In the near future, I hope to post (a series) on God's interaction within the world. While having lunch with a good friend yesterday, the conversation evolved to the discussion of how involved is God in our lives. Specifically, the question was raised about the third person of the Trinity. I'll give you a taste here.
1) How involved is the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer? In other words, does the Spirit allow a believer to make a certain choice, knowing the choice is not the most beneficial for the (wo)man? Would the Spirit prevent man's choice in any way (read determinism)?
2) Does God determine everything? What does God's sovereignty entail? Is God a Gator fan or a Sooner fan? :)
3) It seems to me that Satan can use certain individuals (often times they are unaware). Might God (or the Holy Spirit) be involved with unbelievers and they be unaware as well? In other words, I realize God reaches out to man for salvation, but might He be involved in other matters prior to salvation?
Thoughts?
Jesus, king on his terms, not ours
3 hours ago
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8 comments:
1.
i think that the Holy Spirit speaks to our heart and sometimes speaks to some of our choices, large and small that have something to do with our growth in God. sometimes we hear and choose to obey, somtimes we hear and and choose not to obey.
2.
i think that God knows all and sees all.
3.
i don't know.
I think God is at work in all things, but that many things are "beside the point." Many details don't matter, but what goes on in those details in God's working is what does matter.
Of course the interactivity of entities unseen has to be factored in everywhere. Of course God sometimes steps in and intervenes, but usually God lets people/us have their/our way and is at work in all of that.
Just my thoughts over here at the moment.
It is my belief that we are not pawns in a game that God is playing with Satan. I don't think he made us like puppets or robots. I believe God interacts and revils Himself in many ways: The Bible, Holy Spirit, Creation, Life's ups and downs.
I love what Max Lucado once said, "Love is only love if chosen."
I am looking forward to this series. Your blog is one of the best that I read. Thank you for stretching my mind and faith. I think these questions that you ask every believer needs to think on in order to grow in their relationship with God.
Hope you have a wonderful week brother. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
The Holy Spirit is of utmost importance in the life of a believer. But, the Holy Spirit is also important in the life of non believers. The Holy Spirit guides earthly beings in the choice for Christ. This brings me to the idea that It is involved in the choices we make. We are lead to the proper choice but the Spirit does not make the choice for us.
God can determine but He has made us "free" to choose. He wants us to choose Him because He loves us but He also gave us freedom. Believers should know that He can make determination after all He parted the sea.
I think that when the Holy Spirit is involved with someone they most likely become aware Something is guiding or providing. I believe that the Spirit is always involved prior to salvation. The Holy Spirit provides us with the knowledge needed to choose. That knowledge comes in many forms. The choice, however, is ours alone. Freedom or earthly slavery.
So says Chester,Mike,
Nancy,
1. Agree
2. Agree
3. Fair enough.
Thanks for the comment. Merry Christmas!
Ted,
Interesting. I've never thought about things that are "beside the point." I think I understand you. But I need to chew on this further.
Blessings!
Kinney,
Kind words Bro! Definitely good to see you back. I trust you'll keep us informed on the ministry search.
I agree that we are not simply pawns in a larger "game." I also appreciate the quote from Lucado. Reading the quote made me think of those who misquote, misread, or proof text Lucado. Make sense?
Anon/Mike,
Great words here. I see the theme of Prevenient Grace.
In the future, I hope to have a time of guest bloggers on As The Crow... Perhaps you'll consider posting on Prevenient Grace.
Merry Christmas Bro! Luv ya man!
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