Starting over ain't easy! Merks

[Merks]

Hi everyone,
I am here because over the last couple years I have been challenged, by a member on the Steve Brown discussion forum, to consider the possibility the doctrine of Hell is not found in Scripture. Although it has taken me awhile I can no longer adhere to this "tenant" of the Christian Faith.

My study on this subject has caused me to reevaluate the other Orthodox doctrines I affirmed. Thus my search continues and here is where I have landed. I wrote this poem for a communion service I lead. I wrote it as I pondered the discussion Jesus had with His disciples during His last meal with them. I look forward to our future discussions concerning "The Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Before there was time and the worlds you see
There existed only the Father, the Spirit and Me.
Alone self-sufficient and complete in Myself
I purposed in My pleasure to make known who I Am.

My essence displayed in all My great glory
Is the beginning and the end for this unfolding story.
I create for Myself whatever I choose
And execute My will through My eternal decree

This thing I have created, Myself, I have birthed unto
For in keeping with My nature I share my love with you.
The mystery of who I Am in all my glorious perfection
Shall one day be revealed for all to enjoy.

Revealed in this plan you have seen the Son of Man
An enigma if you will, for I have come as a Lamb.
Defined by My purity, full of Grace and Truth
Accomplishing all required to birth my life in you.

The days of My abode as I walked the broken road
A path has been trodden an example for you to follow
It's a path of pain and sorrow and surely you will ask why
But the only answer given is fear not here am I.

Soon scattered and fleeting you will run to hid yourself
For your shame will be revealed as I take it for Myself.
Just remember all I told you for My words are sure and true
For into this world I came to share Myself with you.

This supper laid before us revealed my story long ago
Though but a glimpse, of the passion now to unfold.
The blueprint of Redemption always pointing straight at Me
The house is being built and it's foundation rests on Me

So Let us dine together feast well and long on Me
For this My body's broken, My life I give to thee.
Drink deep and drink long from the cup of Redemption
And I promise this to you, some day, not now, we shall drink together anew.

The ending of My story written down so long ago
Was born in My good pleasure which truly will be known
So take heart My little lambs and fear not the coming end
For the joy of The Lord will be yours forevermore; says the Great I Am!


The platform of praise? It's the place where Splendor produces surrender so the heart is free to worship. See you there!
Michael.

[Dandelion]

Welcome!

Yes, I am very aware that starting over isn't easy.....but, the alternatives are definitely much worse!

Because the truth will set us free!

D.

[Shev]

Welcome Michael!

[Lazarus Short]

WELCOME, MICHAEL!

Being an ex-atheist, ex-Libertarian, ex-emo, ex-Adventist, ex-KJV loyalist, and on, and on, I well know what it means to start over and over and over.  The Tent is the best place yet...

[Merks]

Thank you for the kind welcome. I will start out by just spending some time reading and absorbing the material posted in the various forums. There is much to consider. Thanks, and may the blessing of The Gospel abound in your lives.

Merks.

[eaglesway]

Beautiful poem. Welcome! Let us Rejoice! The Lamb has conquered all by His love! :o)

[CST]

Welcome, Meeks. You appear to be an artist.

[Merks]

Hey CST! Thanks for the welcome. Looking forward to future discussions with you brother. I appreciated your reply in the "common idiom" thread but it looks like it will be better served to let it rest.

FYI, my only point was to acknowledge to rstrats an example of 1st century usage of his referenced idiom was not produced. Therefore, I (me personally) conceded his point in order to further develop a forward progression of thought. I am more interested in his heart and the purpose for his question.

I found there to be some very insightful thoughts shared concerning the three days and three nights of The Christ's death and resurrection. These insights do not appear to have been what rstrats was seeking. Personally, I have found discussion surrounding the veracity of Scripture to be pointless. This, I believe, is at the heart of rstrats question.

Anyway, I am glad to be here and look forward to growing together through the transforming power of His abundant Grace. May the fruit of The Gospel blessing reside with you my brother.

Merks

[darryl]

Welcome!

Yes, I am very aware that starting over isn't easy.....but, the alternatives are definitely much worse!

Because the truth will set us free!

D.

yayyyaa !    Amen to that !  :banana: :dsunny: :thumbsup:

[CST]

Hey CST! Thanks for the welcome. Looking forward to future discussions with you brother. I appreciated your reply in the "common idiom" thread but it looks like it will be better served to let it rest.

FYI, my only point was to acknowledge to rstrats an example of 1st century usage of his referenced idiom was not produced. Therefore, I (me personally) conceded his point in order to further develop a forward progression of thought. I am more interested in his heart and the purpose for his question.

I found there to be some very insightful thoughts shared concerning the three days and three nights of The Christ's death and resurrection. These insights do not appear to have been what rstrats was seeking. Personally, I have found discussion surrounding the veracity of Scripture to be pointless. This, I believe, is at the heart of rstrats question.

Anyway, I am glad to be here and look forward to growing together through the transforming power of His abundant Grace. May the fruit of The Gospel blessing reside with you my brother.

Merks

The problem I had was that rstrats seemed to be avoiding telling us what the 'heart' of his question was which made it very hard to answer or address and did lead me to suspect some sort of evasion, rightly or wrongly.

Certainly questioning the veracity of scripture is not only pointless but against site policy, also prompting my suspicion. But we do question how scripture is supposed to be read and understood all the time. After all if whatever scripture meant was equally clear to everyone we'd all know and agree on what it actually said the final fate of our species was. And then they'd be nothing to discuss. Which would be really boring.

[marie glen]

Hello Merks! :hiya: and :welcome:

- Very nice poetry!!!