Hey, Matt

I think I know what you mean in the first part of your note, but disagree
with what I think you're saying with the experiment and trying again part.
It sounds like GOD is saying "Well, I tried, but it didn't go the way I
wanted, so I'll try something else."  I think GOD is in control of
everything, and even in those things that happen that he would prefer not
happen (such as His not being willing that any should perish, but they do
because of their rebellion), He is still in charge of that in what they call
His "permissive will."  I don't think it's so much experimentation and
"let's see what happens" but that there are many permutations and
possibilities and He allows all of them as a demonstration but His purposes
are always accomplished in all things anyway.

Paul
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2003 7:45 AM
Subject: Re: parent question


> I forgot something.
> I am back to that idea Jimmy Evans put in my head, where he saw everything
> wrong with his wife and he wanted to fix her up right then and have
> instantainious results which suited his needs.
> This is not how Jesus deals with us.
> He puts the truth on us, dropping it on lovingly and for as long as it
takes
> for us to shape up.
> He does not try and force us to straiten up.
> I think of that as kind of an old testament sort of thing.
> The flood and sadom and gamora and such as that.
> That experiment didn't work, shake the etchisketch and try again.
>
> Matt