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The Peace Of God That Passes All Understanding

Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by Mark Osgatharp, Feb 22, 2003.

  1. ByGrace

    ByGrace New Member

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    "For through the grace given to me I say to every one among you not think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)
     
  2. Ed Edwards

    Ed Edwards <img src=/Ed.gif>

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    Romans 14:19 (KJV1873):

    Let us therefore follow after the things
    which make for peace, and things wherewith
    one may edify another.
     
  3. Mark Osgatharp

    Mark Osgatharp New Member

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    Lorelei,

    You are absolute correct in your contentions. Don't let them intimidate you one bit.

    A few weeks ago I told my 19 year old son that sometimes people get in depression and just can't do anything about it. I got to thinking about it and realized I had just told him that the Bible really didn't mean what it said.

    I went back and apologized to him and explained that it only SEEMS sometimes that nothing can be done for depression because we are unwilling to change our minds and change our actions relative to the will of God.

    Anyone I ever knew who was depressed - MYSELF INCLUDED - had major sin in his life as obvious as a wart on the end of your nose. When such is the case we cannot expect God to give us the peace of God that passes all understanding.

    "The way of the transgressor is hard."

    Furthermore, let me say that I think this discussion goes a lot deeper than we may realize. I think it goes to the very heart of liberalism and infidelity.

    I think it speaks to the fact that millions have rejected the Scriptures because they KNOW the Scriptures teach that God makes man's life miserable when man's life is not acceptable to him. In other words, they have not only rejected the Scriptures, they have rejected God. Man is just not going to have a God who punishes him for his sin.

    I think this discussion speaks to the fact that the Holy Spirit has racked millions of people with mental anguish and pain in an effort to induce repentance and they have, in response, turned to drugs (whether legal or illegal), psycologists (the modern day counterpart of the false prophets), and every sort of self-justification imaginable to escape the guilt.

    The Holy Spirit is said to be our COMFORTER and He comforts us ONLY when we are submissive to His leadership in the TRUTH. See John 14.

    Where that equation allows for "chemical imbalance" and "behavioral health" I am at a loss to comprehend.

    Mark Osgatharp
     
  4. ByGrace

    ByGrace New Member

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    If our bodies are not producing the right chemicals in proper balance, we sometimes need to add medications to restore order. Taking medical preparations is NOT a defeat of faith or willpower. Medication is one of several God-given methods for coping with chemical imbalance. If a medicine corrects a genetic chemical imbalance and helps you become a happier, more relaxed, more effective servant of God, NOT taking it would be a sin and a real shame. Pride makes us either want to do everything in our own strength or do nothing at all. Humility enables us to ask for the help of God, friends, Christian counselors, and sometimes even correctional medications.

    When we are sick, we should pray; we should seek help from competent doctors; and we should wholeheartedly rest in the perfect will of God. In illness as in everything else, the Christian should keep a biblical perspective and seek to glorify God. God heals in His own time, by His own means, for His own glory, and according to His own sovereign will and pleasure. Would we have it any other way?

    In His love,
    Grace
     
  5. Mark Osgatharp

    Mark Osgatharp New Member

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    The book of Proverbs says,

    "give wine to those that be of heavey hearts."

    Of those who are saying that depression is a medical problem, how many would be willing to prescribe alcohol as a medicine?

    Mark Osgatharp
     
  6. Lorelei

    Lorelei <img src ="http://www.amacominc.com/~lorelei/mgsm.

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    You are missing the point. IF you are not producing the proper amount of chemicals it is because of the depression. Cure the depression, the chemicals bounce back (if they were out of place to begin with).

    If medication is the cure all, then what about all the people for last 6,000 years before medication was an option? Was God's promise of this peace that passes all understanding only for today? Remember, this "chemical imbalance" theory is not very old.

    David had been depressed, look where he found His hope and rest. He found it in ONE place and ONE place only.

    Everyone keeps saying "Well God gives us doctors." I don't read that, I read that God gives us "peace". Is this truth or not? If it is true, how did anyone in the past find this peace without "God giving them doctors?"

    ~Lorelei
     
  7. Lorelei

    Lorelei <img src ="http://www.amacominc.com/~lorelei/mgsm.

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    True or False?

    ~Lorelei
     
  8. CompassionFlower

    CompassionFlower New Member

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    Dear Lorelei:

    True to your question. The bible answers, God's word is our answer, not man's. Your question on what did people do long ago about depression, has been one that I have also asked. Our modern science does not hold all the answers in life. Many times things have been proven wrong. A thought for those who take medication for depression, how long would you be willing to take this medication, and feel totally confident that your body or mind (the chemical part) would not be affected by this medication?

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of Him and He Himself will make your paths straight.

    Thinking, Pam
     
  9. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    This thread has been moved to the Fundamental Forum. Thank you
     
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