Saturday, March 30, 2024

 It is important to grasp the concept that God is interested in the gradual process of growth and understanding. Some may interpret this as requiring abilities or qualities that we currently lack. However, God does not present us with a checklist of tasks to accomplish in order to know Him better. Rather, His presence alone is sufficient for our well-being. This issue goes beyond mere actions; it pertains to a spiritual affliction that is terminal, comparable to being lepers in our perception of reality and emotions. There is no temporary solution or evaluation period that can initiate change. It is either all about God or it leads to misery. Fortunately, God understands our innermost being and recognizes the spiritual aspect of our existence. He knows that if we personally experience His presence, we will recognize His arrival. Seeing God or having complete certainty of His identity through written words alone is impossible. God's intention is to convince us that every word He speaks is comprehensive and reliable. Moreover, He desires for us to understand that He is communicating directly with us, with the intention of captivating our hearts. So, how can we simultaneously know our true selves and please God, while establishing a harmonious connection? The answer lies in God's present actions, where He imparts this knowledge to us.

This message serves as a means of communication, using human qualities to convey a personal connection between us and a divine being. As we incorporate these qualities into our beings, we come to realize that they possess greater abilities than what humans can typically achieve. This assimilation results in a profound and supernatural experience that heals the soul. This is our understanding of Christ. If there were someone distant from us, unlike anyone we have ever encountered, how do you think they would communicate with us? Considering their unique communication methods, they would strive to connect with us in ways that align with our thoughts, emotions, and actions. In essence, they would inspire us to surpass our limitations and strive for more. They would use deeply personal language to establish a connection. However, God's love letter goes beyond that. The language employed is so intimate that it evokes within us something far greater than a mere description of who He is.

In order to fully engage with Him, we must delve deep into our thoughts and emotions, sharing our most intimate thoughts and feelings. This intense level of connection may lead us to question if we are capable of experiencing it to its fullest extent, potentially becoming completely absorbed in the process.

 Divine intervention has occurred, as the voice of God has resounded. His communication transcends ordinary language, reaching the depths of our souls. God's essence emanates love and compassion. When we refer to Him as our Father, we establish a profound connection with a genuine being. However, it is crucial to note that God's manner of speaking is characterized by an extraordinary level of awareness, surpassing our own limited comprehension. He imparts His divine wisdom to us, rooted in His preconceived notion of reality. In our existence, we grapple with the dichotomy of self-understanding and misunderstanding. Yet, God's speech cuts through the intricate web of our temporal burdens, offering us profound insight that transcends the complexities of our earthly existence.

The issue lies in our reluctance to engage in a deep and meaningful relationship with God, where we communicate with Him as equals. If we were to fully focus on acknowledging God's supreme power and glory, we would find peace and harmony in the interconnectedness of all things. It is important to understand that God respects our free will and cannot forcibly intervene in our thoughts and emotions. Despite our inherent flaws, God communicates with us in a way that respects our autonomy. Without God's absolute freedom and independence, we would be constrained in some manner.

We have been granted the ability to wholeheartedly pursue a relationship with God. This means that our deepest desires and longings connect us to God as our Father, allowing us to experience a consuming love that transcends the troubles of this world. This perspective emphasizes our purpose to glorify God by finding joy in Him forever, and in our pursuit of His radiant glory, we prioritize Him as our ultimate source of pleasure. The only way to achieve this is by recognizing our position before Him and surrendering to His absolute control over everything. This surrender results in a transformative experience, where we let go of the temporary attractions of this world and find fulfillment in God as our everything.

 Reality can be defined as the comprehension of the inherent order of existence according to God's divine understanding, which encompasses the entirety of time, from inception to conclusion. Sin, however, disrupts this natural order, resulting in a convoluted interplay of secondary causes. Consequently, both the initial disruption and the subsequent attempts to restore order contribute to a state of confusion. It is within this context that human systems emerge, with the intention of rectifying the disorder, yet paradoxically generating further disarray. It is this perpetual cycle of opposing forces that ultimately gives rise to the manifestation of psychological disorders, known as neuroses, which these human systems were initially designed to alleviate.

The scriptures suggest that humans are merely temporary inhabitants of this world, navigating through a time sequence that is increasingly unfamiliar and bewildering as corruption continues to spread. Man has a tendency to sow confusion, driven by both corrupt actions and flawed reasoning. This flawed reasoning leads man to view events in isolated time increments, a concept known as process theology, wherein man falsely believes he is the orchestrator of cultural progress. However, in reality, man often unknowingly contributes to the chaos that he seeks to resolve. To counteract this, we must turn to God, who orchestrates all things according to His divine purpose, even in the midst of the metaphysical confusion caused by human actions and intentions. Ultimately, reality rebounds and creates further confusion within the process, emphasizing the importance of aligning with God's order to navigate through the chaos. When considering the intricate effects of events within the human system, it becomes evident that the earth can appear as a realm of chaos. This is why God is perceived as existing in heaven while humans reside on earth, as God is eternal and humans are finite beings. God possesses the ability to see both the beginning and end of all things, a perspective that contrasts with the limited view of time held by humans, tribes, and nations. In God's design of the universe, He brings order out of the disorder that arises from human actions and designs.

This is why it is necessary for God to intervene in human endeavors, as humans are inherently focused on secular matters. They only consider physical aspects and fail to recognize the personal relationships between individuals. The presence of sin and death has obscured their ability to perceive the universe on a personal level. To truly perceive the universe in this way, we must acknowledge that God has predetermined all events. God is the ultimate source of truth, serving not only as a teacher but as the embodiment of truth itself. We acknowledge God's existence as He has always been and will always be, transcending the constraints of time. Just as God exists, so does every aspect of existence within the realm of time.

Human beings are spiritually deceased due to their sins and transgressions. They have experienced a spiritual demise, and the only source of true life is found in God. Essentially, mankind is alive in a physical sense but spiritually dead. It is crucial to note that I am not referring to the concept of being consumed by worms. God has graciously provided us with this book to enable us to comprehend that eternity is depicted in a manner distinct from our notion of time. This understanding prompts us to contemplate eternal matters, facilitating our ability to establish order in our temporal existence. In His divine promise, God pledges to grant us wisdom through these daily insights into eternity.

Friday, March 29, 2024

 The Holy Spirit guides us towards righteousness by convicting us of sin and bestowing upon us the knowledge and grace that comes from resting solely in the work of Christ. As we receive more grace, our self-control increases and our actions align with our inner convictions. Living in grace rather than guilt reduces hypocrisy and cultivates a deep reverence for God, driving us to seek a greater understanding of His attributes. By focusing on the greatness of God, we naturally develop godliness and a genuine love for others. This leads us to prioritize serving and assisting those in need, demonstrating a selfless mindset. Our election, or chosen status, becomes increasingly meaningful to us, causing us to rejoice even in the salvation of one individual. Our spiritual perception is heightened, enabling us to see and experience God in a more profound way through our senses. The Holy Spirit, who knows us better than we know ourselves, intercedes for us in prayer with indescribable words. It is not the Spirit's work in us that is unknown, but rather our lack of understanding and recognition of His presence. Due to our sinful nature and lack of trust in His grace, we often perceive Him merely as a force rather than enjoying a deep relationship with Him as our Comforter. This lack of spiritual thinking hinders our fellowship with Him and prevents us from fully experiencing His transformative work in us. The Holy Spirit desires to have control over our lives and intensifies our love and desire for Christ. He fills us with a joy that surpasses worldly circumstances and communicates with us through the grace He bestows upon us. Through the work of the Trinity, we are enveloped in the Godhead, experiencing a supernatural peace. The Holy Spirit works to lead us into this glorious state through the redemptive work of Christ on our behalf. We exist in a state of tension, caught between the pain and struggles of the world and the intimate fellowship we have with the Father, Son, and Spirit. Each inward experience and challenge we face in this world serves to strengthen our faith and deepen our personal relationship with God. As we confront our own imperfections, we are overwhelmed by the Spirit's desire to lavish us with grace, propelling us towards the heavenly realm. This journey is a unique and humbling one, as it relies solely on Christ and fosters a deep fellowship with the Father through the Holy Spirit. In the midst of this tension, we yearn for the day when all struggles will be eradicated in heaven.

 It is widely agreed that the key to establishing fellowship with others lies in our shared worship of the same Jesus. This can easily be identified when interacting with Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses, as their worship differs from ours, making true fellowship difficult. However, within the Christian community, this becomes more challenging. This is where the importance of doctrine comes into play. Can we have fellowship with someone who believes in salvation through works, for instance? I can only offer my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Friends grown up in an Assembly of God church that preached works, I initially believed that works were necessary for salvation. However, upon delving deeper into the truth and realizing that salvation is solely by grace, I discovered that the church leadership held an incorrect view on the security of a believer. Consequently, I decided to leave that church due to the false doctrine being taught. Can I still have fellowship with those wonderful people? Well, in a sense, yes, because they worship the same Jesus. However, in reality, no, because attending that church would mean supporting a false message, which is warned against in the Bible. Thus, on a broader scale, as a part of the Christian community, they have my support and fellowship, but on an individual level, I cannot align myself with them due to their incorrect teachings. This is where the essentials of our faith become crucial. The paradigm of deliverance focuses on acknowledging my inability to worship, love, have control, or overcome any will-related dilemma on my own. It entails surpassing all negative habits, leading to a renewed experience of emotional wholeness that can only be achieved through meditation and prayer, rather than mere self-exertion. Those who embrace the path of Calvinism develop a fellowship with the Holy Spirit, allowing them to view things not through the lens of group therapy or human wisdom, although these are beneficial, but through a perspective that transcends them. Until we adopt this single-minded trust in God alone, rejecting human achievements, the changes brought about by human fellowship, and the attainment of a plateau of health, we will fail to comprehend the presence of spiritual paradigms that speak, assure, bless, share, console, sustain, control, and guide us through the unseen realm. We must view everything from a heavenly mindset, allowing ourselves to be carried above the offering of human wisdom as a form of freedom, and instead being deeply impacted by divine revelation. We should rejoice in our complete depravity and embrace the pure grace of imputation found in the Christ-life. Recognizing the imputed paradigm as our renewed spiritual growth, accessed through prayer and meditation. I, too, have personal experience in this matter, although it is more related to associating with individuals who hold differing beliefs. The issue lies not so much in their actions, but rather in their thoughts. It is possible to engage in certain practices that can bring about positive change in one's life, such as accountability, group therapy, or becoming fixated on resolving a specific problem or breaking a bad habit. Focusing on healing, morality, responsibility, and even having a well-adjusted family can be accomplished through these means. However, is this truly the ultimate goal of the church? It appears to me that there is a limit to this kind of societal improvement. The limitations are defined by the kind of behavior I exhibit, rather than experiencing a spiritual fellowship rooted in the unity of the Spirit's work in deliverance. True deliverance from sin entails a set of freedoms that surpass such limitations. It involves a shift from relying solely on my own efforts to change my heart, to recognizing the indirect workings of the Spirit and the Word. It is about being able to question the effectiveness of any human system in achieving what only God can accomplish, independent of human will.

 I find myself in a state of internal conflict. This particular phase of my life has presented strong temptations to compensate for past failures by adding various elements to it. I have not fully embraced the American notion of strict discipline as a means to attain happiness. Throughout my life, I have constantly strived to simplify and avoid complications. However, lately, the temptation to succumb to societal pressures and pursue materialistic goals has become a relentless battle. I am deeply discontented with myself and yearn for the weakening of these temptations. I strongly dislike those who idolize material possessions and instead value the simplicity of life. I am committed to self-sacrifice, even when it becomes challenging, and rely on divine intervention. Despite practicing this principle for 25 years, I am beginning to realize that even my acts of giving cannot be the sole basis of my trust. I am perplexed by the abundance of philosophical ideas in our world and the prevalence of conformity to cultural norms. Many individuals seem to fall into the trap of deistic thinking, and I wonder where the simplicity of life has disappeared to. I long for a life of solitude, contemplation, and sincere prayers for God's presence, lest we fall into the trap of idol worship. I am determined to fight relentlessly, even when exhausted, and persistently seek divine intervention. I am reminded of the serenity I experienced during moments of meditation and the overwhelming feeling of being loved and filled with spiritual energy. I question why people choose to embrace paths that seem right to them without critical examination.

 What is the appearance of a word in suspension? There are a few observations to consider. The presence of God possesses an immense quality. The manner in which these intangible aspects are conveyed remains beyond our comprehension. However, it is important to note that God fully occupies every space in the universe, thereby being truly omnipresent. For if He did not, He would not possess the qualities of being all-present and a divine being. Simultaneously, God merely utters a word or command, and it is instantly accomplished or created from nothingness. While the physical elements of this universe are evident, they can also be seen as constituent parts when examined more closely. Thus, our limited senses cannot grasp the intricacies of the smallest areas of existence. Nonetheless, when we observe the beauty and marvel at the outcomes of these parts, we realize that there is a deeper level to it all. There exist spiritual entities and elements of divine radiance that emanate from God's glorious presence, contributing to the splendor of His creation. When we contemplate the concept of a brightness that eludes the physical eye, yet illuminates the world, we come to understand that God's power is manifest in every space. All of these phenomena, whether physical or metaphysical, serve as expressions of God's magnificence.

Thus, He strategically communicates prior to expressing His word. This process elicits a profound satisfaction that would engulf us if we were ever to witness the profound impacts of His magnificence. The manner in which these truths are conveyed to our comprehension during revelation may indeed be the very essence that defies linguistic definition. Clearly, His physical creation wields a significant influence upon us, captivating us with its remarkable elements and the splendorous beauty that accompanies its communication. Consequently, we are granted a glimpse of the immense effects of a novel perception, a novel sensation, and a novel utterance. However, our limited faculties prevent us from fully experiencing the totality of God's communication in all its multifaceted qualities.

 Your portrayal of the Calvinist perspective as having a robotic theology is inaccurate. We also acknowledge the concept of free will and believe that true freedom lies in the ability to make choices. However, we do not deny that the will is subject to certain necessities. According to our belief, freedom of the will is demonstrated through the ability to select one's desires. Nonetheless, we maintain that various other factors come into play before a choice is made. The soul possesses additional faculties that are essential for decision-making to occur. Our assertion that liberty and necessity are not contradictory stems from the understanding that every action is preceded by a cause. Even prior to God's creation of the world, there existed a rationale for His decision to undertake this act. The act of creation required prior thought and deliberation. If there are reasons prompting God to create before He actually does so, then there is a cause underlying His creation. Consequently, the will is necessarily influenced by preceding thoughts or motives before any action is taken.

However, according to the Arminians, true freedom of the will can only be achieved if there is no prior cause, otherwise the will is considered coerced. They define freedom as the ability to choose between two equally desirable options without any preexisting reason to favor one over the other. However, it is difficult to comprehend how the will can cause itself to make a choice. If a scale is perfectly balanced, with equal weight on both sides, it displays no inherent power or inclination towards one side or the other. For there to be any movement, there must be a greater force exerted on one side. The concept of freedom implies the ability to exert a stronger force on one side over the other. When faced with equal choices, the will is rendered inactive and devoid of any true volition. Choosing one option over another is an essential aspect of the will's functionality, which is inherently logical. All our thoughts and ideas are derived from the proper use of language, as we express our concepts based on the intended meaning of words.

In Arminian thought, true freedom of the will is not possible. This is because if the will is the cause of its own choices, then each choice is ultimately determined by a prior choice. This means that the will is still bound by necessity, as each choice is influenced by the choices that came before it. When considering all the choices we make in life, the question arises: what caused the initial choice if the will is responsible for all subsequent choices?

However, every decision is driven by a underlying desire. A choice signifies favoring one desire over another, or prioritizing a stronger desire over a weaker one. This is because every action is motivated by a cause. In every situation, there is a cause, a method, and an ultimate objective. This succession also applies to our mental processes and metaphysical actions. The existence of something is evidence that a cause preceded it; without a cause, there would be no action. Therefore, we assert that the will is bound by desire. Each choice precisely reflects the desires and wants of the soul. When we say that a person wants something and does not want something else, it demonstrates the exercise of freedom of choice.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

 In the global economy, socioeconomic status is often determined by one's occupation. Every job has specific performance expectations, which are evaluated based on goal achievement. The sustainability of a position is contingent upon its productivity and output.However, within the context of the church, the designation of a position is rooted in its name, as it aligns with the defined paradigm of Christ. This position entails embodying love and acting as a manifestation of Christ towards others. Anything that deviates from this purpose, particularly when driven by ulterior motives such as personal gain, no longer holds true to the original definition of the position. As believers, we are an extension of Christ's body rather than autonomous entities. Consequently, authority within the church is only partially derived from a human level, and its existence is inherently intangible. I encourage you to reflect upon these thoughts.

 Jesus is the ultimate truth and everything revolves around His teachings. He has a purpose in all things, whether it was predetermined before time or if He has a purpose in the design that only becomes evident when something exists. It is believed that He has ordained all things since the beginning of time. He is seen as the shining example of the Father's glory and the exact representation of His essence. The essence of life is discovered through Jesus, as He orchestrates everything to reveal His true nature, rather than what we may perceive through our own limited understanding. Therefore, we must rely on Him as the ultimate source of all things.

Satan, known as the Father of lies, cunningly disguises himself as an angel of light. He actively strives to distort the truth within his deceptions and seeks to harm those who align themselves with the Truth. We must resist these falsehoods in order to have a clear understanding of Christ. Satan employs his tactics to cloud the minds of both believers and non-believers, hindering their comprehension. As Christ dwells in unfathomable light, our perception of spiritual matters remains somewhat obscured. Nevertheless, we are able to perceive the divine glory of God through the countenance of Jesus Christ. This revelation serves as our safeguard and privilege, allowing us to discern what truly holds value in this world and how to live and think accordingly. Through our union with Christ, we are shielded from the destroyer, the great Serpent, who relentlessly attempts to ensnare and condemn us. His weapon of choice is deception, striving to deceive even the most devout followers. Satan desires to keep us trapped within his grasp, leading us down a path of moral compromise, ultimately leading to eternal damnation.


Those of us who are aligned with Christ possess the ability to distinguish between what is true and what is false. We achieve this by diligently controlling and aligning our thoughts with the teachings of Christ. By viewing falsehoods through the lens of scripture, which serves as a divine source of illumination, we are able to expose and overcome darkness. Christ, being the source of salvation and enlightenment, eradicates the harmful works of the devil through His indomitable radiance. This is how He neutralizes the adversaries of God's forces. He confounds the wicked, causing them to lose their pleasure in sinful pursuits. This process is not without its challenges, as individuals are initially enticed by the temporary happiness sin offers, only to be ensnared and ultimately destroyed by its detrimental effects. Their once joyful indulgence turns into a breeding ground for various malevolent forces. Thus, we find ourselves engaged in a spiritual warfare where the battle between truth and deception rages on.

 How can we truly understand God if the knowledge we possess is not completely reliable? In order to have a true understanding of God, we must have knowledge that is unquestionably trustworthy, which can only come from His divine revelation. When God declares His sovereignty, we must wholeheartedly believe in this divine knowledge. However, I believe that Calvinism, as a theological system rooted in the teachings of Paul, allows for a God who is absolute in His will, power, control, and love. Nevertheless, I do not believe that Calvinists truly experience the absoluteness of God. Despite the mystery that is inherent in the revelation we have received, why would we doubt the absolute nature of God as a being? I want to clarify that my previous post mentioned the mystery surrounding God. My main point is that His word, as a form of revelation, is absolute and can be fully trusted as the ultimate authority in all aspects of life. I was responding to your statement about a perceived lack in God, but I am asserting that what He has revealed can be believed absolutely because God Himself is absolute. It seems to me that you are suggesting that what the Bible says about God should not be taken as absolute truth, yet you are resolute in not being dogmatic about what He has revealed. Perhaps I am misinterpreting your perspective.

 Of course, it is possible to misapply various biblical concepts, which is why we require teachers and historical knowledge to understand our identity and God's nature. In today's world, with its plethora of teachings, this is an intricate endeavor. There is an abundance of knowledge to acquire, and it can never be fully exhausted. Even the power of scripture possesses a renewing force that is inexhaustible. Its words serve as spiritual illumination, infusing meditation with vitality. The text is replete with wisdom, offering multiple perspectives that surpass worldly wisdom. The wisdom of the world is limited to a singular truth, devoid of an understanding of spiritual truth. It even seeks to deny metaphysics and the exploration of the spiritual aspect of humanity. Worldly wisdom is superficial, transient, unsatisfying, and ultimately disheartening. In contrast, God's wisdom provides life, while worldly wisdom leads to death. Thank you for your gracious response, ML. I concur that it is crucial to approach scripture with a correct interpretation. However, I believe that the realm of biblical interpretation is more nuanced than what you are currently discussing. In my understanding, this realm entails both human and divine perspectives. I question whether the decoding of the Bible is the sole method for comprehending its message. Rather, I believe that God, through His Spirit, gradually unveils the meaning of the text to us. Even with extensive knowledge of Greek, Hebrew, hermeneutics, and history, we can still be blind to our own perception of ourselves and of God. The Spirit is the primary instructor in any study of the Bible, ensuring that our beliefs are not merely products of our imagination but reflect the truth of who God is.

The worldview I wish to convey is one that encompasses contradictory concepts. Language, bestowed upon us by a divine entity, appears to hinder our ability to fully comprehend God through these linguistic constructs. Are all things truly all-encompassing? Is eternity truly boundless? Is sovereignty truly absolute? It seems that when we attempt to surpass these concepts, we negate and contradict them. If we claim that something transcends, can anything truly transcend? I enjoy discussing theology and asserting that God possesses certain characteristics (represented by X). However, if the word of God declares that He is X, then that concept, though not fully grasped experientially, is the true essence of God. He communicates to us that He truly exists as that very X, without any other reality beyond it. This is the root of my frustration.

 The essence of communication is perceived through a spiritual lens. While discussing experience, I am in agreement with ML's perspective. I acknowledge the existence of a spiritual dimension wherein we possess the faculties of sight, touch, and emotional perception. This spiritual aspect surpasses our cognitive abilities to fully comprehend the essence of certain concepts. Nevertheless, it remains an undeniable truth. It is inconceivable to not transcend in experience when one has the Holy Ghost dwelling within. What does it truly mean to have a profound connection with the Holy Spirit? Moreover, the depths of our being are akin to a vast river, containing numerous layers of spiritualityIn our present state, we possess a multitude of perpetual and fresh yearnings. Consequently, when we experience enlightenment from the divine, we instinctively react to these newfound desires. As a result, we surpass our limited comprehension through sensory experience If I have conveyed the notion that this is solely an intellectual pursuit, then I have neglected to incorporate 80 percent of the underlying rationale behind our faith.

I believe that comprehending this concept is challenging for those who follow strict religious doctrines. It requires a personal transformation, a deep internal change that is felt and experienced. This change brings about a new perspective and a renewed sense of purpose, directly influenced by these teachings. What motivates me to study and put in the effort? It is the desire to understand these truths and to experience the vibrant energy they bring. As thinking individuals, we often prioritize rationality over emotions in matters of spirituality. However, it is through experiencing God's essence that we can truly grasp His nature. A religion devoid of warmth and compassion holds no value. If God is indeed God, then His existence must be tangible and real. If time is progressing towards a final event, then it serves as God's intended purpose, and within that purpose lies His pleasure in orchestrating events. If there was no joy in His work within me, my faith in His presence would be greatly diminished.

How can one truly comprehend the depth of God's sovereignty without experiencing an unwavering sense of inner peace in every situation, even when it requires great effort to attain? If this peace does not permeate and transform one's disposition and circumstances, then the understanding of providence remains merely theoretical rather than experiential. Have you ever felt such profound tranquility that you could discern the subtle whispers of celestial beings? Have you ever encountered a stillness within that captivated your thoughts and desires, bringing you closer to God? Has God ever manifested Himself as a powerful force, lifting you up and instilling in you a profound confidence, allowing you to glimpse a future free from the burdens of your current situation? These desires and the spiritual transcendence they bring are truly remarkable.