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(Pre) Salvation

Discussion in '2000-02 Archive' started by jRich, Dec 17, 2002.

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  1. jRich

    jRich New Member

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    My cousin was asking me today on IM (Instant Messenger) about the difference between Catholics and Protestants. During the course of the conversation, we got to the point where he asked me why Jesus prayed to the Father, if the Father was [is] actually Jesus Himself. I told him about the egg example - how the trinity is like an egg, whereas the egg has the shell, the eggwhite and the yolk and the trinity has three parts as well. Then he told me that he was going to start reading the Bible from the beginning to the end and then he would see if he could figure it out from there. I told him not to. I told him to start with John and work from there. He asked why. I told him that it's the easiest place to start from and that he would understand it better. My question is, where do I go from here? I told him that I would find some websites to send to him so that he could look at it on his own, but I haven't the slightest clue where to start? Any ideas? PLEASE?!?!?

    [ December 17, 2002, 06:44 PM: Message edited by: jRich ]
     
    #1 jRich, Dec 17, 2002
  2. JIMNSC

    JIMNSC New Member

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    jRich - Were I having the same conversation I'd tell him the reason Jesus prayed to God was that while He was on earth He was fully man.

    He became God in the flesh and being like His fellow men He set the example by praying to God. I think when you impress upon him the fact that Jesus was incarnate when He prayed to God, he'll understand why God didn't pray to Jesus.

    A friend - Jim
     
    #2 JIMNSC, Dec 17, 2002
  3. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    When Jesus is raying to the Father, he's not praying to Himself. Jesus isn't the Father, Jesus is the Son, not to be confused with the Father. Same with the Holy Spirit. In fact, rarely are all three personages in the same place at the same time. The only clear biblical example I can find is that of the Baptism of Jesus. All are present, and mentioned separately.

    Unfortunately, the Trinity (1 Deity in 3 Persons)is easy to accept, but difficult to explain. Often, trying to explain it results in more consufion. Even we, among oursleves, use incorrect verbage, but we also usually know what we mean.

    Alas, I'm no expert in trying to explain it, and often usually avoid the topic among young Christians until later on. Good luck in your endeavour [​IMG]

    [ December 17, 2002, 07:40 PM: Message edited by: Johnv ]
     
    #3 Johnv, Dec 17, 2002
  4. Christian41974

    Christian41974 Guest

    Trying to explain the Trinity is hard to explain and maybe impossible to explain perfectly. One does not have to understand the whole Bible just believe the whole Bible.
    I hope your cousin does begin reading the Bible and I hope he gets saved. What is his name so I can pray for him?If you don't mind.
     
    #4 Christian41974, Dec 20, 2002
  5. jRich

    jRich New Member

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    Thanks everybody for all your help. His name is Nicky. He's 14 or 15 I think.
     
    #5 jRich, Dec 20, 2002
  6. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    JRich,
    If you would like a really good book, covering the fundamentals of the CHristian life and theology, I recommend:
    The Fight; the Christian Struggle, by Dr. John White (psychiatrist) InterVarsity Press..about $15.00 US.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
    #6 Jim1999, Dec 20, 2002
  7. Helen

    Helen <img src =/Helen2.gif>

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    jRich,

    I read not long ago a striking comment which has stayed with me, and might perhaps help.

    Before we ever were, God was love. But love needs an object. And God never NEEDED us! His love was complete and fulfilled in and of Himself simply because He is also a Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God, but capable of expressing love for one another as three Persons. God did not need us to love.

    Thus, there is enough separation for communication in the Trinity. We can't understand it, but reality has never depended on our understanding to be reality.
     
    #7 Helen, Dec 21, 2002
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