Is Jesus the only Way?

[Helen]

Do you suggest that I do not seek truth from the Spirit of God Who lives in me?

Much love!

I know John is not saying that...but, you have argued you point so hard, about what I call an "only the bible" position....it did leave us to wonder if you did listened to the Spirit within you ..the Comforter, the Teacher...or if you only took your guidance from the written word.

Can't blame us for presuming this by your many posts .

I am delighted to hear that you also listen to 'the still small voice.' :)

I remember the many many time God's Spirit has spoken to me... and I praise Him for those nudges.
Once , before we moved here to Canada I was walking along in our town with my two girls ( about 9 and 10 at the time) ..I had an 'inner moving' (prompting) that is all I can say, and I immediately placed a hand on each child's head. When I felt released I took my hand off and turned around, the man who had passed us had also turned , and we stared at each other. I knew the darkness in my 'inner man'. That Saturday there was a photo of him in the local newspaper.
"Alex Saunders , king of the Witches of Europe, has moved here to Bexhill on Sea."
I didn't feel God's prompting and say to myself..."I'd better get my bible and find a verse about what to do". I listened to the inner voice.

I'm glad that you do too. It is so often a life saver.

...Bless you...Helen

 

[marks]

I know John is not saying that...but you have argued you point so hard about what I call an "only the bible" position....it did leave us to wonder if you did listened to the Spirit within you ..the Comforter, the Teacher...or if you only took your guidance from the written word.

Interesting!

I'm disputing for the authority of the Bible over extra-Biblical revelation, for the plain reading over spiritualization, and instead of discussion I'm painted as an unspiritual man, who woodenly holds to a book at the expense of the Spirit.

I'm saying that we all hear from God, but we claim to hear different things, and unless we can agree on the authority of the Bible, we will go round and round in circles. I've spoken many many times of my personal relationship with God.

But there is that thing called Gaslighting. Keep saying it enough and people believe it. It's is yet another logical fallacy, and it can be effective.

Much love!

 

[Helen]

I'm saying that we all hear from God, but we claim to hear different things, and unless we can agree on the authority of the Bible, we will go round and round in circles. I've spoken many many times of my personal relationship with God.

See, I don't even see this as a 'bible issue'...we all love, cherish and read our bibles. It in no way a 'bible problem' , we agree it is His Inspired Written Word.

This issue comes with the interpretation of a verse here and there , where one reads it one way, and one another.
That is where the problems and issues start.

 

[Helen]

Well, @amadeus @marks @lforrest

I HOPE I have been told wrong....

But I think I am opting out of this thread if indeed it is true.

In fact, I will seriously think about opting out of this whole forum if what I was told just now is true, that @Episkopos has indeed been banned. Tell me that we have got it wrong..please????
His profile page is now blank, so it looks like something is going on, banned, suspended or something...

He has been nothing but gracious in his defence of his own thread!!

How on earth people can turn a whole thread negative when another person is just posting how he sees things.

I foolishly thought that was what a discussion was all about!
But sadly, these days on here 'discussions' no longer seem to happen as they once did. All we get now is people arguing against whatever someone else is saying, just for the fun of side-railing a thread.

If Episkopos really has been banned, then I too can give a list of people that really should also be banned!
And so far there is one person who has yet to post ONE single positive thing about God, the bible, God's people, or anything else!

Sad day

=========
And @lforrest May I ask what rules Episkopos broke to warrant banning, if indeed he has been ?

 

[amadeus]

Do you suggest that I do not seek truth from the Spirit of God Who lives in me? And do you take issue with seeking every truth in Scripture?

Much love!

That sounds a little over sensitive to me. I was not doubting you but rather essentially agreeing with you. Even if it were not so, you should take it easy on yourself and on me. The only One we can always trust without doubt or hesitation is God. So trust Him. But talk to people as gently as you are able even if or perhaps especially if you do disagree. You asked or raised questions for me to answer which I tried to do honestly. Please accept them that way even if you believe they are wrong. It really is possible to be brothers in Christ without agreeing precisely on every point.

Stand for what you believe, but in doing so it is not necessary or usually profitable to attack the other person while doing it. If he attacks you simply back away and leave it in God's hands. He is always able...

Give God the glory!

 

[amadeus]

I've just realized you had posted a couple of posts I hadn't seen.

I don't think you are receiving what I'm saying. I also don't think this edifies.

There is no need to continue. I'm sure I've said sufficient.

Much love!

As you will my friend, so be it.

 

[Helen]

As you will my friend, so be it.

Did you see the post I just posted here above your two posts??

 

[amadeus]

Well, @amadeus @marks @lforrest

I HOPE I have been told wrong....

But I think I am opting out of this thread if indeed it is true.

In fact, I will seriously think about opting out of this whole forum if what I was told just now is true, that @Episkopos has indeed been banned. Tell me that we have got it wrong..please????
His profile page is now blank, so it looks like something is going on, banned, suspended or something...

He has been nothing but gracious in his defence of his own thread!!

How on earth people can turn a whole thread negative when another person is just posting how he sees things.

I foolishly thought that was what a discussion was all about!
But sadly, these days on here 'discussions' no longer seem to happen as they once did. All we get now is people arguing against whatever someone else is saying, just for the fun of side-railing a thread.

If Episkopos really has been banned, then I too can give a list of people that really should also be banned!
And so far there is one person who has yet to post ONE single positive thing about God, the bible, God's people, or anything else!

Sad day

Now I am really concerned Helen! I know Episkopos a little better than usual from a few PM discussions. If he was banned for this thread and others similar I would guess that my own time here may be short simply because I am also trying to be honest with people about what I believe. I don't insist that people agree with me but many times when they do not understand my position they take it hard, maybe too hard. I am praying for Episkopos and any who pressed against him when they should not have.

 

[Helen]

Now I am really concerned Helen! I know Episkopos a little better than usual from a few PM discussions. If he was banned for this thread and others similar I would guess that my own time here may be short simply because I am also trying to honest with people about what I believe. I don't insist that people agree with me but many times when they do not understand my position they take it hard, maybe too hard. I am praying for Episkopos and any who pressed against him when they should not have.

( @lforrest )

Yes John, I have been told that he has been banned.

You and I both John...if we can not discuss the things without the threat of banning then this site is no longer for me.

Maybe all the rest will be happy if everyone who believes in the leading and hearing by the Holy Spirit is banned or leaves the site, then the rest can happily argue among themselves , because that is all they seem to want to do, "taking away," but not adding to anything worthy for edification on the site.

If that is the kind of membership that is wanted here...then so be it. I am on the wrong Site.
No doubt John, we will meet up elsewhere...we always do ....if not, at least we have each others email address :)

I will first wait and see what is to be said about all this before deciding.

God bless brother.

 

[amadeus]

( @lforrest )

Yes John, I have been told that he has been banned.

You and I both John...if we can no discuss the things without the threat of banning then this site is no longer for me.

Maybe all will be happy if everyone who believes in the leading and hearing by the Holy Spirit is banned or leaves ...then the rest can happily argue among themselves , as that is all they seem to want to do, "taking away," but not adding to anything worthy for edification.

If that is the membership that is wanted here...then so be it. I am on the wrong Site.
No doubt John, we will meet up elsewhere...if not, at least we have each others email address :)

I will first wait and see what is to be said about all this.

God bless brother.

Unfortunately I just checked and I do not have an Email address for Episkopos. He included contract information on a PM to me a long while ago but apparently after so long or so many messages they are dropped so I have lost it. I really was not expecting this kind of thing here. I still belong to many other forums, but have not been active in any of them because they were all worse than this one. I won't say I won't but I am unlikely to get active in any of them again. The sciactic nerve on the left side has been giving me trouble for years, but I've always handled it. Lately it has been almost unbearable and has me sleeping on my recliner the only place I can be comfortable. My wife's lungs are acting up very seriously again. She may have to go a oxygen but we are awaiting tests results on that as well as additional info on my sciatica. No MRI's allowed for people with pacemaker. [I've had a pacemaker since 2004.]

No matter what happens I will try to stay in touch with you via email.

 

[Truth]

Greetings to all...even those who by seeing the OP title are already spoiling for a fight! ;)

The title of the OP is vague in that it brings in an already determined...even set in stone...religious response that tends to be jumped on without a second thought.

So then the OP can mean various things...many of these are presumed. A carnal man will get defensive about his possession of Jesus the way a hungry person looks at his next meal.

We need to be clear on where this is going.

For many people the bible is truth only insofar as they are the ones that are doing the interpreting. So then the bible itself is not being actually respected ...it is the interpretation that it is being given....THAT is what is being respected and trusted as truth. If such a person is corrected by the bible they will ignore the verses that would seem to contradict their stance...and not think twice about it.

We see the same thing with OUR understanding of Jesus...too often an erroneous, programmed and religious idea of Jesus.

Do we really believe the way of Jesus is important? Really? Do we realize that Jesus was far more critical of religious people than of sinners in the flesh?

As in...Sinners and prostitutes will get into the kingdom before you...who are religious hypocrites.

Mat. 21:31 "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.

Now homosexuality is the "sin du jour" of our time. But is this a carnal sin or a religious sin? If we judge one sin over another...or judge at all...in the class of sin that is with the flesh...are we not doing a greater sin as the pharisees did? Are we not reacting to the flesh as they? Are we not displaying a "sin preference"?

Did Jesus do this? Or did He treat physical sins of the flesh as an ailment of someone who needs a doctor...not condemnation?

The wise will consider this.

I hate the whole idea of homosexuality. But can I not see weakness and brokenness for what it is...without my own judgment and hatreds getting into the mix?

We are to love, not judge. Of course we are to discern and be able to help people. We are here to save lives not kill people or condemn them. Just like Jesus did. :)

I have just found this thread, as I am not a frequent flyer here anymore, But just to Say you have a Heart very similar to the Son of God, as you have stated, He did not come to Condemn, but to lift Up, Heal and restore! You see I look at myself, and try to understand the weaknesses of others, as I can see them within myself. I beat my chest, and am ashamed to even look up toward His Realm, for I am not Guiltless. We as Believer's should always search for the Good in other's, What is sin, but the transgression of the Torah, So all you out there without sin Cast the First Stone, but be careful, the stone may fall back on you!!!

 

[Nancy]

( @lforrest )

Yes John, I have been told that he has been banned.

You and I both John...if we can not discuss the things without the threat of banning then this site is no longer for me.

Maybe all the rest will be happy if everyone who believes in the leading and hearing by the Holy Spirit is banned or leaves the site, then the rest can happily argue among themselves , because that is all they seem to want to do, "taking away," but not adding to anything worthy for edification on the site.

If that is the kind of membership that is wanted here...then so be it. I am on the wrong Site.
No doubt John, we will meet up elsewhere...we always do ....if not, at least we have each others email address :)

I will first wait and see what is to be said about all this before deciding.

God bless brother.

Well, this is a sad end to this day. If you two leave here, I sure hope @"ByGrace" - you would email me and let me know where you went! And, especially if you find Epi. This is crazy! Others can be ruder than ever and that's becoming of a Christian?? Yet, Epi, who...as you say Helen, is very gracious with his words.
Well, they say all good things come to an end. I will only hope the worst doesn't happen - that he got banned. If that is the case, I'm not so sure I want to stay here either. This stinks!!! We just got GG back and, Rollo (kind of).
I am going to watch a movie, and not even come back on here tonight, maybe not even tomorrow. I'll be in solidarity with Epi! :) ♥ U all. Nite.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

Me too Nancy. :)

 

[stunnedbygrace]

But there is that thing called Gaslighting. Keep saying it enough and people believe it. It's is yet another logical fallacy, and it can be effective.

Much love!

This is quite visibly and plainly true.

 

[bbyrd009]

and you have believed the satanic version...and your blindness is that you think you have the truth.

hey, just like me

 

[bbyrd009]

...and whether God in His mercy reveals what His written Word says. But again, it doesn't absolve us from seeking for God's wisdom in His Word.

they heard the word and then searched the Scriptures to see if it were true

 

[Episkopos]

Just to say that a mistake was made in my being banned...and you may all have to bear with me a little longer.... :)

Thanks you all for your love and concern and support. You have my love and gratitude!

Nancy...that's just what I did...I watched a movie with my son! ;)

Jesus all the Way! <><

 

[bbyrd009]

The testing occurs according the Word as it is written in our hearts. The point of origin for us may seem to be the Bible, but remember the other guy may be claiming the same Bible and even the same verses as his point of origin. Ultimately the correct testing is done by God. If we are not in touch with Him for the test we cannot expect to always receive God's result for our own.

ah ya, that other guy, huh
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Lexicon: And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
no chabal rope there at all huh. Hmm plus check out the way it even reads in English, from the Lex! Not what we are usually taught at all! Nasb i guess that is

But you said earlier that we see through a glass darkly and now you want to point us back to the obscurity of our hearts?

Ah, i heardthere a pointing to the other guy's maybe, not "ours?" Course in any marriage...the object of ones nakedness changes i guess right. Jews still talk like that, guess we don't tho

Sorry, I'll go with the purity of God's Word, which also interprets itself, so if our interpretation is faulty it will correct that interpretation in another section, as the Bible is a unified whole.

and how exactly do you envision that happening, practically speaking? Bc wadr you make it read as if our own Reading Of The Word would like auto-correct any errant belief we might choose to hold the moment we Read the "interpretation corrector?"

 

[stunnedbygrace]

Just to say that a mistake was made in my being banned...and you may all have to bear with me a little longer.... :)

Thanks you all for your love and concern and support. You have my love and gratitude!

Nancy...that's just what I did...I watched a movie with my son! ;)

Jesus all the Way! <><

Oh, don't worry, there was no danger of us not putting up with you longer - we were just going to look for a new place to meet! Its so rare to find encouragement, true edification, that when we find it, we are surprised, which shouldn't be the case, but it sadly is. Its too hard to find practical help in our own walk, so we latch onto it and refuse to let go when we find it. So its rather you who will have to put up with us!

 

[bbyrd009]

Ecclesiastes 4:12 Lexicon: And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
note maybe how the v in the NASB, which this Lex chooses, is subtly different from the way most ppl Quote this v? Iow if possible now that you've just read it, cover it up for a sec and Quote it the way you understood it before: I confess that the only part i really could Quote from memory was "a rope of three cords is not easily broken," and for the first part i usually said or at least thought "two cords are stronger than one" or something.

But instead
And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him.
so note what's going on there, stuff just changed right in front of us right, the Hims switched places somehow right...dang brb

Ok i could go on, but i can't i guess, note how the formula suggested for perhaps "strength" or whatever, "unity" maybe--what is "easily broken" iow--is the exact opposite of how we usually reason in the west, even though we understand that two can overpower him of course, we also observe that two cooks might spoil the broth so to speak, we are most comfortable when we are the head, when we have no...like other voices that we are compelled to listen to, no other "one," yet the Bible seems to be suggesting to add two others?

Yikes and see what that "rope" is made out of lol, what is chut. Chut is a...very particular kind of um "rope," compare with other "rope" roots and see.

I say, making two or three into one is not so straightforward as we might think, and that v is just about as convoluted lol, imo i can safely say that we have not even interpreted this v yet, even the NASB rendering is not exactly what ends up being revealed i bet!