Your thoughts on God as our lover and how current Western Christianity in America sees that.
What does Scripture say referencing God as our lover?
Do we need more or less emphasis on this aspect?
Dave
Is God our lover?
Is God our lover?
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Hiya Dave,
I'm not sure what you're driving at. Just now in our western culture the word "lover" implies "erotic lover". There's nothing in my walk with the Lord that stimulates this response, and, frankly, the idea seems a little creepy to me.
However, I'd say that developing a close intimacy with God would be impossible to over emphasize.
Perry
I'm not sure what you're driving at. Just now in our western culture the word "lover" implies "erotic lover". There's nothing in my walk with the Lord that stimulates this response, and, frankly, the idea seems a little creepy to me.
However, I'd say that developing a close intimacy with God would be impossible to over emphasize.
Perry
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Hi Dave, aka schoel 
Sectors in USA Christianity are really into "God is my lover". Just listen to a lot of contemporary Christian music (you can't tell tell the difference between it and regular "love" songs). It just replaces Jesus with your boyfriend or girlfriend in the lyrics. I don't like when a whole worship service has only these kinds of tunes. Where did the MIGHTY GOD go? lol
The Church-corporate is the Bride of Christ, we are betrothed to him. Keeping in mind being betrothed wasn't being "lovers" in biblical times: Betrothal was the first stage of marriage.
Many think the Song of Solomon is about God is our lover. It may, but I don't see this as a major (or really even minor) theme in the Bible.
I agree with Perry on "erotic lover" (the term usually implies illicit sex).You wrote:Your thoughts on God as our lover and how current Western Christianity in America sees that.
Sectors in USA Christianity are really into "God is my lover". Just listen to a lot of contemporary Christian music (you can't tell tell the difference between it and regular "love" songs). It just replaces Jesus with your boyfriend or girlfriend in the lyrics. I don't like when a whole worship service has only these kinds of tunes. Where did the MIGHTY GOD go? lol
It doesn't that I know of.What does Scripture say referencing God as our lover?
The Church-corporate is the Bride of Christ, we are betrothed to him. Keeping in mind being betrothed wasn't being "lovers" in biblical times: Betrothal was the first stage of marriage.
Many think the Song of Solomon is about God is our lover. It may, but I don't see this as a major (or really even minor) theme in the Bible.
More on the Bride of Christ, totally less on "Jesus is my boyfriend."You also wrote:Do we need more or less emphasis on this aspect?
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I'm in love, so deeply in love
With the Lover of my soul.
I will sing praise to my King
As the years of eternity roll.
His love is in my heart,
Never to depart.
His blood has made me whole.
I'm in love with Jesus;
He's the Lover of my soul.
With the Lover of my soul.
I will sing praise to my King
As the years of eternity roll.
His love is in my heart,
Never to depart.
His blood has made me whole.
I'm in love with Jesus;
He's the Lover of my soul.
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Paidion
Avatar --- Age 45
"Not one soul will ever be redeemed from hell but by being saved from his sins, from the evil in him." --- George MacDonald
Avatar --- Age 45
"Not one soul will ever be redeemed from hell but by being saved from his sins, from the evil in him." --- George MacDonald
If you follow the female-driven church songbook, then yes. Lord/King/Master is the way I think of God. It's more manly.
Anybody ever read "Why Men Hate Going to Church"? It discusses the feminization of the church quite a little bit. Worth a read...plus the author is a family friend.
On the same note, I was given a scripture to read during worship a few weeks back (I'm a regular vocalist on the Worship Teams at my church), and it was Psalm 139:13. Unfortunately, instead of the "you formed my inmost being..." translation, it was "you formed all the delicate, inner parts of my body." Ew. I objected on the grounds that I had a Y chromosome, and went with the familiar version.
Anybody ever read "Why Men Hate Going to Church"? It discusses the feminization of the church quite a little bit. Worth a read...plus the author is a family friend.
On the same note, I was given a scripture to read during worship a few weeks back (I'm a regular vocalist on the Worship Teams at my church), and it was Psalm 139:13. Unfortunately, instead of the "you formed my inmost being..." translation, it was "you formed all the delicate, inner parts of my body." Ew. I objected on the grounds that I had a Y chromosome, and went with the familiar version.
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Double Ew!"you formed all the delicate, inner parts of my body." Ew.
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Derek
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7
rick c wrote:
Seth wrote:
Songs that talk about "falling in love" with God or Jesus dont cut it for me. The idea of romantic love as applied to God gives me the creeps, like Perry said. That is not to say that I do not love the Lord God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, or at least strive to.
However, the book of Hosea does portray God as a jilted husband who is trying to woo back his adulterous bride. I think it is an illustration, but doesnt force us to think of God's love in this way.
TK
BINGO!It just replaces Jesus with your boyfriend or girlfriend in the lyrics. I don't like when a whole worship service has only these kinds of tunes. Where did the MIGHTY GOD go?
Seth wrote:
BINGO again!If you follow the female-driven church songbook
Songs that talk about "falling in love" with God or Jesus dont cut it for me. The idea of romantic love as applied to God gives me the creeps, like Perry said. That is not to say that I do not love the Lord God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, or at least strive to.
However, the book of Hosea does portray God as a jilted husband who is trying to woo back his adulterous bride. I think it is an illustration, but doesnt force us to think of God's love in this way.
TK
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"Were not our hearts burning within us? (Lk 24:32)
I'm not arguing because I agree that most of the newer songs sung in church have that "Jesus is my boyfriend, and boy is he a great one" flavor, which is definitely feminine. I don't personally care for that kind of song either, but I'm not sure what this means:
Well, huh, now that I think about it, maybe it's all three.
Are you saying the same thing I said above the quote? Or are you saying that there is a committee of women who are dictating what is included in the songbook? Or is it that worship-song writers are trying to appeal more to women then men?the female-driven church songbook
Well, huh, now that I think about it, maybe it's all three.
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Though we may need a new thread about "Romantic Worship Tunes" or something like that....
Michelle,
There's undoubtedly committees comprised of both men & women in the "Christian music industry" (in quotes because, well, let's face it: some people are only in it for the money) -- who regularly consult the popular music charts and keep up with all the latest trends & fashions in music: "Romance sells"!!!
Guys,
Since people have romantic feelings built into them; I can't say that I've never had a kind of "romantic" feeling toward God. Whenever I've experienced this, which isn't often and hasn't happened recently; it's...I don't know how to put it..."Lord, make be like a Knight of the Round Table, Amen." Like that, sort of....
But on worship tunes: I sure wouldn't mind it if, after a few "Jesus love songs", we'd do a few more of the olde awesome tunes in church, like: A Mighty Fortress (is our God)!
O, FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING
MY GooRATE REDEEEEMER'S PRAAAAAAAISE!!!!!
(a tune that makes me "pre-trib"......I can't sing it without feeling like I'm being raptured)!
er whatever,
Rick
Michelle,
There's undoubtedly committees comprised of both men & women in the "Christian music industry" (in quotes because, well, let's face it: some people are only in it for the money) -- who regularly consult the popular music charts and keep up with all the latest trends & fashions in music: "Romance sells"!!!
Guys,
Since people have romantic feelings built into them; I can't say that I've never had a kind of "romantic" feeling toward God. Whenever I've experienced this, which isn't often and hasn't happened recently; it's...I don't know how to put it..."Lord, make be like a Knight of the Round Table, Amen." Like that, sort of....
But on worship tunes: I sure wouldn't mind it if, after a few "Jesus love songs", we'd do a few more of the olde awesome tunes in church, like: A Mighty Fortress (is our God)!
O, FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING
MY GooRATE REDEEEEMER'S PRAAAAAAAISE!!!!!
(a tune that makes me "pre-trib"......I can't sing it without feeling like I'm being raptured)!
er whatever,
Rick
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