I have been away from the board for some time. Judi`s accident injuries are acting up and her pain keeps causing her trouble, so it looks like a total hip may be in our future. I just returned from eye surgery, so as you can see, I have been busy.
I was reading 2 Peter this week and it just lit up like neon! Written to christians to warn them of fase teachings and to tell them how to empower themselves from the harm it can cause. That was written durin the first 60-70 years AD, and things haven`t changed much that topic, have they?
To memorise the whole Bible, know all the sayings, know all the stories, is a notable feat. The person who can immediately come up with a quote from the Bible for every conversation does impress me, but I can be impressed easily. The words(small letters) of the scripture should be at our fingertips and available for us and all the promises of God should be learned......why? Well, they let us know who we are and allow us to stand when the winds of confusion blow all around us. These words are a foundation, a firm foothold to use.
Knowing all this is not to say we know GOD! Knowing ABOUT God is not what we eagerly desire, is it? It is important but just knowing things about God won`t get it. We need to actually KNOW GOD! I need to know that I have a relationship with the Father through His SON and get guidance from the Holy Spirit. I am His child, He is my Father, Christ is my brother as well as my Savior, and Holy Spirit is One sent to help and teach. Knowing all this, the Word of God about who I am and my relationship with the Holy Family are clear. The promises in the Bible are to confirm my standing and salvation.
For me to tell another Christian that he/she does not have the same relationship with the Lord as I, and therefore is not saved and is going to hell, simply is not my job. Discussing our relationships and how we came about them is good and should be done, but for me to pass judgement on anyone just is not right and my God tells me not to do that, as well as tells me what happens if I do.
I can say "that is not quite the way I see that" but call down condemnation on a brother because he/she does not see things exactly as I do? Can`t do it, and if I have ever done that, please allow me to repent right now. The path God calls me to walk is probably not the exact path for everyone. I do have a personal relationship with the God of the Universe, He knows my name, we visit daily, He comforts me, and I do my best to please Him. I often fail on my part, but that is between Him and me.....I know and He knows. I already have His forgiveness and I love Him for it.
Peace,
Charlie