How would we answer this question, from a biblical world-view? Certainly this is an issue that members of this present, post-modern/post-christian era struggle with. We are flooded with image upon image, everyday; anything from television, to video games, to people we work with who have deviant lifestyles, etc. I hope this is a good discussion starter, if youguys don't think it is a fruitful topic, though, than it's no big deal. Just something that's been on my mind the past few days, and would like to hear some other people's two-bits!
Grace is but glory begun; Glory is but grace perfected! - Jonathan Edwards
Dear Troy:<br><br>I think the answer is found in your signature, the quote from Jonathan Edwards, "Grace is glory begun". <br><br>Have you read his sermon, "A Divine and Supernatural Light, Immediately Imparted by the Spirit of God, Shown to be a Rational and Scriptural Doctrine"? In this sermon he addresses the question of what is real most clearly and concisely and he points to the reality of the glory of God revealed to the soul, by grace, as the answer, and thus, glory is begun here. In truth, since all this we know now as real, such as real estate, will be burned up with "intense heat" and only the spiritual will one day remain, it can be argued that only the spiritual has eternal reality. It is this reality, revealed to man, that Edwards contends for in this sermon. <br><br>True, we don't all see this in the same way, nor as clearly as it was revealed to some in the great awakening from which experiences Edwards wrote this sermon, but that does not mean that He doesn't still reveal himself with power to those that seek him with all their heart.<br><br>"John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words<br>that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." <br><br>Thats my two cents worth to night.<br><br>May God bless,<br><br>In Him, <br><br>Gerry
There are basically two realities and neither should be overlooked--the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the evil one. The one you described, of course, mostly concerns the Kingdom of the evil one, which is both a visible and invisible kingdom. This is a part of our reality that we must fight against by Word and deed every hour of everyday. The Kingdom of God is a trio of "I"s: both visible, invisible, and invincible. It is also a reality (even more so than the other as it is eternal), but it has many advantages over the other Kingdom just mentioned. So what is real? Both. Just because one does not always seem apparent it is always there in some form. But, a day is coming--GLORY!
God is real and so is His mercy<br>Sin is real and so are its consequences.<br>There is a spiritual battle taking place all around us, sometimes visible sometimes not.<br>God will fix it all. <br><br>That's real life!<br><br>Hannahsmom<br><br><br>
Since the ancient times, philosophers (since they found out that philosophy doesn't involve heavy lifting) have pondered these and other questions. I think the answer can be best found by taking the time to ponder the question, "What is fake?" Don't actually answer this, because that would probably reduce you to a pile of somethingness. Also, bear in mind that at least five people will topple vending machines over onto themselves today.
In the midst of your sadness and woe, when you are tormented and afflicted, have comfort! God's will is done.
Is your question what is real, or what is truth? Because "thy word is truth", the Bible is the truth.<br>Some books by Gordon Clark are recommended...."Historiography, Secular and Religious" comes to mind, as does "A Christian View of Men and Things". Clark's Philosophy books are fantastic on this subject as well.<br>/scc/
