poiuy wrote:
God is, Edwards says, "the permitter . . . of sin; and at the same time, a disposer of the state of events, in such a manner, for wise, holy and most excellent ends and purposes, that sin, if it be permitted . . . will most certainly and infallibly follow."
He uses the analogy of the way the sun brings about light and warmth by its essential nature, but brings about dark and cold by dropping below the horizon. "If the sun were the proper cause of cold and darkness," he says, "it would be the fountain of these things, as it is the fountain of light and heat: and then something might be argued from the nature of cold and darkness, to a likeness of nature in the sun."

John UK wrote:
Good morning CandleLit
I can praise God for health, and for safety in traveling this morning, but alas, wet and windy conditions by the harbour meant we had the market in the inn's restaurant area indoors, and although a few people came in and had a browse, not one sale. Even the ladies who bring pies, cakes, sponges etc said it was another dire day. I am going to have to do more markets farther afield, in bigger places like Aberystwyth or Aberaeron. The seaside village where I currently go is so quiet until the summer season.
I wish I had the time to study more about art; starting from scratch only a couple of years ago I've not had the time to go into it.

Even your words paint a picture! I like your descriptive language, giving me a feel for a place I have never been. Aberystwyth or Aberaeron - hmmmm....that's a mouthful.

John UK wrote:
I don't know a lot about art in the historical sense, but most of my teachers talk about watercolours being an 'impression' of a scene, not detail. Maybe that's what the Impressionists used to do. I ought to study more and catch up on what I've missed.

I just realized how gentle you were in your correction of my faux pas when I spoke of the Impressionists and watercolours as their medium. It wasn't until later that I realized my mistake, and, not being so mature as to shrug off my mistake, due to that old pride that still lingers, I have to correct myself. I was thinking of light and colour, and somehow associated it with watercolours, but, thinking on it more, I realized the medium was oil for the French painters. You'd never know from that statement that I've actually seen some of these great works of art in major cities, including Paris.

John UK wrote:
Last year I entered a painting in a competition and it made it through to the month long exhibition. I'm painting better now, but you can get some idea of my style, as it is still on the internet.
[URL=http://www.artmatters.org.uk/galleries/past/comp/pages/Lee%20J%20Freshwater%20East.htm]]]John's Picture[/URL]
G'night all, and may Jesus be praised!

John UK wrote:
Most of my paintings are local seascapes in watercolour, like harbours, rocks, people walking the beach with their dog, the odd boat or two, a fisherman casting out (maybe Prince Charles). Quite old-fashioned stuff really, coz I don't much like modern abstract. But if I can show folks that God's creation is a marvel to behold (Psalm 19) I shall be content.

John UK wrote:
I'm feeling right low today because I have a headache and can't put brush on paper without making a mess. Ah well, tomorrow is market day again, and if I sell another painting I shall be smiling again.

This should make you feel better - "But ye are a chosen generation, a ROYAL priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:9,10

Remember how we were talking about *Charles m.* being "Prince Charles of Wales," member of the royal family? Well, so he is, and, so are we.

John UK wrote:
I guess Charles needs a bit longer to get over his illness. They say that you can suffer delusions during a fever.

charles m wrote:
did you know that david will be king of Israel in the millenia when Jesus rules the world from Jerusalem ?

Jessica Dawson wrote:
God bless you Candle Lit!
You have given me encouragement to burn just a little brighter today, this through God's grace and mercy! God is so amazing, all His wonder and power are unsearchable! Yet the search produces joy and wonder at The Power of God!
God has blessed me with a few mature christian women that I can phone, with questions that pertain to tough issues in my life. A while ago I had a grave problem and receiving biblical cousel over the phone from two different mature Christian women changed my whole outlook. They help me "put on my biblical glasses" per se.
I did go to Church just over a week ago

In my early 20's, God gave someone to me, who was an encourager in the Lord, and we have remained friends for more than half our lives, though we haven't lived in the same state since our 20's.

charles m wrote:
No candleit ! I mean it - id never be flippant on this forum that would be very bad.
did you know that david will be king of Israel in the millenia when Jesus rules the world from Jerusalem ? ...the creation its the 67 th book of the bible -.... about my hasty post which gave the impresion that i was being facetious i should be more careful

charles m wrote:
i dont think that is absurd at all its a useful insight Its very interesting how God chooses to speak to individuals in ways that they will understand

Andrew Graham wrote:
I believe emotions are part of the image of God that we are created in.
Is God's only emotion anger? May He not feel different emotions for the same topic –just as you or I can? Is God beyond emotions, using emotion to communicate to humans His will?
Emotions do not make a person weak. It is the inability to control emotions that contribute to weakness.
Finally, Jehovah is not weak but ever strong. I thought this was foundational knowledge.
Please do not take any offence in my response; none has been meant.
May God richly bless you

Emotions make us distinctly human, and there is every effort on so many fronts to stifle emotions.

Without emotions, life would be colorless. God-given emotions displayed as is pleasing to Him, are a blessing.

Joy, rejoicing, excitement, are acceptable expressions in our society, but, grief, depression, despair must be treated. This is not good. We learn through grief, and should become stronger as a result.

We wouldn't have the Psalms if David had been on anti-depressants! I'm being silly, to make a point.

But, your point is well taken!

Jessica Dawson wrote:
God bless Candle Lit!
I am a shut in and am too sick to attend Church services at this time.
God bless you, it's nice to see a sister on here!

Thank you for your kind words.

I have found some excellent teaching on SA, and it has been a blessing to me, as you indicated in your post that the boards have been for you. It is important to be in relationship with other believers, as we are to build one another up in the faith. A fire burns brightly when pieces of wood or lumps of coal are stacked together. Separately, they burn out. So, we need each other to burn brightly.

Andrew Graham wrote:
Oh how does the heart of God ache knowing this depraved and evil teaching will lead to wrong decisions of many; choosing abortion as a way out rather than Himself?

John UK wrote:
And you show great wisdom and maturity in not dwelling on negatives, of which there are many, lest they have the adverse effect on your spiritual life. And so I thank you for your words and, if you don't mind, I will take them as a gentle reproof to myself, even though I know you never meant them that way, and I will henceforth try to continue in a positive direction, and not post about grievances which I and others around me have experienced over many years. No profit there.
And now I really must get back to work, as I've had two failed paintings today, and I need to get one finished. Praise God for his faithfulness and lovingkindness to all his people.

John UK wrote:
I've no doubt there are many who feel the same way, and who feel so alone in this world. After all, when we leave the world's side and are joined to Jesus Christ, we expect to have a completely new circle of friends who feel the same way about Jesus, and who want to follow him together

Thanks for your comments of understanding.

I'm not sure there is a solution, and no reason to dwell on what isn't - for me.

I think there is an aloneness like Adam had in the Garden before the fall, and before Eve, for many Christians. O.T. saints appeared to stand alone, within their families and communities, of course. N.T. believers are to function as a body, but Paul was dealing with those who were divisive, even in his day, and he suffered anguish over what false brethren were doing in the church. Even so, today.

John UK wrote:
CandleLit,
...you have gifts designed for the blessing of the corporate body of Christ. I am greatly blessed by everyone on SA, you are all my family, praise the Lord!

John UK wrote:
CandleLit, I am rather glad that Christianity is quite opposite to the world. Or should be!
When I read Peter Master's booklet on church membership I read it with this expression on my face:-

Your posts have reminded me of the unity and love of disciples together in Christ, and you are highly appreciated. Knowing your gender for several months has not bothered me at all, and I trust you will continue to post. Your words are edifying and God honouring.

One reason that I didn't want to reveal my gender when posting, was to prevent the discussion from becoming the "role of the woman in the church." I found early on, when posting, that I would get "the woman is to keep silent" mantra. That is a discussion that just doesn't interest me. I'd rather talk about real theology, not something that God declared, and I am to obey. There is no rebellion in my heart to the role that God has called me to. I love God's Word, and it is easy to submit to. I don't want to be anything other than what He has created me to be. I just enjoy some discussion with people of like-mind, and who challenge my thinking.

Mike wrote:
Candle Lit, I don't know if you know this, but the TV show was based on a real person, John Johnson, also known as "Crow Killer" and "Liver-Eating Johnson." Interesting historical character.

Thanks, Mike for encouraging me to continue posting with my "thoughtful" posts - I wish they were more than "thoughtful", but I guess we give what we got - huh?