Okay, my question pertained specifically to the co-equality of the Father and the Son. Most of your responses did not address this issue, except in a very oblique way.
I agree with you that the Word was God. But the use of the proposition with implies a relationship between two distinct entities. One entity cannot be with himself. More importantly, this verse says nothing at all about the co-equality of the Father and the Son. It states only that the Son was with the Father in the beginning.
Ill save you the trouble. Its John 10:30. But John 17 makes it perfectly clear that Jesus was not referring to a physical oneness when He said that He and His Father were one. He was talking about a spiritual unity that He wanted His followers to be a part of. By your reasoning, if God were to answer Jesus prayer that His followers may be one, even as we are one, we would all be co-equal with God. Is that what you believe?
Im not even sure what point you are trying to make here. Yes, God the Father spoke from Heaven and said that Jesus Christ was His Son. I see nothing here about co-equality. I see a Father acknowledging His Son, in whom He is well pleased.
This is the best verse youve come up with. Its actually the only example you gave that I feel supports your position.
As I said, I can give you a great many examples that I believe prove that the Son was subordinate to the Father. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on these verses:
Matthew 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Christ is the mediator between mankind and the Father. The Father, therefore, holds a position of greater authority than the Son.
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
The Father has knowledge which the Son does not have.
Luke 22:41-42 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
The Son prays to the Father, not visa versa. He accepts the Fathers will, not the other way around.
John 5:22-23 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
The Father sent the Son to earth. The Son did not send the Father.
John 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
The Son admits that He does only that which the Father commands. He acts as His Fathers agent.
John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
And right from the Saviors mouth: My Father is greater than I.
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
The Father gave the Son a mission to accomplish. The Son did not give the Father such a mission.
John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
The Son acknowledges the Father as His God. Nowhere do you see the Father acknowledging the Son as His God.
What made sense to the community? I beg your pardon?