Dr. Stephen Phinney: Today, I would like to share with you the correlation between money, giving, and human reconciliation. It is mind-bending, actually.
No problem. I avoid assumptive conclusions that are not Biblically stated - as in guess work by those who did not know Paul. If the scriptures would have said "Therefore, Paul chose not to forgive ---." Then we would be having a different discussion. A friend of mine, Ken Ham, was put on the spot at a conference with such assumptive reasoning and he replied with, "Where you there?" Wise words.
But we can’t pretend Paul didn’t say anything about Alexander. I think he states what’s in his head, when he invokes God’s judgment and tells people to stay away from him. What am I missing?
I use the warning of the judgement of God all the time. I rebuke, correct, and admonish others who tamper with God's absolutes or mock Him. Paul did the same thing - often. It is not a sign of unforgiveness, it is what he was called to do. When Jesus said on the Cross, "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing," was a demonstration of forgiving those who harm or insult you. Jesus knew fully that it was an act of the "why" He was on the cross.
Furthermore, when Jesus said, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15) I strongly doubt Paul would have violated this mandate. Jesus went on to say, And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25)
Anyone, and I mean anyone, who violates these commands, and 52 other references of such, will be awakened on the other side of the seriousness of His words. Forgiveness is not a human option; it is the law of God.
We would have had to be in Paul's head to make such a claim. Honestly, you are walking a thin line on your conclusion.
No problem. I avoid assumptive conclusions that are not Biblically stated - as in guess work by those who did not know Paul. If the scriptures would have said "Therefore, Paul chose not to forgive ---." Then we would be having a different discussion. A friend of mine, Ken Ham, was put on the spot at a conference with such assumptive reasoning and he replied with, "Where you there?" Wise words.
But we can’t pretend Paul didn’t say anything about Alexander. I think he states what’s in his head, when he invokes God’s judgment and tells people to stay away from him. What am I missing?
I use the warning of the judgement of God all the time. I rebuke, correct, and admonish others who tamper with God's absolutes or mock Him. Paul did the same thing - often. It is not a sign of unforgiveness, it is what he was called to do. When Jesus said on the Cross, "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing," was a demonstration of forgiving those who harm or insult you. Jesus knew fully that it was an act of the "why" He was on the cross.
Furthermore, when Jesus said, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15) I strongly doubt Paul would have violated this mandate. Jesus went on to say, And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25)
Anyone, and I mean anyone, who violates these commands, and 52 other references of such, will be awakened on the other side of the seriousness of His words. Forgiveness is not a human option; it is the law of God.
Rick, I am not getting your question. Could you clarify?