Lessons

[thebiblicalway]

Here’re some scattered thoughts that have been on my mind that I thought I should share.

Have you ever felt like you’re spiritually just scratching the surface? Like you’ve experienced a mist and you ignorantly wonder what a downpour is like? I have. There’s so much more to learn from the heart! There’s so much more

Comments

[redbandanna]

Amen. And wow, this was very encouraging to read. Thank-you for sharing.

It’s like the difference between handing someone a clod of dirt and delivering a truckload of gold. I love the visual imagery... We grasp that the example is so drastic and dramatic, and yet it's with joy (and amazement) that we can know God's gifts are even infinitely more special than that! Wow. =O

That’s the thing that I find a great blessing about John Piper’s sermons... By the time I finished reading half of your post I was telling Samuel, "He's been reading/listening-to John Piper". =)

[thebiblicalway]

I rejoice to hear of people being encouraged, so thank you for letting me know. Christians are exhorted to "provoke [one another] to love and to good works." Oh, how we need to build one another up!

Yes... definitely "wow." Physical gifts may last a lifetime... God's spiritual gifts can last and count for an eternity!

Well, I haven't heard a John Piper message for about two weeks, but, yes, I'm quite sure it was his sermons/writings that impacted me to the point of writing this post. I think his Don't Waste Your Life book that I started two years ago probably impacted me the most (since it was the first book I read of his). Samuel reads over your shoulder, does he? =)

[spring92]

Hi, My name is Naomi. I met you at the worldview conference in Georgia. I am friends with the Pinzurs and Chapins. I thought that since I've met you, it would be nice to get to know you better...so I hope that you don't mind if I add you to my friends list?

[thebiblicalway]

Yeah, I remember you there at the conference. I certainly don't mind at all. =) It's good meeting new people.

[spring92]

Awesome! i look forward to having you on my friends list. :)

[melytha]

Man was created to enjoy God’s glory and communicate His glory to others.Hey! Not to be too picky or anything but I don't think this is entirely true, otherwise no one would end up in Hell. :( I'm not sure of a Bible verse that says that this is the reason God created man, although I know the catechism says that, but of course, the catechism isn't the Word of God. (Just a F.Y.I. this is actually one of the reasons that I believe the church age is over - most churches go by what their catechism says rather than solely the word of God, and they won't change the catechism

[thebiblicalway]

Hey... =)

Right, I should have clarified my thoughts, it sounds like. Man originally was created in the beginning to delight in God's glory, and we as Christians are created for that purpose; but, those who are not chosen as God's children will not be a part of that glorious purpose. That's the reason why they can never be truly satisfied; the enjoyment of other things is empty in comparison... So, I totally agree with you.

I wasn't thinking of a catechism, but I know what you're talking about and I know why you mentioned that. No, in truth, I dislike catechisms, too. I think they're unbiblical (and unwise). They started with good intentions, I'm sure, but some people start looking to the catechism like a manual to the Bible, unfortunately. =/ So, I'm with you on this. =)

Thank you for sharing the Bible verses. God definitely wants all of our hearts, and not just our minds... "And it will be, if you will listen carefully to My commandments which I command you today, to love Jehovah your God and to serve Him with all

[benjyboy]

I agree with both of you. I would like to ask a few questions though.

Why didn't God create plants as gray blobs on the ground?

Why did He bother to make the roses?

Why did He go to the trouble of making the sunset and rainbow when He could have just made the sky Hunter Green?

Why did He bother to make all the colorful birds when He could have easily just made round gray balls with toothpick legs to sit quietly in the trees without uttering a single sound.

I think I've proved the point that God does, because of His nature bless humanity as a whole in ways that we can hardly imagine even apart from His saving love and mercy on believers.

Have you ever asked yourself what we've done to merit the privilege of smelling a rose, to see the blue sky overhead, to feel the rain in our face, to walk through the grass then look up to see the birds singing in the trees?

The fact is that God has indeed gone to a lot of trouble for nothing other than to bring us pleasure.

[thebiblicalway]

I appreciated these questions and thoughts. Thank you for the encouragement

[artisticeagle]

Hey, Joel, I heard that you had done a post about your trip to GA. I can't see it, and I was wondering if that was purposeful. If so, do you mind tellling me why? If not I'll try again on the other comp. Thanks! Sorry to bother you.

[thebiblicalway]

Hey, you're back on! YAY! =)

Yep, I wrote a post about it. You can't see it?? Wha---? It definitely, emphatically, most certainly, undoubtedly, unquestionably was NOT purposeful. =| I checked it out... I have the post as an "inner circle" post, and I thought for sure that you were in that friends group... but for some reason you weren't in that group (!). It was my mistake. =(

You should see it now. I missed you on LJ. Welcome back!

True Zeal

[1whogoesbe4]

If you want to really know about the depths of zeal and energy of God, then look to the Cross.

When he prayed for the cup to pass, but loved us to the last...that's Christ's example of zeal. It's different in this regard because it's not anything outward that people can see or touch with little care. Its deep love, suffering, and determination.