Wrath of God? - Page 2

-James- · 03-08-2007, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pattimax

Beautiful sentiment- that is the way it should be. But it is NOT. This attitude may contribute to the condescending, Christian caricature.

Hi Karen, I understand that there are those in this world who have not experienced the love of mother or father, the way it should be, unconditional, comforting, protecting, etc. If you look at creation, tho you will see God's love in it. It's not always easy, but it is there if you look. All life is taken care of, the sun, the rain it shines and falls on all things. The sheer beauty of creation itslef amazing. The warmth of summers breeze, the laughter of a child, the playful antics of wolf and cub, etc. Love "God" is in all things created like Paul pointed out in Romans. You just have to look to see see it.

A friend made this comment to me just last night and I think it applies here. He describes it in such a manner that I cannot.

"love more than exists, it IS life, you just have to acknowledge it and channel it...don't look to understand it, because none of us truly understand it, but it's there, once you discover it. It's an undeniable entity all of its own...love is what makes the sunset beautiful, its that tinge in the pit of your stomach when you see something so amazing that you can't put it into words...that feeling that simply can't be put to words, that's love...its not something definable or even tangible at all times, but when it hits you...well you get the point"

Btw, I am a Christian as well, and your comment did not seem condescending. Just thought you should know.

James

-James- · 03-08-2007, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunamoth

We can live a God centered life and we will become like Christ. Not that we are Christ.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

luna

There was a program on two nights ago about this man who claims to be Jesus, so I can see your point. The reality is if you can't imagine creating something as awe inspiring as God's creation, (The entire universe) and controling every little aspect about it with the same laws put in palce, then I don't see it possible to come to such a point where one feels , or believes that they are Christ himself. I guess some people do, but they are usually severely schizophrenic.

James

Dondi · 03-08-2007, 05:18 PM

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - 2 Peter 1:4

So what does it mean to partake in the divine nature?

lunamoth · 03-08-2007, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dondi

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - 2 Peter 1:4

So what does it mean to partake in the divine nature?

Don't you think this is similar to the passage from Ephesains I posted to James?

pattimax · 03-08-2007, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -James-

Hi Karen, I understand that there are those in this world who have not experienced the love of mother or father, the way it should be, unconditional, comforting, protecting, etc. If you look at creation, tho you will see God's love in it. It's not always easy, but it is there if you look. All life is taken care of, the sun, the rain it shines and falls on all things. The sheer beauty of creation itslef amazing. The warmth of summers breeze, the laughter of a child, the playful antics of wolf and cub, etc. Love "God" is in all things created like Paul pointed out in Romans. You just have to look to see see it.

A friend made this comment to me just last night and I think it applies here. He describes it in such a manner that I cannot.

"love more than exists, it IS life, you just have to acknowledge it and channel it...don't look to understand it, because none of us truly understand it, but it's there, once you discover it. It's an undeniable entity all of its own...love is what makes the sunset beautiful, its that tinge in the pit of your stomach when you see something so amazing that you can't put it into words...that feeling that simply can't be put to words, that's love...its not something definable or even tangible at all times, but when it hits you...well you get the point"

Btw, I am a Christian as well, and your comment did not seem condescending. Just thought you should know.

James

Hey James,

Yes, the graceful poetry Our God has created is very present to those who understand and have experienced unconditional love. Not everyone has.

Much laughter about the condescension remark. Sorry. I was also referring to a fast growing segment of society. It seems that a Christian caricature has been created by non-Christians that dwells on past mistakes, fear, and pre-concieved ideas.

Francis king · 03-08-2007, 10:16 PM

god's wrath is a terrible thing.. angels putting red hot coals in your mouth, Him turning ur wife into a pillar of salt, drowning, burning, the full hit...

Faithfulservant · 03-09-2007, 12:23 AM

yet so many take their chances on that it might not be true....

Silas · 03-09-2007, 12:50 AM

I think people sort of likens God's wrath to getting aids. They say "it will never happen to me" and when they least expect it, they are face-to-face with their Creator, and His anger burns against them.

What a fearful thing!!

pattimax · 03-09-2007, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faithfulservant

yet so many take their chances on that it might not be true....

Amazing.

-James- · 03-09-2007, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pattimax

Hey James,

Yes, the graceful poetry Our God has created is very present to those who understand and have experienced unconditional love. Not everyone has.

Much laughter about the condescension remark. Sorry. I was also referring to a fast growing segment of society. It seems that a Christian caricature has been created by non-Christians that dwells on past mistakes, fear, and pre-concieved ideas.

Please explain, Karen. I'm not sure that I follow your thoughts here. I won't argue about everyone not experiencing unconditional love by man, but I truly believe that God's Love is available to all, and is witnessed in his creation. No need to debate this view, as I cannot possibly speak for any person but myself; I only offer my own thought on the subject.

James

pattimax · 03-09-2007, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -James-

Please explain, Karen. I'm not sure that I follow your thoughts here. I won't argue about everyone not experiencing unconditional love by man, but I truly believe that God's Love is available to all, and is witnessed in his creation. No need to debate this view, as I cannot possibly speak for any person but myself; I only offer my own thought on the subject.

James

I absolutely, totally, 100% agree with you, James, His love is available to all at all times. Unfortunately, not everyone is capable of accepting God's love. For some, unconditional love is a completely foreign concept and it is met with suspicion. When you encounter someone who doesn't truly trust Him, if you look at their past, there is usually a lack of unconditional love.

Karen

wil · 03-09-2007, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faithfulservant

yet so many take their chances on that it might not be true....

Tis true....everyone that doesn't believe that Judaism is true is taking their chances...and then those that don't believe the bible is true...and then those that don't believe the Koran is true...or the Vedas or the Upanishads or...or...or... pick any one book and you could be denying what 10-20-100 other belief systems which all indicate some sort of penalty for not believing as they do? I've always thought that line was such a last ditch effort...like the insurance salesman walking out the door and then turning back and saying....well when that accident happens...folks are in one of two clubs, the glad I did club or the wish I would've club, you are making your choice.

If it takes the hard sell to complete the deal, either the salesman needs to better some technique or find another product.

pattimax · 03-09-2007, 01:13 PM

Judaism had it right up until Jesus Christ.

And as for a hard sell...God is good, he will handle it.

pattimax · 03-09-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dondi

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - 2 Peter 1:4

So what does it mean to partake in the divine nature?

Partakers of the Divine Nature freely accept the promises of God. This will cause believers to inquire as to whether they are truly transformed in the mind by applying the grace of the Holy Spirit and increasing in the knowledge of God.

-James- · 03-09-2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pattimax

I absolutely, totally, 100% agree with you, James, His love is available to all at all times. Unfortunately, not everyone is capable of accepting God's love. For some, unconditional love is a completely foreign concept and it is met with suspicion. When you encounter someone who doesn't truly trust Him, if you look at their past, there is usually a lack of unconditional love.

Karen

I agree with most of your statement here, but I disagree with your sentiment that not every one is capable of accepting God's love. To me, it sounds like you're are limiting god, or doubting his authority. All can know, and understand, and accept God in heart; to say differently is to make God subject to man, and that is not the case. We all can, just all do not. It's not a matter of can - can't, it's a matter of choice.

James