ChristiansUnite Forums

I just have a few questions for anyone who wants to to answer - I'm not sure if I put them in the right sections, so sorry 'bou that. ^^; If you do choose to answer these questions, feel free to skip any of them. Thank you!

The Afterlife
•   Do you believe there is an afterlife? If so, briefly describe  it – e.g. eternal paradise, reincarnation, etc.
•   Is there a Heaven? If so, what is it like and how do you get there?
•   Is there a Hell? If so, what is it like an why does one get sent there?
Prayer
•   How does prayer make you feel – e.g. relaxed, happy, nervous, etc.
•   What do you usually pray about?
•   When and where do you usually pray?
Jesus and God
•   What do you think God is like? Is Jesus the same, or are there differences?
•   What do you think Jesus looked like in his human form?
•   Will Jesus come again?
•   Is God a physical presence? Or some sort of spiritual force?
Personal
•   Why are you a Christian?
•   Are many of your friends, family and the people around you Christian?
•   If you had a problem, would you ask God for help? What sort of help could he give you?
Problems
•   What is your view/the Christian view on homosexuality?
•   What is your view/the Christian view on abortion?
•   What is your view/the Christian view on current wars?
Worship
•   Do you regularly attend church? If so, what is your church like?
•   Do you believe the Bible is entirely factual, or are some of the stories metaphoric?
•   Excluding church, do you worship any other way?
•   What are your views on the saints? What makes a person a saint?

Hello lookingforanswers,

WELCOME!


I've seen lists of questions like this before, but never all at once and never in a first post before the person even introduces themselves. Most of the answers are already on the forum, but I'll make you an offer:  you answer all of the questions IN DETAIL first. I'll look at your effort and amount of detail to determine how much effort I use in answering your questions. In the meantime, most of the answers are already on the forum in numerous places, so I suggest that you do some reading.

I also have a few questions to ask you:

1 - Why do you ask all these questions?

2 - Have you tried to find the answers to these questions for yourself?

3 - Are you a Catholic?

S-Sorry.  :-[ I'll answer the questions I posted, and yours...

1 - I'm doing a project for school and wanted to get a wider range of views and answers instead of just those from people in my family and my area.
2 - I have, but as I said, I'd rather have a range of answers instead of just those from people who go to my local church and others nearby.
3 - No, I'm not quite sure what I am - my family are Methodists, but I hope my own beliefs will become clearer in my answers.

The Afterlife
•   Do you believe there is an afterlife? If so, briefly describe  it – e.g. eternal paradise, reincarnation, etc. - I think there's some kind of afterlife, as I believe that the soul isn't something that can simply die. However, what happens to the soul after the body dies, I'm not sure.
•   Is there a Heaven? If so, what is it like and how do you get there? - I think if there is a Heaven, it could be a sort of your soul in a way joining onto and becoming one with God. However, to get there, I don't think it's simply a matter of doing the oppisite of going to Hell. I think there must be some sort of middle ground - a second chance to prove yourself.
•   Is there a Hell? If so, what is it like an why does one get sent there? - I think that Hell is the soul being completely cut of from everything else for all eternity - from all other souls and from God. I think to get there you must have lived a terrible life - not just one sin or many very small sins - and then continued doing this if given a second chance.
Prayer
•   How does prayer make you feel – e.g. relaxed, happy, nervous, etc. - I don't pray often, but when I do it makes me feel like I'm not completely alone. I feel that I've been given some support.
•   What do you usually pray about? - Usually when I pray it's because something's happened, usually to a friend, member of family, or a country or nation where there hase been some kind of diasaster.
•   When and where do you usually pray? - I prefer to pray on my own, but I don't think it's all that important when and where one prays. I pray every morning with my school as well.
Jesus and God
•   What do you think God is like? Is Jesus the same, or are there differences? - I believe God and Jesus are different in some ways. I think Jesus has human traits like anger and sadness, and God is the force that puts it all into action, if that makes any sense...
•   What do you think Jesus looked like in his human form? - Jesus was a Jew. :D He wasn't like he's portayed in many Western pictures - pale skin, flowing blonde hair, etc. Also, if I remember correctly, his family were not incredibly wealthy matierely, so I expect he only wore simple robes and so on.
•   Will Jesus come again? - Not in the form of Jesus - in many ways, God has come to earth in many ways already. All people have a tinge of God in them, but some people know how to use it.
•   Is God a physical presence? Or some sort of spiritual force? - I think he's more of a spiritual force that puts the universe and all things in it in motion - life, feelings, etc.
Personal
•   Why are you a Christian? - I think that life and the universe can't just be a coincidence. There must be a greater existence out there - God seemed to be the answer.
•   Are many of your friends, family and the people around you Christian? - Several of them, but not all. My grandfather takes sermons in a local church, and his side of the family are fairly "religious", but other than that, most of my friends call themselves Christian but never practice their faith.
•   If you had a problem, would you ask God for help? What sort of help could he give you? - If I had a fairly significant problem, I would ask God for help – but the help I think I would receive would not be physical – I think God gives us courage, hope and guidance.
Problems
•   What is your view on homosexuality? – I don’t believe homosexuality is a sin or an illness. I understand that many people don’t agree with it, but personally I see no problem at all.
•   What is your view on abortion? – In certain cases – if there is a risk to the mother or child, or if the mother is very young or in a terrible financial situation, etc – then it’s the best option. If not, and there is no reason for abortion, I don’t agree with it.
•   What is your view on current wars? – So few people even understand what most wars are for. If I pray for a war, I pray mostly for those caught in the crossfire.
Worship
•   Do you regularly attend church? If so, what is your church like? – I’m often away from home, and when at home only go to church from time to time as we live quite far away from the nearest one. The church I go to at home is very modern, with an electric guitar and a drum kit replacing the traditional organ. :D However, when I’m not at home I go to a small chapel. There are only a few of us, and the room is small and sunny, on top of another building. There’s a great sense of peace.
•   Do you believe the Bible is entirely factual, or are some of the stories metaphoric? – Though I think some of the stories are factual, some of them are probably metaphoric – the story of Adam and Eve, for example, I believe to be a metaphor for human sin and their gullibility and habit of going being easily led astray.
•   Excluding church, do you worship any other way? – Not really. As I’ve said, I pray when something goes wrong, and sometimes at other times – for example, I’ll doodle a picture of a cross or something on exam papers when they’re very important, for God’s guidance.
•   What are your views on the saints? What makes a person a saint? – Many people with the qualities of a saint go unnoticed. To be a saint you don’t need to be a member of the clergy or eve very well known – you just need to have made a positive impact in other peoples’ lives, sacrificing many things for others.

I’m sorry if none of that made any sense at all. I find it hard to put my feelings and beliefs into words. It certainly makes no sense to me. O_o

Actually it does make sense to me. It shows that you have a lot of confusion and are not really sure of what you believe.

Being a Christian is more than just being essentially good. Being a Christian is to have a right relationship with Jesus. It is to believe on Him. If we believe on Him then we will believe His words. There are many that claim to be a Christian but they do not truly know Jesus nor do they believe many of the things that Jesus said.

There is indeed a hell. Jesus spoke of it many times and those that reject Him as Lord, Saviour and very God have made the choice to go there.

There is good news though for all.

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Salvation, salvation from death under the law by God's perfect grace.

Rom 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Rom 3:11  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Rom 3:12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Rom 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Rom 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Rom 3:20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Rom 3:27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Rom 3:22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Rom 3:28  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Rom 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Rom 4:21  And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Rom 4:24  But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Rom 10:10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Rom 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

You have already received many great answers to your ultimate question.  And I can expand upon what Roger said no further.  So I will take a few minutes to answer the questions you have posted.

The Afterlife

Do you believe there is an afterlife? If so, briefly describe  it – e.g. eternal paradise, reincarnation, etc.
Yes.  Throughout the Bible are many references to Heaven, Paradise, Sheol, and such.  The Bible makes it very clear that there is an afterlife.

Is there a Heaven? If so, what is it like and how do you get there?
Yes.  Again the Bible mentions heaven 691 times.  Now some of those hits are also in reference to the heavens as in the sky, but you get the point.  Many many times is Heaven mentioned.  In John 14:2 Jesus says there are many mansions and that He is preparing a place for us.  The book of Revelations describes well what Heaven will be like.  As far as how do you get there?  Roger has already explained that one.  Accept Christ as your Savior.  Believe that He came to pay the price of your sins, was crucified, died, was raised up 3 days later and is in Heaven now for you.

  Is there a Hell? If so, what is it like an why does one get sent there?
Again in several spots throughout the Bible hell is described.  In Revelations 21:8 gives us a final descriptions "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death"

Prayer
   How does prayer make you feel – e.g. relaxed, happy, nervous, etc.
hmmm.  I guess some of this depends on how I feel when I go into it.  One thing is for certain though, and that is that I feel better about myself and whatever happens to be going on that put me into prayer to begin with.

   What do you usually pray about?
Anything and everything.  I will pray when I am driving down the street just to talk to God.  Prayer is not limited to simply bowing your head and saying some words, but prayer is communicating with God.  It is taking some time and talking to Him...and I talk to Him about everything and anything.

   When and where do you usually pray?
Anywhere and anytime.

Jesus and God
   What do you think God is like? Is Jesus the same, or are there differences?
God is my father.  He is just like a father should be.  He is merciful and does not want to punish me when I do wrong, but God is just and must punish me.  And I accept that.

   What do you think Jesus looked like in his human form?
Personally I do not think it matters.  To attempt to identify this can cause divisions and strife. 

   Will Jesus come again?
Yes.  The Bible says that he will.

   Is God a physical presence? Or some sort of spiritual force?
Both.  I have felt God both spiritually as well as physically.  God is physically apparent in everything around us.   God is also omnipresent and is everywhere at all times.

Personal
   Why are you a Christian?
Why are you not?

   Are many of your friends, family and the people around you Christian?
This depends...are we talking about the friends I grew up with?  No none are.  As far as my physical family...no again most are not.  But my family and friends that I have since turning my life over to God...yes each and every one of them.

   If you had a problem, would you ask God for help? What sort of help could he give you?
Yes I would and do.  He would give me the help that He knows that I need for that particular problem.

Problems
   What is your view/the Christian view on homosexuality?
The Bible clearly defines homosexuality as a sin.  Actually more specifically an abomination.

   What is your view/the Christian view on abortion?
The Bible tells us that God knew us even before the womb...so abortion is, simply put, murder.

   What is your view/the Christian view on current wars?
As long as a war is not in conflict with my Christian values then the war is OK and I should be supportive of it.  Which I am.

Worship
   Do you regularly attend church? If so, what is your church like?
Yes.  Smaller church with a heart towards God and a fire sent by God to expand.

   Do you believe the Bible is entirely factual, or are some of the stories metaphoric?
Yes.  There are metaphors in the Bible...many times Jesus said "Heaven is like" which means this is not symbolic...other than that it is factual and has proven to be so over and over again.

   Excluding church, do you worship any other way?
Yes.  In the way I live.  Being faithful to Jesus is far from limited to Sunday service, it is a way of life and dedication to be that way.

   What are your views on the saints? What makes a person a saint?
The Bible refers to all those that believe in Christ are saints...so I guess they are typically some nice folks.

Pastor Roger - thank you. You're right. I'm very confused lately - your reply helped quite a lot to clear some things up.

Brother Jerry - thank you as well! Your answers are a great help - thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

Hello lookingforanswers,

I'm ill and so is my wife, so I can't stay long. I'll have to give you better answers when things get some better.

The Holy Bible is GOD'S WORD, and I believe in it 100%. JESUS CHRIST is the core of my life and is my LORD and SAVIOUR forever! I pray, study the Bible, worship, and praise GOD every day. NOTHING is more REAL than GOD and HIS WORD - the Holy Bible - and HIS WORD is the ONLY Measurement of ALL TRUTH! HIS WORD will endure forever.

GOD and the devil are REAL, and so are HEAVEN and hell. The is only one unforgiveable sin is rejecting JESUS CHRIST as VERY GOD and rejecting HIM as LORD and SAVIOUR. Faith in JESUS CHRIST, who HE was and IS, and what HE did and why is the only way to be SAVED. GOD is a HOLY TRINITY - GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON (JESUS CHRIST), AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT - YET THE THREE ARE ONE - ALMIGHTY GOD - THE CREATOR!

JESUS CHRIST was made manifest (incarnate) in the flesh and was born of a VIRGIN - exactly like the Bible states. HE was 100% GOD and 100% man, the ONLY perfect and HOLY man who ever walked this earth. World TIME is set by HIS life and death, and HE is completely real. HE was the Anointed KING of Israel, but HIS Own rejected HIM and hated HIM enough to conspire to have HIM crucified. HE did die on the CROSS in the most cruel and horrible manner ever devised by man. BUT - no grave can HOLD the LORD of GLORY, and CHRIST arose from the dead on the third day. Many witnesses saw HIM, so the account of HIS crucifixion and resurrection are not just a story - rather the most important event in the history of mankind. HE WAS GOD and IS GOD! HE'S ALIVE. HE died willingly on the CROSS because no power in the universe could have forced HIM to the CROSS. HE took the punishment that should have been OUR punishment in HIS own body. FAITH in HIM is the only way to be SAVED. This who physically die without accepting HIM are on their way to hell for eternal punishment in the very real FIRES of HELL.

JESUS CHRIST is the LORD over my life. I believe HIM completely and KNOW that the BIBLE is GOD'S WORD! HE loved me first - enough to die for me, and I love HIM. HIS Blood on the Cross rescued me from the Curse of SIN and DEATH. I belong to HIM forever, and that makes me very happy. This short life is not all there is. If I physically die tonight, I will be absent from my body and present with the LORD. GOD is SPIRIT and so am I. GOD will give each Christian a Glorified BODY like the one JESUS CHRIST has at HIS Appointed time. There is NO END! Christians will spend Eternity with JESUS CHRIST in HEAVEN. The lost will spend Eternity in the fires of hell with the devil.

I covered the most important part. I'll have to answer the rest later. I'll end by saying that homosexuality is definitely a sin - an abomination in the eyes of GOD clearly stated in the Old and New Testament of the Holy Bible. Abortion is also a sin and is MURDER. Children belong to GOD and are made in HIS IMAGE, so they are not things to be butchered and killed. YES - I pray every day - mainly alone and in private about anything I feel is important enough to talk to GOD about. I am HIS child, and HE loves to hear my prayers. The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD LIVES IN MY HEART, so GOD is at the CORE of my being. I have LIFE because CHRIST has LIFE. My LIFE is in HIM. My SALVATION IS BECAUSE OF JESUS CHRIST - not because I'm good or have done anything to deserve it.

I hope to get back with you soon.

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 ASV  1  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:  2  but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  3  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish:  4  in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.  5  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.  6  Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;  8  we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;  9  pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed;  10  always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.  11  For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  12  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  13  But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak;  14  knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you.  15  For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God.  16  Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.  17  For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;  18  while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

P.S. Please see the next two posts. Please forgive any errors. I don't feel well enough to check my post very well.

1:  Romans 3:10 NASB  as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."

2:  Romans 3:23  NASB  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

3:  Romans 5:12  NASB  Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--

4:  Romans 6:23  NASB  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

5:  Romans 1:18  NASB  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

6:  Romans 3:20  NASB  because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

7:  Romans 3:27  NASB  Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.

8:  Romans 5:8-9  NASB  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

9:  Romans 2:4  NASB  Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

10:  Romans 3:22  NASB  even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;

11:  Romans 3:28  NASB  For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

12:  Romans 10:9  NASB  that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

13:  Romans 4:21  NASB  and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

14:  Romans 4:24 NASB  but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,

15:  Romans 5:1  NASB  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

16:  Romans 10:10  NASB  for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

17:  Romans 10:13  NASB  for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

Colossians 1:24-27 ASV  24  Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church;  25  whereof I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God,  26  even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints,  27  to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:


Colossians 1:24-27 AMP  24  [Even] now I rejoice in the midst of my sufferings on your behalf. And in my own person I am making up whatever is still lacking and remains to be completed [on our part] of Christ's afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church.  25  In it I became a minister in accordance with the divine stewardship which was entrusted to me for you [as its object and for your benefit], to make the Word of God fully known [among you]--  26  The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations [from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints),  27  To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory.

____________________

Romans 5:1-2 ASV  1  Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;  2  through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.


Romans 5:1-2 AMP  1  THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).  2  Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.


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Romans 15:4-7 ASV  4  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.  5  Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus:  6  that with one accord ye may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  7  Wherefore receive ye one another, even as Christ also received you, to the glory of God.


Romans 15:4-7 AMP  4  For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.  5  Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,  6  That together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).  7  Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God.


____________________

Ephesians 1:15-23 ASV  15  For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints,  16  cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;  17  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him;  18  having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,  19  and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might  20  which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,  21  far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  22  and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,  23  which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.


Ephesians 1:15-23 AMP  15  For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints (the people of God),  16  I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.  17  [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,  18  By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),  19  And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,  20  Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],  21  Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.  22  And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church], [Ps. 8:6.]  23  Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].

blackeyedpeas-

Thank you for your answers! I hope you and your wife are well again soon.

Thank you also for the other two posts - I learnt quite a lot from them, more than I thought I would.

Hi lookingforanswers!

One of your questions grabbed me and I'd like to add to the previous great anwers..

What do you think God is like? Is Jesus the same, or are there differences?

Fortunately, God didn't leave us to guess what He is like. After the fall of man we couldn't reflect the image of our Creator anymore. Then at Mount Sinai God began to reveal Himself to us again. He breaks the silence and God tells us Who He is and What He's like in His Word, the Bible. It is His self-revelation, the will and wisdom of God. His will is His commandments; His wisdom is His wise instruction for how to live holy and righteous lives - 2 words we couldn't even have a concept of -- Holy, Righteous - what do they mean? Without God's Word we wouldn't know.

For God to reveal Himself to human beings it was necessary that He would first reduce Himself; humble Himself; make Himself small -- because we limited finite human beings were completely unable to fully comprehend the full revelation of an infinite God. Even Moses was hidden in the cleft of the rock and only had a glimpse of His back as He passed by.

If God didn't limit Himself and humble Himself we couldn't even begin to conceive of Him. If we conceive of God in any measure we should know that God humbled Himself enough for us to perceive the One Who is Infinite. The unknowable God, in order to be known by finite human beings, had to 'translate Himself' into our language, our understanding - namely the Words of the Bible. In there, we find Who He is.

We also find Jesus in the Bible from beginning to end. Jesus is the goal we aim for - righteousness, holiness. He's sinless - which means according to 1John 3:4 He never transgressed the commandments of God -- because He Is God. He said, 'If you've seen Me you've seen the Father' and 'I and the Father are ONE'.

In Hebrews 1:3 Jesus is called "the express image of His person..."

John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

This is the full expression of God, His self-revelation to us in the flesh, His will and wisdom made flesh; incarnate in the body of Jesus. This very act is a humbling in order that we might find the greatness of the Holy God! There is no difference - Jesus is God, who came to show us how to live holy, righteous lives!!

Barbara - thank you! This is a really useful answer, it'll help a lot.  ;D