Kingdom Competition and Commerce -- Huh?

:wacko: :wacko: :wacko: :groan

The victorious but sad Jewish runner in that movie didn't recognize the gift though, did he? He lamented that ten seconds out of his life justified his entire existence.  Glory to God on the other hand is the name of a believer's game.  Even the greater catechism's first question about the purpose of man is responded to by saying, "to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."  I guess for many really gifted but clueless people who miss that understanding, it's hard to be humble. Sadly if it's all pride, they already have their reward.

MyWhiteStone wrote: "Finally, will immortals and mortals mix in any way? Be next-door neighbors maybe?"

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. Revelation 20:9

This is an interesting verse which suggests (if I am understanding it correctly) that the saints, whom I take to be those in glorified bodies, will have a camp near Jerusalem.  It might be something like a base of operations for the government.

I also think one reason for the rebellion at the end is the resentment of those who are immortal among the mortal population.  Just an idea.

Who could possibly resent a nice old immortal, David? (tongue way into cheek here )

Thanks for the thought / the perspective.

Seems to me that our understanding of how things will be in our new body with it's different abilities and lack of needs can not be conceived since we have no experience to rely upon to judge.  Since we will no longer have a human body that likes recreation to find happiness and rest from the grind  of trying to make ends meet in this money based world we live in it is hard to imagine living in a world that has no reasons to get our "needs" met since we will be fully loved unconditionally and every physical and emotional need will be taken care of by our Bridegroom.  Since we belong to Him, He will take care of ALL our needs and desires (whatever they might be) which will be much different than we can conceive or understand as long as we are in this body of sin of which we long to be rid.   Amen? :yahoo: :prayer-hands: :rose:

Amen perhaps, Tom, to needing nothing / being fully provided for / nothing like we've ever experienced.  But I believe, based on our currently understood state as "imagers of God," attributes understood and enjoyed already, plus the fact that He declares we shall be "like Him," that we currently have a great deal of relevant experience.  Compassion, probably making us quite effective as rulers and reigners, is in us already.  Even most unbelievers have compassion at some level.  Creativity now satisfies us.  Accomplishment satisfies us.  Curiosity draws out our time, talent, and effort.  Purpose, meaning, and mission... All will survive I'm sure.  Consider that all the Fruits of the Spirit are familiar to those He inhabits -- the Spirit-filled believers.  These attributes will survive. Ad grow!  And thrive!

Models and clues abound, in my opinion.  Just because we will be perfectly provided for there and then, lacking struggles for example, does not imply to me that we will be or have nothing like we are or possess now.  What was pre-fall Adam and his environment like?  In many aspects nearly identical with now. With Eden restored, i.e., God's plan, I believe there will be millions of things for us and them to do, as originally intended.  All of us "imagers," down here. We after all return with Him.  All of our reason for existing, which we already have solid clues about, will unfold.  But this time unhampered.

iMHO... :yes:

Yes, its hard to imagine a glorified body free from sin since sin is all we know so far.  But we are promised a sinless body! :yahoo:   So there won’t be anyone bickering or jealously and we will all be happy to see the talents of each brother and sister.

I hope there are baking, candy making, and cooking contests.  Wouldn’t it be awesome to be a judge and get to sample everything ... well, almost everything ... a big NO to the fish dishes. :negative:

Hi Geri, a "big NO to fish dishes"? I love fish dishes! :yes:  Or am I missing something?

Hey Geri, looks like you and Jonah have something in common..... :yahoo: :unsure: :wacko:

LOL ...  Oh boy ... I sense a gang up here ... ok, before I have to walk the plank like Jonah ...

Hear me out ....

I’m seriously not fond of “hairy fish” aka anchovies.  The same goes with crustaceans - crab, lobster, shrimp.  They are EXTREMLEY smelly and tasteless.  You have to admit the restaurants really need to doctor up those dishes .... saturate it with a few sticks of melted butter and shrimp hast to be fried in at least 3 layers of bread crumb and then dipped into a cold tomato sauce to disguise the nastiness and trick the customers into thinking its “edible”.   And don’t get me started with escargot ... gag .... you seriously like snails?  And slimy clams/mussels?  Shivers ... And last but not least ... Caviar “fish eggs”?  Eww

I’m positive the marriage supper will ONLY be land animal meals of:  steak, prime ribs, filet mignon, chicken, lamb, ham, and Italian dishes.
And if you say hey wait a minute ... what about innocent “salmon” .... forget it ... it can’t be on the heavenly table.  Because ... “what happens when you put Nutella on Salmon?  You get salmonella. :whistle: