Agreed, John, as perplexing as that may sound, it's a Biblical fact; before the world was.

Phil.




  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: john schwery 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 4:41 PM
  Subject: Re: God is love


  Phil, we were His love before the world was.

  earlier, Phil Scovell, wrote:

    Angel,
     
    I actually do not disagree with anything in your message below.  In fact, I couldn't have said it better.  I might add to the thought by pointing out an aspect of love which isn't related to giving.  I've known Sandy for 44 years and been married to her for 42 of those years.  I never have given my love to her because she is my love.  Love is not an object.  The Bible says we love Him because he first loved us.  He can only say that because when we become born again, we become His love.  That is one reason why He calls us His children.  So giving isn't how I describe it but the thoughts are all in the same places as you said.  I believe His need for us is such a driving force, He, as the Trinity, sent the Son to die in our place and to be bodily resurrected for the same need.  He didn't do it because he wanted to; He did it because He had to if He were going to redeem His own.  Jesus made that possible through the cross and bodily resurrection and by later sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within us at the moment of our born again salvitic experience.
     
    Phil.
     
     
     
     
     

      ----- Original Message ----- 

      From: Angel 

      To: [log in to unmask] 

      Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 2:57 PM

      Subject: Re: Why he asked the question


      God doesn't "need" us in the same way many define the word "need".  God loves.  Because God's essence is love.  Just as our essence is human.  The ultimate expression of love is giving.  That is why it is more blessed to give than to receive.  God desired a being whom he could give to, and to share with him his love.  He wanted a being unlike the angelic host who possess no freedom of choice to freely return that love, and to give to other humans as he has given to us.  That is why God seeks for us only the best.  Because his investment in us is so great.  He couldn't bare for a single soul not to be able to share with him his glory after we leave this world.  Which is why He gave to us the ultimate gift of his only son, and why it was, his son returned to him that gift by consenting to dieing on the cross to expiate our sins.  With Jesus' death, we all have the freedom to accept this grand and marvelous gift God cared enough to bestow on such poor creatures as are we.  

        ----- Original Message ----- 

        From: Pat Ferguson 

        To: [log in to unmask] 

        Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 3:48 PM

        Subject: Re: Why he asked the question


        Hi Phil,


        Thanks so much for this explanation. <smile>


        I'm wondering why God needs us?


        Yes, He created us in His Image, but why does He need us?


        I'm not doubting God, but why does he really need us? I know we surely need Him.


        Thanks much.


        Many Blessings,


        Pat Ferguson

        "I can Do all Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me." Phillippians 4:13.



        At 01:15 PM 5/8/2014, you wrote:

          He has been struggling in his life for many years and especially as an adult.  He asked the question because he does not want to be wrong about whom he worships as God.  Let's see if anyone else wants to chime in rather than using a jack hammer.  It is a perfectly legitimate theological question.  Pat, believe it or not, He made us because he wants us.  He wants us because He needs us.  So you are right about that but few Christians will agree with that position.



          Phil.

          Living His Name

          WWW.SafePlaceFellowship.COM