Hi all! I am not sure or not whether or not to post on this subject...Perhaps parinoid, I feel as though I may have been 'pinged' from at least one other subject...Oh well!
First of all, I would like to say that I am truely impressed at the level of courtesy and considerateness of those posting on the Remnant Forum...Thank you! If for any reason someone should feel that I simply 'step on toes', my true hope is that they will put on their shoes, and lets walk through the issue! As we all 'seek to know and understand' the truth about God in present truth. I know I need to set behind myself selfish desire for acknowledgement; the 'desire' to be 'right'; and perhaps worst of all, the 'argumentative spirit', in which I some times take things personally and a little to far...
With all that said: PRESENT TRUTH. It is impossible for one to, with any measure of acuity, address this or any other subject not knowing the back-ground of the conversation(s) prior to it...So, for a lack of landmarks, so-to-speak, I will begin with the [original question(s)].
Our brother has asked some good questions regarding "present truth":
"What exactly is "present truth?" I have heard this phrase a number of times, but I have also heard a number of differing opinions on what present truth is.
Is present truth a long list of all the sins and the wrongs in the church, or of it’s leaders? Is it perhaps, a stinging reminder of the coming time of trouble? Is the phrase "present truth" even in the Bible? Where did the term first come from? How should we use it today? Does present truth have anything to do with Jesus? Is the coming of Christ, a part of present truth? Would the righteousness of Christ be a part of present truth? How about the righteousness of Christ imparted to the helpless human agent? Is this a part of present truth in any way?"
Re: What is 'present truth'?
i. (IMO) Present truth is different for every person on this planet. There is only one definitions which seems to fall in the catagory of 'what it is not': It is not 'denominational'; nor has it ever, from the beginning of time been 'static'.
It is however: [1] something which has a definite relationship to; and, growth from the age in which you either lived, live, or will live; [2] it would be 'progressive', unilaterally as-well-as personally; [3] it would need also to be 'shared' in order to 'receive'; and, [4] (IMO) these are only a few of the many definitions which we might attach to it.
ii. Is present truth a long list of 'sins' which are commited by 'persons', 'leaders', or the 'church at large'?
(IMO) The answer to this question is a most 'emphatic' NO! Yet, can it, or does it inclued any one or all of the above? [The answer to this will be taken by 'secret ballot'...answer to come soon!]
iii. Is it a constant reminder of 'things yet to come'; a 'revelation' of future
events? Is it in the Bible? Where was the 'term' first 'coined'? (IMO) These will most likely be answered while answering the remainder of the questions asked.
Neither time nor space really permits the expansion of any of these ideas today. Once again I must needs go and pick-up my son from school...
iv. How should we use it today? (IMO) we, as already mentioned above, should be aware of it in the 'presence of the spirit'; and, in a most intimate way...The actual concept of present truth(s) are mind-boggling to me. One of my first thoughts would be: Do we use present truth, or does present truth use us in regard to our own personal relationship with our Creator God?
v. Does present truth have anything to do with Jesus Christ; with the plan of salvation; with His soon return; and perhaps ultimately in relation to all of the above: Does present truth have any thing to do with the 'Righteousness of Christ'?
I 'think' that covers the issues...Please add or subtract any you may see [or don't see]...
I am planning to return to the library later; and will attempt to create a more expansive view on each of the subject(s).
For now, there are no 'passenger seats' in our car [ark] going to heaven...