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The Logical Mind of Christ & the Either-Or Trap

7/30/2012

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When some people try to argue  they will try to trap you by making you think there are only 2 choices by purposely leaving out another valid option.  This is called a "Faulty Dilemma" as we see it explained in the Ronald Brooks and Norman Geisler book on logic, "Come Let Us Reason". 

The argument is usually set up with the words "Either" and "Or" so that you cannot give another answer even if it is logical.   

One example of this faulty logic is found in use by the Pharisees as they try to trap Jesus . 
"Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?"  The Pharisees only offer two choices - the man sinned or the parents sinned.  Neither option is true.  There is a third option.  Jesus points out the third alternative which deals with God's holy purposes.  
"Neither this man nor his parents, but it was in order, that the works of God might be displayed in him." 

The illogical argument is:  "Everything happens either by determinism or by free will. If all is derermined, we are wrong to talk about free choices (to sin, to accept Jesus...). If there is free will, we are wrong to say that God is in control of all things.  Therefore, either we are wrong about free will or we are wrong about God's control." 

These two (determinism and free will) are not necessarily contradictory; it is possible that both are true.  This argument is set up to make you believe that you can only have one or the other be true.  But...
God determined that choices will be freely made.  God uses free will as a means to do what has been determined.  God is able and will to do this. This does not inhibit man's freedom either experientially or really (no coercion or force).  There is no opposition between the two.  God has made it so that we have both free will and determinism. 

Keep pondering this so that... the next time your mind recalls this false thinking you can replace it with logic and say, "God is so powerful and wise that he made it possible for people to have free will and he is able to use free will to accomplish his determined purposes.  Praise Him!  Human freedoms are not inhibited by our good God and He is so powerful as to use free will as a means to do what he has determined!  Wow! I can remember this and tell others that there is no oppostition between free will and determinism! God has made it possible that both are true and logica togetherl, they do not oppose each other!"

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Comfort in Enough

6/22/2012

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Picture
The mixed media artwork here was created in an attempt to move from being overwhelmed by all the needs the artist was aware of to  a place of peace.  The purple printed paper ribbons display an explosion of God's multi-faceted graces being sent out into the world to meet all of today's needs.  The line-design artwork adds detail depicting the love and care God puts into meeting those personal, cultural, and group needs and the exquisitely unique power He alone wields in handling the dilemmas we see in human life on earth.  The numbered "truth bullet points" below the explosian of God's love and power were the comforting answers for the various kinds of problems rumbling around in the mind of the concerned artist.  Maybe you have some similar rumblings that are akin to worry that you can receive these same truths for your own comfort.

Truth #1- God gives enough grace today to accomplish all of His purposes.  Truth #2- Today's Joy is better than my dreams and hope because Jesus is in it.  Truth #3 - Today God gives enough grace needed to begin works of healing, to bless and to advance the healing already begun in others, and to complete the healing in others.  Truth #4- God has and gives enough of  his goodness today to strengthen the weak and the weary.  Truth #5- God gives enough guidance today to bring the wayward home or to bring them around the corner of repentance.  Truth #6- God gives enough love today to thaw a frozen heart or to save a child.  Truth #7- Today God gives enough grace to plant every seed needing to be planted in its perfect timing and to harvest every seeker.  Truth #8- God gives enough grace to give hope to the needy and wisdom to the decision makers and pace as a platform to stand firm upon.  Truth #9- God gives enough mercy today to hug each tearstained face and to comfort each lonely, afflicted soul in each country.  Truth #10- God gives enough beauty to thwart the schemes of evil in war or in our minds.  Truth #11- God gives enough grace to restore, revive and repair any damaged relationship and forgive any sin.  Truth #12- God gives enough joy and revelation to light the way to Himself and scatter the enemy. 

May you receive all the blessing God has planned for you today as you read and examine this artwork. Amen.

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    Tamera Brockman

    Member of FTPC currently aware of the greatness of the adventure in faith with Christ.  She hopes to share some of the adventure with you through this blog. Her views are not necessarily held by FTPC.

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