Godhead

It's sometimes said that some things are or are not in the cards.

Philosophy and what I call shadow reasoning were never in God's 'cards' for us and the games people play are not of His making or part of the Godhead's blueprint for house building. The wise man builds his house upon the rock (Petra), (I Corinthians 3:9-20- especially verse 11). Pull just about any card and the beach house on sand comes fluttering down.

All assertions (1-3; 5,7), namely 1-7, (shot like arrows in every which direction) including question (#4) and challenge (# 6), are presented as if the bible can't or doesn't answer them with authority and clarity. That is both prententious and an insult to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Along with the attitude and stance that scripture is not the final authority as inspired by Godhead- God-breathed as it were, one is blaspheming the Holy Spirit (The Spirit of God, The Spirit of Truth as He is also described). That's too close to the fires of hell for me and should be for anybody who has the desire, wisdom and insight to pay heed to Hebrews 10:26-27, 31; Matthew 12:31-32.

Welcome... to the only church that Jesus built!

Matthew 16:18-19

Philosophy: noun- a theory or attitude held by a person or organization acting as guiding principles for behaviour. "I have my own beliefs. I've never hurt anybody and I'm a good person. That's my philosophy"

Shadow: noun- dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface

verb:- envelop in shadow; cast a shadow over. "Religious lies cast long shadows over people's lives."

Reasoning: noun- the action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way.

Verb:- a) think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic.

b) find an answer to a problem by considering various possible solutions.

c) persuade (someone) with rational argument. "I tried to reason with him, but without success"

5. In the first chapter of Romans, Paul is simply underscoring that the evidence for God (i.e. separate and apart from His creatures) is made manifest by creation (thereby leaving men without excuse for worshipping the creation rather than the Creator).

6. It does not come even close to suggesting that the triune nature of God is revealed by creation.

7. If it is, please show me how creation reveals that the One God is a Trinity of Divine Person.

8. The bottom line is this: Seeing the Trinity clearly spelled out in the first chapter of Genesis is a form of back-reading into the text. It is only possible to see the Trinity in the text because one already has accepted that revealed truth of the triune nature of God (i.e. a revealed truth that does not come through viewing the creation).

And so scripture says

Jesus was not only present at creation but that everything was made through Him. The same passage says He was with God. And what is the time frame here, "In the beginning" for both of them as this passage is also talking about the creation. Again to repeat. "He was in the beginning with God". Now bring in Genesis 1:2, "and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters". When was the Spirit 'moving over the face of the waters/deep"? Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning" at creation. God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit, also called the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of God in scripture. Thus all three persons, in all their deityas the Godhead were there at creation.

As Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead. NKJV.

7. If it is, please show me how creation reveals that the One God is a Trinity of Divine Person.

Connect the dots. The picture is clear. Creation reveals the Godhead of three separate divine persons. Not two. Not four. Three. God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit. Yes, shown through creation and other scriptures. Deny them at your own peril.

Humm... Could it be, say... three?

You ought to be able to answer your own question with even just this one scriptural reference.

How many persons mentioned here?

And they are who?

Scripture rests its case. You really should give it a rest as well.

In scripture, the 'plurality' is referred to as the Godhead or as in Genesis chapter one, 'Elohiym' - the Hebrew word for God: 'plural' pronoun.

The unanimous jury of three, being also the Godhead, as in Judge, Jury and Final Word (John 12:48), 'has been in' on this case since "In the beginning" (Genesis 1:1,26), as it all relates to us anyway.

On the world's part, there's been no mistrial, certainly no jury tampering, bribing, or judge influencing. There's no grounds for appeal - just trial and error, mostly error - for which there's no defence just like there are no laws to prevent stupidity - even as there is no medical surgery or procedure to give 'vision or sight' to those who decidedly do not want to see.

God the Father

God the Son

Spirit of Truth– The Holy Spirit - Spirit of God

3. The “Royal We” in which a monarch or sovereign refers to themselves in the first person plural (as when Queen Victoria might say, “We are not amused”).

WELCOME HOME

Many choose 'believing by seeing' leading to spritual blindness (Thomas). People of the Way choose 'seeing by believing' which promotes good vision and foresight. Hindsight is 'having seen'. The monarchy comparison leaves one 'spritually cross-eyed' if stared at too long. A warning label or disclaimer perhaps? Just proves it's awful tough to make a point that isn't there.

2. The plurality there can be seen in more than one way:

Preface

Of course, it all starts with this. A will inclined to do the will of God. As Jesus promised, those with such a desire shall know of the teaching. Whether it comes from man or God (John 7:16-17). Are you ready to step up to the plate?

I’ve taken the liberty of adjusting the format a bit to simplify the unravelling of the web that you have woven.

Firstly, I’ve numbered the assertions trying to address each point separately as much as possible, though it’s not entirely feasible. The contentions are staged with extremely weak premises as props, distractions, distortions and false trails for one's thoughts. To put that another way, plumes of smoke and walls of mirrors, but minus the scriptural substance that leads to clarity of the mind and clear vision for the eyes of the heart.

If one can stop the latter part of verse 6 from:

'since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.' Perhaps there remains hope...

What an irony. It's far more than a stretch not to see it. Through God-breathed scripture, I can prove God's point. You cannot. That's right- God's point. Not mine, yours or anyone else's. Scripture interpreting scripture, leaves one arguing with the Godhead, not me. Thus, one can only make statements of claim but cannot produce scriptural documentation or evidence to support them- just opinion. Have you have done just that? That's a liability I wouldn't want held against my account. I have enough already to work on. Truth be known (and it will be), one would have to cross over to the other side of the street to avoid stumbling all over the evidence. Careful! Watch out for evidential traffic. The street and side walks are full of it. Unsubstantiated opinion based upon predetermined positions, suppositions and assumptions is called 'trash'. Watch out for that too! You need to take it out before it takes you out! Those who spew it usually leave a trail of litter for others to stumble on.

Then God said

Let Us make man

In Our image

According to Our likeness

Genesis 1:26

Just for starters, as in Greek, the words 'us' and 'our' in English, stand for plurality and inclusiveness. Thus, nobody can claim, 'It's all Greek to me'. So at the very least, we understand that there is a plurality involved here. Calling this reality the 'Holy Trinity' is not a phrase I would prefer to use as it is not a scriptural term.

'Us' Pronoun: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself and one or more other people as the object of a verb or preposition

'Our' Pronoun:

1) belonging to or associated with the speaker and one or more other people previously mentioned or easily identified.

2) used by a writer, editor, or monarch referring to something or others belonging to or associated with himself or herself

Notice there's no question about whether a plurality is again involved.

To cap it off, in the first chapter of Genesis when the word God is used, it is the plural form of the word.

God - 'elohiym (el-o-heem'); plural: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God.

(New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

So, where’s that stretch? I ask this because to say, a) "Al, I think that “clearly seeing” the Holy Trinity in Genesis 1:26 is a bit of a stretch." is a clear indication of a) scriptural and linguistic ignorance (2 Timothy 2:15) b) a rejection of what the God-breathed Holy Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:16-17) clearly say, thus 'blaspheming' the Holy Spirit c) a flat out rejection of the authority of the Godhead d) purposefully and maliciously teaching false doctrine (totally different level than 'mistakenly').

On this one we will connect the dots. Actually and more accurately, I will show you the Godhead in action during creation. A little bit of review is in order at this point.

Naturally, the last Word should fall to God

7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these threeagree as one. 1 John 5:6-8

Verse 7 must bear the same rule as shown in verse 8.

It is beyond dispute that the Spirit, the water and the blood are three separate entities agreeing as one. We would not think it reasonable or logical or scriptural to say these three separate entities are really one and the same, as entities.

Their commonality is their agreement as witnesses. In proper context, the same language rules would apply in verse 7 or the exegesis (method of hermeneutics) would be flawed. The oneness lies in their deity, purpose and all the attributes that make each part of the Godhead.

Let's see if we can open that door! Other scriptures also demonstrate the reality of the Godhead as being three separate persons, each bearing witness to each other.

Scripture unequivocally recognizes and demonstrates that we have:

God the Father- whom Jesus Himself and the Holy Spirit acknowledge
Jesus Christ- whom God the Father and the Holy Spirit acknowledge
The Holy Spirit- whom Christ and God the Father acknowledge

In other words, all three acknowledge each other and none other as part of the ‘whole’. The three thus witness to each other and testify to us in scripture as a ‘threesome only’ as far as the Godhead is concerned.

In fact, Luke 3:21-22 and 1 John 5:6-8 (above in the same column) bring it all home and are very powerful testimonies to that effect.

21 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.

22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him,

and a voice came from heaven which said, "You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased." Luke 3:21-22, NKJV

Who was present? The Godhead as in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Ok, so now we can add 'triune' to Trinitarianism and Trinity and the three still don't add up to one term found in scripture.

First reaction? Wow! Surely, this is in jest! In the face of scriptural evidence, this is your 'The plurality there can be seen in more than one way' retort? Considering we have now entered the Queen's Court, might I ask if there is a certified 'jester' in the yard?

You have 'invoked' the words 'monarch' (singular) or 'sovereign' (singular), as a foundation for justifying the "Royal We". In the context of our discussion, it begs the following conclusion. Namely, that the plural word for God (Elohiym-Hebrew) and the words 'Us' and 'Our' (plural pronouns) in Genesis 1, are the "Royal We" as in "We are not amused". Apples and oranges my friend. The analogy may be coplanar but the lines of reasoning are 'parallel', meaning- the two lines of thought will never intersect, never ever connect one to another, just like point trying to be made. "And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed" (Luke 16:26) between the two. The "Royal We" is imagination: the part of the mind that imagines things. The Godhead is realization: an act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact. For another thing, when the Queen uses the 'Royal We', she is still just one person- speaking for herself; She is not speaking for the King, Prince, Parliament, House of Lords or the Courts. She's not even speaking for her entire usually disfunctional family. Even when a mother catches her child making a 'royal mess' and says, "we are not amused" she also is speaking for herself as one 'mother'. Not the whole family or husband, not the neighbourhood. There is no actual plurality inherent, intrinsic or otherwise meant.

In contrast God, 'Elohiym' (plural) as the Godhead, inherently, intrinsically is three distinct persons united in purpose, action and in total agreement with one another. When one speaks, they all speak and there truly are 'real' others involved. The oneness is beyond anything we can imagine. The "Royal We' on the other hand not only leaves much or 'others' to the imagination- it's all imagination. So, when the Queen says the "Royal We", she in truth, is lying. Now there's an irony. When the Godhead uses it, Elohiym isn't. Number three stands aloof from any credibility regarding rational thinking. If there was a 'cedibility awards ceremony' #3 and frankly the remaining entourage wouldn't merit an invite never mind a nomination. The example not only defies scripture but logic and common sense. That is the only conclusion left in the wreckage of such a baseless analogy, extraordinary only for its want of reasoning. A child might well proclaim, "The King has no clothes on?" With that kind of hermeneutics no room is left for proper exegesis, even in English. Literally, figuratively and grammatically, 'we' are doomed. With that, 'We' (meaning me) are not amused. Or, to properly put it another way. 'I (first person singular) am not amused. I would presume the Godhead is not amused either. What say 'we' now? What say 'you' now?

Notwithstanding, to pass off a form of conversational colloquial slang doesn't magically transform it into proper formal

grammatically correct English, no matter who uses or misuses it.

Grammatically: adverb- a) in a way that relates to grammar or the rules of grammar. "the conversation will be grammatically analyzed". b) in accordance with the rules of the grammar of a language. "I can speak clearly and grammatically"

A queen or king may be using first person plural, as the case may be. Yet, she or he is still one person- simply guilty of using the English language grammatically speaking, incorrectly. Nothing to write home office about. If the context of this whole matter wasn't so serious, it might be laughable, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Those who malign God's Word should realize they have bigger fish to fry, as they jump from the frying pan into the fire. 'Conversational colloquial slang ' versus 'God-breathed scripture'. If one need ask for the odds, one shouldn't be betting or aiding and abetting for that matter.

1. Al, I think that “clearly seeing” the Holy Trinity in Genesis 1:26 is a bit of a stretch.

2. The plurality there can be seen in more than one way:

3. The “Royal We” in which a monarch or sovereign refers to themselves in the first person plural (as when Queen Victoria might say, “We are not amused”).
4. The plurality is not defined as Trinitarian. Could it be two? Could it be four? In other words, the Trinitarian nature of God is far from spelled out in Genesis.

As 'Babe Ruth' might have said, 'Let's have a beg-inning'

1. Al, I think that “clearly seeing” the Holy Trinity in Genesis 1:26 is a bit of a stretch.

6. It does not come even close to suggesting that the triune nature of God is revealed by creation.

John 1:1-4

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. NKJV

We Are At War! ... And He (Jesus) said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven... Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:18-20, NKJV

YOUR PLACE TOO!

Let me begin my remarks by saying there are many incredulous false premises outlined in red, to the left and far right above. It is remarkable mostly in how it tries to undermine a subject scripture is so clear on. The philosophy and what I call 'shadow reasoning' are built like a house of cards. Notably, the cards are stackedand as usual in favour of the 'house'. The 'House' we need to be in, is the 'House of God' (Hebrews 3:4-6; 1 Peter 2:4-5). The dealer is the 'face' but the real religious sham is unrecognizable, unseen and undiscerned by any earthly standards as 'he' goes about his business. His business is to entice you, whether wittingly or unwittingly, to gamble away your soul. In your gambling you assume you have a chance of winning. By yourself, you have no probability of that as you're basing your hopes on assumptions not presumptions. An assumption reaches a conclusion without any evidence or pattern present. A presumption forms a conclusion based on evidence or a previous pattern. Your playing by 'house rules' and the house does indeed rule. One of the real ironies? The incredibily vast majority (plus one forever) of the world is unaware, not only his existence, but oblivious to just how good he is at what he does. If it was all a matter of 'luck' I would say, "Good luck with that!" However, luck has nothing to do with it. One is playing Russian Roulette with where one's soul spends eternity and, all the chambers are loaded. Indeed, locked and loaded. Not great odds. It's not just the deck that's 'marked'. Without belief in Jesus Christ-the Word, every soul is. And, how does one get to being 'in' Jesus Christ? Romans 6:1-6. Note Romans 6:3, "do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus ... The Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) is one's seal of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14).

There is, another mark/seal of ownership. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 19:20-21, NKJV.

Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He (Jesus) rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:14-16, NKJV.

Interesting. You have to do something to be saved. You don't have to do anything to be condemned. When it comes to 'belief' you also must understand that we are not talking about your own personal lifestyle philosophy, religious beliefs of your own making, hand-me-downs or unscriptural choices (John 12:42-50).

'Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," 2 Timothy 2:19, NASU.

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14, NASU

How do you get this 'Who'?

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-38, NASU.

So, who is this mystery personna behind the spinning wheel so to speak?

12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. 2 Cor 11:12-15, NASU.

Satan will go to any lengths to win. You/we, are just business to him. However, at the deepest and highest levels, for him it is personal. A 'personal vendetta' against God.

Satan whether by stealth or as a roaring lion preys upon the wise, naive, informed, uninformed, ill-informed, not-so-gullible and dare I say it- the gullible. As to the latter, I'm sure we all have put out to sea in the wake of 'Gullible's Travels', and given enough latitude have made a shipwreck of something or other at some longitude in our lives. Life isn't always smooth sailing. The paths of life's seas are many and fraught with danger. The latter part of verse 19 is neither the course you want to set, stray to or stay- though for some who are too far gone, well that's another adventure. 1 Timothy 1:18-19, This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck. NKJV

Then God said
Let   Us make man
In   Our image
According to   Our likeness

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness... NASU

Just for starters, even in English, the words 'us' and 'our' stand for plurality and inclusiveness. So at the very least, we understand that there is a plurality involved here.

'Us' - Pronoun: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself and one or more other people as the object of a verb or preposition

'Our' - Pronoun:

1) belonging to or associated with the speaker and one or more other people previously mentioned or easily identified
2) used by a writer, editor, or monarch referring to something or others belonging to or associated with himself or herself

Notice there's no question about whether a plurality is again involved.
To cap it off, in the first chapter of Genesis when the word God is used, it is the plural form of the word.

God - 'elohiym (el-o-heem'); plural: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God.

It would take the blind leading the blind not to see the Godhead emanating from the above.

"and

the Spirit of God""

7. If it is, please show me how creation reveals that the One God is a Trinity of Divine Person.

THE LORD'S DAY

In Conclusion, The Eye's Have It... Aye?

Knitting anyone? Or, Knit-wit for dummies

the Godhead - In the Beginning

8. The bottom line is this: Seeing the Trinity clearly spelled out in the first chapter of Genesis is a form of back-reading into the text. It is only possible to see the Trinity in the text because one already has accepted that revealed truth of the triune nature of God (i.e. a revealed truth that does not come through viewing the creation).

Not What, But 'Who!'

GET IN TOUCH

7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 Therefore rejoice O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." Revelation 12:7-12, NKJV.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12, NASU

The plurality will be defined as however God defines it, which we will find out through scripture interpreting scripture. That of course rules out man-made doctrines, tradition, labels and whatever spurious concepts and teachings are thrown into the caldron, 'Ex cathedra' or otherwise.

Let's reiterate that terminology which is in and of itself unscriptural both in principal and practice, won't get anybody, anywhere, where they want to go, should want to go or should be. Genesis and other scriptures spell out Godhead/Deity in capital letters. It is a sad day for those who hear but do not want to understand, for those who see but do not want to perceive. The Spirit must yell it out when a mere whisper should do. Speaking of spelling, the Spirit spells out Godhead with distinct super giant print (16 or 17 point pitch for those wondering). However, for those clinging to the letter of the law and man-made traditions, there is no print large enough. Not wanting to grasp the Spirit of the law, as trying to grasp the wind, truth slips through their fingers like water or fine sand. They just don't want to hear or see it, to get it. Like Romans 1:28, your fate awaits, if you're not there already. Regarding the mind, the word 'abased' in verse 28 means 'worthless'.

In addition, Genesis does not spell out 'Trinitarianism' for the simple reason that the bible in no way lends itself to the term.

For the purposes and context of this discussion actual Trinitarian doctrine is partly defined as god existing as three persons (Greek- hypostases) but is one being… which is an inescapable contradiction in itself, notwithstanding at best it is something one would expect to see in a Hollywood 'class B' sci-fi flick. Barring making it past the cutting room floor.

Trinitarianism is as foreign a notion to scripture as is any 'church' other than the one church Jesus built. That's in addition to any other names used, including what corresponding names their respective adherents may go by. Romans 16:16 provides clear evidence of the description of the Lord's church and to whom it belongs. Acts 26:28; 11:26 and 1 Peter 4:16 are quite specific as to what name followers/disciples of Jesus go by.

Well, As God is my witness, to be sure, it surely does. God is underscoring that what can be known about God Himself is evidenced in His creation.

Romans 1:19-20, "because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, NKJV.

However, the statement, (i.e. separate and apart from His creatures) needs re-direction. As verse 20 says "by the things that have been made", there's no way that 'separate and apart from His creatures' can be a valid statement in harmony with this scripture. His creatures are an inseparable evidential part of revealing Himself. Verse 20 is so transparent about that.

ALL ABOUT YOU!

Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits.

4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Hebrews 6:1-6, NASU

Well as any reasonable person and/or student of God's Word would attest to at this point, addressing point eight would be an affront to the passage of time itself. In other words, a waste of time. That's simply because the comment is as non-applicable as non-applicable can be. The assertion is not a 'bottom line'. It is the end of the line.

4. The plurality is not defined as Trinitarian. Could it be two? Could it be four? In other words, the Trinitarian nature of God is far from spelled out in Genesis.

It’s a kind of ‘religious shell game’ that will never fly in the face of anyone who has studied to show themselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Under one of the shells is supposed to be the truth. Unfortunately, for all concerned, the dealer doesn't have the truth so it is under none of them. What is present under every shell is slight of hand, half-truths and outright lies (Genesis 3:1-6; Matthew 4:1-10; Colossians 2:4, 8). The players lose no matter what the 'pick'.

I neither apologize for being truthful nor straightforward. The stakes are too high. Both for myself and those who would listen. That said, I get quite offended by those who denigrate the integrity of God’s Word. I would rather 'offend' somebody towards heaven's gate than 'pacify' anyone toward hell's kitchen. Galatians 4:16, “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” NASU. Or, will I?

Finally, I would think some would wonder why it would take much longer effort to rebut something than it does for someone to present a whole fabric of interwoven fallacies, philosophies false doctrine and man-made traditional religious folklore, myths and half-truths (assuming there may be any truth presented within, at all).

The reasons are many. Here's the Reader's Digest version.

The lies are not easily detected with ignorance. It takes exposure to the light of the Son.

The half-truths are often well camouflaged with semblances of truth,

People inherently hear what they want to hear to avoid doing what they should do to do what they want to do.

'For the record' demands more evidence than false assumptions, allegations, rumours, gossip, misperception, misunderstanding and deceitful claims.

Growing is often more difficult to grow and maintain than sowing weeds of confusion.

Construction is often more difficult than destruction. Anybody can drop a bomb leaving ruins, mayhem, confusion, and mistrust which needs to be dealt with before re-constructing.

You don't want to throw out the clean baby with the dirty bathwater.

It only takes a match or spark to start a fire in seconds. It may take a whole army's worth of effort and a month's worth of Sundays to contain, control and put out the ensuing blaze.

The tongue can set the world's passions and emotions ablaze or like rudders turn a ship in the wrong direction. Try dealing or avoiding those consequences.

Souls are at stake.

GOOD NEWS!

DIRECTIONS

At the risk of being redundant, remember, that the Godhead is three distinct persons or beings in the Godhead or Deity. It is not three in one God or “One God (singular) is a Trinity of Divine Person” (singular) as you put it.

Specifically, “the One God is a Trinity of Divine Persons.”

The oneness has to do with singularity of purpose, as in all being on the same page, so to speak. Jesus prayed that we might all be one as He was one with God the Father. Further: 1 John 5:6-8, especially verse 7-8

6 This is He who came by water and blood — Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.

the churches of Christ Salute You Romans 16:16

Did you know that the New Testament only uses the words philosopher and philosophy once each and both cases with onerous negative implications? God doesn't deal with us in philosophy, through philosophers or earthly wisdom. Look at world news for any length of time and see where 'the ways that seem right to a man' have gotten us. It's been that way since the garden of Eden and guess who was right there giving Adam and Eve 'free' advice. It's said, you get what you pay for and since then and even now, we're still paying for it. Talk about mortgaging the future. Right out of the 'gate' no less. How wonderful to be able to bank on Jesus. As the song goes, 'He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay'.

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; Col 2:8-10, NASU. Considering God tempts no one, you're not likely to be taken captive until you are 'dragged and entrapped' (Greek) by your own desires (James 1:13-16). So, who's to blame?

The solution? God isn't even asking you/us to take ownership. Let Jesus Christ do that. 1 Corinthians 6:17-20, "But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price... What do you do? Acts 2:37,38; 40-41; 47. Acts 5:32; Acts 22:16.

20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1 Cor 1:20-22, NIV

That all said about philosophy and philosopher, then what do I mean regarding 'shadow reasoning'. It is scriptural to 'reason'. What comes to mind when you hear idioms like,

'Lurking in the shadows' What lurks in the shadows besides vampires, predators, muggers and those who would do you harm?

'Casting a long shadow' The candidates penchant for lying casts a long shadow over his chances of winning (or used to anyway)

'Afraid of his own shadow' They are weak Christian leaders who seem afraid of their own shadows.

'A shadow of her former self' Though great in their hay day many athletes become but shadows of their formers selves with time

'Living in the shadows' In a position of being unnoticed because all the attention is given to someone else

'Moving in the shadows' Verb. To be hiding, waiting to ambush or attack someone, or simply to accost them unexpectedly

No matter what, all the idioms about 'shadows' denote a number of characteristics. 1) Nothing complimentary 2) Not the 'real McCoy' 3) Something or someone 'Ominous'- threatening, worrying, portentous, something not to be taken trivially or lightly.

So, what do I mean when I say 'shadow reasoning'? My recommendation is simply to 'join the dots' and beware. If for some inexplicable reason you like the shadows then do absolutely nothing and all this is yours- not even for the asking. Or, you can request a transfer- but you must do it in this lifetime, your lifetime. No time like the present, right? Colossians 1:13-14, "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." As Jesus put it in John 12:46, " I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness." Remember- Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 40-41, 47,

AT YOUR SERVICE

"was moving over the face

of the deep"

At this point if one hasn't seen enough evidence pointing to the Godhead and how many persons are involved, then let's face up to the mirror of honesty and reality. One just doesn't want to see it. Or, as the old saying goes, 'There are none so blind as those who don't want to see'. That won't change until those who don't want to see...want to see!

Nevertheless, one last kick at the cat.

Matthew 28:19 specifically.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name ofthe Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20, NASU.

Wow, what's that? "... in the name of the

1) Father and

2) the Son and

3) the Holy Spirit..."

And for the record, 'Who' said that? Well, it sure wasn't Horton or your friendly neighborhood owl!

The plurality is not defined as Trinitarian. Could it be two? Could it be four?

No offense but doesn’t the question raised in number 4, seem a bit mocking and condescending?

The plurality is not defined as Trinitarian. Could it be two? Could it be four?

Right on the heels of scripture unequivocally and factually defining the plurality of Godhead, there's more. As to how many distinct beings/persons there are, scripture clearly shows ‘three’ as the Godhead. Nowhere in God’s Word is there an iota of evidence suggesting less than or more than the three.

The three as anybody can notice do not disregard each other that would result in a Godhead of two or even one. Nor do they show anywhere, a fourth or more being added.

At this point one might rightly say, 'close the door on your way out'. But is it possible a door had already been closed prior to, 'on the way in?' The door of the mind?

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SCRIPTORIALS

HOME AT LAST

Philosophy and Shadow Reasoning

7 In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10 being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.

14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Hebrews 5:7-14, NASU

The masquerade comes across like a ball of yarn spun for knitting a hoodie without eyes. It may allow those who 'prey' upon the unsuspecting, to pull the wool over the eyes of many a face and mind. However, the hoodwinking wears thin for any serious student of God's Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

Besides if you're into knitting or want to get into it, try this one for size.

Colossians 2:1-4, 8-10

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument...

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. 9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity (Godhead) dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete... NASU

Connecting The Dots, Right Before Your Very Eye's

I ask you. When was ‘In the beginning’ as referred to in John 1:1-3?

Inasmuch as these verses specifically mention that “All things were made through Him (Jesus) and without Him nothing was made that was made”, the only possibility is that “in the beginning” here means “In the beginning” as in Genesis 1:1.

And what does verse 2 say? It says that He (Jesus) was “in the beginning” with God. The Spirit was present. Jesus was present and so was the Father. Yes, creation attests to the Godhead’s presence.

This response is in answer to a facebook post specifically made to myself in the public domain as such. No problem. I have replied taking equal liberty. It was an inspiration to the call of duty to be ready preach the Word. For the opportunity, I am eternally and humbly grateful. The particular post is in red to the left and to the right, in it's entirety.

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:1-4, NASU.