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William Robert Stoy IV

@wrs_iv

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• Seeker Matt 6:33 • Carpentry • Counseling • Husband @stoylowch • Composition • Conditioning • Brother @brentstoy

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Family Portrait, Spring 2020

#familyphoto by @wrs_iv

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” - “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.” She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves...
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Genesis 3:1-7
Moses
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So what is the root of our pride and desire for knowledge? We want to “be like God.”
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We all want to be our own gods. That is evident through all of human history. From renowned world leaders who strive to conquer and control to the unsung simpletons who secretly seek their own selfish desires. We want to be god. We want to be in control and we don’t like being told what to do. We hate being wrong, not having all the answers, admitting our faults and our guilt, confessing our sin, recognizing our shortcomings, submitting to authority etc... We think we know best. We also think we deserve to have the “fruit that looks desirable” and we don’t like being told not to eat it. We hate being told “no”. It hurts our pride, denies our flesh, and challenges our god-mentality... CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS by @wrs_iv

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 1 Corinthians 1:18, 19
- The Apostle Paul

On this day of fools, with Easter fast approaching, I found it fitting to share this passage which I’ve been drawn to of late. It is equally challenging and rewarding. This is a perfect example of God’s Grace and mercy towards us, delivered in a seemingly offensive (even hostile) package. But why would a gift be received with offense? Why would a gift be rejected?

We are proud creatures. At least, I know I am. We are so quick to think we have all the answers or that we “know better” than others. We chase knowledge but do we truly strive to understand? Later in this book (chapter 8) Paul says: ... We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

The problem is not the pursuit of knowledge per se. What do we desire to know and why? Is it to know and be known? Is it to truly understand? I believe the answer is found all the way back at the beginning. In my next post, we will return to the garden to reveal the root of our rejection and the realization of our need for redemption... by @wrs_iv

Warning: what is witnessed beyond this point will surely be equally challenging and rewarding as you join me on my faith journey. You are welcome to explore with me as we seek first The Kingdom and His Righteousness. Feel free to share your thoughts, I humbly request that we strive to keep it civil and considerate. I know these topics are extremely controversial. That is why they killed Jesus over them and why I believe they are essential. We don’t need to kill each other, He died for all of us.

1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” - the things God has prepared for those who love Him. by @wrs_iv

3/30/20

Music and laughter are good for the soul and the joy of the Lord overflows in all circumstances. That is why my beautiful wife @stoylowch and I can share smile and song with each other in these uncertain times. Some friends encouraged us to share them with you too. These are a couple of outtakes as we tried to get the camera rolling. The full song (video) is on IGTV. Check it out. It isn’t perfect but it’s real, it’s us. I hope it is a blessing. If it is, keep watching, there will be more. -
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Psalm 28:7 NIV
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” -King David

John 7:38 NIV
“Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” -King Jesus

Luke 4:18 NIV
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free...” King Jesus by @wrs_iv