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Post by freefromprc on Jun 14, 2018 11:30:35 GMT
I had a conversation recently with a friend of mine who is PRC. We've been chatting about a lot of things lately. ( I know, it's shocking, a PRC person having conversations with a non PRC right?) When I said "yah, back when I was PRC I remember hearing about God a lot...and I remember sermon after sermon about doctrines and covenants and such and I remember sermons about the Calvin confessions...but, not much was ever really said about this man Jesus". My PRC friend gasped and said "You're right! Not much about Jesus at all". I think, the light went on. Really, I do. Just Give Me Jesus...a favorite song of mine...and a center point of my existence now. Not a whole lot of arguing about doctrine anymore...but, please give me Jesus. Don't clutter up my soul with access religious talk...just, give me Jesus. Wait...what psalteri number is this?
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Post by ichabod on Jun 14, 2018 20:13:41 GMT
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.... Hmmmm...this 'song' certainly isn't promoting the second commandment. What do you think Jesus thinks about that?
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Post by ichabod on Jun 15, 2018 15:29:23 GMT
I am very glad you have peace in Jesus Christ. In Him, we know true peace indeed. I agree wholeheartedly with you. He is our Saviour and redeemer from the wrath to come. My issue was with the imagery in the video posted. We are explicitly commanded not to do this in scripture. We believe in Christ by faith and through the word and by the Spirit...not through image or idol worship. Furthermore, we pray to the Father through Jesus the Son as we are led by the Holy Spirit. It is also important not to lose sight of this truth. Our salvation is trinitarian. My purpose isn't to discourage you but to remind you not to neglect the whole council of God.
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Post by ichabod on Jun 15, 2018 21:44:58 GMT
We essentially agree on a lot. Knowing Jesus Christ in an intimate and personal way is central to the life of the believer. Again, I was simply stating the danger of creating images of Him which is proscribed. Furthermore, it could be said that Christ fills every page of Scripture so we have to give careful consideration to it's entirety. I would concede that the PRC is often imbalanced in it's preaching. What I mean by this is there is too much focus put on doctrines such as eschatology, common grace, the free offer. Added to that, the PRC spends too much time seeking to criticise other denominations. I'm not saying these things are wrong....in fact, they are important and have a place. I do feel however that too much time is spent in these areas and not enough on the message of love through Christ and our duties as His people to other's. I hope this helps clarify my thoughts.
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Post by judeverse24 on Jun 15, 2018 21:58:16 GMT
I listened more than I watched, and now I can't get it to play. I didn't see any 'graven image,' just Robert Powell, a British actor, who played the title role many years ago in a TV series called Jesus of Nazareth.
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Post by ichabod on Jun 15, 2018 22:38:00 GMT
Robert Powell's portrayal of Christ is a violation of the second commandment. That is absolutely indisputable. As for the song...that's down to personal preference I suppose
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Post by soldierofChrist on Jun 15, 2018 22:51:53 GMT
Huh??? These artists renditions of Jesus are probably no more acurate than the one you or I may have of him in our minds eye I think. Do not let this trip you up however...as more importantly as you said...remembering the whole counsel of God informs each and everyone of us to see him in the widow, the poor, the outcast...etc. Knowing Jesus...loving Him and loving what and who He loves...that's the difference. You can always turn off the visuals...just listen to the beautiful song, let it minister to your soul and remind you to draw near to Jesus in the morning, afternoon, evening...and all your life long. Essentially what I'm intending to communicate is that Jesus is knowable to each one of us. My childhood's rigorous religious training taught me that He was far away, unknowable, remote and removed from us. Perhaps we still think that is not the case and that is why religious rhetoric and ritualistic worship of God steps in...to fill the void we all have as humans? I'm not sure, but sometimes I suspect that demonic influences lurk around the "religious type and blind us from really seeing Jesus". And, speaking of graven images...think of this idea. Dogma, fancy talking theologians and such can easily create a "portrait" of God that is ultimately an image or sorts...call it idolatry....reducing God to a few theological points, managing the "unmanageable" with words. But, this Jesus man...He lived, He taught and walked upon the earth. He died and rose from the dead and now...comes to us through His Spirit, our Comforter, our guide our fire. That's what I did NOT learn in PRC religion. We have a God-shaped hole in our hearts. Nothing makes sense in life until that hole is filled with a knowledge and intimate connection with this man we call Jesus...The same yesterday, today and forever. I can see truth in both sides of this discussion. True Christianity is not blindly following a set of rules and doctrine as an end in itself is a useless thing. And here is the thing, there is danger on the left and the right. Come out of a repressive system and find freedom in Christ great but there is a danger of throwing out the baby with the bath water. Doctrine is never to be despised it is the misuse that has to be abandoned and likewise intellectualism but not the intellect, knowing Christ, experiencing Christ but avoiding mysticism. It is too easy to bolster an idea based on your thinking or your feelings but that's not the Berean way. As an example, are so called images of God to be considered ok, tolerated, encouraged, promoted (that's a partial range) how do we decide? To we set aside what God has clearly said by comparisons or any other means or do we believe what He has said? After all, an escape from something like PRCA, was that not basically if not partially, because that system does not believe what He has said?
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Post by soldierofChrist on Jun 15, 2018 23:29:24 GMT
Sad response and definitely not Berean. Having tried, I will leave you to your notions since you have no interest in the clear revelation God has provided but rather follow your own thinking and or feelings which sadly though you say otherwise is to despise the One you claim to love. Perhaps, this time, think, study God's Word and pray before you write in your proud and scathing manner. My response is well meant.
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oops
Deaconberry
Posts: 91
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Post by oops on Jun 15, 2018 23:42:25 GMT
as far as the song goes...There are several other artists who sing this beautiful simple message...Fernando Ortego sings a lovely tender version. He made a video giving tribute to Ruth Graham. Fernando's version is delicate, tender, honest and very transparent. Again, just the simple ardent prayer...Give Me Jesus.
I'll probably go to sleep with this song on my heart.
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Post by judeverse24 on Jun 16, 2018 1:03:04 GMT
Sad response and definitely not Berean. Having tried, I will leave you to your notions since you have no interest in the clear revelation God has provided but rather follow your own thinking and or feelings which sadly though you say otherwise is to despise the One you claim to love. Perhaps, this time, think, study God's Word and pray before you write in your proud and scathing manner. My response is well meant. How condescending! 'the One you claim to love' It looks as though you're trying to put a question mark over the testimony of someone who has a close, personal relationship with their Saviour. How low can you go?
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Post by crazychurch on Jun 16, 2018 2:48:47 GMT
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.... Hmmmm...this 'song' certainly isn't promoting the second commandment. What do you think Jesus thinks about that? Graven image? The whole prc is a graven image with their stark and stupid clean line buildings. Take a step back, pharisee. Unbelievably blind. You are completely part of the problem.
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Post by soldierofChrist on Jun 16, 2018 2:58:25 GMT
I think I touched a hot spot. I didn't mean to offend, but I will express my opinion. I made mention that my childhood religion (the PRC) never gave me Jesus. Instead, my childhood religion hid Him from me and I suffered mental illness in the process... Then, I share a video that illustrates the message we all crave...Give Me Jesus...and now I'm getting slammed for it being accused of worshipping a graven image and for not being a Berean? WHAT?!?!?! So, Goodnight. I'm done with sharing what I thought was a lovely testimony, and a video to accompany it. I do have a relationship with Jesus...but, I'm not a Berean, I'm just a simple soul who is in love with this man named Jesus, whose WORD is my guide and life line. I am so thrilled that you have come to saving faith in Christ! You are not being accused of worshipping a graven image. The point is that it is the Word of God that is the standard. To love Jesus Christ is to love His Word and follow Him and there is no attempt to cast a shadow over your testimony but part of that testimony is our love of following what God has said in His Word:)
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Post by dandelionwine on Jun 16, 2018 3:02:27 GMT
This thread started out with a very good point... that we all need to hear JESUS in the preaching.
The conversation has degraded so far that now I would classify it more as a shouting match. I have seen this kind of thing happen on this site more and more lately.
If you want to talk and discuss, GREAT! This is what the site is here for. If, however, the posts in this thread are exemplary of what you all want here, I'm out. Completely.
I am not here to fight or to witness fighting. I am here to learn. If I can't rely on a constructive, respectful atmosphere, I'm gone.
I don't think this site will help anyone if these attitudes continue.
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Post by freefromprc on Jun 16, 2018 3:23:35 GMT
Robert Powell's portrayal of Christ is a violation of the second commandment. That is absolutely indisputable. As for the song...that's down to personal preference I suppose Ichabod, keep in mind the ten commandments were fullfilled, and the new commandments are love God and your neighbor. Coming to this site and judging someone for posting a link to a song they enjoy because it has a picture on it is so PRC!!!! I want to vomit reading your condescending remarks. Nowhere does it even say who the picture is of. I thought it was the artist. Ichabod, this site is not meant for you. You should either walk away from the PRC mentality or leave people who previously lived in that hell alone. The admin team is going to consider limiting your access. Read the intent of this site and stick to the rules. We heard enough of the PR judgmental preaching. And yes, we all have the ten commandments memorized, I am quite certain oops is aware of the second commandment.
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Post by ichabod on Jun 16, 2018 10:25:34 GMT
Listen... I see a lot of deep rooted bitterness here towards the PRC. You shout about LOVE but fall short oftentimes. Attempting to graciously demonstrate to others what you perceive to be error is absent often. If no constructive discussion can be had then delete my account or whatever. If I could do it I would. I'll leave some on here to wallow in their own bitterness. Chow
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