Followers of the God of Abraham

What Does It Mean When God Exalts Us?

What Does It Mean When God Exalts Us?To be exalted by God means to be lifted up, honored, and placed in a position of favor or prominence according to His will. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as the one who humbles the proud and exalts the humble. In 1 Peter 5:6, it says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” Exaltation comes as a result of humility and obedience to God.God's Timing in ExaltationGod's exaltation is often linked with His perfect timing. In Psalm 75:6-7, we read, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” This highlights that God’s promotion is not based on human efforts or desires but is determined by His divine plan and purpose for our lives.The Humble are ExaltedOne of the key themes in Scripture is that God exalts the humble. In James 4:10, it states, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Jesus Himself exemplified humility throughout His life, and He taught His followers to do the same. In Matthew 23:12, Jesus says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” This teaches that true exaltation comes when we submit to God’s will and live with a spirit of humility.Exaltation as a RewardGod also exalts His faithful followers as a reward for their perseverance and devotion. In Revelation 2:10, Jesus promises the faithful, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” Exaltation is not merely about earthly recognition but about receiving God’s eternal reward for living in accordance with His will.ConclusionWhen God exalts us, it is a sign of His favor, a reward for humility, and a manifestation of His perfect timing. Our exaltation comes as a result of living in obedience to Him and submitting to His will.

Is Primordial Higher Than God?

Is Primordial Higher Than God? The concept of the "primordial" or "primordial being" is sometimes used in philosophical and spiritual discussions to refer to an original source or ultimate cause of existence. This idea, present in various mythologies and philosophical systems, raises the question of whether something primordial could be considered higher than God, particularly in Christian theology. In this context, it’s important to define what is meant by "primordial" and how it contrasts with the biblical understanding of God. 1. Primordial in Various Beliefs In certain religious and philosophical systems, the primordial is seen as the fundamental substance or source from which all things emerge. In Gnostic traditions, for example, the primordial might refer to a first, undifferentiated state of being from which the divine emanates. Similarly, in some Eastern philosophies, the concept of a primordial force or principle, like the Tao in Taoism, represents the ultimate source of existence. These systems often suggest that the primordial is beyond gods, as it is the origin of everything, including deities. 2. God in Christianity In Christian theology, God is understood as eternal, self-existent, and the Creator of all things. The Bible presents God as the ultimate source of creation and existence, as seen in Genesis 1:1, which states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” God is not a created being but the Creator, and nothing exists apart from Him. According to Christian belief, God is above and beyond all things, and nothing is higher than Him. In this sense, the idea of something being "higher" than God is incompatible with Christian theology. 3. Conclusion The concept of the primordial as "higher" than God does not align with the biblical view of God. In Christianity, God is the eternal, self-existent Creator, and nothing is greater or above Him. While other religious or philosophical traditions may explore the idea of a primordial source, in Christian belief, God stands as the ultimate being who is above all things, transcending any idea of a primordial force or being.

Does Judaism Believe in an Afterlife?

Does Judaism Believe in an Afterlife?Yes, Judaism has concepts of an afterlife, though beliefs vary widely among its different branches and traditions. While the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) emphasizes life and ethical living, later Jewish texts and teachings elaborate on ideas such as the World to Come (Olam Ha-Ba), resurrection, and spiritual rewards.Key Beliefs About the Afterlife in JudaismWorld to Come (Olam Ha-Ba): This is a spiritual realm where the righteous experience closeness to God. It is often described as a state of eternal reward.Resurrection: Some Jewish traditions, particularly in Rabbinic Judaism, believe in the resurrection of the dead, as mentioned in Daniel 12:2: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake."Sheol and Gehenna: The Hebrew Bible references Sheol as a shadowy place of the dead, while later texts describe Gehenna as a purifying or punitive state for souls.ConclusionJudaism includes diverse beliefs about the afterlife, focusing on moral living in the present while offering hope for eternal connection with God for the righteous.

What Does the Bible Say About Having Children?

What Does the Bible Say About Having Children?The Bible places great value on having children and sees them as a blessing from God. Psalm 127:3 says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Children are considered a gift and a reward from God, and having them is viewed as part of His plan for families.God’s Command to Be FruitfulFrom the beginning of creation, God’s command to humanity was to be fruitful and multiply. In Genesis 1:28, God tells Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth." This directive is part of God's design for the family and human society, emphasizing the importance of raising children and building a family as a reflection of God's creation.The Role of ParentsThe Bible also teaches that children should be raised with love, instruction, and discipline. Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding their children in the ways of the Lord, teaching them wisdom, and fostering a loving environment for growth.ConclusionThe Bible views children as a blessing and a gift from God, and parents are called to nurture and guide their children in the faith. Having children is part of God’s purpose for humanity, and it is a role to be cherished and embraced.