The community does as a whole. It's our issue to discuss.
Paul gave some examples. We must glean from the spirit of his letters and learn from them.
And presumably, God has the absolute final answer, when it comes to this. I.e., He knows if any particular use of a gift is an abuse or not. So, if the "community" gets to decide, will it always agree with God's assessment? Is the majority always right?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
And presumably, God has the absolute final answer, when it comes to this. I.e., He knows if any particular use of a gift is an abuse or not. So, if the "community" gets to decide, will it always agree with God's assessment? Is the majority always right?
One would hope. Jesus left us with no such instructions. Our Apostolic fathers did. If the Spirit is involved, that doesn't mean we are obedient and mature enough with it. Joseph got a cool coat and was the youngest. God gave him a dream. He certainly didn't tell him to go blab about to his jealous older brothers. It was still given to him by God, but maybe he didn't handle it the best?
These are confounding things. Sometimes it's not the Spirit but attention. Paul did say we can confirm these things within the community. Men full of the spirit and other prophets can judge them. Accountability is key.
One would hope. Jesus left us with no such instructions. Our Apostolic fathers did. If the Spirit is involved, that doesn't mean we are obedient and mature enough with it. Joseph got a cool coat and was the youngest. God gave him a dream. He certainly didn't tell him to go blab about to his jealous older brothers. It was still given to him by God, but maybe he didn't handle it the best?
These are confounding things. Sometimes it's not the Spirit but attention. Paul did say we can confirm these things within the community. Men full of the spirit and other prophets can judge them. Accountability is key.
Well, at least you have a fool-proof way of determining whether a prophet is false or real. I guess that's the most important gift?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Oh. You don't believe 1 John 4:1-3 will always work as advertised?
?? I don't believe it will work? It wasn't a formula. It was instructions and an admonishment to try spirits. The real audience for these words were gnostic foes creeping into the churches.
I'm not understanding your question. Are you still debating our ability to screw up?
?? I don't believe it will work? It wasn't a formula. It was instructions and an admonishment to try spirits. The real audience for these words were gnostic foes creeping into the churches.
I'm not understanding your question. Are you still debating our ability to screw up?
Formula or instructions, what's the diff? It warns you about false prophets, and it tells you how to test them. Will it always work, or not?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Formula or instructions, what's the diff? It warns you about false prophets, and it tells you how to test them. Will it always work, or not?
It's not set-up or given like that. There's no "fool proof"ness to it. You are reading into it. It's admonition to "test spirits." Not "do this and you'll never lose." You are making something out of the verse that it simply is not. Don't know what to tell you.
Well, at least you have a fool-proof way of determining whether a prophet is false or real. I guess that's the most important gift?
This is the way you tell!! Come on and smile now.
I heard that when you hold back a smile the energy that it takes to hold it back goes to your hips. And I see some of you haven't been smiling enough lately!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw744VT1Wo0
Been Smilin' I mean Thinkin
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"From the time you're born, 'til you ride in the hearse, there ain't nothing bad that couldn't be worse!"
LIFE: Some days you're the dog and some days you're the hydrant!
I have ... Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia! The fear of long words.
"Prediction is very hard, especially about the future." - Yogi Berra
"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave in reflection." - Thomas Paine
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