10000 posts ......... ask Cyggy something !

[cygnusx1]

http://wiltshirewhitehorses.org.uk/uffaerial.html

THE WHITE HORSE OF UFFINGTON

Hi freespirit

It's not that far from me , perhaps an hour 15 mins in the car ........ up the Ridgeway Oxfordshire (I live in the center of the Shires) , I have seen it from a distance , and I have seen a white Lion carved out near Dunstable downs ....... I think there are several white horses on British chalk hills .... and one has been recently built !

One of my fav pictures (I bought it ) is a numbered copy of a watercolour of the Ridgeway when the snow has almost gone , it is such a beautiful watercolour copy on a nice frame ......... the work is by a local artist and his painting is unlike any water colour I have ever seen , most are very blured or a bit blurred , but His are almost photographic in clarity and hew ....... truly a great artist who commands a big price even for a numbered copy!

 

[cygnusx1]

Hi there friends , cold ?

put your feet up relax cus here's a Winter Warmer ........... enjoy!


Salvation ......... is always a miracle ........



Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise.


[20] For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all that he himself is doing; and greater works than these will he show him, that you may marvel.
[21] For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.
[22] The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,
[23] that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.
[24] Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
[25]

"Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

John 5

Jesus had just healed a cripple but he had done it on the Sabbath thus exposing Himself to the faulty Judgment of Legalist religious leaders ........

But from this passage we learn of Christs power extended beyond and over the merely physical inability of man , yes what about man the SPIRITUAL CRIPPLE !

and certainly it were far greater to raise someone from the putrifying ailment of being a 'spiritual Cripple' than being a physical cripple , and so it is that Jesus turns His attention to the Spiritual and it's application .....


be it known that all men being dead in trespasses and sins need life , they haven't got it otherwise they wouldn't need it , Spiritual life ....... and the man who has both heared Christs words AND believed on them has past over from death to life .... he is a NEW Creation!

and what is more we are informed that it is the dead who will hear his voice that very hour and already is , when those who were dead to God and to His life and word , would indeed hear his Voice and Live!

lastly we learn that this operation of Divine Grace is Sovereign (we know at the end all men are raised to the Judgment ) but here we see a distinction between some being raised and others not being raised and Jesus said it was according to His own will ........ not the will of us , we were dead to God (Eph 2)


and so we learn that the truth of salvation is nothing less than a MIGHTY MIRACLE , but will this please all men ............... what do you think ....... of course not!

 

[JPPT1974]

freespirit, you give out good and beautiful pictures!!

 

[joyshirley]

Hi there friends , cold ?

put your feet up relax cus here's a Winter Warmer ........... enjoy!


Salvation ......... is always a miracle ........



Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise.


[20] For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all that he himself is doing; and greater works than these will he show him, that you may marvel.
[21] For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.
[22] The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,
[23] that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.
[24] Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
[25]

"Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

John 5

Jesus had just healed a cripple but he had done it on the Sabbath thus exposing Himself to the faulty Judgment of Legalist religious leaders ........

But from this passage we learn of Christs power extended beyond and over the merely physical inability of man , yes what about man the SPIRITUAL CRIPPLE !

and certainly it were far greater to raise someone from the putrifying ailment of being a 'spiritual Cripple' than being a physical cripple , and so it is that Jesus turns His attention to the Spiritual and it's application .....


be it known that all men being dead in trespasses and sins need life , they haven't got it otherwise they wouldn't need it , Spiritual life ....... and the man who has both heared Christs words AND believed on them has past over from death to life .... he is a NEW Creation!

and what is more we are informed that it is the dead who will hear his voice that very hour and already is , when those who were dead to God and to His life and word , would indeed hear his Voice and Live!

lastly we learn that this operation of Divine Grace is Sovereign (we know at the end all men are raised to the Judgment ) but here we see a distinction between some being raised and others not being raised and Jesus said it was according to His own will ........ not the will of us , we were dead to God (Eph 2)


and so we learn that the truth of salvation is nothing less than a MIGHTY MIRACLE , but will this please all men ............... what do you think ....... of course not!

Hello, Cygnus

Remember we were talking about adding another dimension to this thread by encouraging a sharing of insights on various books in the Bible, such as the Gospel of John? And your suggestion that it be called 'What does this text mean to you?' I guess this could be the start of it? Not a debate or place for argument, rather a space for us to be refreshed and encouraged as we journey on with Christ.

So why do you think this miracle of salvation won't please all men, Cygnus?

 

[psalms 91]

hello js. the miracle of salvation will not please all because some are lawless and have been blinded to the truth and they will rail against it.

 

[cygnusx1]

hello js. the miracle of salvation will not please all because some are lawless and have been blinded to the truth and they will rail against it.

absolutely Right Bill !

and such was the case with every believer before Jesus smiled on us .......

"It's amazing Your Love" , is the song I can hear as I type!

 

[cygnusx1]

Hello, Cygnus

Remember we were talking about adding another dimension to this thread by encouraging a sharing of insights on various books in the Bible, such as the Gospel of John? And your suggestion that it be called 'What does this text mean to you?' I guess this could be the start of it? Not a debate or place for argument, rather a space for us to be refreshed and encouraged as we journey on with Christ.

So why do you think this miracle of salvation won't please all men, Cygnus?

'What does this text mean to you?'​

John​

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

 

[joyshirley]

Hello, Cygnus

These words tell me that God is eternal, Jesus is the Creator of everything, and through Him is salvation from being perpetually in darkness. The last line brings to mind one of my favourite songs..........

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes
Let me see..........

 

[cygnusx1]

Hello, Cygnus

These words tell me that God is eternal, Jesus is the Creator of everything, and through Him is salvation from being perpetually in darkness. The last line brings to mind one of my favourite songs..........

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes
Let me see..........

Hi there JS ,. yes this text does tell us that Jesus is God and that He created all things ....... mmmmmmmmm

and that Jesus existed before he was a man ...... mmmmmmmm

and v 4 and v5 tell us something about Light , and darkness but could it be Physical Light that God is interested in ....... or a Light that indicates KNOWLEDGE , True , wonderful Knowledge of God and His will and His plan ........ ahhhhhhhh , now that is much more likely given that 'in him was life and the life was the LIGHT of men' ....... all men need illuminating with the revelation of God and Jesus is the only source for that .....

the the verse that I find most stimulating , the light shineth in darkness ....... this world is a dark place , and there is much ignorance of God and His ways ..... BUT , although a Christian can understand things in the Spirit , the darkness (the world) cannot comprehend spiritual truths .......

so I conclude , sharing the Gospel is an awesome responsibility , but if you find it hard going , remember , the darkness cannot comprehend it ! So be patient with folk.....

greetings Cygnus

 

[joyshirley]

Hi again, Cygnus

Here's a quote from Augustine, regarding his conversion experience..........

"It was as though the light of faith flooded into my heart and all the darkness of doubt was dispelled."

 

[cygnusx1]

Hi again, Cygnus

Here's a quote from Augustine, regarding his conversion experience..........

"It was as though the light of faith flooded into my heart and all the darkness of doubt was dispelled."

sfunny you should quote Augustines Conversion JS , I have read a few Biogs and Augustine was one ..... his conversion experience was so different so strange and so moving , I have it on a tape somewhere as it was put out as a play on BBC Radio4 many years ago ........ his Mother Monica was a Christian for years before her son was converted , she wept and prayed and wept and prayed for him and God heared her voice .
Augustine of Hippo , born so many years ago and second only to Paul the Apostle in his influence throughout the Christian world......
I have two pictures engraved on blackbord type card in this room I am sitting in ........ One of John Calvin and the other of Augustine ..... yes I am an Augustinian

 

[cygnusx1]

When St. Augustine of Hippo wrote his mid-life autobiography which he referred to as "Confessions," he spoke of an experience that is not unique to himself, but something repeated day after day all over the world. Augustine admits that he had been resisting the call of God to conversion, especially in his personal struggle with chastity.

While he was wrestling intensely in his heart with his desires, he heard the voice of a child nearby singing lyrics which sounded like "Take it, read it! Take it, read it!" (Book 8) Augustine sensed in these words a personal invitation from God.

After going into his house, Augustine picked up the Scriptures and began to read what we now know as Romans 13:13-14: "....not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh."

Augustine says that from that moment forward his direction was set, conversion took hold. Christ, through the letter of Paul written hundreds of years earlier, had spoken so forcefully to Augustine that peace flooded his heart, giving him courage.

Even allowing from some poetic exaggeration on Augustine's part, this recollection testifies to an experience that is not reserved for the ancient church nor for canonized saints. Scripture is a privileged means God uses to call us where we might hesitate to go. For Augustine, Scripture sounded a call to battle in the core of his being. The fruits of his conversion would benefit countless millions of Christians as well as others who would find in his philosophical odyssey of life a road map of their own search for God. But Augustine clearly says that God speaking to him in Scripture made that profound change in his life possible.

http://www.cptryon.org/compassion/spr96/read.html

http://www.earlychurch.org.uk/article_augustine_troxel.html

 

[JPPT1974]

Cygnusx, how many books do you have in your possession because you seem to read a lot!

 

[The Story Teller]

How did I end up in the minus for blessings??

 

[joyshirley]

When St. Augustine of Hippo wrote his mid-life autobiography which he referred to as "Confessions," he spoke of an experience that is not unique to himself, but something repeated day after day all over the world. Augustine admits that he had been resisting the call of God to conversion, especially in his personal struggle with chastity.

While he was wrestling intensely in his heart with his desires, he heard the voice of a child nearby singing lyrics which sounded like "Take it, read it! Take it, read it!" (Book 8) Augustine sensed in these words a personal invitation from God.

After going into his house, Augustine picked up the Scriptures and began to read what we now know as Romans 13:13-14: "....not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh."

Augustine says that from that moment forward his direction was set, conversion took hold. Christ, through the letter of Paul written hundreds of years earlier, had spoken so forcefully to Augustine that peace flooded his heart, giving him courage.

Even allowing from some poetic exaggeration on Augustine's part, this recollection testifies to an experience that is not reserved for the ancient church nor for canonized saints. Scripture is a privileged means God uses to call us where we might hesitate to go. For Augustine, Scripture sounded a call to battle in the core of his being. The fruits of his conversion would benefit countless millions of Christians as well as others who would find in his philosophical odyssey of life a road map of their own search for God. But Augustine clearly says that God speaking to him in Scripture made that profound change in his life possible.

http://www.cptryon.org/compassion/spr96/read.html

http://www.earlychurch.org.uk/article_augustine_troxel.html

Hello, Cygnus

I haven't read the whole biography of Augustine yet, but I've read the bit you wrote up there.

 

[joyshirley]

Cygnus, are you a fast reader, like you're a fast poster?

 

[cygnusx1]

Cygnusx, how many books do you have in your possession because you seem to read a lot!

well that would be telling .......... maybe 500 .......... perhaps twice that .. I have full sets of almost all the Puritans , and most are dealing with the Reformed Faith ..... it's a bit difficult to describe .
I have some very rare books as well ...... I used to be a real bookworm , which helped putting a magazine together .
I have a great Christian Library many commentaries
Calvin 22 vols
Matthew poole 3 Vols
Matthew Henry 6 Vols
John Trapp 5 Vols
John Bunyan 3 Vols

etc etc etc .........

 

[cygnusx1]

Hello, Cygnus

I haven't read the whole biography of Augustine yet, but I've read the bit you wrote up there.

It stands out .......... I love all that about the Manicheans and their wierd beliefs about breathing God in through their nose ..... fascinating ...

these are a few of my fav Biogs
The Life of A,W Pink (I have read it about 20 times)
The Forgotten Spurgeon ..... an awesome book
The life of Calvin
Augustine of Hippo ***
The biography of Martin Luther (best films to watch , I have seen 4 )
John Gill
Andrew Fuller
William Carey
John Bunyan
William Tyndale ........ best to see asa film , it will make you cry!

etc

 

[cygnusx1]

Cygnus, are you a fast reader, like you're a fast poster?

well it doesn't pay to be a slow hand in the wild west ..........

..

 

[NewSong]

Just stopping in to say Hi Cyg~


But while I am here thought I would ask my usual silly questions...





Here it goes......


Can you freeze anti-freeze?
If you only have one eye can you still get double vision?
Is the Hokey Pokey really what it's all About???
Why do flies fly ?
Who's cruel idea was it to put an "S" in the word "LISP"?

Just curious.

NewSong