Encounters and Calling
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That's an assumption, I think the majority of Christians learn and experience God through the scriptures - However, I do believe that HOW God spoke in scriptures, He still speaks today in the same way. He still gives dreams and visions, angelic visitations. He still speaks through prophets today and Apostles!
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Context matters in the scriptures. For reference:
When Paul wrote:
"And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think above that which is written that no one of you be puffed up for one against another."
He also told us the characteristics of his audience (this is in the same epistle):
"So, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but instead as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready."
The instruction to "not go beyond what is written" is instruction for infants in Christ: people not ready to receive solid food.
Paul continued:
"In fact, you are still not ready, 3 for you are still influenced by the flesh. For since there is still jealousy and dissension among you, are you not influenced by the flesh and behaving like unregenerate people?"
In the same letter, Paul writes how he curtailed his message:
"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
BUT, this was not the fullness of wisdom from the Lord. It was just that the Corinthian believers could not receive it.
Paul continued:
"However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing."
To summarize:
When someone says "don't go beyond what is written" or "only preach Christ and Him crucified" are standards for the word of God they are declaring that 1) their audience is always immature or 2) they do not know the mature message.
And just to be clear: no one is advocating for more scriptures or epistles.
What the mature know is that God speaks to us directly. He gives us direction in our spirits: from His Spirit to our spirits. There is, in fact, no other way to be led by the Spirit than by His Spirit to ours. This direction is about jobs to take, where to live, who to trust, who to connect with, who to avoid, what to say or not to say, etc. Even about love. And, by constant application of this direction, Spirit to spirit, we discern good and evil.
"For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
This is a message not central to conversion but rather, central to maturing in Christ. But maturing in Christ is largely not taught by the church, so there is no mystery why most cannot hear what the Lord is saying about this.
When Paul wrote:
"And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think above that which is written that no one of you be puffed up for one against another."
He also told us the characteristics of his audience (this is in the same epistle):
"So, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but instead as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready."
The instruction to "not go beyond what is written" is instruction for infants in Christ: people not ready to receive solid food.
Paul continued:
"In fact, you are still not ready, 3 for you are still influenced by the flesh. For since there is still jealousy and dissension among you, are you not influenced by the flesh and behaving like unregenerate people?"
In the same letter, Paul writes how he curtailed his message:
"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
BUT, this was not the fullness of wisdom from the Lord. It was just that the Corinthian believers could not receive it.
Paul continued:
"However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing."
To summarize:
When someone says "don't go beyond what is written" or "only preach Christ and Him crucified" are standards for the word of God they are declaring that 1) their audience is always immature or 2) they do not know the mature message.
And just to be clear: no one is advocating for more scriptures or epistles.
What the mature know is that God speaks to us directly. He gives us direction in our spirits: from His Spirit to our spirits. There is, in fact, no other way to be led by the Spirit than by His Spirit to ours. This direction is about jobs to take, where to live, who to trust, who to connect with, who to avoid, what to say or not to say, etc. Even about love. And, by constant application of this direction, Spirit to spirit, we discern good and evil.
"For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
This is a message not central to conversion but rather, central to maturing in Christ. But maturing in Christ is largely not taught by the church, so there is no mystery why most cannot hear what the Lord is saying about this.
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No new revelation needed? Really? My calling was revealed to me by the Holy Spirit. He still uses me in new ways. I have been personally prophesied to, confirming my calling.
Apparently the word 'revelation' has been given meaning by men to mean, "only written in the Bible".
The Bible is the STANDARD by which spiritual things are judged by, not a restricter of what God can/cannot say to His children.
Man, how did you know your wife was chosen by God? Preacher, how did you know next week's sermon was selected by God?
When God reveals His will, it will be backed by scripture.
John 21:25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they were written in detail, I expect that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.
By some people's standards what Jesus did being revealed by the Spirit is ungodly because there's NO NEW REVELATION.
John 14:12 Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.
EVERYTHING the christian does for God is revealed by the Holy Spirit.
But wait! That's not in the Bible, therefore it can't be God's special revelation!
Those who believe such things aren't doing much in the Kingdom. Is it an excuse?
Apparently the word 'revelation' has been given meaning by men to mean, "only written in the Bible".
The Bible is the STANDARD by which spiritual things are judged by, not a restricter of what God can/cannot say to His children.
Man, how did you know your wife was chosen by God? Preacher, how did you know next week's sermon was selected by God?
When God reveals His will, it will be backed by scripture.
John 21:25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they were written in detail, I expect that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.
By some people's standards what Jesus did being revealed by the Spirit is ungodly because there's NO NEW REVELATION.
John 14:12 Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.
EVERYTHING the christian does for God is revealed by the Holy Spirit.
But wait! That's not in the Bible, therefore it can't be God's special revelation!
Those who believe such things aren't doing much in the Kingdom. Is it an excuse?
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Wow, what a powerful testimony about your friend!
Your friend reminds me of many saints throughout history who developed such intimate relationships with Jesus that He became as real as any physical person. The coffee cup story actually made me smile - it reminds me of Brother Lawrence who practiced "the presence of God" even while washing dishes!
The forgiveness revelation your friend received is especially important. In my counseling practice, I've seen how unforgiveness can become spiritual and emotional poison. What's fascinating is how your experience confirms what Scripture teaches - that sometimes forgiveness feels humanly impossible, yet with God's help, it becomes possible (Matthew 19:26).
I've noticed that modern prophetic gifts often work exactly as you described - not necessarily through someone seeking fame or recognition, but through humble believers who simply walk closely with God daily. Your friend's life demonstrates that God still speaks personally to His people today.
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@2ndTimeIsTheCharm
@only1God
And others...
I am exploring violin retoration business rather than the rental business. I know how to restore old violins, making them play music again. So I am exploring the business of restore them and resell. I tried this business one time already, but failed. Looking back I think I can do it this time.
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Back on topic... Our relationship with God is personally. He leads and guides, talking to us individually according to our personal self.
@2ndTimeIsTheCharm
@only1God
And others...
I am exploring violin retoration business rather than the rental business. I know how to restore old violins, making them play music again. So I am exploring the business of restore them and resell. I tried this business one time already, but failed. Looking back I think I can do it this time.
---
Back on topic... Our relationship with God is personally. He leads and guides, talking to us individually according to our personal self.
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Possibly, but all should conform to GW in the NT, especially regarding the Gospel/GRFS:
The normative way of stating the Gospel kerygma/GRFS in the NT is “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” (as in 2CR 4:5 & CL 2:6). The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in this statement can be explained or elaborated as follows:
If we truly believe in Jesus as Christ, the One who represents God the Father, then we will also accept Him as Lord (LK 2:11) or God the Son (MT 16:16) or God in the human dimension (CL 2:9). When we truly accept Jesus as Lord, we will want to please Him by doing His will (MT 7:21, EPH 5:8-10). Learning the manifold teachings or doctrines describing God’s moral will takes a lifetime. Thus, the need for perseverance/loyalty/remaining faithful, which is as easy or simple as an act of will. Remain faithful until the end.
Paul taught the importance of continuing to learn God’s Word (LGW) in 2TM 3:14-17, saying “Continue in what you have learned and have been convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The normative way of stating the Gospel kerygma/GRFS in the NT is “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” (as in 2CR 4:5 & CL 2:6). The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in this statement can be explained or elaborated as follows:
- There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or God (DT 6:4, JN 3:16, 2THS 1:6), who is both able (2TM 1:12) and willing (1TM 2:3-4) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
- Human beings are selfish or sinful (RM 3:23, 2TM 3:2-4, CL 3:5), miserable (GL 5:19-21), and hopeless (EPH 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (MT 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (JN 3:18, RM 2:5-11).
- Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (JN 3:16, ACTS 16:30-31, PHP 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (RM 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1CR 15:14-28).
- Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (LK 2:11, JN 14:6, ACTS 16:31), which means trying to obey His commandment to love one another (MT 22:37-40, JN 13:35, RM 13:9)—forever (MT 10:22, PS 113:2).
- Then God’s Holy Spirit will establish a saving relationship with those who freely accept Him (RV 3:20) that will eventually achieve heaven when by means of persevering in learning Truth/God’s Word/sanctification everyone cooperates fully with His will (JN 14:6, 17&26, RM 8:6-17, GL 6:7-9, EPH 1:13-14, HB 10:36, 12:1, JM 1:2-4).
If we truly believe in Jesus as Christ, the One who represents God the Father, then we will also accept Him as Lord (LK 2:11) or God the Son (MT 16:16) or God in the human dimension (CL 2:9). When we truly accept Jesus as Lord, we will want to please Him by doing His will (MT 7:21, EPH 5:8-10). Learning the manifold teachings or doctrines describing God’s moral will takes a lifetime. Thus, the need for perseverance/loyalty/remaining faithful, which is as easy or simple as an act of will. Remain faithful until the end.
Paul taught the importance of continuing to learn God’s Word (LGW) in 2TM 3:14-17, saying “Continue in what you have learned and have been convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”