Eyes to see and Ears to hear ...

[Yesua888]

On many "Christian Forums" it is clear that the teachings of Jesus Christ are long forgotten.
Many have become like any other social media platform, where egos abide and God takes second place.
Could this be a reason why so many "Christians" like to "debate" and will not stop until they have the final say?
Are they even listening? Do they respect their brothers and sisters in Christ, or do they just want be be right all the time?

The Bible teaches that physical sight and hearing are gifts from God, but spiritual perception requires divine intervention to recognize truth.

Proverbs 20:12 states that "the hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made them both," acknowledging these faculties as Creator-given gifts. However, spiritual blindness is often the result of a calloused heart, as described in Matthew 13:15, where Jesus quotes Isaiah to explain that people’s hearts have grown dull, preventing them from seeing, hearing, and understanding.

To overcome spiritual blindness, believers are encouraged to pray for God to open their understanding. Psalm 119:18 provides the primary model for this: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things from Your law." In the New Testament, Jesus contrasts the spiritually blind masses with His disciples in Matthew 13:16-17, declaring, "Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear," because God had revealed the mysteries of the kingdom to them.

True spiritual insight involves humility and reliance on God rather than human wisdom. According to Deuteronomy 29:4, God has not always given a heart to understand or eyes to see, indicating that spiritual perception is a sovereign act of God. In the Christian tradition, 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 explains that God illuminates the hearts of believers to see the light of the knowledge of His glory, often working through the ministry of others to open eyes that were previously closed to the truth.

The Human Condition: Unable to See Without God
The Bible consistently teaches that natural human faculties are insufficient for spiritual truth. Ezekiel 12:2 describes people who have "eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear," highlighting a wilful or divinely permitted stubbornness. This condition is not merely physical but spiritual; Romans 8:7-8 explains that the mind set on the flesh is hostile to God and cannot submit to His law, implying an inherent inability rather than just unwillingness.

God’s Sovereign Action: Giving New Hearts and Eyes
Scripture presents the solution as a unilateral act of God where He replaces the human heart and opens spiritual eyes.

The Promise of a New Heart
The most direct address to the condition in Deuteronomy 29:4 is found in Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God promises: "I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." This passage clarifies that the "heart to understand" missing in Deuteronomy is something God must create and implant, enabling obedience that was previously impossible.

The Removal of the Veil
In the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 explains that a "veil" lies over the hearts of those who read the Old Covenant, preventing understanding. However, "whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." This mirrors the transition from the blindness of Deuteronomy 29:4 to the sight granted by God’s grace. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 4:6 states that "God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," emphasizing that illumination is a creative act of God comparable to the original creation.

Jesus’ Ministry of Opening Eyes
Jesus’ earthly ministry physically and spiritually enacted this sovereign opening. In Luke 24:31, the disciples’ eyes were "opened" to recognize the resurrected Christ, an act initiated by Jesus rather than their own deduction. Furthermore, in Acts 26:18, Jesus describes His mission as sending Paul "to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God." This confirms that turning to God is the result of eyes being opened, not the cause.

The Interplay of Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty
While spiritual sight is a gift, the Bible also records instances where individuals are commanded to open their eyes, suggesting a tension between divine sovereignty and human response. Proverbs 20:13 exhorts, "Open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread," and Matthew 13:16 blesses those whose eyes see. These commands do not negate the need for God’s gift but rather serve as the means through which God often works; the prayer of Psalm 119:18 ("Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things from Your law") models the proper human response: asking God to do what only He can do.

​

 

[bobinfaith]

On many "Christian Forums" it is clear that the teachings of Jesus Christ are long forgotten. Many have become like any other social media platform, where egos abide and God takes second place. Could this be a reason why so many "Christians" like to "debate" and will not stop until they have the final say? Are they even listening? Do they respect their brothers and sisters in Christ, or do they just want be be right all the time?

True spiritual insight involves humility and reliance on God rather than human wisdom. According to Deuteronomy 29:4, God has not always given a heart to understand or eyes to see, indicating that spiritual perception is a sovereign act of God.

In the Christian tradition, 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 explains that God illuminates the hearts of believers to see the light of the knowledge of His glory, often working through the ministry of others to open eyes that were previously closed to the truth.

Good morning, Yesua888;

I read Eyes to see and Ears to hear ... carefully. Within my capacity of observing Christian fellowship I agree what you shared in the first paragraph, has come to that in Christian Forums. It wasn't long ago when Christian forums spent more time in prayer and praising God. The chat room was very popular and I witnessed members who spent up to a couple of hours in there praying and praising God.

Here are some blessed testimonies from prayer and praising God. A brother traveled from England to spend time with my family and attended worship with us. I traveled to New Orleans to meet a brother, his wife and son who were doing long term missionary work. 4 years later they traveled to our city to preach and enjoy fellowship. A year later I officiated their son's wedding. Four years ago Hazel and I flew to Missouri to officiate a wedding.

I know this is not always the result of online fellowship. Most of the time brothers and sisters became friends online, and stay in touch by sharing, ministering and praying for each other. Praise God!

I believe this is God giving us eyes to see and ears to hear for one purpose along with the benefit of bringing us closer together. But it has to start with seeing and hearing Christ indwell in each one of us when we connect. So when we dive into discussions, opinions and debate, it becomes productive because we're mindful of the more important matter and that's prayer and giving praise to God in all things, first.

(Your OP outlines Christ teachings to these objectives.)

Contrary to that, many of today's forums have been reduced to discussions first, God second, making the fellowship unproductive.

To be truthful, the same has happened in many Churches today. One of the factors are large buildings and attendance, like many mega Christian forums, leaving out the individual or family who gets lost in the multitude but are hungry for more of Christ in Christian fellowship and relationships.

In a large Church setting and attendance, mobile electronics, sound systems and screens have taken the place of "live one on one" interaction. Much like most Christian forums, when's the last time a member received a "PM" of encouragement and prayer?

After many of the Church services, especially a large Church, how many don't hear from anyone, especially the Pastor, until the next Sunday? In many of today's Christian forums members log on only to see an update of discussion, only to log off without paying attention to a "welcome new member" or a serious prayer request?

This puts many Christians in a bubble and they remain there. There is no expansion beyond a discussion, argument, debate and division. They remain in a bubble. Prayer and praising God has lost it's first love. The hearts of many have grown cold.

Yes, there are still many Christians who remain in their first love to Christ and for one another, but we cannot ignore or overlook the ones who have broken, spiritual blindness and don't realize it.

Eyes to see and Ears to hear ...is directed at all of us, therefore, we should be doing a self check each morning. Where do I need God to do His continued work in me?

1 Corinthians 14:26, 26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. - NIV

Acts 2:42-47, 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. - NIV

Still, I remain an optimist for Christ. I may not like what I see but strive to focus more on my brothers and sisters who give all glory to God. This ministers to me.

God bless you, Yesua888.

Bob

 

[Yesua888]

Good morning, Yesua888;

I read Eyes to see and Ears to hear ... carefully. Within my capacity of observing Christian fellowship I agree what you shared in the first paragraph, has come to that in Christian Forums. It wasn't long ago when Christian forums spent more time in prayer and praising God. The chat room was very popular and I witnessed members who spent up to a couple of hours in there praying and praising God.

Here are some blessed testimonies from prayer and praising God. A brother traveled from England to spend time with my family and attended worship with us. I traveled to New Orleans to meet a brother, his wife and son who were doing long term missionary work. 4 years later they traveled to our city to preach and enjoy fellowship. A year later I officiated their son's wedding. Four years ago Hazel and I flew to Missouri to officiate a wedding.

I know this is not always the result of online fellowship. Most of the time brothers and sisters became friends online, and stay in touch by sharing, ministering and praying for each other. Praise God!

I believe this is God giving us eyes to see and ears to hear for one purpose along with the benefit of bringing us closer together. But it has to start with seeing and hearing Christ indwell in each one of us when we connect. So when we dive into discussions, opinions and debate, it becomes productive because we're mindful of the more important matter and that's prayer and giving praise to God in all things, first.

(Your OP outlines Christ teachings to these objectives.)

Contrary to that, many of today's forums have been reduced to discussions first, God second, making the fellowship unproductive.

To be truthful, the same has happened in many Churches today. One of the factors are large buildings and attendance, like many mega Christian forums, leaving out the individual or family who gets lost in the multitude but are hungry for more of Christ in Christian fellowship and relationships.

In a large Church setting and attendance, mobile electronics, sound systems and screens have taken the place of "live one on one" interaction. Much like most Christian forums, when's the last time a member received a "PM" of encouragement and prayer?

After many of the Church services, especially a large Church, how many don't hear from anyone, especially the Pastor, until the next Sunday? In many of today's Christian forums members log on only to see an update of discussion, only to log off without paying attention to a "welcome new member" or a serious prayer request?

This puts many Christians in a bubble and they remain there. There is no expansion beyond a discussion, argument, debate and division. They remain in a bubble. Prayer and praising God has lost it's first love. The hearts of many have grown cold.

Yes, there are still many Christians who remain in their first love to Christ and for one another, but we cannot ignore or overlook the ones who have broken, spiritual blindness and don't realize it.

Eyes to see and Ears to hear ...is directed at all of us, therefore, we should be doing a self check each morning. Where do I need God to do His continued work in me?

1 Corinthians 14:26, 26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. - NIV

Acts 2:42-47, 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. - NIV

Still, I remain an optimist for Christ. I may not like what I see but strive to focus more on my brothers and sisters who give all glory to God. This ministers to me.

God bless you, Yesua888.

Bob

Hi Bob,
You are an Awesome Child of God, Pastor and Friend ... thank you ... Love to Hazel xxx

 

[David]

On many "Christian Forums" it is clear that the teachings of Jesus Christ are long forgotten.
Many have become like any other social media platform, where egos abide and God takes second place.
Could this be a reason why so many "Christians" like to "debate" and will not stop until they have the final say?
Are they even listening? Do they respect their brothers and sisters in Christ, or do they just want be be right all the time?

“Could this be a reason why so many ‘Christians’ like to ‘debate’ and will not stop until they have the final say?”

I think the answer to that depends a lot on what they are debating. There are times when we are commanded to contend for the truth. Jude 3 tells us we should “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” But there is a big difference between defending biblical truth and debating just to prove someone wrong.

After being on a number of so-called Christian forums, I have learned that just because someone calls himself a Christian does not mean he has been born again. Jesus plainly told us that would be the case in Matthew 7:21: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Paul warned of those who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him” (Titus 1:16).

Put a room full of people together who claim to be Christians but do not all submit to the same Lord and His Word, and we should not be surprised when there is conflict. It is like putting several drivers behind the wheel of one car while each insists he gets to determine the direction.

“Are they even listening?”

I do not think many are. Sometimes you can almost see someone crafting his next reply before you have finished talking. But that does not mean giving them Scripture is pointless.

The Lord says in Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please.”

Notice that it says God’s Word, not ours. That is why I would rather place the actual words of Scripture in front of someone than win an argument. The person arguing may reject it, while someone quietly reading the thread may see the truth. A seed can be taking root long before we see anything growing.

“Do they respect their brothers and sisters in Christ, or do they just want to be right all the time?”

That is a good question. I do not know the motive of another man’s heart, and God’s Word tells me I should not pretend that I do. What the Bible does tell us is what pride can lead to.

Paul describes someone who is “proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words” and says that from this come “envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings” (1 Timothy 6:4). James 3:16 says, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

Contrast that with what God has called His servant to be: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

The question in a discussion among Christians should never be, Who gets the final word? The question should be, What does the Word of God actually say?

A Berean comes to a discussion prepared to learn rather than determined to win because he wants what he believes to line up with God’s Word. If he is wrong, he wants to know it. I think that is the difference we should remember.

 

[bobinfaith]

“Could this be a reason why so many ‘Christians’ like to ‘debate’ and will not stop until they have the final say?”

I think the answer to that depends a lot on what they are debating. There are times when we are commanded to contend for the truth. Jude 3 tells us we should “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” But there is a big difference between defending biblical truth and debating just to prove someone wrong.

Good morning, David;

You are correct that it depends on what they're debating, and there are times when we are commanded to contend for the Truth. Well said!

I believe both are the prompting of the Holy Spirit. In the one year that Hazel and I first met you has been a Godsend. We have read many of your posts when you uplift others in a gentle spirit and have read when you had to stand firm for the truth backed by Scriptures. You don't sugar coat and I'm careful to just listen. I may post an emoji but in the right context sustaining the core of the message and Scriptures. Should I jump in, again, that's the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We appreciate your willing to accept when you're wrong or ask for prayer. This speaks for us as well, David. Even in a constructive, Christian discussion, debate or disagreement, I try to find a common ground, admit my error or quietly take a step back, pray and continue communicating at another time.

On a side note, the toxic contenders that Yesua888 is referring to in this subject use emojis to signal a "negative, rallying support for one another" sends the wrong message. That's where wisdom and discernment come in. In those cases I've learned to avoid squabbling over foolishness reference

Titus 3:9-11, 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. - NIV

When a Christian's aim is to win the "argument," aren't they in fact losing?

God bless you, David.

Bob

 

[David]

When a Christian's aim is to win the "argument," aren't they in fact losing?

Biblically, it depends on what the argument is about.

If someone is arguing merely to satisfy pride, get the last word, or prove himself right, then yes, he has lost sight of the purpose. But confronting false teaching is different. Scripture actually commands believers to contend for the truth.

Jude 3 says, “ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Titus 1:9-11 says an elder must be able “by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” because “there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, whose mouths must be stopped.”

Paul also told Timothy, “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2).

So the issue is the goal. If the goal is personal victory, that is wrong. If the goal is to defend biblical truth, expose false teaching, and protect others from error, Scripture tells us to stand our ground.