Commands from God and his general level of interaction in the modern age

The key word is "we". After having been duped by many so-called Christians who told me that God told them to tell me (...) and feeling no confirmation within my own spirit, I began to understand that the difference between Psycho- delusionalism, ordinary intuition, and actual God inspired wisdom is confirmed through Gods primary attribute of love. Its also about wisdom.
Confirmation is both internal and external through two or more "witnesses". If I feel that I am being called to go overseas and join the peace corps, someone else whom may never have known my desire may say that they felt an inner unction that saw me overseas working in a human aid organization.By contrast, if some guy (church or otherwise) just came up to me and said that God told me to go to Africa, I would question the source of the wisdom, as I never felt an inner confirmation.

Of course, God never goes against His own commandments. Kill? I don't think so. In order for you to believ it, it would have to be confirmed in many witnesses.As for the early Jewish peeps, I think that God knew that war was inevitable anyway...humans were incapable of more mature wisdom.As to whether He actually personally ordered the Jews to kill, I do not know. I think that it was more likely that they did it as a means of survival and then, later, while praying as one people, they felt forgiveness and attributed that to mean that God approved of it. (Thats just my opinion.) God may have foreknown that the enemies of Israel would surely kill them first.Its either that or for a whole nation to lay down their arms and allow whatever is mean't to happen to happen.If America did that, we may end up broke but alive....maybe more in touch with God than ever. Our enemies are hypocrites...they want all the money and power as much as we do.Its just that so few control it now, while so many go hungry.The world is evil, in general. Americans included. Jesus IS the only answer. (Chris, I think that people do not want the revolution to happen, for it would mean changing our priorities!)

Getting back on topic----I'll ask some questions. The key word being "We".Do we know (or think that we know) if He gives either direct commands or direct/indirect confirmations to us? In my case, I carefully evaluate my emotional wants and needs in line with reality...and in line with the character of Jesus Christ. I also seek confirmation from others...and not just others from my direct group.You say that IF "We" accept that God is real. To me, this means that you must know Jesus Christ. Nuggin, Mormons are NOT Christians, although Roman Catholics are.I believe that God has interacted directly with everyone, but it is not some mere voice in the mind. It is not a unique and sole event to an individual...it is often confirmed through others.
Example One: When Saul got knocked off his high horse, became temporarily blind, and became Paul, he did have witnesses that corroborated his sanity. He was no lone ranger.
Charlie Manson, by contrast, heard things that nobody else could hear. His messages were at best mental illness and at worst demonic influence.

Lets review some basic Merriam Webster definitions:1)medium \me-de-em\ n, pl mediums or media \-de-e\ [L] 1 : something in a middle position; also : a middle position or degree 2 : a means of effecting or conveying something 3 : a surrounding or enveloping substance 4 : a channel or system of communication, information, or entertainment 5 : a mode of artistic expression 6 : an individual held to be a channel of communication between the earthly world and a world of spirits 7 : a condition or environment in which something may function or flourish2)medium adj : intermediate in amount, quality, position, or degreeBased on Webster, all of us are mediums.Remember the famous quotation of
arshall McLuhan?media \me-de-e\ n, pl medias : medium 4The Bible calls Jesus the Mediator between God and man. What does Webster have to say about this word? What does Strongs have to say?mediate \me-de-at\ vb -ated; -ating 1 : to act as an intermediary; esp : to work with opposing sides in order to resolve (as a dispute) or bring about (as a settlement) 2 : to bring about, influence, or transmit (as a physical process or effect) by acting as an intermediate or controlling agent or mechanism syn intercede, intervene, interpose, interfere mediation \me-de-a-shen\ n mediator \me-de-a-ter\ n Strongs calls a mediator an internunciator or (by implication) an intercessor or a reconciler.The O.T. word, medium in the NIV, is "familiar spirit" in the KJV.Familiar meaning recognized, to instruct or designate..(as familiar)
Based on the root :To Know.A medium seems intent on a one way message from point A to oneself.A mediator, by contrast, knows both parties (A) and (B) and seeks reconciliation.Question to ponder: If "spirits" exist, how many basic kinds, alligences, or messages are there?

You are right, and that was my point. The reason that the Jehovahs witnesses have it wrong is because they see Jesus as just a messenger...a go-between from Jehovah to humanity.(like an angel)Remember my objective/subjective discussion? A King is an object...we are subjects. God is the King, yet it is impossible to love a great field of energy, or a cloud, or a great pillar of fire...with all of ones heart, soul, mind, and strength. Likewise, we do not even have it within us to love our neighbor as ourselves.This is why a mediator was and is needed. A mediator who understands God because He is God, yet who understands man because He is a man.A mere messenger angel would never be able to reconcile humanity to God. That was my point.Notice how Hebrews calls Jesus: Now...author \o-ther\ n originator, author, fr. augere to increase 1 : one that originates or creates 2 : one that writes or composes a literary workJesus was more than a messanger. He was the very Creator made flesh who dwelt among us. Only then can He be a true mediator.As for the issue of "familiar" spirits---mediums--think familial.After the Fall, every other spirit besides the Holy One became familiar...or familial. People rejected Christ (and still do) because His Spirit is the Spirit of God...not the spirit of familiarity that pervades humanity. This is why so many can agree to reject christ while holding on to their own (familiar) human wisdom and/or other wannabe gods and devotions which also are so familiar.In other words, ye shall be as gods....turns into the Tower of Babel scenario where the people have become as one...(familiarity) yet without a Capstone (Jesus Christ) but a pyramid with the eye of Baal
the idolatrous spirit of human wisdom.This message has been edited by Phatboy, 08-29-2005 10:11 PM