About the book of Job

[peldom10]

When we start to read the book of Job, it is said that he had everything and he believed in God. But he wasn’t only a believer. His faith was alive, it wasn’t only words, he offered sacrifices in case his children act against God, not only by doing something wrong but also by thinking wrong. It tells us a lot about what it means to have a strong relationship with God. According to God, there was no one like him on Earth regarding integrity and going away from badness. When we listen to the news, we must admit our society is completely at the opposite, getting away from goodness and looking for darkness, whatever people may try to do. Everything goes wrong. It doesn’t mean we don’t have to fight, on the contrary, but we need energy and a good example such as Job. To prove the rare relationship between God and Job, God lets Satan get rid of all Job’s belongings except Job himself. Then he lost everything (animals, servants, children). At the end of chapter one, Job expresses his pain but also his total respect for God.

Job is one of my favorite books of the Bible with many, many messages.

Good summary but, absent of very important key points;

Through out Job's tribulations you will notice God preceded His authority for satan to attack job with this limitation...."you will spare His (Job's) life".

Either God wanted Job to show the community of His (Job's) depth of faith ( see Gens. 22; 12) or level of commitment to God.
I conclude the former since God knows our convictions...(as well as faith) if He (God) wishes to know them...rather than having them demonstrated.

God said Job was a perfect servant. (Notice He did not say Job was perfect).
We are reminded that God replaced Job's wealth (2 x's over) and the 7 sons and 3 daughters He lost),See Job 42;10, 12-14

We must remember Christ said...if you follow me you may have to pay a price. This is an example that God will use His servants in many, many different ways. Praise God.

Job, a book with many messages which is needed to be understood by all Christ followers and witnesses.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

Don’t be discouraged! You are doing a good job! You remind me of Peter and Job, and it’s a compliment! You speak frankly, you say directly what you think and you force people to think and you push them and you force me to make more research. I used to look at the interlinear translation, now I have to look at a biblical dictionary to get the general meaning, that’s another dimension. Thanks a lot. I have never done that before!

I very much appreciate this feedback. I just want to "get things right" instead of "be right," if that makes sense. All that I want is the Mind of Christ and [not the mind of David - which is me, not king David]. In fact, I am repulsed by my human thinking. We fall short in our humanity, as there can be no other way.

I long to be out of this body and to be with the Almighty Power in Heaven, but I know that the Lord has an Eternal Plan . . . I control none of it. I live because the Lord allows it. I will die when the Lord determines that my role has been finished. But make no mistake about it, this is a difficult "place" to be. This is Satan's world . . . and I do not belong here.

Again, thank you so kindly for your words. They [do] bring some comfort.

 

[JLG]

Job is one of my favorite books of the Bible with many, many messages.

Good summary but, absent of very important key points;

Through out Job's tribulations you will notice God preceded His authority for satan to attack job with this limitation...."you will spare His (Job's) life".

Either God wanted Job to show the community of His (Job's) depth of faith ( see Gens. 22; 12) or level of commitment to God.
I conclude the former since God knows our convictions...(as well as faith) if He (God) wishes to know them...rather than having them demonstrated.

God said Job was a perfect servant. (Notice He did not say Job was perfect).
We are reminded that God replaced Job's wealth (2 x's over) and the 7 sons and 3 daughters He lost),See Job 42;10, 12-14

We must remember Christ said...if you follow me you may have to pay a price. This is an example that God will use His servants in many, many different ways. Praise God.

Job, a book with many messages which is needed to be understood by all Christ followers and witnesses.

Well it’s a personal choice. I want to show the book of Job to help people question their relationship with God. There is a lot to learn for Christians in the Old Testament when we study the relationship between God’s men and God. They are simple human beings but they could develop a good relationship with God. To get such a relationship is a hard work! God knows Job but Satan was questioning his integrity towards God meaning every human being he is also questioning the integrity of all believers. And once again there were not only God and Satan but also angels.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

Well it’s a personal choice. I want to show the book of Job to help people question their relationship with God. There is a lot to learn for Christians in the Old Testament when we study the relationship between God’s men and God. They are simple human beings but they could develop a good relationship with God. To get such a relationship is a hard work! God knows Job but Satan was questioning his integrity towards God meaning every human being he is also questioning the integrity of all believers. And once again there were not only God and Satan but also angels.

I didn't realize that you are the one who had posted this thread. That makes your response to me that much more meaningful. Thank you, JLG. I do appreciate you very much (for listening to my human ideas).

 

[JLG]

Don’t be discouraged! You are doing a good job! You remind me of Peter and Job, and it’s a compliment! You speak frankly, you say directly what you think and you force people to think and you push them and you force me to make more research. I used to look at the interlinear translation, now I have to look at a biblical dictionary to get the general meaning, that’s another dimension. Thanks a lot. I have never done that before!

Once again using biblestudytools.com

Bible Dictionaries - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Friend, Friendship

Friend, Friendship

Most of the Old Testament words translated "friend, " "friendship, " or "be friendly" come from two Hebrew roots, rh and hb. The most common terms for friend are reeh, [h,[er] "friend, " and oheb, [b;hoa] a participial form meaning "one who loves." In the New Testament several words appear, including philos [fivlo"], "friend, " hetairos [eJtai'ro"], "companion, comrade, " and plesion [plhsivon], "neighbor, " along with a variety of kinship terms such as "brother, " "mother, " or "child, " extended to refer to people outside one's family for whom one feels special affection. The terms used most include philos [fivlo"], "friend, " and adelphos [ajdelfov"] / adelphe [ajdelfhv], "brother/sister, " the last of which becomes a technical term for a fellow believer.

In both Testaments the ideas of friend and friendship involve three components: association, loyalty, and affection. There are also three levels of meaning: friendship as association only; friendship as association plus loyalty; and friendship as association plus loyalty plus affection.

 

[JLG]

Once again using biblestudytools.com

Bible Dictionaries - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Friend, Friendship

Friend, Friendship

Most of the Old Testament words translated "friend, " "friendship, " or "be friendly" come from two Hebrew roots, rh and hb. The most common terms for friend are reeh, [h,[er] "friend, " and oheb, [b;hoa] a participial form meaning "one who loves." In the New Testament several words appear, including philos [fivlo"], "friend, " hetairos [eJtai'ro"], "companion, comrade, " and plesion [plhsivon], "neighbor, " along with a variety of kinship terms such as "brother, " "mother, " or "child, " extended to refer to people outside one's family for whom one feels special affection. The terms used most include philos [fivlo"], "friend, " and adelphos [ajdelfov"] / adelphe [ajdelfhv], "brother/sister, " the last of which becomes a technical term for a fellow believer.

In both Testaments the ideas of friend and friendship involve three components: association, loyalty, and affection. There are also three levels of meaning: friendship as association only; friendship as association plus loyalty; and friendship as association plus loyalty plus affection.

At the lowest level a friend is simply an associate or "the other fellow" ( Judges 7:13 ; Rom 15:2 ; James 4:12 ). In Jesus' parables the vineyard owner addresses a laborer ( Matt 20:13 ) and the host speaks to a wedding guest he does not know ( Matt 22:12 ) using the term "comrade." Jesus addresses Judas in this way in the garden: "Friend, do what you came for" ( Matt 26:50 ).

At a higher and theologically more interesting level the idea of friendship contains not only the component of association but also that of loyalty. The "king's friend" ( 2 Sam 15:37 ; 16:16 ; 1 Kings 4:5 ; 1 Chron 27:33 ) serves as a royal advisor or, in the Maccabean period, as a member of a favored class of nobles (1 Macc 2:18; 3:38; 6:10; 10:65). Hiram of Tyre's "friendship" with David ( 1 Kings 5:1 ) is actually a political alliance that may have little to do with affection but everything to do with treaty obligations. The "friend who sticks closer than a brother" ( Prov 18:24 ) shows loyalty. When the Jews accuse Pilate of not being "a friend of Caesar" ( John 19:12 ), they are questioning his loyalty to the emperor.

The highest level of friendship contains the components of association and loyalty along with affection. The friendship of David and Jonathan ( 1 Sam 18:1-4 ; 20:14-17 ) has all three components, as does the friendship between Paul and the Philippian church (see, e.g., Philippians 4:1 Philippians 4:15-20 ).

 

[JLG]

At the lowest level a friend is simply an associate or "the other fellow" ( Judges 7:13 ; Rom 15:2 ; James 4:12 ). In Jesus' parables the vineyard owner addresses a laborer ( Matt 20:13 ) and the host speaks to a wedding guest he does not know ( Matt 22:12 ) using the term "comrade." Jesus addresses Judas in this way in the garden: "Friend, do what you came for" ( Matt 26:50 ).

At a higher and theologically more interesting level the idea of friendship contains not only the component of association but also that of loyalty. The "king's friend" ( 2 Sam 15:37 ; 16:16 ; 1 Kings 4:5 ; 1 Chron 27:33 ) serves as a royal advisor or, in the Maccabean period, as a member of a favored class of nobles (1 Macc 2:18; 3:38; 6:10; 10:65). Hiram of Tyre's "friendship" with David ( 1 Kings 5:1 ) is actually a political alliance that may have little to do with affection but everything to do with treaty obligations. The "friend who sticks closer than a brother" ( Prov 18:24 ) shows loyalty. When the Jews accuse Pilate of not being "a friend of Caesar" ( John 19:12 ), they are questioning his loyalty to the emperor.

The highest level of friendship contains the components of association and loyalty along with affection. The friendship of David and Jonathan ( 1 Sam 18:1-4 ; 20:14-17 ) has all three components, as does the friendship between Paul and the Philippian church (see, e.g., Philippians 4:1 Philippians 4:15-20 ).

According to Scripture there are three possible objects of friendship: another person, God or his Son, or someone else who follows Jesus.

The first involves human friendship based simply on common humanity with all the joys and dangers associated with it. Human friendship brings help in time of trouble ( Prov 17:17 ; 27:10 ; Luke 11:5-8 ) and advice in perplexing situations ( Prov 27:9 ). A friend may provide consolation in trouble, as when Barzillai the Gileadite consoles the hunted David ( 2 Sam 19:31-39 ), or when the friends of Jephthah's daughter help her mourn her early death ( Judges 11:37-38 ). A friend may offer help at the risk of death, as Hushai the Arkite does when he spies for David in the court of Absalom the usurper ( 2 Sam 15:32-37 ; 16:16-19 ; 17:5-16 ). A friend may rebuke in love, proving more faithful than a flatterer ( Prov 27:6 ). Ecclesiastes develops the theme of friendship in the "two are better than one" passage ( 4:9-12 ).

 

[JLG]

According to Scripture there are three possible objects of friendship: another person, God or his Son, or someone else who follows Jesus.

The first involves human friendship based simply on common humanity with all the joys and dangers associated with it. Human friendship brings help in time of trouble ( Prov 17:17 ; 27:10 ; Luke 11:5-8 ) and advice in perplexing situations ( Prov 27:9 ). A friend may provide consolation in trouble, as when Barzillai the Gileadite consoles the hunted David ( 2 Sam 19:31-39 ), or when the friends of Jephthah's daughter help her mourn her early death ( Judges 11:37-38 ). A friend may offer help at the risk of death, as Hushai the Arkite does when he spies for David in the court of Absalom the usurper ( 2 Sam 15:32-37 ; 16:16-19 ; 17:5-16 ). A friend may rebuke in love, proving more faithful than a flatterer ( Prov 27:6 ). Ecclesiastes develops the theme of friendship in the "two are better than one" passage ( 4:9-12 ).

One of the greatest biblical examples of the "friend who sticks closer than a brother" is the relationship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan's loyalty to David runs deeper than his loyalty to his father Saul or his own ambitions ( 1 Sam 18:1-4 ; 20:14-17 ). The dirge David sings when he hears of Jonathan's death marks their relationship as a high point of human friendship ( 2 Sam 1:17-27 ). Ruth's stubborn loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi stands as another display of human friendship at its highest.

In the New Testament Paul shows a talent for gaining friends. In his letters he names many people as his special friends in Christ. In the Book of Acts Paul's friends include even the pagan officials of Asia known as Asiarchs ( Acts 19:31 ).

While friendship on the human level has its joys and consolations, it also has its dangers. Sometimes a friend can fail to dissuade one from an evil action, as Judah's friend Hirah the Adullamite does when he helps Judah make arrangements with a supposed prostitute ( Gen 38:12-23 ). A friend can lead one into sin, as when Jonadab son of Shimeah persuades his cousin Amnon to rape his half sister Tamar ( 2 Sam 13:1-6 ). A friend can even lead one to worship other gods ( Deut 13:6-11 ). Proverbs contains warnings about the dangers of bad company ( 1:10-19 ; 4:14-19 ).

Even if a friend does not lead one astray, the friend may cause grief through misunderstanding. Job's three comforters, although they try to be his friends, only make his suffering worse (2:11-13; 6:14-27; 19:21-22; 42:7-9).

 

[JLG]

One of the greatest biblical examples of the "friend who sticks closer than a brother" is the relationship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan's loyalty to David runs deeper than his loyalty to his father Saul or his own ambitions ( 1 Sam 18:1-4 ; 20:14-17 ). The dirge David sings when he hears of Jonathan's death marks their relationship as a high point of human friendship ( 2 Sam 1:17-27 ). Ruth's stubborn loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi stands as another display of human friendship at its highest.

In the New Testament Paul shows a talent for gaining friends. In his letters he names many people as his special friends in Christ. In the Book of Acts Paul's friends include even the pagan officials of Asia known as Asiarchs ( Acts 19:31 ).

While friendship on the human level has its joys and consolations, it also has its dangers. Sometimes a friend can fail to dissuade one from an evil action, as Judah's friend Hirah the Adullamite does when he helps Judah make arrangements with a supposed prostitute ( Gen 38:12-23 ). A friend can lead one into sin, as when Jonadab son of Shimeah persuades his cousin Amnon to rape his half sister Tamar ( 2 Sam 13:1-6 ). A friend can even lead one to worship other gods ( Deut 13:6-11 ). Proverbs contains warnings about the dangers of bad company ( 1:10-19 ; 4:14-19 ).

Even if a friend does not lead one astray, the friend may cause grief through misunderstanding. Job's three comforters, although they try to be his friends, only make his suffering worse (2:11-13; 6:14-27; 19:21-22; 42:7-9).

Friends may prove false, pretending affection and loyalty from ulterior motives ( Psalm 55:12-14 ; Prov 14:20 ; Proverbs 19:4 Proverbs 19:6-7 ). A friend may put one into debt by asking security for a loan ( Prov 6:1-5 ; 11:15 ; 17:18 ; 22:26-27 ). Friendship can break down through gossip ( Prov 16:28 ) or holding grudges ( Prov 17:9 ). Friends may abandon one in trouble ( Psalm 38:11 ; cf. Eccl 9:10 ). The disappearance of true loyalty to friends is one of the symptoms of social and moral breakdown addressed by the prophet Micah in eighth-century Judah ( Mic 7:5-6 ).

As one can be a friend to another person, so one can be a friend of God or of God's Son. Abraham gains the title "friend of God" by his faith and obedience ( 2 Chron 20:7 ; Isa 41:8 ; James 2:23 ). Those who keep God's covenant are called his friends ( Psalm 25:14 ). By contrast, one can be a friend of the world, which excludes the possibility of friendship with God ( James 4:4 ; 1 John 2:15 ).

 

[JLG]

Friends may prove false, pretending affection and loyalty from ulterior motives ( Psalm 55:12-14 ; Prov 14:20 ; Proverbs 19:4 Proverbs 19:6-7 ). A friend may put one into debt by asking security for a loan ( Prov 6:1-5 ; 11:15 ; 17:18 ; 22:26-27 ). Friendship can break down through gossip ( Prov 16:28 ) or holding grudges ( Prov 17:9 ). Friends may abandon one in trouble ( Psalm 38:11 ; cf. Eccl 9:10 ). The disappearance of true loyalty to friends is one of the symptoms of social and moral breakdown addressed by the prophet Micah in eighth-century Judah ( Mic 7:5-6 ).

As one can be a friend to another person, so one can be a friend of God or of God's Son. Abraham gains the title "friend of God" by his faith and obedience ( 2 Chron 20:7 ; Isa 41:8 ; James 2:23 ). Those who keep God's covenant are called his friends ( Psalm 25:14 ). By contrast, one can be a friend of the world, which excludes the possibility of friendship with God ( James 4:4 ; 1 John 2:15 ).

Many show they are friends of God by becoming friends of Jesus. His open acceptance during his ministry of all kinds of people displays not simply a tendency toward human friendship but portrays the possibility of divine-human loyalty and affection. The "disciple Jesus loved" ( John 19:26 ; 20:2 ; 21:7 ) enjoys more than a human relationship with Jesus. Their friendship is more spiritual than social, as no doubt Jesus' friendship with Lazarus was ( John 11:3 John 11:5 John 11:36 ). Jesus shows this kind of divine-human friendship by addressing his disciples as friends ( Luke 12:4 ), by letting them know the inner meaning of his life and ministry ( John 15:15 ), and, most clearly, by dying on the cross as the sacrifice for sin ( John 15:13 ). When Jesus tells his disciples, "You are my friends if you do what I command" ( John 15:14 ), the components of association, loyalty, and affection all appear.

If one can be a friend of God or of God's Son, this friendship can extend as well to others who are also friends of God. Christian friendship finds its basis in the friendship between each believer and God. When John refers to fellow believers simply as "the friends" ( 3 John 15 ), he implies the loyalty and affection for one another that spring from loyalty and love for God. Seven times in 1 John the writer addresses his readers as "dear children, " using the language of family to express this deep affection ( 1 John 2:1 1 John 2:12 1 John 2:28 ; 1 John 3:7 1 John 3:18 ; 4:4 ; 5:21 ).

 

[JLG]

Many show they are friends of God by becoming friends of Jesus. His open acceptance during his ministry of all kinds of people displays not simply a tendency toward human friendship but portrays the possibility of divine-human loyalty and affection. The "disciple Jesus loved" ( John 19:26 ; 20:2 ; 21:7 ) enjoys more than a human relationship with Jesus. Their friendship is more spiritual than social, as no doubt Jesus' friendship with Lazarus was ( John 11:3 John 11:5 John 11:36 ). Jesus shows this kind of divine-human friendship by addressing his disciples as friends ( Luke 12:4 ), by letting them know the inner meaning of his life and ministry ( John 15:15 ), and, most clearly, by dying on the cross as the sacrifice for sin ( John 15:13 ). When Jesus tells his disciples, "You are my friends if you do what I command" ( John 15:14 ), the components of association, loyalty, and affection all appear.

If one can be a friend of God or of God's Son, this friendship can extend as well to others who are also friends of God. Christian friendship finds its basis in the friendship between each believer and God. When John refers to fellow believers simply as "the friends" ( 3 John 15 ), he implies the loyalty and affection for one another that spring from loyalty and love for God. Seven times in 1 John the writer addresses his readers as "dear children, " using the language of family to express this deep affection ( 1 John 2:1 1 John 2:12 1 John 2:28 ; 1 John 3:7 1 John 3:18 ; 4:4 ; 5:21 ).

Paul expresses this loyal and affectionate relationship when he refers to or addresses several individuals with the language of family love. He speaks to Timothy and Titus as his true children ( 1 Tim 1:2 ; Titus 1:4 ), and to Timothy as his "dear son" ( 2 Tim 1:2 ). Onesimus is not only Paul's "son" but his "very heart" (Philem. 10, 12). An unnamed woman in the Roman church is mother literally to a Christian named Rufus and figuratively to Paul ( Rom 16:13 ).

The New Testament shows a certain "in-group" mentality by making a distinction between members of the household of faith and outsiders ( Gal 6:10 ). But the writers never press this distinction, and they often make the point that Christian friendship should not appear only within Christian circles. While Paul, for example, encourages special concern for believers, he does so in connection with encouragement to "do good to all" ( Gal 6:10 ). Jesus encourages his followers to invite needy strangers, not friends, to their tables ( Luke 14:12-14 ), and in the parable of the Good Samaritan he extends the concept of neighbor to include anyone in need ( Luke 10:25-37 ).

Carl B. Bridges, Jr.​

Bibliography. D. A. Carson, NIDNTT, 1:259-60; U. Falkenroth, NIDNTT, 1:258-59; W. Gü ther, NIDNTT, 1:254-58; G. A. Lee, ISBE, 2:361-62; C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves; N. J. Opperwall and G. A. Lee, ISBE, 2:363.

 

[JLG]

Paul expresses this loyal and affectionate relationship when he refers to or addresses several individuals with the language of family love. He speaks to Timothy and Titus as his true children ( 1 Tim 1:2 ; Titus 1:4 ), and to Timothy as his "dear son" ( 2 Tim 1:2 ). Onesimus is not only Paul's "son" but his "very heart" (Philem. 10, 12). An unnamed woman in the Roman church is mother literally to a Christian named Rufus and figuratively to Paul ( Rom 16:13 ).

The New Testament shows a certain "in-group" mentality by making a distinction between members of the household of faith and outsiders ( Gal 6:10 ). But the writers never press this distinction, and they often make the point that Christian friendship should not appear only within Christian circles. While Paul, for example, encourages special concern for believers, he does so in connection with encouragement to "do good to all" ( Gal 6:10 ). Jesus encourages his followers to invite needy strangers, not friends, to their tables ( Luke 14:12-14 ), and in the parable of the Good Samaritan he extends the concept of neighbor to include anyone in need ( Luke 10:25-37 ).

Carl B. Bridges, Jr.​

Bibliography. D. A. Carson, NIDNTT, 1:259-60; U. Falkenroth, NIDNTT, 1:258-59; W. Gü ther, NIDNTT, 1:254-58; G. A. Lee, ISBE, 2:361-62; C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves; N. J. Opperwall and G. A. Lee, ISBE, 2:363.

Three levels of friendsip: friendship as association only; friendship as association plus loyalty; and friendship as association plus loyalty plus affection.

Think of all the Greek words meaning a category of love.

We need a lot of wisdom and humility to study the Bible. We also need to be careful when we use a word: there are two many levels for our modern languages! Really easy to get lost.

 

[JLG]

Three levels of friendsip: friendship as association only; friendship as association plus loyalty; and friendship as association plus loyalty plus affection.

Think of all the Greek words meaning a category of love.

We need a lot of wisdom and humility to study the Bible. We also need to be careful when we use a word: there are two many levels for our modern languages! Really easy to get lost.

In the Interlinear translation, the translator uses associate before translating by the English word friend, associate meaning the lowest level of friendship.
That’s why I don’t like to use the general English word friend for the three Hebrews.

 

[JLG]

I am very sorry, but I don't quite think I understand (my issue, not yours.) Would you be suggesting that God appreciated Job because of his forthright and incessant complaining? It seems (to me) that Job had a change of attitude after God said, "Brace yourself like a man." It was only after this that Job began to realize his errors, which the Lord so duly pointed out.

One thing that I didn't mention is that I really liked what his three friends had to say to him. Yet they were at fault? I thought that their mindsets and attitudes were incredible! It seems (to me) that their frame of thinking was spot on. Therefore, it wasn't the words of Job that inspire me, but the words of his three friends.

I just don't know anymore. I'm beaten down and tired . . . and really set back (if not discouraged) over my recent realizations of how I have not understood Scripture as I thought I did. At this point in my life, I'm sick of myself and my ideas and would just rather listen to all of you. So, I will be posting more threads so that, with the help of many of you here, I can get myself together. I am so tired.

I understand what you think about the three Hebrews, it's good if you think so. They try to say what they think is right. But personally, they seem like babies to me compared to Job. Remember he expresses himself because he doesn’t understand what happens to him and he knows he has done nothing wrong. If they had been real friends, they would have tried to encourage him, not discourage him. They just say he is guilty but he is not.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

I understand what you think about the three Hebrews, it's good if you think so. They try to say what they think is right. But personally, they seem like babies to me compared to Job. Remember he expresses himself because he doesn’t understand what happens to him and he knows he has done nothing wrong. If they had been real friends, they would have tried to encourage him, not discourage him. They just say he is guilty but he is not.

I'd have to re-read the book again. But in my mind, they were absolutely trying to encourage him (to Transform his thinking).

 

[Icedaisey]

Why do you thinks that? The Bible always speaks of God as a person.

"In the beginning a person created the heavens and the earth."

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_is_spirit

 

[Icedaisey]

I trust her to mean God is not a human, He has personhood.
best wishes

Thank you for your effort. However, I did mean that God is not a person.

 

[Nehemiah6]

Well isn't that an interesting discovery? If God isn't a person then exactly what is He? And if Christ isn't a person, then exactly what is He?

Icedaisey thinks my response to her bizarre remark is funny. As a matter of fact there are THREE DIVINE PERSONS within the Godhead -- the Father, the Son (or the Word), and the Holy Spirit. And these three are ONE. This is the Mystery of God and of Christ.

 

[Nehemiah6]

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24

The correct verse is God is "A SPIRIT", not "is spirit". So you think spirit beings are not persons? Satan is a spirit being and also a person. God the Father is a Spirit and also a divine person.

 

[JLG]

I'd have to re-read the book again. But in my mind, they were absolutely trying to encourage him (to Transform his thinking).

I don’t know if they really wanted to encourage him because I think that when you try to encourage someone, it’s to help him feel better. When this person feels worse, it’s a strange way to encourage people, isn’t it? Or maybe you don’t find the right words? Or maybe sometimes you don’t need to speak? There are many ways to help people? Remember the parable of the good Samaritan? Or Mary Magdalene putting oil on Jesus’ feet? Maybe they could have done him food and wash his body and heal his wounds, couldn’t they? And then he would have been more receptive, wouldn’t he? But then there is a difference between associates and real friends!