Akita Suggagaki
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Is that then your definition?mysticism is the following of one's imagination.
And I shall try again...one gains a transformed mind, body and soul through the Word which is...in the Word...referred to as being born-again and regeneration.Let me try again.
"Christian mysticism is the tradition of mystical practices and mystical theology within Christianity which "concerns the preparation [of the person] for, the consciousness of, and the effect of [...] a direct and transformative presence of God"."
And I shall try again...one gains a transformed mind, body and soul through the Word which is...in the Word...referred to as being born-again and regeneration.
Another Biblical citation holding warning to such practices as mysticism:
Isaiah 66:16...here the Lord is speaking of the harsh judgement He will exact upon the evil.
Isaiah 66:18...inclusive of who will receive this harsh judgement and their actions is those who follow their imaginations... mysticism is the following of one's imagination.
That's not mystical ?????And I shall try again...one gains a transformed mind, body and soul through the Word which is...in the Word...referred to as being born-again and regeneration.
NopeThe Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 (NIV)
Does that verse mean anything to you?
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 1 John 4:13 (NIV)
How about that one? Or this one ->
And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. 1 John 3:24 (NIV) ??
If you can relate to those verses beyond the theoretical, you are a mystic.
Please define your understanding "mysticism"?Nope
I need not define the word, no matter how innocuous it may sound by definition, the practice thereof is often much different. You seem to be trying to equate mysticism with some sort of biblical practice which it is not...that's why mysticism is not found in the Bible. Unless, as a stretch you are equating it to meditation on God's Word and God's works...which it clearly is not! It is an extra-biblical practice which is dangerous to the faith. It is by faith we are saved! We are not to add or subtract from the Word or the plagues...including hell....may be added unto you (Revelation). Be warned, be innocent as doves, be innocent as to what is evil, be wise as to what is good.. (Romans 16).Please define your understanding "mysticism"?
If you are not willing to define, it then no one really knows, including yourself, what you are talking about.I need not define the word, no matter how innocuous it may sound by definition, the practice thereof is often much different.....
I think I made myself clear in my first post about this practice and others here have given excellent warnings and explanations as to why it is a harmful practice as well.
I guess if God’s “church” rejects me and I’m not allowed to be by myself… what’s the point in my going on?It is unscriptural. Christians are a body and Jesus appointed apostles, prophets, evangelists pastors and teachers to the church. There is good reason for that. No one is so good that they need no help from others. God sees to that, otherwise pride rises up and yes, that will end up in deception.
True religious people are those who hear the Word of God and keep it and weed out and warn others of heresy. It is an act of kindness and Christian love to rebuke and warn others and yes this requires judgement calls. What is religion if not a belief system? One holds to its precepts. Anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. (II Timothy 2:4-5)I guess if God’s “church” rejects me and I’m not allowed to be by myself… what’s the point in my going on?
Christians, like you, harshly judge everyone who doesn’t believe exactly as you do. Maybe you’re God’s way of telling me to go to hell. At least I know I’m not wanted here either.
That’s why we’re instructed to test the spirits,WHILE IN THE SPIRIT… during meditation… this, as a group, is what we’re called to do in order to meet with God and eliminate any unclean spirits during our communion.Google "hesychasm". It's a form of what might be called Christian mysticism. It's a very disciplined form of meditation. I personally don't get involved in it because it can lead a person into heresy. You can't tell what might be divine inspiration from your own thoughts.
Based on that, I must be a heretic. I think it’s utterly amazing that I try to teach people to interact with God and I’m shot down by people who demand it can’t be done… by virtue of denominational doctrine or just a mean spirit.True religious people are those who hear the Word of God and keep it and weed out and warn others of heresy. It is an act of kindness and Christian love to rebuke and warn others and yes this requires judgement calls. What is religion if not a belief system? One holds to its precepts. Anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. (II Timothy 2:4-5)
We are not excluding you on any other basis than one of the use of sound doctrine. We want you, too, to receive the victor's crown in heaven.
A Christian Mystic is just someone seeking to meet the author of the Word you are talking about.
(probably because they read that Word)
Or, someone who the author met, when they were completely unprepared, and they were never the same since.
Paul, for example. It wasn't scripture that knocked him off his horse. It was Christ!
Have you never read a book, and wanted to meet the Author?
Or, have you ever met an Author, and then realized that you were just a character in his book?
That's what a Christian Mystic is.
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you
The Christian Mystic seeks and knocks. They are not looking for their imaginations. Their imaginations will not do.
They are looking for the Real Thing. With their whole heart. As they were told to do.
How is that not mystical?Seeking the LORD with your heart isn't something we do it's all him. We trust and pursue him through his word.
Its something he causes as we draw near to him
To be in prayer with him and to obey his commandments and to love as he does is to know HIM.
Be it not in scripture. Then it's not to be trusted as the enemy of our souls, the accuser is the father of lies such as imitations (false doctrine and practices)
You are making us out to be something we are not...your ploy is self-pity. Why did God give us the Bible...to read and learn it and to speak of it to others as well as to pass it down to our children.Based on that, I must be a heretic. I think it’s utterly amazing that I try to teach people to interact with God and I’m shot down by people who demand it can’t be done… by virtue of denominational doctrine or just a mean spirit.
I present scripture on this-
is it read? NOT LIKELY!
Are clarification questions asked? NO!
Does anyone have even a fleeting thought about talking to me to find out why I say these things? OBVIOUSLY NOT!
Everyone is so stinkin’ proud of their arsenal of doctrines that they’ll never see God… and in the process, kill off those who tried to merely point them in a direction where God is waiting.
If I took to heart the things people have said to me on here, I’d probably be suicidal, because churches hate me too… just because I talk to God.
…but, according to you and others, the God I know doesn’t exist….. what a waste of time! Well, whoever it was, he changed my life and I have nothing else to hope in now, so if it’s not God, I wonder why He wasn’t the one who showed up when I asked Him to during my 3 day cardiac event last year?
Forget it! You guys win, go back to the heaping pile of teachers and their doctrines… I can’t do this anymore, you people would rather harm someone than help…
And some make rebuking others the priority of their "ministry".As Christians we are called to rebuke when a brother engages in sin or that sin is on us.
I am sorry about the health situation you had and maybe is on-going. God does come to some in these situations and strengthens and ecourages with the Word. Could He not now be leading you to a deeper understanding of Him and His desire that you branch out and love deeply your fellow brothers in the faith. Isn't that what we are called to? Yes, as I John says, 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. (As well as all the many other teachings on love.And some make rebuking others the priority of their "ministry".
You have me confused with another poster. I have not had traumatic illness.I am sorry about the health situation you had and maybe is on-going. God does come to some in these situations and strengthens and ecourages with the Word. Could He not now be leading you to a deeper understanding of Him and His desire that you branch out and love deeply your fellow brothers in the faith. Isn't that what we are called to? Yes, as I John says, 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. (As well as all the many other teachings on love.
As I said teaching and rebuking is love, it is an extreme love in fact, because one knows such rebuking is not always well received...and all of us like being well received and to live in peace and unity. I believe you still need more unity with fellow believers and more engaging with God through His Word. To do so requires a good lot of humility. God spared you from your traumatic illness and He continues to discipline you, to cleanse you of any dross...as He does for all of us.
We are all hear sharing and rebuking...that is our purpose .As the Proverbs say,
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
Please stand under it and do not succumb to anger. You are reading bad intentions into well-meaning warnings and rejection. Sorry, but we are just not in agreement.
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