Since we are already on a kick about time, I thought we could do a little speculating on death with the consideration of time.
I just watched "What Dreams May Come". For those of you who haven't seen it, it is about a man who dies.... sorry, did that spoil it for you?
I have been considering what happens when one dies and what is the experience like. Many people believe that in death time flows, but the opinions on HOW it flows are quite different. For instance, it is a popular belief that there is a sense of time in death, but that a human life is as a heart beat in the afterlife.
Another common opinion is that in death there is no time and therefore we will all arrive at it at the same "moment". Thus, with the Christian worldview in mind, those of us who are saved would all either a) die and be resurrected immediately from our point of view, or b) die and all be in heaven immediately from our point of view, depending on your opinion on what heaven is and the end times.
Personally, I am very unsure about this matter. Obviously this is a topic that has no effect on what actually happens, and what you believe about it is basically inconsequential. Regardless, I would like to hear other opinions on the matter.
-M.W.J.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
New Horizons and Considerations on God and Time
I have, for now at least, decided upon a course and purpose for this blog. I have outlined this on the side panel of the blog. If you have any additional thoughts on the purpose statement there-in please feel free to leave me a comment.
For my first truly thought out query, I ponder the relationship between God and Time. I approach this topic currently because it is a primary topic of a sermon which I am preparing for next Sunday.
My personal predisposition is that God created Time. This is based on the fact that God created the Universe and all things in it. Genesis 1:1 simply establishes God's creation of all things, but does not specify many details. But because God created literally everything, I must presume that He created the realm, physically and metaphysically, which all things reside in. Thus, reality itself, matter, energy, time, were all part of God's creation. This being so would mean that God is in control of all of these things and thus not under the influence of any of them Himself. This would lead to the conclusion that God is, in actuality, outside of time all together. This is a very difficult consideration to process for the human psyche. Everything in our existence, everything we think and do are all quite dependent on time and the movement of time. Thus, to even consider or ponder something or someone that is outside time is quite impossible for the human, for even our thoughts deny us the ability.
The conclusion then is that God is not under the influence or dominion of anyone or anything, including metaphysical substances such as the flow of time (if such a thing can truly be called a substance at all). Humans however are under the influence and dominion of many things, moreover, humanity is dreadfully dependent on a plethora of objects. This is an incredible dividing line between God and everyone else. God is the creator, and therefore the great influence and the great independent provider. But Man is God's creation and thus dependent on other parts of God's multi-faceted creation.
Do you have a differing opinion on this subject? Or an addition to make to this query? Please comment and discuss.
For my first truly thought out query, I ponder the relationship between God and Time. I approach this topic currently because it is a primary topic of a sermon which I am preparing for next Sunday.
My personal predisposition is that God created Time. This is based on the fact that God created the Universe and all things in it. Genesis 1:1 simply establishes God's creation of all things, but does not specify many details. But because God created literally everything, I must presume that He created the realm, physically and metaphysically, which all things reside in. Thus, reality itself, matter, energy, time, were all part of God's creation. This being so would mean that God is in control of all of these things and thus not under the influence of any of them Himself. This would lead to the conclusion that God is, in actuality, outside of time all together. This is a very difficult consideration to process for the human psyche. Everything in our existence, everything we think and do are all quite dependent on time and the movement of time. Thus, to even consider or ponder something or someone that is outside time is quite impossible for the human, for even our thoughts deny us the ability.
The conclusion then is that God is not under the influence or dominion of anyone or anything, including metaphysical substances such as the flow of time (if such a thing can truly be called a substance at all). Humans however are under the influence and dominion of many things, moreover, humanity is dreadfully dependent on a plethora of objects. This is an incredible dividing line between God and everyone else. God is the creator, and therefore the great influence and the great independent provider. But Man is God's creation and thus dependent on other parts of God's multi-faceted creation.
Do you have a differing opinion on this subject? Or an addition to make to this query? Please comment and discuss.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Seeking Forgiveness
When seeking forgiveness for ones sins, there are two persons who are generally to be sought out. In the past I have spent much time apologizing to the one who forgives sins, being God. More recently I have been confronted with the realization that many persons have been offended, slighted, and sinned against by myself and my actions. I am struck down and my pride is broken. With each apology, with each shameful remembrance of my sins against another, I am more free from my bonds and my past.
As I am considering these things, I must also consider how un-repentent sin, before God and before man, has kept me from blessings and growth in my life. How much have I missed, and how often have I held myself back because of my stubbornness and blindness to see my own sin.
These are quick thoughts, I ought to spend more time on them. But for now that is all.
As I am considering these things, I must also consider how un-repentent sin, before God and before man, has kept me from blessings and growth in my life. How much have I missed, and how often have I held myself back because of my stubbornness and blindness to see my own sin.
These are quick thoughts, I ought to spend more time on them. But for now that is all.
My Quest for Humility and Knowledge
What is this humility?
So many consider it a debasing of self, a lashing and strangling of one's own qualities and knowledge lest one be puffed up with pride. But humility, true humility, the kind of humility that our savior displayed for our example by not considering equality with God a thing to be grasped, that kind of humility is what I seek. Christ never pretended to be something He was not, nor did he deny his gifts and knowledge, rather, He chose to count others more important than Himself, and used His strengths for the sake of others.
A man much wiser than myself once told me that humility is knowing your place in Christ and in Christ's kingdom and acting accordingly. If I am to be a preacher and shepherd to the flock of Christ, I should not deny that I am gifted as such, this would not be pleasing or honoring to the God who gifted me as such. Instead, I ought to praise the God of the universe and my salvation for these abilities and use them for His glory.
So then, I have my working definition and understanding of humility. With that in mind how might I seek knowledge, which puffs up the prideful flesh of man, and stay true to this God honoring trait.
So many consider it a debasing of self, a lashing and strangling of one's own qualities and knowledge lest one be puffed up with pride. But humility, true humility, the kind of humility that our savior displayed for our example by not considering equality with God a thing to be grasped, that kind of humility is what I seek. Christ never pretended to be something He was not, nor did he deny his gifts and knowledge, rather, He chose to count others more important than Himself, and used His strengths for the sake of others.
A man much wiser than myself once told me that humility is knowing your place in Christ and in Christ's kingdom and acting accordingly. If I am to be a preacher and shepherd to the flock of Christ, I should not deny that I am gifted as such, this would not be pleasing or honoring to the God who gifted me as such. Instead, I ought to praise the God of the universe and my salvation for these abilities and use them for His glory.
So then, I have my working definition and understanding of humility. With that in mind how might I seek knowledge, which puffs up the prideful flesh of man, and stay true to this God honoring trait.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)