Fearing God

[JohnDB]

My feelings and relationship with God is complicated but very often the words in the Bible don't cover it. And, I have experienced church going people who thirst for the blood of the sinner, having no idea that God alone does the judging and I feel the sole function of the believer is to love and assist in healing the broken.

Oh church going people are a broad spectrum of types... from the wackanoodle to some of the best.

Don't let the wackanoodles keep you away from the good stuff. It's kinda like California...nice climate and a great place but the homeless bums and attitudes make it a horrible place to live. There are some nice people there too ..but the ratio is really off.
Same thing with New York city...
(Yes, family and friends on both coasts....hey, I got issues with stopping being itinerant so I went with it)

I've been around the globe... friends from the places I haven't been. Respect for God, gratitude to God, scared of displeasing God, loving God, and treasuring God are the most common traits of them all.

So why are God's kids the biggest problem?
Think about the question and the answer. Surprising answers usually abound.

 

[glen55]

Prov. 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I am not sure how to reconcile the difference between this passage and walking humbly beside God in Micah 6:8.

Most think its mist of God out side you can see and feel which isn't correct to the kingdom being in man, Luke 17:20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

having the mind of Christ (God) then you know who you are, Phil 2:5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: No fear.

Many don't grasp what they have in themselves 2Cor 13:5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

 

[Katia]

Most think its mist of God out side you can see and feel which isn't correct to the kingdom being in man, Luke 17:20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

having the mind of Christ (God) then you know who you are, Phil 2:5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: No fear.

Many don't grasp what they have in themselves 2Cor 13:5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

I'm processing that and am familiar with those scriptures but have to confess that in the past I've been pretty slow and dull. Deep loss is hard to deal with.

 

[peldom10]

Oh church going people are a broad spectrum of types... from the wackanoodle to some of the best.

Don't let the wackanoodles keep you away from the good stuff. It's kinda like California...nice climate and a great place but the homeless bums and attitudes make it a horrible place to live. There are some nice people there too ..but the ratio is really off.
Same thing with New York city...
(Yes, family and friends on both coasts....hey, I got issues with stopping being itinerant so I went with it)

I've been around the globe... friends from the places I haven't been. Respect for God, gratitude to God, scared of displeasing God, loving God, and treasuring God are the most common traits of them all.

So why are God's kids the biggest problem?
Think about the question and the answer. Surprising answers usually abound.

A unfortunate but, very real ...tip of the iceberg...assessment of society today. Only to be found worse in near term future, i am afraid.
A church which sticks with God's word and intent is a challenge to find today. We see the new age religion types here.
Many are doing small community gatherings to study God's word is common place. It is also fun with a pot luck dinner and a after glow of social discussions.

 

[KelbyofGod]

Scripture cannot lie.

Sola Scriptura, where idols are crushed to dust, where religion dies, where men come ALIVE and
where God is Glorified.

Are we allowed to believe the bible itself, which states there are a bunch of other writings and prophesies by bible-acknowledged prophets when those works are NOT included in the collection of books chosen by some group of men to be bound into a volume called the "bible" (a volume that was initiated NOT by scriptural command or prophecy, but by extra-scriptural action 300(?) years after th writing of Revelation e)?

BTW, that is NOT a question about ANY works created SINCE the bible... It is a question ONLY about books written by SCRIPTURALLY established prophets, which are named and referenced by the scriptures themselves as reliable sources for obtaining additional information on the subject that is only partially being covered by the scripture (not men) telling us about the other books.

I can find where the scriptures state that Jonah spake or wrote a prophecy regarding boarders. SO, I believe it to exist. And I can find where the scriptures state that particular prophecy to INDEED be the word of the Lord. So I could that word spoken by Johah (if ever found) to be compliant not only to Rev. 22:18, which talks about ADDING TO, but also 22:19 which talks about REMOVING SOME of the word of God.

What I CANNOT find (perhaps you can post one?) is a SCRIPTURE stating the need for a group of men (also not named in scripture) to somehow exclude some writings for their volume (remember Rev 22:19)....and then that people should rely on this limited volume instead of obeying the command to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV

To me, it seems the statements of Revelation 22:18,19 would have been in effect at the time that particular committee decided to start selecting (again, not by scriptural command). So, IF you're looking for a place to start observing Rev 18&19, perhaps you should consider that it was already in effect when that committee gathered at the decree of a man (not scripture). THAT would send you running to God, instead of trusting the pronouncements of the committee.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

 

[DavidTree]

Are we allowed to believe the bible itself, which states there are a bunch of other writings and prophesies by bible-acknowledged prophets when those works are NOT included in the collection of books chosen by some group of men to be bound into a volume called the "bible" (a volume that was initiated NOT by scriptural command or prophecy, but by extra-scriptural action 300(?) years after th writing of Revelation e)?

BTW, that is NOT a question about ANY works created SINCE the bible... It is a question ONLY about books written by SCRIPTURALLY established prophets, which are named and referenced by the scriptures themselves as reliable sources for obtaining additional information on the subject that is only partially being covered by the scripture (not men) telling us about the other books.

I can find where the scriptures state that Jonah spake or wrote a prophecy regarding boarders. SO, I believe it to exist. And I can find where the scriptures state that particular prophecy to INDEED be the word of the Lord. So I could that word spoken by Johah (if ever found) to be compliant not only to Rev. 22:18, which talks about ADDING TO, but also 22:19 which talks about REMOVING SOME of the word of God.

What I CANNOT find (perhaps you can post one?) is a SCRIPTURE stating the need for a group of men (also not named in scripture) to somehow exclude some writings for their volume (remember Rev 22:19)....and then that people should rely on this limited volume instead of obeying the command to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV

To me, it seems the statements of Revelation 22:18,19 would have been in effect at the time that particular committee decided to start selecting (again, not by scriptural command). So, IF you're looking for a place to start observing Rev 18&19, perhaps you should consider that it was already in effect when that committee gathered at the decree of a man (not scripture). THAT would send you running to God, instead of trusting the pronouncements of the committee.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

You quoted - "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV

i say AMEN to that KelbyofGod

But how do we know what is Good?, that we may hold fast to and never let go.........

Answer: Then a certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus replied, “Why do you call Me good?” - “No one is good except God alone."

This is the only Good by which we are to know what is good and what we are to hold fast to.

Here is the Good = In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:1

Look at the pattern set forth by God for our Good:
Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you. Deuteronomy 4: 1-2

Every word of God is flawless;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Do not add to His words,
lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar. Proverbs 30: 5-6

I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book. Rev 22: 18-19

Scripture cannot lie - therefore we have great confidence, hope and fellowship in Him through His Word.

The Word is the Plumb Line, the Measurement by which all prophecies are tested and proven.

 

[Katia]

Are we allowed to believe the bible itself, which states there are a bunch of other writings and prophesies by bible-acknowledged prophets when those works are NOT included in the collection of books chosen by some group of men to be bound into a volume called the "bible" (a volume that was initiated NOT by scriptural command or prophecy, but by extra-scriptural action 300(?) years after th writing of Revelation e)?

BTW, that is NOT a question about ANY works created SINCE the bible... It is a question ONLY about books written by SCRIPTURALLY established prophets, which are named and referenced by the scriptures themselves as reliable sources for obtaining additional information on the subject that is only partially being covered by the scripture (not men) telling us about the other books.

I can find where the scriptures state that Jonah spake or wrote a prophecy regarding boarders. SO, I believe it to exist. And I can find where the scriptures state that particular prophecy to INDEED be the word of the Lord. So I could that word spoken by Johah (if ever found) to be compliant not only to Rev. 22:18, which talks about ADDING TO, but also 22:19 which talks about REMOVING SOME of the word of God.

What I CANNOT find (perhaps you can post one?) is a SCRIPTURE stating the need for a group of men (also not named in scripture) to somehow exclude some writings for their volume (remember Rev 22:19)....and then that people should rely on this limited volume instead of obeying the command to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV

To me, it seems the statements of Revelation 22:18,19 would have been in effect at the time that particular committee decided to start selecting (again, not by scriptural command). So, IF you're looking for a place to start observing Rev 18&19, perhaps you should consider that it was already in effect when that committee gathered at the decree of a man (not scripture). THAT would send you running to God, instead of trusting the pronouncements of the committee.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

There are works that I have read from an academic point of view for their possible archeological value though I do not attempt to add them to the Biblical works. And, those who canonized the Bible were entitled to their point of view. I take Biblical Inerrancy with a grain of salt. That will make some scream in indignation.

 

[KelbyofGod]

There are works that I have read from an academic point of view for their possible archeological value though I do not attempt to add them to the Biblical works. And, those who canonized the Bible were entitled to their point of view. I take Biblical Inerrancy with a grain of salt. That will make some scream in indignation.

That's a good outlook. God himself said "Prove me" and other things saying it's OK to test him, his spirit and his word to see the truth (rather than just blindly believe something to be true but NOT test to see if your understanding is full and accurate, well-placed, etc.)

1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

 

[KelbyofGod]

And, those who canonized the Bible were entitled to their point of view.

I love this line. LOL

 

[Katia]

I love this line. LOL

Thank you, mashallah. I get yelled at a lot, a consequence of really trying to know God, and to not treat him like a sugar daddy.

 

[KelbyofGod]

Thank you, mashallah. I get yelled at a lot, a consequence of really trying to know God, and to not treat him like a sugar daddy.

Would you be willing to explain what you mean about treating God like a sugar daddy? Thanks,
Kelby

 

[Katia]

Would you be willing to explain what you mean about treating God like a sugar daddy? Thanks,
Kelby

A sugar daddy is a man that a woman attaches herself to where he showers her with gifts. I think we all know someone who sees God that way.

 

[KelbyofGod]

A sugar daddy is a man that a woman attaches herself to where he showers her with gifts. I think we all know someone who sees God that way.

Yep, there are some groups who serve God for the fishes and loaves. Jesus corrected them in his day and we ought to do the same in our day.

John 6:26-27 KJV

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. [27] Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.​

The things Jesus was pointing towards ALSO yield fish and loaves when necessary but are much greater. Rigteousness, love, forgiveness, tender mercies, etc.

My question to you is "Why would anyone serve that other religion?" which might best be answered in direct message if you'd like to avoid persecution.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

 

[Katia]

Yep, there are some groups who serve God for the fishes and loaves. Jesus corrected them in his day and we ought to do the same in our day.

John 6:26-27 KJV

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. [27] Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.​

The things Jesus was pointing towards ALSO yield fish and loaves when necessary but are much greater. Rigteousness, love, forgiveness, tender mercies, etc.

My question to you is "Why would anyone serve that other religion?" which might best be answered in direct message if you'd like to avoid persecution.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

I'll most ADAMANTLY NOT serve a Christian denomination after what happened to me. Remember the OT story where the troops were instructed to fall back and let one of theirs be killed in battle? It's in there with the way that David got Bathsheba. Yeah, that is sort of the way it happened to me. I've forgiven the players but they won't get another chance.

I see Islam from an academic point of view. I don't practice it but there are ways of seeing things that I agree with. For example, some sects of Judaism require their women to cover their hair. It is so in Islam too, though it is not in the Qur'an. Christian women are to cover while in Prayer, and that is assumed at times in the OT. It all seems worse than a drunken brawl and is why my own practice is very private.

 

[listenyoumustAll]

Fear in this verse is not as in to be "frightened off". But rather that the believer takes reverence of God Majesty as he or she walks with him humbly .

 

[Mdennis1]

To fear God is to have a reverential respect and love of God. It not a fear of punishment, hell and wrath. Perhaps it is even a child like reverence. The phrase Fear of the Lord, by the way is used thirteen times in proverbs and frequently in the old testament. It used oft in Proverbs to contrast the foolish.

Fools despise wisdom and knowledge. The have no desire to know the ways of God and treat it with contempt. Such as the wicked, the atheist's etc.
To walk with God is to walk in his ways. To do everything to the Glory of God, despite what ever the personal cost may be. We will make mistakes / sin but we are to consistently walk in his ways.
1 Blessed is the man1
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Amen.