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We must take the Bible literally. This is the only way to determine what God really is trying to communicate to us. Even though we should take the Bible literally, there are still figures of speech within its pages. Psalm 17:8 is an example. There's also symbolism such as in Daniel & Revelation, but many times that is explained. Rev. 1 is an example.
Literal interpretation of the Bible is what's causing so much blaspheming the name of God. IMO.
I will meditate on learning what God's plan is for a baby who dies from a horrific disease. Or allows droughts in countries to kill thousands. And so forth.
In any case, I don't espouse ignorance, and consciously trying NOT to understand God's plan is simply accepting ignorance. Moreover, one cannot learn from what one does not understand (or at least not learn something well).
I appreciate that you recognize that not only good comes from God. However, I don't see how understanding a God who allows such terrible things to happen would lead to someone embracing Him.
When we are absorbed by abundance and superficiality, it's hard to understand anything of God, imo. It's very difficult to walk a spiritual path in the USA, where everything is based on consumerism. When we have so much, we can't understand what is simple. But when we are left with nothing, then we begin to see Him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by garya123
Evil does not come from God. It comes from the curse of falling from Heavens values and His will. The theif comes to steal, kill, and destroy by any means but Christ came to nulify that curse and the works of the Devil for those who trust in Jesus so that He might give life and that more abundant.
I disagree. God made all creatures, including the serpent. "All things were made by Him and for Him."
God breaks, and God heals. God lifts up, and God brings down. What's important is not man's will, but God's will.
When we are absorbed by abundance and superficiality, it's hard to understand anything of God, imo. It's very difficult to walk a spiritual path in the USA, where everything is based on consumerism. When we have so much, we can't understand what is simple. But when we are left with nothing, then we begin to see Him.
I disagree. God made all creatures, including the serpent. "All things were made by Him and for Him."
God breaks, and God heals. God lifts up, and God brings down. What's important is not man's will, but God's will.
Peace,
brian
Of coarse He made the Serpent but only to allow testing the free will of man to abide in God or not but it is not God doing the tempting. He tempts no man to do evil. God is love and He who abides in love resists temptation to do evil. It doesn't get any clearer than that. The Serpent was made by Him and for His purpose to have an outside of righteousness influence that would test the sincerity of those who say they love the Truth.
The Bible is Divinely inspired has stood the test of time... The Word of God is alive... and how much u accept or take literally does not take away from absolute authority of the Word. How a person takes the Holy Bible is only relevant to individual faith- In my opinion. I accept the Bible in totality... I am a believer
Of coarse He made the Serpent but only to allow testing the free will of man to abide in God or not but it is not God doing the tempting. He tempts no man to do evil. God is love and He who abides in love resists temptation to do evil. It doesn't get any clearer than that. The Serpent was made by Him and for His purpose to have an outside of righteousness influence that would test the sincerity of those who say they love the Truth.
Testing?
So God goes through the effort of creating mankind just so He can test man (a test which God, as an omniscient being, already knows man is going to fail)?
Seems like a lot of work to go through when one already knows the result, no?
Vansdad,
You have no idea what I believe or don't believe in. There's an old adage about not making assumptions.
What I do is try to find logical answers to questions I have; it's called being inquisitive.
If you want to wallow in your ignorance, more power to you.
Vansdad,
You have no idea what I believe or don't believe in. There's an old adage about not making assumptions.
What I do is try to find logical answers to questions I have; it's called being inquisitive.
If you want to wallow in your ignorance, more power to you.
I did make the assumption on purpose, from what I've seen you write. If I'm wrong sorry, no hard feelings.
I did make the assumption on purpose, from what I've seen you write. If I'm wrong sorry, no hard feelings.
No hard feelings here, and I appreciate your response.
We probably just have very different views on spirituality and faith, which is ok with me
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