A friend says to me, " Hey, listen. God is dangerous. That is the way the Bible portrays him. You don't have to like it. You can deny his existence. You can pet him if you like—just don't expect your arm back. I'm done trying to explain God's dangerous qualities away, because some of it isn't explainable, and because at some level we must simply accept the way he has chosen to reveal himself."
I reply, "Hmmm. Scarry! I don't know that god. Yahweh is my god. Jesus is my savior. His Spirit is my helper, my encourager. He promised to be the savior of all humanity – especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10). My God is LOVE. I don't have to worry whether I am in the right religion, nor about mistranslations in bibles, for he reveals himself to me, apart from religious doctrines. I don't have to worry about my loved ones who may reject his grace. They will eventually be drawn to him (John 12:32) and purified too. I don't have to feel sorrow for those who never have a chance to hear of Jesus. He loves them too, and he will take care of them. I do not look forward to seeing, nor hope to see, evil-doers like Adolf Hitler being burned alive. There are no limits to the love and grace of my father, Yahweh. For he is good, and there are no limits to his mercy. I sing his praises because he is worthy of them – and so much more. "
"There are no limits to the love and grace of my father, Yahweh. For he is good, and there are no limits to his mercy. I sing his praises because he is worthy of them ..."
Amen and Glory! :dsunny:
Oh so true JB. And there are a multitude of scriptures to show us His wonderful truth and love.
:thumbsup: :HeartThrob:
Quote from: JBerton on November 14, 2014, 05:53:12 PM
A friend says to me, " Hey, listen. God is dangerous. That is the way the Bible portrays him. You don't have to like it. You can deny his existence. You can pet him if you like—just don't expect your arm back. I'm done trying to explain God's dangerous qualities away, because some of it isn't explainable, and because at some level we must simply accept the way he has chosen to reveal himself."
I reply, "Hmmm. Scarry! I don't know that god. Yahweh is my god. Jesus is my savior. His Spirit is my helper, my encourager. He promised to be the savior of all humanity – especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10). My God is LOVE. I don't have to worry whether I am in the right religion, nor about mistranslations in bibles, for he reveals himself to me, apart from religious doctrines. I don't have to worry about my loved ones who may reject his grace. They will eventually be drawn to him (John 12:32) and purified too. I don't have to feel sorrow for those who never have a chance to hear of Jesus. He loves them too, and he will take care of them. I do not look forward to seeing, nor hope to see, evil-doers like Adolf Hitler being burned alive. There are no limits to the love and grace of my father, Yahweh. For he is good, and there are no limits to his mercy. I sing his praises because he is worthy of them – and so much more. "
I think your friend has tunnel vision when he says, "God is dangerous." I believe all is out of God including evil, but it serves a purpose for good in the long run because it humbles us and makes us realize we need God to save us. Evil will eventually be nullified at the consummation of the eons when it has served its purpose, and then we will experience only love to the max!
"out of Him and through Him and for Him is all" (Romans 11:36)
"Former of light and Creator of darkness, Maker of good and Creator of evil. I, Yahweh Elohim, made all of these things." (Isaiah 45:7)
"I applied my heart to inquiring and exploring by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens: it is an experience of evil Elohim has given to the sons of humanity to humble them by it." (Ecclesiastes 1:13)
"we rely on the living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of believers." (1 Timothy 4:10)
"through Him to reconcile all to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on the earth or those in the heavens." (Colossians 1:20)
"Yet now Christ has been roused from among the dead, the Firstfruit of those who are reposing. For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead. For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified. Yet each in his own class: the Firstfruit, Christ; thereupon those who are Christ's in His presence; thereafter the consummation, whenever He may be giving up the kingdom to His God and Father, whenever He should be nullifying all sovereignty and all authority and power. For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy is being abolished: death. For He subjects all under His feet. Now whenever He may be saying that all is subject, it is evident that it is outside of Him Who subjects all to Him. Now, whenever all may be subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also shall be subjected to Him Who subjects all to Him, that God may be All in all." (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)
"God is love" (1 John 4:8,16)
When you see God from the point of view of the flesh he is very very scary
Yikes! :eek:
Quote from: JBerton on November 14, 2014, 05:53:12 PM
A friend says to me, " Hey, listen. God is dangerous. That is the way the Bible portrays him. You don't have to like it. You can deny his existence. You can pet him if you like—just don't expect your arm back. I'm done trying to explain God's dangerous qualities away, because some of it isn't explainable, and because at some level we must simply accept the way he has chosen to reveal himself."
I reply, "Hmmm. Scarry! I don't know that god. Yahweh is my god. Jesus is my savior. His Spirit is my helper, my encourager. He promised to be the savior of all humanity – especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10). My God is LOVE. I don't have to worry whether I am in the right religion, nor about mistranslations in bibles, for he reveals himself to me, apart from religious doctrines. I don't have to worry about my loved ones who may reject his grace. They will eventually be drawn to him (John 12:32) and purified too. I don't have to feel sorrow for those who never have a chance to hear of Jesus. He loves them too, and he will take care of them. I do not look forward to seeing, nor hope to see, evil-doers like Adolf Hitler being burned alive. There are no limits to the love and grace of my father, Yahweh. For he is good, and there are no limits to his mercy. I sing his praises because he is worthy of them – and so much more. "
Amen
Quote from: JBerton on November 14, 2014, 05:53:12 PM
A friend says to me, " Hey, listen. God is dangerous. That is the way the Bible portrays him. You don't have to like it. You can deny his existence. You can pet him if you like—just don't expect your arm back. I'm done trying to explain God's dangerous qualities away, because some of it isn't explainable, and because at some level we must simply accept the way he has chosen to reveal himself."
I reply, "Hmmm. Scarry! I don't know that god. Yahweh is my god. Jesus is my savior. His Spirit is my helper, my encourager. He promised to be the savior of all humanity – especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10). My God is LOVE. I don't have to worry whether I am in the right religion, nor about mistranslations in bibles, for he reveals himself to me, apart from religious doctrines. I don't have to worry about my loved ones who may reject his grace. They will eventually be drawn to him (John 12:32) and purified too. I don't have to feel sorrow for those who never have a chance to hear of Jesus. He loves them too, and he will take care of them. I do not look forward to seeing, nor hope to see, evil-doers like Adolf Hitler being burned alive. There are no limits to the love and grace of my father, Yahweh. For he is good, and there are no limits to his mercy. I sing his praises because he is worthy of them – and so much more. "
I think ETers think of God this way because of several factors. One, I think they don't realize that the Bible condenses thousands of years into a single book. The Bible records certain important events, but don't forget those events were spread throughout many years up to the writing of the New Testament. Because they are condensed, it can look like God was angry all the time. This discounts the many possible millions of Israelites and Gentiles who never experienced the wrath of God. In the hundreds of years between Malachi and Matthew, people were born and died who never did anything but live out their lives in peace (even if they were sinning against the proper tithe etc).
The 70 year captivity for example was prophesied extensively in Jeremiah, but 70 years? That's really not that much time for the amount of years total that Israel was sinning, complaining and backbiting against God. King Ahab was warned by prophet after prophet before God dropped the hammer and had him killed in battle. He really is long suffering, and I believe the Bible shows that doing harm to a man is the last resort, and usually came after clear warning and was executed mostly upon those who knew better. There might be exceptions, but not enough to make the rule in my estimation.
My conclusion is that God is not one to be trifled with, for certain. But if you do reach out to "pet him" I believe his reaction would be a warm embrace. If for some reason you did so, and God did not like it, he would send word beforehand, probably by way of multiple prophets, to advise you.
Personally I find the comparison between God and a dumb, feral animal to be outrageous, given God's clear statements about his long suffering nature.
I am enjoying reading your thoughts everyone. So much is about perception. This reminded me of a parable Yeshua told once. If you read it very carefully, perhaps you will see what I do, man being given over to face the consequences of his own faulty ideas of God.
He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.' But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.' When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.
The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.' And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'
And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.' And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.'
Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' He said to him, 'I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'
And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.' And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!' 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
(Luk 19:12-26)
5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
God can be scary/dangerous :o)
I'm reminded of David, knowing he messed up, saying he preferred to deal with God about it rather than man.
Quote from: Tom on November 15, 2014, 04:27:04 PM
I'm reminded of David, knowing he messed up, saying he preferred to deal with God about it rather than man.
Yes and would you be able to find that scripture? I have been searching and cannot find where David said that, I know I read it and use it but cant find it now. Thanks :HeartThrob:
Quote from: micah7:9 on November 15, 2014, 05:25:40 PM
Quote from: Tom on November 15, 2014, 04:27:04 PM
I'm reminded of David, knowing he messed up, saying he preferred to deal with God about it rather than man.
Yes and would you be able to find that scripture? I have been searching and cannot find where David said that, I know I read it and use it but cant find it now. Thanks :HeartThrob:
I know you asked Tom
2 Samuel 24
Judgment for David's Sin
...13So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, "Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? Now consider and see what answer I shall return to Him who sent me." 14Then David said to Gad, "
I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the LORD for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man." 14 David said to Gad, "I am in ·great [deep] ·trouble [distress]. Let ·the Lord punish us [L us fall into the hands of the Lord], because ·the Lord is very merciful [L his mercy is great]. Don't let ·my punishment come from human beings [L me fall into human hands]!"
Quote from: rosered on November 15, 2014, 07:17:22 PM
Quote from: micah7:9 on November 15, 2014, 05:25:40 PM
Quote from: Tom on November 15, 2014, 04:27:04 PM
I'm reminded of David, knowing he messed up, saying he preferred to deal with God about it rather than man.
Yes and would you be able to find that scripture? I have been searching and cannot find where David said that, I know I read it and use it but cant find it now. Thanks :HeartThrob:
I know you asked Tom
2 Samuel 24
Judgment for David's Sin
...13So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, "Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? Now consider and see what answer I shall return to Him who sent me." 14Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the LORD for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man."
14 David said to Gad, "I am in ·great [deep] ·trouble [distress]. Let ·the Lord punish us [L us fall into the hands of the Lord], because ·the Lord is very merciful [L his mercy is great]. Don't let ·my punishment come from human beings [L me fall into human hands]!"
Thanks Rose but it was me Micah who asked :thumbsup:
Yes. God is RIGHTEOUS and MERCIFUL.
Man is self-righteous and cruel.
I would want to receive from the hand of God rather than man as well. But God can still be scary/dangerous. His judgment fearsome. His wrath can be terrible.
Do you remember how the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and his whole family for questioning Moses authority.
Do you remember how Miriam was struck with leprosy for the same thing?
Moses pleaded for her healing and YHWH said, essentially, "OK, but she will bear it for a week, outside the camp, so she doesnt forget not too get too lifted up".
How about Aarons sons. Just a little replacement spice and BOOM, burned up in the fire.
Let's look at Sodom and Gomorah.- Mercy will triumph over judgment and PRAISE GOD FOR IT!....but the judgment was terrible just the same.
Giving someone over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, for instance, is a fearsome judgment. The consequences of extreme sin demanding an extreme response- definitely for the purpose of SALVATION IN THE DAY- but nevertheless fearsome.
Mercy triumphs over judgment- but judgment often OPENS THE WAY for MERCY...... God has shut up all under disobedience that He might have mercy on all, but the consequences of that disobedience can be terrible.
Any Egyptian could tell you that the day after ALL THEIR FIRST BORN were killed. Sometimes we read these like they were stories that didnt really happen to ACTUAL PEOPLE.
Jesus said, better to enter the kingdom of heaven maimed than to enter gehenna whole. Scary enough to pluck out an eye-
God can be scary and dangerous..... but His mercy will triumph over all and those who are HIs already know the awesome love of God.
Outside are there are sorcerers, murderers, deceivers, sexual predators, religious power mongers and oppressors- and some of them need the wrath of God, to pass through the "winepress", in order to be broken so that they may be healed.
Quote from: micah7:9 on November 15, 2014, 07:42:13 PM
Quote from: rosered on November 15, 2014, 07:17:22 PM
Quote from: micah7:9 on November 15, 2014, 05:25:40 PM
Quote from: Tom on November 15, 2014, 04:27:04 PM
I'm reminded of David, knowing he messed up, saying he preferred to deal with God about it rather than man.
Yes and would you be able to find that scripture? I have been searching and cannot find where David said that, I know I read it and use it but cant find it now. Thanks :HeartThrob:
I know you asked Tom
2 Samuel 24
Judgment for David's Sin
...13So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, "Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? Now consider and see what answer I shall return to Him who sent me." 14Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the LORD for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man."
14 David said to Gad, "I am in ·great [deep] ·trouble [distress]. Let ·the Lord punish us [L us fall into the hands of the Lord], because ·the Lord is very merciful [L his mercy is great]. Don't let ·my punishment come from human beings [L me fall into human hands]!"
Thanks Rose but it was me Micah who asked :thumbsup:
I know you asked Tom , Micah lol , its the way I say things huh ? lol :LH:
Quote from: eaglesway on November 15, 2014, 07:54:55 PM
Yes. God is RIGHTEOUS and MERCIFUL.
Man is self-righteous and cruel.
I would want to receive from the hand of God rather than man as well. But God can still be scary/dangerous. His judgment fearsome. His wrath can be terrible.
Do you remember how the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and his whole family for questioning Moses authority.
Do you remember how Miriam was struck with leprosy for the same thing?
Moses pleaded for her healing and YHWH said, essentially, "OK, but she will bear it for a week, outside the camp, so she doesnt forget not too get too lifted up".
How about Aarons sons. Just a little replacement spice and BOOM, burned up in the fire.
Let's look at Sodom and Gomorah.- Mercy will triumph over judgment and PRAISE GOD FOR IT!....but the judgment was terrible just the same.
Giving someone over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, for instance, is a fearsome judgment. The consequences of extreme sin demanding an extreme response- definitely for the purpose of SALVATION IN THE DAY- but nevertheless fearsome.
Mercy triumphs over judgment- but judgment often OPENS THE WAY for MERCY...... God has shut up all under disobedience that He might have mercy on all, but the consequences of that disobedience can be terrible.
Any Egyptian could tell you that the day after ALL THEIR FIRST BORN were killed. Sometimes we read these like they were stories that didnt really happen to ACTUAL PEOPLE.
Jesus said, better to enter the kingdom of heaven maimed than to enter gehenna whole. Scary enough to pluck out an eye-
God can be scary and dangerous..... but His mercy will triumph over all and those who are HIs already know the awesome love of God.
Outside are there are sorcerers, murderers, deceivers, sexual predators, religious power mongers and oppressors- and some of them need the wrath of God, to pass through the "winepress", in order to be broken so that they may be healed.
I agree that he can be scary and severe, but it don't agree that if we reach out for him, we lose an arm. I think the man who said that did so without understanding what God says about a himself. He is long suffering before his brings severity.
Some of this has to do with the perspective we have when we read the scripture. When Jesus said to cut out and eye rather than have our whole bodies burned, I believe Jesus was warning them to sever their connections to their sinful flesh before their sin overtakes their whole being. What looks like a scary passage, to me is a warning to them about themselves and where their own sin can take them.
I believe the worst judgment God beings upon man is to let his own sin destroy him, and that can be a fate worse than death, since the dead know nothing. I believe we ought to fear our own desire to sin and be watchful for that rather than comparing God to a mindless animal which is what I think the example in the OP is doing.
Quote from: rosered on November 15, 2014, 08:10:14 PM
Quote from: micah7:9 on November 15, 2014, 07:42:13 PM
Quote from: rosered on November 15, 2014, 07:17:22 PM
Quote from: micah7:9 on November 15, 2014, 05:25:40 PM
Quote from: Tom on November 15, 2014, 04:27:04 PM
I'm reminded of David, knowing he messed up, saying he preferred to deal with God about it rather than man.
Yes and would you be able to find that scripture? I have been searching and cannot find where David said that, I know I read it and use it but cant find it now. Thanks :HeartThrob:
I know you asked Tom
2 Samuel 24
Judgment for David's Sin
...13So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, "Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? Now consider and see what answer I shall return to Him who sent me." 14Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the LORD for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man."
14 David said to Gad, "I am in ·great [deep] ·trouble [distress]. Let ·the Lord punish us [L us fall into the hands of the Lord], because ·the Lord is very merciful [L his mercy is great]. Don't let ·my punishment come from human beings [L me fall into human hands]!"
Thanks Rose but it was me Micah who asked :thumbsup:
I know you asked Tom , Micah lol , its the way I say things huh ? lol :LH:
I didn't ask, but I didn't have time to look it up because I had to go make sure my dad got something to eat. Thanks Rose.
Quote from: Seth on November 15, 2014, 08:34:12 PM
I agree that he can be scary and severe, but it don't agree that if we reach out for him, we lose an arm. I think the man who said that did so without understanding what God says about a himself. He is long suffering before his brings severity.
Some of this has to do with the perspective we have when we read the scripture. When Jesus said to cut out and eye rather than have our whole bodies burned, I believe Jesus was warning them to sever their connections to their sinful flesh before their sin overtakes their whole being. What looks like a scary passage, to me is a warning to them about themselves and where their own sin can take them.
I believe the worst judgment God beings upon man is to let his own sin destroy him, and that can be a fate worse than death, since the dead know nothing. I believe we ought to fear our own desire to sin and be watchful for that rather than comparing God to a mindless animal which is what I think the example in the OP is doing.
:iagree:
Quote from: eaglesway on November 15, 2014, 07:54:55 PM
Yes. God is RIGHTEOUS and MERCIFUL.
Man is self-righteous and cruel.
I would want to receive from the hand of God rather than man as well. But God can still be scary/dangerous. His judgment fearsome. His wrath can be terrible.
Do you remember how the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and his whole family for questioning Moses authority.
Do you remember how Miriam was struck with leprosy for the same thing?
Moses pleaded for her healing and YHWH said, essentially, "OK, but she will bear it for a week, outside the camp, so she doesnt forget not too get too lifted up".
How about Aarons sons. Just a little replacement spice and BOOM, burned up in the fire.
Let's look at Sodom and Gomorah.- Mercy will triumph over judgment and PRAISE GOD FOR IT!....but the judgment was terrible just the same.
Giving someone over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, for instance, is a fearsome judgment. The consequences of extreme sin demanding an extreme response- definitely for the purpose of SALVATION IN THE DAY- but nevertheless fearsome.
Mercy triumphs over judgment- but judgment often OPENS THE WAY for MERCY...... God has shut up all under disobedience that He might have mercy on all, but the consequences of that disobedience can be terrible.
Any Egyptian could tell you that the day after ALL THEIR FIRST BORN were killed. Sometimes we read these like they were stories that didnt really happen to ACTUAL PEOPLE.
Jesus said, better to enter the kingdom of heaven maimed than to enter gehenna whole. Scary enough to pluck out an eye-
God can be scary and dangerous..... but His mercy will triumph over all and those who are HIs already know the awesome love of God.
Outside are there are sorcerers, murderers, deceivers, sexual predators, religious power mongers and oppressors- and some of them need the wrath of God, to pass through the "winepress", in order to be broken so that they may be healed.
...not to mention wiping out everybody on the planet with a flood except for eight souls or the coming indignation. I think we should have a healthy fear of God, but that's different than the irrational fear of torture in fire forever that is a lie.
:iagree:
Quote from: eaglesway on November 15, 2014, 07:54:55 PM
Yes. God is RIGHTEOUS and MERCIFUL.
Man is self-righteous and cruel.
I would want to receive from the hand of God rather than man as well. But God can still be scary/dangerous. His judgment fearsome. His wrath can be terrible.
Do you remember how the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and his whole family for questioning Moses authority.
Do you remember how Miriam was struck with leprosy for the same thing?
Moses pleaded for her healing and YHWH said, essentially, "OK, but she will bear it for a week, outside the camp, so she doesnt forget not too get too lifted up".
How about Aarons sons. Just a little replacement spice and BOOM, burned up in the fire.
Let's look at Sodom and Gomorah.- Mercy will triumph over judgment and PRAISE GOD FOR IT!....but the judgment was terrible just the same.
Giving someone over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, for instance, is a fearsome judgment. The consequences of extreme sin demanding an extreme response- definitely for the purpose of SALVATION IN THE DAY- but nevertheless fearsome.
Mercy triumphs over judgment- but judgment often OPENS THE WAY for MERCY...... God has shut up all under disobedience that He might have mercy on all, but the consequences of that disobedience can be terrible.
Any Egyptian could tell you that the day after ALL THEIR FIRST BORN were killed. Sometimes we read these like they were stories that didnt really happen to ACTUAL PEOPLE.
Jesus said, better to enter the kingdom of heaven maimed than to enter gehenna whole. Scary enough to pluck out an eye-
God can be scary and dangerous..... but His mercy will triumph over all and those who are HIs already know the awesome love of God.
Outside are there are sorcerers, murderers, deceivers, sexual predators, religious power mongers and oppressors- and some of them need the wrath of God, to pass through the "winepress", in order to be broken so that they may be healed.
:goodpost: soooo true !
Quote
...not to mention wiping out everybody on the planet with a flood except for eight souls or the coming indignation. I think we should have a healthy fear of God, but that's different than the irrational fear of torture in fire forever that is a lie.
:goodone:
QuoteI didn't ask, but I didn't have time to look it up because I had to go make sure my dad got something to eat. Thanks Rose.
No you did not Tom , Micah asked you ,and I said I know you asked Tom should have added''' to look it up '' but I to was in a hurry as well , baby sitting the grandson tonight :tender:
Aaaah Yesss! babysitting the grandson, a worthy stewardship, an acceptable service, and a blessing besides! :o)
Quote from: rosered on November 16, 2014, 01:12:20 AM
Quote from: eaglesway on November 15, 2014, 07:54:55 PM
Yes. God is RIGHTEOUS and MERCIFUL.
Man is self-righteous and cruel.
I would want to receive from the hand of God rather than man as well. But God can still be scary/dangerous. His judgment fearsome. His wrath can be terrible.
Do you remember how the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and his whole family for questioning Moses authority.
Do you remember how Miriam was struck with leprosy for the same thing?
Moses pleaded for her healing and YHWH said, essentially, "OK, but she will bear it for a week, outside the camp, so she doesnt forget not too get too lifted up".
How about Aarons sons. Just a little replacement spice and BOOM, burned up in the fire.
Let's look at Sodom and Gomorah.- Mercy will triumph over judgment and PRAISE GOD FOR IT!....but the judgment was terrible just the same.
Giving someone over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, for instance, is a fearsome judgment. The consequences of extreme sin demanding an extreme response- definitely for the purpose of SALVATION IN THE DAY- but nevertheless fearsome.
Mercy triumphs over judgment- but judgment often OPENS THE WAY for MERCY...... God has shut up all under disobedience that He might have mercy on all, but the consequences of that disobedience can be terrible.
Any Egyptian could tell you that the day after ALL THEIR FIRST BORN were killed. Sometimes we read these like they were stories that didnt really happen to ACTUAL PEOPLE.
Jesus said, better to enter the kingdom of heaven maimed than to enter gehenna whole. Scary enough to pluck out an eye-
God can be scary and dangerous..... but His mercy will triumph over all and those who are HIs already know the awesome love of God.
Outside are there are sorcerers, murderers, deceivers, sexual predators, religious power mongers and oppressors- and some of them need the wrath of God, to pass through the "winepress", in order to be broken so that they may be healed.
:goodpost: soooo true !
Quote
...not to mention wiping out everybody on the planet with a flood except for eight souls or the coming indignation. I think we should have a healthy fear of God, but that's different than the irrational fear of torture in fire forever that is a lie.
:goodone:
QuoteI didn't ask, but I didn't have time to look it up because I had to go make sure my dad got something to eat. Thanks Rose.
No you did not Tom , Micah asked you ,and I said I know you asked Tom should have added"' to look it up " but I to was in a hurry as well , baby sitting the grandson tonight :tender:
God bless you, Rose, for clearing up the confusion for my burned out brain and looking up the scripture.
PS: Here's a little something for you to share with Sheila about computers back in the day. http://i.imgur.com/FR3qtXO.jpg
Yes it is Bro John he is fussing himself to sleep as we speak lol
and Bro Tom HA HA HA ! That is a hoot !! :laugh: :rolllol:
"Fear is not in love, but perfect love is casting out fear, for fear has chastening. Now he who is fearing is not perfected in love." (1 John 4:18)
Quote from: Seth on November 15, 2014, 08:21:05 AM
My conclusion is that God is not one to be trifled with, for certain. But if you do reach out to "pet him" I believe his reaction would be a warm embrace. If for some reason you did so, and God did not like it, he would send word beforehand, probably by way of multiple prophets, to advise you.
:thumbsup:
Quote from: Seth on November 15, 2014, 08:21:05 AM
Personally I find the comparison between God and a dumb, feral animal to be outrageous, given God's clear statements about his long suffering nature.
:iagree:
Yes, my friend's statement degrades Yah to the level of a dumb, feral animal - absolutely blasphemous!
Quote from: eaglesway on November 15, 2014, 07:54:55 PM
Yes. God is RIGHTEOUS and MERCIFUL.
Man is self-righteous and cruel.
I would want to receive from the hand of God rather than man as well. But God can still be scary/dangerous. His judgment fearsome. His wrath can be terrible.
Do you remember how the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and his whole family for questioning Moses authority.
Do you remember how Miriam was struck with leprosy for the same thing?
Moses pleaded for her healing and YHWH said, essentially, "OK, but she will bear it for a week, outside the camp, so she doesnt forget not too get too lifted up".
How about Aarons sons. Just a little replacement spice and BOOM, burned up in the fire.
Let's look at Sodom and Gomorah.- Mercy will triumph over judgment and PRAISE GOD FOR IT!....but the judgment was terrible just the same.
Giving someone over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, for instance, is a fearsome judgment. The consequences of extreme sin demanding an extreme response- definitely for the purpose of SALVATION IN THE DAY- but nevertheless fearsome.
Mercy triumphs over judgment- but judgment often OPENS THE WAY for MERCY...... God has shut up all under disobedience that He might have mercy on all, but the consequences of that disobedience can be terrible.
Any Egyptian could tell you that the day after ALL THEIR FIRST BORN were killed. Sometimes we read these like they were stories that didnt really happen to ACTUAL PEOPLE.
Jesus said, better to enter the kingdom of heaven maimed than to enter gehenna whole. Scary enough to pluck out an eye-
God can be scary and dangerous..... but His mercy will triumph over all and those who are HIs already know the awesome love of God.
Outside are there are sorcerers, murderers, deceivers, sexual predators, religious power mongers and oppressors- and some of them need the wrath of God, to pass through the "winepress", in order to be broken so that they may be healed.
I agree with what you are saying. :iagree:
However, you must remember what an ET'er means when he says, "God is dangerous."
From his perspective, God is gonna ROAST YOU ALIVE ETERNALLY WITHOUT RELIEF and WITHOUT MERCY FOREVER if you mess up.
From the truth perspective, God will use judgment when necessary, scarey as that may be, to bring us to himself.
We need not ever under-estimate the judgment he will use to reconcile all humanity.
But I'd rather err by giving God credit for having more love, grace, and mercy than he really has, than to blaspheme His character by over-estimating his judgments.
Quote from: Seth on November 15, 2014, 08:34:12 PM
I agree that he can be scary and severe, but it don't agree that if we reach out for him, we lose an arm. I think the man who said that did so without understanding what God says about a himself. He is long suffering before his brings severity.
Some of this has to do with the perspective we have when we read the scripture. When Jesus said to cut out and eye rather than have our whole bodies burned, I believe Jesus was warning them to sever their connections to their sinful flesh before their sin overtakes their whole being. What looks like a scary passage, to me is a warning to them about themselves and where their own sin can take them.
I believe the worst judgment God beings upon man is to let his own sin destroy him, and that can be a fate worse than death, since the dead know nothing. I believe we ought to fear our own desire to sin and be watchful for that rather than comparing God to a mindless animal which is what I think the example in the OP is doing.
:thumbsup: :iagree:
Quote from: Tom on November 16, 2014, 12:20:43 AM
...not to mention wiping out everybody on the planet with a flood except for eight souls or the coming indignation. I think we should have a healthy fear of God, but that's different than the irrational fear of torture in fire forever that is a lie.
Absolutely! :iagree:
1 What father among you, if his son[l] asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give[m] the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
God helps us let go of that, that does not profit us,so we can have more of his Spirit .
This is called correction.
The correction of God can be a beautiful thing (once the dust settles and the storm is over.)
Quote from: dajomaco on November 17, 2014, 07:23:58 PM
1 What father among you, if his son[l] asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give[m] the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
God helps us let go of that, that does not profit us,so we can have more of his Spirit .
This is called correction.
The correction of God can be a beautiful thing (once the dust settles and the storm is over.)
*LIKE*
Quote from: JBerton on November 14, 2014, 05:53:12 PM
A friend says to me, " Hey, listen. God is dangerous. That is the way the Bible portrays him. You don't have to like it. You can deny his existence. You can pet him if you like—just don't expect your arm back. I'm done trying to explain God's dangerous qualities away, because some of it isn't explainable, and because at some level we must simply accept the way he has chosen to reveal himself."
I reply, "Hmmm. Scarry! I don't know that god. Yahweh is my god. Jesus is my savior. His Spirit is my helper, my encourager. He promised to be the savior of all humanity – especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10). My God is LOVE. I don't have to worry whether I am in the right religion, nor about mistranslations in bibles, for he reveals himself to me, apart from religious doctrines. I don't have to worry about my loved ones who may reject his grace. They will eventually be drawn to him (John 12:32) and purified too. I don't have to feel sorrow for those who never have a chance to hear of Jesus. He loves them too, and he will take care of them. I do not look forward to seeing, nor hope to see, evil-doers like Adolf Hitler being burned alive. There are no limits to the love and grace of my father, Yahweh. For he is good, and there are no limits to his mercy. I sing his praises because he is worthy of them – and so much more. "
Ronny:
As one song puts it,Amen,amen,amen,amen,amen! :-)