I am returning from a long time away from this site and although my beliefs are still in turmoil, I have always found this site to contain the most loving, open-minded, and tolerant Christians out there. Thank you.
Quote from: jimbo99 on June 30, 2009, 08:13:03 AM
I am returning from a long time away from this site and although my beliefs are still in turmoil, I have always found this site to contain the most loving, open-minded, and tolerant Christians out there. Thank you.
Welcome back jimbo99. I know we promote love a lot around here. Praise Jesus Christ!
Paul
Welcome back. :thumbsup:
Welcome (back) and
don't go away this time.... :thumbsup:
/edit for Jab ^^^^ see it is really there... :winkgrin:
:beerburp:
LOL...WW, did you mean DON'T go away this time, or do you really want him to leave? :laughing7:
:hithere: :welcome: :HeartThrob: :cloud9:
Quote from: jimbo99 on June 30, 2009, 08:13:03 AM
I am returning from a long time away from this site and although my beliefs are still in turmoil, I have always found this site to contain the most loving, open-minded, and tolerant Christians out there. Thank you.
:welcome: Back Jimbo! :Sparkletooth:
...willieH :HeartThrob:
:cloud9: Welcome back! :thumbsup:
Another welcome jimbo
Grace and peace,
Brandon :winkgrin:
Quote from: jimbo99 on June 30, 2009, 08:13:03 AM
I am returning from a long time away from this site and although my beliefs are still in turmoil, I have always found this site to contain the most loving, open-minded, and tolerant Christians out there. Thank you.
Welcome back jimbo... :dsunny: :IloveU: ( HUGGGGS) to you. We love you.
Love conquers all! Welcome back....
- Byron
Welcome back Jimbo...
this is a quote from another brother, rodgertutt that I copied from a different forum. It really spoke to me and maybe it will speak to you as well:
QuoteI'm convinced that after we have thought the very best thoughts about God, we can be sure that He is even better than that because He is able to do above what we can even think, Ephesians 3:20. And IMHO I cannot think any higher thoughts than universal transformation.
I believe that after our resurrection from the dead God will eventually somehow transform every second of everyone's suffering into something better that it happened.
That includes both the unexplained and unjustifiable suffering that we all experience in varying degrees, as well as what the Bible calls "kolasis aionion" which means age-during corrective chastisement that everyone who needs it will experience.
I believe that God will eventually fit every unique individual into His master plan in a positive way that necessitates their unique temporary involvement in evil and suffering that will enable God to manifest, and glorify, and magnify the many facets of His character in a way that uniquely involves that person, and everyone else involved in that person's life too.
I believe that God has both the ability and the intention to save all fallen creatures from everything from which they need to be saved, and He will not fail to do so.
I believe that God's determination, within the wise counsel of His DECRETIVE will which is that which MUST occur, to eventually rid all of creation from suffering, will in every case, overcome the strongest will that is temporarily opposed to God's PRECEPTIVE will which is what His creatures OUGHT to do.
I believe the only mistake that I am probably making is in grossly underestimating just how gloriously God will achieve this universal transformation through what Christ accomplished for everyone by His death and resurrection, through the power in the blood of his cross. That is the kind of God that I see in the Bible.
Realizing that he is including everyone without exception, the following quote by universalist Dr. Leslie Weatherhead nicely sums up what I believe. I have had this quote memorized for many years and I have frequent occasions to quote it to others who have been blessed by it too.
"God's purposes are so vast and glorious, beyond all guessing now, that when they are achieved and consummated, all our sufferings and sorrows of today, even the agonies that nearly break our faith, the disasters that well nigh overwhelm us, shall, seen from that fair country where God's age long dreams come true, bulk as little as bulk now the pieces of a broken toy upon a nursery floor, over which, thinking that all our little world was in ruins, we cried ourselves to sleep."
Isn't that wonderful??
Peace to you, brother..
sparrow
Welcome (and welcome back) Jimbo! God bless you! He will find you in your turmoil and you will find that God is LOVE. :bigGrin: