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NASB | John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 12:32 "And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews]." |
Bible Question:
I have an idea what the person meant by that, and I would like to try it out. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3 that God has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. We are ministers, and we have to minister to people in need. The person who quoted that statement had already exposed his need. There is also a possibility that he felt his need. How should we have ministered to him? We gave him the word, and every jot and tittle of what we said was correct. But we said it in a manner which he did not find acceptable. Could we have said it with a different spirit? Is it possible he would have accepted the truth if it had been presented with a gentler spirit? Now, here’s the test. Can you accept the suggestion presented here? I do not wish to make this a complicated issue by going into the exact meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:6. I hope we do not discuss Law and Grace at this time. Let us say that the person referred improperly to this statement (though I do believe that there are elements of it that would apply). I have observed that the experts on this forum have a certain rough way of dealing with people who are weak or wrong, and even when they seem to be either. In turn these people often say, as this person said, “I believe it has come time to part ways”. That means they are leaving, and they do. Is there no room on this forum for those who are weak? Is there not opportunity for us to come forward “in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” ? Is it possible that people would accept the truth if it is been presented with a gentler spirit? Now, here is the test again. I trust it is being presented with a gentle spirit. Can you accept the suggestion presented here? |
Bible Answer: Aixen7z4: Truly a kind gentle spirit will go a lot further than one that is not. It is my blessing from God to have received a verse in one way only to come to this forum and have it revealed in context. Words have different meanings and when taken into context a verse makes God's message clear and easier to minister. Take the thread in this discussion for and example. There are ways we can take a scripture received from God and run away with it. Jehovah witnesses are famous for this and some other cults also. But I don’t want to get into all that right now. Now even though when we "lift up" the name of Jesus, we are not actually "lifting Him up". To wit, scripture must be taken as a whole. I have misunderstood a lot of scriptures by not taking it in context. You know the preceding verses and following verses. When I came to the Forum it was simply put into context for me. I didn't like it at first as I thought it should remain the way I received it from the Lord. But the bible does teach us to rightly divide the word. As many others that come here with a preconceived view to a certain scripture, when our view is smashed, from being what we thought it was there is an offence taken. Now the question in our pea brain is “am I going to let this person change what the Lord has given me in my spirit"? A red flag automatically goes up because someone is changing what we received as scripture from God. But when we put our flag down and look at what is being said to us is in clear teaching we should rejoice at the new understanding that the Lord has revealed to us. It is my opinion and a proven fact on this forum that when ones view is challenged that the overwriting factor is what scripture really says, in its context, and received as such. When this occurs there is an understanding and all are edified. When this doesn’t happen someone is offended and threads run on and on till they are restricted. Usually it is the latter of the two. The bottom line here is someone is usually trying to make you see it their way and if you don’t then you’re not as smart as you think. It’s my observation that if you are coming here with an agenda or trying to force your opinion to others its best to stay off. Otherwise someone will eventually have you removed. There is room for those who are weak as I am one of the weakest. I have learned very much through this forum and find it a great place to come if and I stress if you are willing to learn. God Bless |