourning, which is a deep, from the soul, grieving that cuts to your core, an experience most often induced when you lose someone dear to you.  Our joy really should turn to gloom; meaning that the joy we have in our trivial foolery is putrid in the Eyes of Eternity, as Scripture staye, we'd be better off in a somber depression, wrapped in the darkness of des...

The Evolution of Free Will Theories in History

Throughout the ages, a variety of philosophers have delved into the concept of free will, presenting different viewpoints and ideas. Notable figures such as Aristotle and Epictetus, though from different time periods, both believed in compatibilist free will. Aristotle, a renowned philosopher from the fourth century BCE, argued that our unrestricted ability to choose gives us control over our decisions. In the first century CE, Epictetus also shared similar views on free will. In summary, the study of free will has evolved over centuries, incorporating diverse perspectives from philosophers like Aristotle, Epictetus, and Alexander of Aphrodisias. The influence of Christian philosophy and the complexities of various deterministic outlooks have influenced the ongoing discussions. The complexity of free will encourages reflection and challenges our comprehension of autonomy and fate, leading to an engaging journey of philosophical exploration that continues to this day.

Unveiling the Spiritual Depth: Exploring Biblical Perspectives

Seeking Divine Substance in Biblical Matters As believers, it is crucial for us to approach biblical teachings with a deep desire to uncover their true essence. We must recognize our limitations as finite beings trying to comprehend the infinite wisdom of a spiritual God. Rather than being swayed by our own limited perceptions, we should humbly delve into the spiritual realm to grasp the profound significance of every divine message. In doing so, we draw closer to the boundless wisdom of our Creator. God's Favor and Spiritual Israel God's favor is not contingent on physical attributes but on one's connection with the spirit. The State of Israel, as a physical entity, does not hold a special place in God's heart. Instead, it is the spiritual Israel—those grafted into the vine of Christ—who are the true heirs of God's promises. The New Covenant, a revelation of the Old, emphasizes this truth. Through Christ's sacrifice, we are reconciled to God and become part of ...

The Spiritual Fulfillment of God's Promises to Abraham: Embracing the True Substance of Scripture

In our pursuit of understanding God's Word, we must delve beyond the surface and seek the deeper spiritual truths that transcend our limited human perspectives. Exploring a divine God through the lens of our finite minds can be challenging, but it is crucial to approach biblical interpretations with humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance. One passage that has often been manipulated and misunderstood is the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. It is essential to acknowledge the explanations provided in the New Covenant, which illuminates the revelation of the Old Covenant and helps us discern the true essence of God's promises. In this discussion, we will challenge the notion that God continues to show favoritism towards the State of Israel or any particular group based on fleshly distinctions. Instead, we will emphasize the spiritual significance of these promises, grounding our understanding in the literal sense of Scripture and the transformative po...

Prescience

Prescience deals with mysteries beyond our understanding and has been thought about by many great thinkers. It demonstrates that our fate is not just determined by our own actions , but by a higher power.  This challenges us to look beyond what we can see and trust in God's plan for us. Definition   Pre-science refers to the power to possess knowledge of future events or phenomena prior to their occurrence.  Bible In the Bible, prescience is attributed to God and is part of His omniscience, which is His perfect knowledge of all things. This ability to know the future is not based on speculation or guesswork, but on His perfect and infallible wisdom. Synonyms:   foresight, forethought, foreknowledge The Idea Of God's Prescience Is Deeply Rooted In The Biblical Text Throughout the Old Testament, we see numerous examples of God's prescience through His prophecies.  For instance, in the book of Isaiah, God prophesies that a virgin will give birth to a son and tha...

Divine Rationality

In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon speaks of the importance of wisdom and understanding, which are closely related to rationality.  He writes, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10).  This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a reverence and awe for God's power and wisdom. Through this reverence, we are able to connect with the universe and understand its workings.  The book of Psalms speaks of the heavens declaring the glory of God, and the firmament showing his handiwork (Psalm 19:1).  By studying the rational principles that govern the universe, we are able to see the hand of God at work. However, this understanding goes beyond mere practical applications.  It is a spiritual path that allows us to transcend our own biases and assumptions.  The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewin...

Paradigm

At the heart of philosophy and theology lies the concept of "paradigm," a profound framework that shapes our very perception of the world.  This framework is not merely a set of concepts and assumptions, but a lens through which we interpret and understand reality.  It is informed by our deepest beliefs and values, and contains an implicit knowledge that is often unspoken but no less powerful.  Through this paradigmatic lens, we are able to discern what is right and wrong, what is meaningful and insignificant, and what is ultimately beneficial or harmful.  As Christians, our beliefs and values are rooted in our faith in God and His Word.  Our paradigm is centered on the truth of the Gospel, which informs our understanding of reality and shapes our ethical and moral distinctions. The Bible teaches us that our paradigm should be grounded in the knowledge and wisdom of God, which is revealed to us through His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Ultimate...

Nourishing the Soul

The Savior, Jesus, imparts Wisdom of the Highest Order, emphasizing the paramount importance of Spiritual sustenance over mere physical nourishment. James 1:5 says:  "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." What is Spiritual Sustenance in regard to Scripture? In Matthew 4:4, Jesus says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Far of the Lord: beginning of rationality?

In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon speaks of the importance of wisdom and understanding, which are closely related to rationality. He writes, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a reverence and awe for God's power and wisdom. Through this reverence, we are able to connect with the universe and understand its workings. The book of Psalms speaks of the heavens declaring the glory of God, and the firmament showing his handiwork (Psalm 19:1). By studying the rational principles that govern the universe, we are able to see the hand of God at work. However, this understanding goes beyond mere practical applications. It is a spiritual path that allows us to transcend our own biases and assumptions. The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. ...

Fear The Lord Verses

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the begin@ning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10  You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. Psalm 115:11  You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. Psalm 115:11  If you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:3‭-‬6  In many ways it appears to me that fearing God is pretty much the same as Knowing God, true knowledge. Reading, Learning & meditating on Gods Scripture leads us into that true wisdom and fear. Scripture says that Jesus IS the Wisdom from God. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says, And ...