Does God Ever Praise Men?
Answering a tricky question with scripture32 total reviews
Comment from Bryana
Your writing is excellent, it caught my interest
from the beginning. I went to private religious
schools, therefore I learned a lot about God and
His teachings. Something that has remained in
my memory is what Jesus taught us: -be good to
other's-. I very seldom talk about religion but
try to be good to others. I've done this all my life.
I know Jesus smiles at me. I do it without interest
of any kind.
I enjoyed reading your work
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2015
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Your writing is excellent, it caught my interest
from the beginning. I went to private religious
schools, therefore I learned a lot about God and
His teachings. Something that has remained in
my memory is what Jesus taught us: -be good to
other's-. I very seldom talk about religion but
try to be good to others. I've done this all my life.
I know Jesus smiles at me. I do it without interest
of any kind.
I enjoyed reading your work
Comment Written 12-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2015
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Thank you for your kind words.. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, to take them away so we could know and love the true God without fear. Many religions teach everyone to love each other but Christ taught that God loves us enough to give His son to die for us and then be raised from the dead so we would have hope in Him alone. So we need to trust Him for this great salvation and not trust in our own efforts to win His approval. John 5:24New International Version (NIV)
24 ?Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
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I learned all this since I was five years old. I love God as much or more that people that talk about religion all the time. I don't. I believe that God in His infinite wisdom has given us a brain and it's up to us the way we use it. We don't have to talk about religion all the time or be a fanatic to love and believe in God.
I don't know about your religion, but to believe in Him alone? How about the Trinity?.
Sorry, I'm not a fanatic, I'd rather not talk about religion.
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Surely you can see there is a happy medium between being a "fanatic" and "not wanting to talk about religion". And then "what about the Trinity?" Yes, God did give us a brain so we can hear His Word and have an understanding of Him and His ways. "Not wanting to discuss it" sounds like you are uncertain and therefore uncomfortable spiritually. Running away is counterproductive. Dennis
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You are sooo wrong my friend, I'm very certain in my beliefs and very spiritual but I avoid bragging about it, I rather quietly help people in need and I do it in God's name. I don't run away I avoid fanatics.
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Jesus said to tell others about Him...obedience can be mistaken for fanaticism. Especially if one is trying to avoid persecution for Christ's sake.
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As I told you before, I went to private religious schools, I don't need all kinds of "lessons". Not once have you said we must do what Jesus told us "be good to others".
Avoid "persecution", please Dennis, don't be ridiculous. I'm sure I have followed Jesus teaching more than you. Please stop.
Comment from LIJ Red
What man makes anything with no pride in his work?(They say Detroit automakers
did on Mondays) Probably God really boasts about the good men he has created-there are so few. Just kidding. That's a odd line of scripture I had not seen pursued before. Excellent.
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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What man makes anything with no pride in his work?(They say Detroit automakers
did on Mondays) Probably God really boasts about the good men he has created-there are so few. Just kidding. That's a odd line of scripture I had not seen pursued before. Excellent.
Comment Written 11-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Thanks LIJ Red.it was written to counter act the "humility" many wrap around themselves to keep from taking the position God has given them...Dennis
Comment from Tpa
I have enjoy your article. I thought it was very well constructed. Indeed, it had substance, and carefully back-up by the passages you had inserted, As a Christian, I believed your written text in which the sole praise (if any) will certainly will be received on the Day of Judgement when it really matters.
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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I have enjoy your article. I thought it was very well constructed. Indeed, it had substance, and carefully back-up by the passages you had inserted, As a Christian, I believed your written text in which the sole praise (if any) will certainly will be received on the Day of Judgement when it really matters.
Comment Written 11-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Thank you, Tia, although we can find many places in scripture where God has praised His faithful servants even before the day when Christ will judge our works. As a good Father, He both corrects His born-again Children as well as commending them. God bless, Dennis
Comment from l.raven
HI Dennis, long time no see...or hear...so good to see you....yes I believe God does praise men...I know of the story of Job...Michael has talk to me many times about stories in the Bible...some I knew....some he explained...but I will never understand why He praised Job...and through him to Satan...why Job had to lose all...and then some...to prove his faith...his love of God...yes God gave him all after words...but can anything really replace all Job lost...or what he went through...I keep my belief and faith in God...but it's not always easy...very well written Dennis...luff Linda xxoo
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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HI Dennis, long time no see...or hear...so good to see you....yes I believe God does praise men...I know of the story of Job...Michael has talk to me many times about stories in the Bible...some I knew....some he explained...but I will never understand why He praised Job...and through him to Satan...why Job had to lose all...and then some...to prove his faith...his love of God...yes God gave him all after words...but can anything really replace all Job lost...or what he went through...I keep my belief and faith in God...but it's not always easy...very well written Dennis...luff Linda xxoo
Comment Written 11-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Hi lovely Linda! Nice to hear from you! Job's suffering was for us too, to show us, as Job believed, God is good and worth trusting and praying too ev always. God bless you sweet sister of mine, Dennisen when all the usual blessings he gives are taken away. Did you notice that Job also got to know God better too during this trial? So God used everything for His own good purposes! He is good and full of love
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Hi sweetie, yes I did...I know God is full of goodness...just still don't understand some things...I guess they are things I have to face in my life...thank you Dennis...luff xxoo
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:) LUVU :)
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smiling back at ya...xxoo luff
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Does God Ever Praise Men?
by Deniz22
~This story poses the question of, do we think God praises men? It is all God and He needs not praise. We don't need to praise God to receive approval, God already died for our sins that we may have eternal life. Good job!
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Does God Ever Praise Men?
by Deniz22
~This story poses the question of, do we think God praises men? It is all God and He needs not praise. We don't need to praise God to receive approval, God already died for our sins that we may have eternal life. Good job!
Comment Written 11-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Hmmm, your response seems a bit confusing to me. The Bible consistently calls for our praise for God from our grateful hearts because, first and foremost, Christ died for our sins even as you said. Perhaps you meant God does not need to praise us? I would agree, but the scripture points out that God does indeed praise His children just as a good earthly father does.
Thanks for reading and commentin and I apologize if I misunderstood you. God bless, Dennis
Comment from Chunger
This is an interesting take on a subject many people feel extremely passionate about. I agree that there is no "general judgement". If I were to answer I would say, yes- just as a parent praises a child, but that is my own belief. I would be curious to hear what other's responses are. Great job!
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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This is an interesting take on a subject many people feel extremely passionate about. I agree that there is no "general judgement". If I were to answer I would say, yes- just as a parent praises a child, but that is my own belief. I would be curious to hear what other's responses are. Great job!
Comment Written 11-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Thank you....the responses have been remarkably favorable....such is not always the case when I post a biblical message, I can assure you! :) The most important thing for anyone is to heed Jesus warning/invitation (John 3) to be "born-again".
You can read the responses for yourself in my portfolio if you like by simply finding the article there. In any case, thank you for reading and responding! God bless you, Dennis
Comment from Ben Colder
I am totally convinced that if a person loves God, He will love him or her back. Praise? We can either hear our Lord say well done or I never knew you. Your write tells it like it is. My blessings to you.
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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I am totally convinced that if a person loves God, He will love him or her back. Praise? We can either hear our Lord say well done or I never knew you. Your write tells it like it is. My blessings to you.
Comment Written 11-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Thanks brother Ben, Yes, "we love Him, because He first loved us"!
Comment from Patrick G Cox
Hi Deniz22,
I think probably the most important thing I got from seminary studies was to never, ever, under any circumstances, ascribe to God human emotions and desires. Does God 'praise' men - I'm sure he does. I'm pretty sure he praises every single act of mercy or kindness, and I'm very sure that the ultimate salvation is God's gift and will be bestowed on all those he chooses to bestow it upon. By that token, I think there will be a lot of folk who may think they have it coming, who may be very disappointed on the final day.
Good exposition, the Book of Job is a curious one as it was written in allegoric fashion to explore the 'why is there pain and suffering?' question. I do not for one moment believe that God would deliberately inflict suffering on someone just to 'test' them. Indeed, if he is, as we believe, Love Incarnate it would be beyond him to do so. I have always been fascinated by the 'Two Commandments' - if one truly does the first, the second is easy. Likewise Augustin's famous response to the wealthy matron on how to be a 'good' Christian: Love the Lord with all your being - then go and do as you please. If one fully embraces the first, you cannot do anything in the second that is evil or injurious ...
God bless.
Patrick
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Hi Deniz22,
I think probably the most important thing I got from seminary studies was to never, ever, under any circumstances, ascribe to God human emotions and desires. Does God 'praise' men - I'm sure he does. I'm pretty sure he praises every single act of mercy or kindness, and I'm very sure that the ultimate salvation is God's gift and will be bestowed on all those he chooses to bestow it upon. By that token, I think there will be a lot of folk who may think they have it coming, who may be very disappointed on the final day.
Good exposition, the Book of Job is a curious one as it was written in allegoric fashion to explore the 'why is there pain and suffering?' question. I do not for one moment believe that God would deliberately inflict suffering on someone just to 'test' them. Indeed, if he is, as we believe, Love Incarnate it would be beyond him to do so. I have always been fascinated by the 'Two Commandments' - if one truly does the first, the second is easy. Likewise Augustin's famous response to the wealthy matron on how to be a 'good' Christian: Love the Lord with all your being - then go and do as you please. If one fully embraces the first, you cannot do anything in the second that is evil or injurious ...
God bless.
Patrick
Comment Written 11-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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With all due respect to your seminary training, the scripture repeatedly states no one can keep any of the Ten Commandments. James tells us to break one is to break all, since the spirit of the Law is transgressed by the slightest infraction.
If anyone could keep the Law, Christ would not have had to die on a cross to pay for our sins. The Apostle Paul (no mean seminarian himself) said the Law was given as a schoolmaster to show us our need of a Savior. Having received Him by faith and now indwelt by the Spirit we are free from what both Peter and Paul call the bondage of the Law.
On another point, God does (the scripture repeatedly says) allow pain and actually inflict it on believers and unbelievers alike for His own good purposes and our good. We are all the beneficiaries of Job's struggles as we simply believe the Word of God. Allegorizing is a slippery slope...it is a valid expository tool, but must not be allowed to contradict but rather compliment scriptural revelations. Thanks for reading and commenting. Dennis
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I think we obviously come from different schools and traditions of the church, but I think we agree that God, and God alone, will ultimately decide who enjoys the New Heaven and New Earth. In the Gospels Christ states he came to replace the 'Law' and the obsession with strict adherence and application of it. One of the finest teachers I had on the Old Testament was a Jewish Rabbi - who incidentally gave us insights into the New Testament and the Gospels which were eye opening and put a completely different view on many of our 'western' understandings of certain expressions and descriptive passages.
You are right, of course, that we cannot keep the ten commandments except in God's own grace.
Patrick
Comment from kriver
Hi Dennis,
I really believe this write deserves the six stars
Simply because it is well written and offers three things to the reader if they are so inclined to receive them.
1 Conviction of the heart of those willing to listen
2. Hope found in the Salvation offered only through
CHRIST JESUS
3. Teaching, Encouragement, Exhortation, and
A Blessing for those that do believe and read
it. Then allowing GOD to use what was written to minister to them.
I want to encourage you to continue writing these pieces. I am absolutely positive that GOD is using you to minister to lots of people in need that you don't even know about and in ways you never dreamed of. If any one speaks against what you have written, just shake the dust from your feet and walk on. But realize that they have still been touched and GOD will also still use that to HIS glory and their benefit.
GOD be with you, for the time is short.
Best Regards in CHRIST,
K River
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Hi Dennis,
I really believe this write deserves the six stars
Simply because it is well written and offers three things to the reader if they are so inclined to receive them.
1 Conviction of the heart of those willing to listen
2. Hope found in the Salvation offered only through
CHRIST JESUS
3. Teaching, Encouragement, Exhortation, and
A Blessing for those that do believe and read
it. Then allowing GOD to use what was written to minister to them.
I want to encourage you to continue writing these pieces. I am absolutely positive that GOD is using you to minister to lots of people in need that you don't even know about and in ways you never dreamed of. If any one speaks against what you have written, just shake the dust from your feet and walk on. But realize that they have still been touched and GOD will also still use that to HIS glory and their benefit.
GOD be with you, for the time is short.
Best Regards in CHRIST,
K River
Comment Written 11-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Dear K River, probably the most encouraging review I have ever received, so "thank you"! It's interesting how things have changed....I caught a lot of flak for writing like this at first, but there seems to be a general acceptance of my writing now. I'm not saying total agreement, but at least as the saying goes, "they know where I'm coming from". Some seem, after a few years, to at least have some of the light of scripture beginning to penetrate the darkness we were all born into. Some who were very hostile, now actually ask questions! I too have learned to be a little more patient and not try to be so defensive and therefore unnecessarily offensive. Nevertheless, I take Christ's words seriously in John 15:20 for all of us who would speak for Him, "Remember what I told you: ?A servant is not greater than his master.? If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."
Thanks for the good words and I would covet your prayers for the effectiveness of these messages! God bless you, Dennis
Comment from Spitfire
You make an excellent case to support your thesis statement. Here in the South, it's common for clerks, hair dressers, laborers to refer to the Lord when saying good-bye. And talk about spreading the word, hubby answered today. The speaker said, "This is Cody, and I want you to know God loves you." What a great idea to touch everyone in the phone book!
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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You make an excellent case to support your thesis statement. Here in the South, it's common for clerks, hair dressers, laborers to refer to the Lord when saying good-bye. And talk about spreading the word, hubby answered today. The speaker said, "This is Cody, and I want you to know God loves you." What a great idea to touch everyone in the phone book!
Comment Written 10-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 11-Aug-2015
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Thank you...I'm always pleased to know you read these and these and I appreciate your friendship. JB