tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14122718.post112480201709660299..comments2011-11-13T06:49:15.971-06:00Jeremy D. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561745596768785374noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14122718.post-1134519145009961822005-12-13T18:12:00.000-06:002005-12-13T18:12:00.000-06:00I've noticed that there are many who, in their pursuit of God, forgot just what you said, His nature: LOVE. They can go through His word and read laws forbidding intermarriage with other nations, and they don't stop to think about why God would give His people such a commandment. <BR/><BR/>I have had a talk or two with some people about this and have come to the conclusion that, as with anything in God's word, if one part doesn't fit with another by God's character, then we should try to see how it could and if this aligns with the rest of scripture (because I've found that God's word often justifies itself). So for the example about inter-racial/ethnic marriage, the other scriptures relating to this issue, such as Paul talking about not being unequally yoked, really are talking about marriage to those of different faiths, as this would most likely 'cause a compromise in our own and bring us down. God knew this and was wanting to protect his people, not shun others from His side. <BR/><BR/>I'd say this is how we can lose sight of what God's word can mean for us personally, and for the world, by losing sight of that awesome love that is demonstrated in the lives of those whom God has made new creations. <BR/><BR/>Yours In Christ!luke Schutzhttp://www.xanga.com/Jfreaksrm00noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14122718.post-1126118315071928902005-09-07T13:38:00.000-05:002005-09-07T13:38:00.000-05:00Jeremy, here is another word: capacity.<BR/><BR/>I think you are correct to see the expression of obedience in concert with maturity.<BR/>That is, young children need to obey even when they do not understand because parents<BR/>(generally should) have their best interests at heart. As a child grows and understand<BR/>more, the child can learn the reasons why, and behave in accordance with "the law"<BR/>without specifically obeying in the same way that one obeyed in the past.<BR/><BR/>What I think I observe with people who have become enlightened, (not needing a "because<BR/>I said so" authority but understand the reasons), is that they often expect others to<BR/>have the same level of enlightenment, and often try to help others to see what they<BR/>have newly discovered.<BR/><BR/>Several new things may come to light in this endeavor:<BR/><BR/>1. Intellectual pride; I possess more light than those who dwell where whence I came.<BR/>2. Intellectual humility; if I possess new light, then perhaps there is even more light to possess, and<BR/> I am as immature to them as people in my previous state.<BR/><BR/>In the first case, we sometimes look down on people who haven't arrived at our enlightened state<BR/>when in fact some people simply may not have the capacity to do so. Some people need simple, clear<BR/>instruction and simple obedience to function. The CotN stance on alcohol is a good example, though<BR/>it has been talked over so much over the decades that we often miss the originaly intent, which is<BR/>a witness and an aid to those less able among us. Exercise of freedom (and enlightenment) is (or <BR/>should be) tempered for the sake of others, if we place others above ourselves.<BR/><BR/>"If ye love Me, keep my commandmants." Good verse; one that requires the study of His commandments;<BR/>one that includes "...not causing one of these little ones to stumble..."<BR/><BR/>Little ones have little capacity. Some grown-ups never grow up in their understanding. Those who<BR/>do need even more understanding because enlightenment is like everything else: to whom much is given, much is required.<BR/><BR/>Love to you and yours,<BR/><BR/>MarkMark Metcalfenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14122718.post-1125525922919609842005-08-31T17:05:00.000-05:002005-08-31T17:05:00.000-05:00Hey Jeremy, we haven't hired anyone yet for the job. We haven't even started the interviews though we are hoping to start those the end of this week, early next week. Do you know someone who wants to apply? Tell them to! Hope you are doing well! Please tell Meghan I said hi (and anyone else out in KS).melissa lowellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14122718.post-1125433734307928032005-08-30T15:28:00.000-05:002005-08-30T15:28:00.000-05:00heeey jeremy! long time no see. wes is in california with his best friend chris, who's in a band. he got signed and is hoping to make it big, wes' gonna take a parttime job and do some comm college classes. madi's just bad at responding to things. hehe. how've you been? things here've been pretty slow, complicated. i hope you're doing well out there. i'll talk to ya later!<BR/>nelsonNelsonnoreply@blogger.com