The physical as a parable of the spiritual

[Shulamite]

God uses the physical world to give us spiritual truths, so we have a "visual aid" in understanding His work in us.

This lump of clay, up above, has no power over itself. The Potter does. Just as He brought this lump of clay to form and substance and birth, so does He with you in spirit.

You were in Him, Just as Eve was in Adam. He took you from His own flesh and gave birth to your spirit, just as Eve had life because she came from Adam. She didn't independently "live" apart from Adam, nor did she choose to "live and exist" apart from Adam. Neither can we apart from being born of Jesus' will.

Just as flesh gives birth to flesh, Only His Spirit can give birth to you. You had no choice or power over either.

blessings.

 

[rogueapologist]

God uses the physical world to give us spiritual truths, so we have a "visual aid" in understanding His work in us.

This lump of clay, up above, has no power over itself. The Potter does. Just as He brought this lump of clay to form and substance and birth, so does He with you in spirit.

You were in Him, Just as Eve was in Adam. He took you from His own flesh and gave birth to your spirit, just as Eve had life because she came from Adam. She didn't independently "live" apart from Adam, nor did she choose to "live and exist" apart from Adam. Neither can we apart from being born of Jesus' will.

Just as flesh gives birth to flesh, Only His Spirit can give birth to you. You had no choice or power over either.

blessings.

You have a offered an incredibly impotent picture of the imago dei, rendering it's meaningfulness in describing the imaging of God which humanity is supposed to be utterly devoid of content.

If humans are lifeless, empty shells, then the God which we image must be equally lifeless and empty. One wonders who filled the empty God whom we image with life?...

 

[Shulamite]

You have a offered an incredibly impotent picture of the imago dei, rendering it's meaningfulness in describing the imaging of God which humanity is supposed to be utterly devoid of content.

If humans are lifeless, empty shells, then the God which we image must be equally lifeless and empty. One wonders who filled the empty God whom we image with life?...

Okie dokie.......

 

[rogueapologist]

Okie dokie.......

I accept your concession.

 

[Shulamite]

I accept your concession.

Oh? How polite of you. I don't remember making a concession. I'm looking for open, "respectful" discussion. My OP stands.

 

[rogueapologist]

Oh? How polite of you. I don't remember making a concession. I'm looking for open, "respectful" discussion. My OP stands.

Ok, how is "okie dokie..." open and respectful discussion?

 

[Shulamite]

Ok, how is "okie dokie..." open and respectful discussion?

Alright, would "okie dokie" with a smile work better?

I'm not angry with you. Just trying to make a point of what God has shown me... Testifying of what He's made clear to me. I can't convince anyone else, only He can do this.

 

[rogueapologist]

Alright, would "okie dokie" with a smile work better?

No, intelligent, reasoned responses would be better.

 

[Shulamite]

No, intelligent, reasoned responses would be better.

Insuating that I'm not intelligent is not exactly the way one Christian should speak to another. Brother, I am trying to have a discussion with you, even adding in some lighthearted "tones" and it's to no avail.

Whether Arminian or Calvinist, we are brothers and sisters. Does family in the Lord call another unintelligent? I think I will continue to treat you nicely anyway, turn the other cheek, and heap burning coals on your own head!
Proverbs 25:22

blessings.

 

[rogueapologist]

Insuating that I'm not intelligent is not exactly the way one Christian should speak to another. Brother, I am trying to have a discussion with you, even adding in some lighthearted "tones" and it's to no avail.

Whether Arminian or Calvinist, we are brothers and sisters. Does family in the Lord call another unintelligent? I think I will continue to treat you nicely anyway, turn the other cheek, and heap burning coals on your own head!
Proverbs 25:22

blessings.

I'm not insinuating that you are not intelligent, only that your response to me was not. I'm sure you are intelligent, but responding to a thoughtful response to something you posted in the way you did is not an intelligent response, only an instigator (which you apparently don't want others to do to you).

Moreover, I am not an Arminian, so please don't call me that again. There is much more diversity in the realm of Christian theology than the narrow bickering between Calvinists and Arminians.

 

[A New Dawn]

You have a offered an incredibly impotent picture of the imago dei, rendering it's meaningfulness in describing the imaging of God which humanity is supposed to be utterly devoid of content.

If humans are lifeless, empty shells, then the God which we image must be equally lifeless and empty. One wonders who filled the empty God whom we image with life?...

She hardly rendered it meaningless. She did, however, describe the situation man placed himself in when he decided to rebel.

 

[squint]

God uses the physical world to give us spiritual truths, so we have a "visual aid" in understanding His work in us.

This lump of clay, up above, has no power over itself. The Potter does. Just as He brought this lump of clay to form and substance and birth, so does He with you in spirit.

You were in Him, Just as Eve was in Adam. He took you from His own flesh and gave birth to your spirit, just as Eve had life because she came from Adam. She didn't independently "live" apart from Adam, nor did she choose to "live and exist" apart from Adam. Neither can we apart from being born of Jesus' will.

Just as flesh gives birth to flesh, Only His Spirit can give birth to you. You had no choice or power over either.

blessings.

I term the above the 'reverse' literalist view.

I also hold that view myself...

Judging by the picture Adam was apparently not african american either...can't you like, find a better one? That one is kinda creepy.

s

 

[Hammster]

I agree with the creepy. I almost deleted it when I first saw it.

 

[Shulamite]

I'm not insinuating that you are not intelligent, only that your response to me was not. I'm sure you are intelligent, but responding to a thoughtful response to something you posted in the way you did is not an intelligent response, only an instigator (which you apparently don't want others to do to you).

Moreover, I am not an Arminian, so please don't call me that again. There is much more diversity in the realm of Christian theology than the narrow bickering between Calvinists and Arminians.

Well, I can see this thread didn't go as I had hoped. I guess I am learning (by the Lord's grace) to quit casting so many precious pearls out that are there in my heart with Him. My whole intent was to get a deep dialogue going about the OP. So, for now, I'm leaving this thread alone.

I never personally called you an Arminian. I was making a "generalized" statement. I have seen numerous posts from you on this forum and you seem to enjoy you fair-share in instigation and saracasm as you engage others.

You are right on one point though. There is endless bickering between Calvinists and Arminians. I am personally getting weary of it with no fruit being produced but division and discord.