When Jesus Said That GOD Is a Spirit, What Was He Talking About?

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Niki7

Well-known member
Feb 21, 2023
2,256
845
113
#21
So many people ready to tell everyone else how to go about their lives.

What is wrong with you?
OK Sparky. People like you are what is wrong. You just joined and so far have told everyone how wrong they are in less than 12 posts.

Your post indicated disagreement and I told you we had already covered what you seemed to think none of us know. I don't know how anyone with the ability to comprehend would become hostile and think suggesting there is something wrong with others, while they are throwing stones at everyone, thinks they are somehow on the inside loop of all truth.

You don't go to church, but seem to think you are the only one with truth.

You should do just fine in this forum but not with me. s'long
 

Walter

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2022
1,282
597
113
77
Washington
firstthings1sttab.tripod.com
#22
It doesn't say God is a Spirit... John 4:24 for instance just directly says God is Spirit...

This is very important if we go to Ephesians 2:11-22 because it is by this ONE Spirit that we come together as a new people...

This Spirit comes by Jesus' baptism, not the water baptism of John, and reveals John 17:20-26, 1 John 1:5, and 1 John 4:7-21 as literal qualities of God not metaphors or whatever else...

We don't seem to comprehend things like 1 Corinthians 4:1-13 and thus end up rejecting the mystical dimension, but only through this is truth actually comprehended...

Through all of this you know the Spirit directly, and should not stop seeking until it happens within you too...

There are too many Christians who seem to suggest everything is finished just because you've accepted Christ but there is much more than this in store for us if we want it, suggested by 2 Peter 1:4 and Luke 20:34-38 etc...

By our own mental constructs and ignorance we deny the truth Christ died to give us.
John 4:24 says "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."¹ This verse describes the nature of God, not the personality of God. The phrase "God is spirit" describes the essence of God as a spiritual being. It is not a metaphor or a figure of speech. It means that God is not limited by a physical body or confined to a particular location.²

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/1/2023
(1) John 4:24 - Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/john/4-24.htm.
(2) What does it mean that God is spirit? | GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/God-is-spirit.html.
(3) Reflection on John 4:24 – Worship God With Heart and With Honesty. https://www.testifygod.org/reflection-on-john-4-24.html.
(4) What does John 4:24 mean? | BibleRef.com. https://www.bibleref.com/John/4/John-4-24.html.
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
10
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#23
John 4:24 says "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."¹ This verse describes the nature of God, not the personality of God. The phrase "God is spirit" describes the essence of God as a spiritual being. It is not a metaphor or a figure of speech. It means that God is not limited by a physical body or confined to a particular location.²

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/1/2023
(1) John 4:24 - Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/john/4-24.htm.
(2) What does it mean that God is spirit? | GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/God-is-spirit.html.
(3) Reflection on John 4:24 – Worship God With Heart and With Honesty. https://www.testifygod.org/reflection-on-john-4-24.html.
(4) What does John 4:24 mean? | BibleRef.com. https://www.bibleref.com/John/4/John-4-24.html.
What do you think you're adding here?

It is by this Spirit that God is accessible and knowable, this is my emphasis but you seem to want to take it back into mere intellectual speculation?
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
10
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#24
OK Sparky. People like you are what is wrong. You just joined and so far have told everyone how wrong they are in less than 12 posts.

Your post indicated disagreement and I told you we had already covered what you seemed to think none of us know. I don't know how anyone with the ability to comprehend would become hostile and think suggesting there is something wrong with others, while they are throwing stones at everyone, thinks they are somehow on the inside loop of all truth.

You don't go to church, but seem to think you are the only one with truth.

You should do just fine in this forum but not with me. s'long
Do you think anything about our interactions suggest you're a child of God?

You are just angry that your arrogance doesn't impress me.
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
10
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#26
I'm pointing out a view of John 4:24
I think that picking apart individual verses to decipher loses context...

John 17:20-26 gives us the purpose of Christian life, and through this we can know truth...

Outside of this we are speculating.
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
10
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#27
Ephesians 3:16-19 is an assertion of the same...

Knowing this love which surpasses knowledge, which reveals the fullness of God...

I do not mean to be limiting in the statement because this purpose is repeated all over the place.
 

Walter

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2022
1,282
597
113
77
Washington
firstthings1sttab.tripod.com
#28
I think that picking apart individual verses to decipher loses context...

John 17:20-26 gives us the purpose of Christian life, and through this we can know truth...

Outside of this we are speculating.
No, you are wrong, because it is exactly what Jesus was talking about.
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
10
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#29
No, you are wrong, because it is exactly what Jesus was talking about.
I am suggesting nothing you said is helpful.

You are masking your ignorance in superficial knowledge.

From this you declare me wrong.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
13,040
5,225
113
#30
Your description is very biblical, but it leaves one thing out. Jesus, with is physical body, is also spirit along with the Father and the Holy Spirit as the one God.
amen

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
13,040
5,225
113
#31
It doesn't say God is a Spirit... John 4:24 for instance just directly says God is Spirit...

This is very important if we go to Ephesians 2:11-22 because it is by this ONE Spirit that we come together as a new people...

This Spirit comes by Jesus' baptism, not the water baptism of John, and reveals John 17:20-26, 1 John 1:5, and 1 John 4:7-21 as literal qualities of God not metaphors or whatever else...

We don't seem to comprehend things like 1 Corinthians 4:1-13 and thus end up rejecting the mystical dimension, but only through this is truth actually comprehended...

Through all of this you know the Spirit directly, and should not stop seeking until it happens within you too...

There are too many Christians who seem to suggest everything is finished just because you've accepted Christ but there is much more than this in store for us if we want it, suggested by 2 Peter 1:4 and Luke 20:34-38 etc...

By our own mental constructs and ignorance we deny the truth Christ died to give us.
your thought

It doesn't say God is a Spirit... John 4:24 for instance just directly says God is Spirit...”

God is a Spirit:

and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Worship In spirit …

“It is the spirit that quickeneth;

the flesh profiteth nothing:

the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And Worship in truth

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Renewal of our spiritual mind through hearing and believing the gospel

if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

a when we start learning from Jesus his teachings become part of our mind it becomes what is true to us about God , the things Jesus taught I mean

One example the apostles talk about us being the children of God in christ. The reason they all talk this way is because they all believed what Jesus taught our believers and God the father in the gospel that’s where that doctrine really comes from the son of God revealed in the gospel is how the children of God are born.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The spirit of our minds change because we hear what Jesus was saying like this

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There’s several examples but the point is the gospel that Jesus preached is what changes the spirit in our minds for this specific example the spirit of sonship is. Ring imparted to believers of what we’re hearing Jesus tesch there ( w are his children ) so as we hear and believe the gospel

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and we believe the gospel things like we’re gods children he’s our Heavenly Father , we are learning who we really are to God that understanding also is a spiritual truth that can change how we think and perceive life and our own place in tbe world which can ac ually change us greatly how we spend our time here in this fleeting life

Remember Jesus said his word is spirit ? And he was teaching g in the gospel that believers in him are Gods children that’s a spiritual understanding one has to hear to ever know and believe and begin to have that faith that almighty God has chosen us to be his children that’s changes everything for us it’s a new existance for a man

all Of Jesus teachings are that way
because it’s the truth of things hat we can’t know unless we hear what Jesus said like for instance that when you confess faith in Jesus truly and claim him as lord believe he died and rose when you believe in the Jesus of the Bible and what he’s done for us you now believing the things Jesus taught know truly that you are a sincere and true child of God who loves you so truly and dearly he would suffer and die , more than that is with you and will not forsake you and is always there trying to teach you about danger ahead and wants us to accept the gospel because it will lead us to a better relationship and understanding of him


What I’m blabbing on here about is “ spirit “ is partly about what knowledge and information we let into our belief and trust compartments in our mind and heart the living understanding and message of Jesus is like a vehicle the spirit uses to get into our hearts and minds which changes us from darkness to light in our minds and hearts changing our lives to n truth and changing “ how our mind works and what we dwell on “ or “ the spirit of our mind changes “

The understandings of mankind and God that Jesus taught are spirit also or more like a vehicle for the spirit to be embraced by believers.

before there was any matter or form of creation Gods spirit was there , and after all is done and said Gods spirit will remain this is how we receive eternal life
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
10
18
#32
your thought

It doesn't say God is a Spirit... John 4:24 for instance just directly says God is Spirit...”

God is a Spirit:

and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Worship In spirit …

“It is the spirit that quickeneth;

the flesh profiteth nothing:

the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And Worship in truth

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Renewal of our spiritual mind through hearing and believing the gospel

if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

a when we start learning from Jesus his teachings become part of our mind it becomes what is true to us about God , the things Jesus taught I mean

One example the apostles talk about us being the children of God in christ. The reason they all talk this way is because they all believed what Jesus taught our believers and God the father in the gospel that’s where that doctrine really comes from the son of God revealed in the gospel is how the children of God are born.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The spirit of our minds change because we hear what Jesus was saying like this

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There’s several examples but the point is the gospel that Jesus preached is what changes the spirit in our minds for this specific example the spirit of sonship is. Ring imparted to believers of what we’re hearing Jesus tesch there ( w are his children ) so as we hear and believe the gospel

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and we believe the gospel things like we’re gods children he’s our Heavenly Father , we are learning who we really are to God that understanding also is a spiritual truth that can change how we think and perceive life and our own place in tbe world which can ac ually change us greatly how we spend our time here in this fleeting life

Remember Jesus said his word is spirit ? And he was teaching g in the gospel that believers in him are Gods children that’s a spiritual understanding one has to hear to ever know and believe and begin to have that faith that almighty God has chosen us to be his children that’s changes everything for us it’s a new existance for a man

all Of Jesus teachings are that way
because it’s the truth of things hat we can’t know unless we hear what Jesus said like for instance that when you confess faith in Jesus truly and claim him as lord believe he died and rose when you believe in the Jesus of the Bible and what he’s done for us you now believing the things Jesus taught know truly that you are a sincere and true child of God who loves you so truly and dearly he would suffer and die , more than that is with you and will not forsake you and is always there trying to teach you about danger ahead and wants us to accept the gospel because it will lead us to a better relationship and understanding of him


What I’m blabbing on here about is “ spirit “ is partly about what knowledge and information we let into our belief and trust compartments in our mind and heart the living understanding and message of Jesus is like a vehicle the spirit uses to get into our hearts and minds which changes us from darkness to light in our minds and hearts changing our lives to n truth and changing “ how our mind works and what we dwell on “ or “ the spirit of our mind changes “

The understandings of mankind and God that Jesus taught are spirit also or more like a vehicle for the spirit to be embraced by believers.

before there was any matter or form of creation Gods spirit was there , and after all is done and said Gods spirit will remain this is how we receive eternal life
Ephesians 2:18 directly asserts there is one Spirit

In various places nous is translated as spirit too, but it is not the same thing.

Nous is what makes us able to know God, but God is Spirit itself.
 

Niki7

Well-known member
Feb 21, 2023
2,256
845
113
#33
No, you are wrong, because it is exactly what Jesus was talking about.
People are going to get nothing but insults from this person which is why I am no longer responding to him'

He is insinuating that communism should be global and if we all were the Christians we think we are, we would engage in communism and everyone would be equal

For me what you attribute to Communism is just the problem with nationalism...

Communism is the sharing of resources equally across humanity, and it has never been tried.
from his op here

that, according to him, is the true gospel

does it do any good to point this out to people who always seem eager to try and get the person who is off base on to base?

usually not (do not mean the last sentence for anyone other than those who think I am so mean because I can spot the nonsense a mile away and have no time or patience for it because it just detracts from what is true and makes nonsense out of what is true...tries to do so anyway )
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
13,040
5,225
113
#34
Ephesians 2:18 directly asserts there is one Spirit

In various places nous is translated as spirit too, but it is not the same thing.

Nous is what makes us able to know God, but God is Spirit itself.
“Ephesians 2:18 directly asserts there is one Spirit”

Yes I agree that’s true.

this also is true and clear

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

See how false messaging and prophets are how false spirits get into the world ?

This is pretty clearly stated also isn’t it ?

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and this

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭

This too

“And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:21‬ ‭

“For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Finally this also

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:14‬ ‭

Each verse doesn’t prove the others wrong they are all meant to add and make a fuller perspective of understanding of what’s being communicated in the message
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
10
18
#35
“Ephesians 2:18 directly asserts there is one Spirit”

Yes I agree that’s true.

this also is true and clear

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

See how false messaging and prophets are how false spirits get into the world ?

This is pretty clearly stated also isn’t it ?

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and this

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭

This too

“And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:21‬ ‭

“For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Finally this also

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:14‬ ‭

Each verse doesn’t prove the others wrong they are all meant to add and make a fuller perspective of understanding of what’s being communicated in the message
For me this results in too much dismissal of authentic messengers...

We act as though Jesus has no fruits, just sheep.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
13,040
5,225
113
#36
For me this results in too much dismissal of authentic messengers...

We act as though Jesus has no fruits, just sheep.
which scriptire makes you feel that way are only some meant to be believed or ? I’m confused because all I did was quote other scripture

and how is anyone saying Jesus had “no fruits just sheep “I don’t understand what your saying in that part can you elaborate on what you mean by that ?
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
10
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#37
which scriptire makes you feel that way are only some meant to be believed or ? I’m confused because all I did was quote other scripture

and how is anyone saying Jesus had “no fruits just sheep “I don’t understand what your saying in that part can you elaborate on what you mean by that ?
The scripture says you should test them by their fruits...

If you come to the Spirit through them then they have been of God...

You know by similarly encountering God.
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
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#38
It seems to me that many accept positions on scripture that bear no fruit.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
13,040
5,225
113
#39
“The scripture says you should test them by their fruits...”

indeed it does it also says this

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:3-4‬ ‭

and this

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s pretty important to make sure the person is teaching things that God taught in the gospel and not contrary things though wouldn’t you agree ? I think that’s what John is getting at here also which shouldn’t offend anyone but should be considered

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The only reason I quoted John though was to show the relationship between spirit and the message we accept

It’s pretty important we share the things Jesus and his apostles taught and make sure people aren’t teaching us contrary to those things I’d say but I digress anyhow thanks for the conversation
 
Apr 25, 2023
439
10
18
#40
“The scripture says you should test them by their fruits...”

indeed it does it also says this

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:3-4‬ ‭

and this

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s pretty important to make sure the person is teaching things that God taught in the gospel and not contrary things though wouldn’t you agree ? I think that’s what John is getting at here also which shouldn’t offend anyone but should be considered

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The only reason I quoted John though was to show the relationship between spirit and the message we accept

It’s pretty important we share the things Jesus and his apostles taught and make sure people aren’t teaching us contrary to those things I’d say but I digress anyhow thanks form try conversation
We cling to all of this while upholding false prophets.

Read Galatians real quick and you will see that Christianity was never supposed to be this way.