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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | denominations. | Eph 4:3 | Wild Olive Shoot | 149168 | ||
Continued from previous post. The goal I am trying to reach is this: Though our outlook differs somewhat from person to person, it is only because the Scripture in which we read is applied to our lives differently. Our circumstances our not the same, our physical conditions are not the same, our maturity in Christ is not the same and our application of God’s word in our lives is not the same. All of these play a vital role in the Spirit revealing to us what He deems necessary at the time. But our Lord has still established a common ground for us to anchor in. If we pull from that, though our answers seem different, we still remained unified in Him, the essential source of those answers. Hebrews 6 lays the elementary teachings of Christ. The author of Hebrews tells us that we need to move on to more mature teachings. Hebrews 6: 1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And God permitting, we will do so. In our maturity process, Paul points out in Ephesians that we need to hold on to the fundamental beliefs as we grow in Christ. Ephesians 4: 4There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you were called– 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But as we mature, our application of God’s word may differ in our lives. That’s okay. That’s to be expected. But we should be promoting that in unity and with the understanding, that although we differ slightly in the application of God’s word, we still pull those applications from the common source of Jesus Christ and what God has revealed to us in His word. The answers we search our in the Bible. Are all of the answers there? No, I don’t think so. I know God hasn’t revealed to us when His Son will be returning. But what the Bible is to me is God’s complete revelation to us. God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us all we need to know. All the answers that we need to live a life to accomplish His work in us, has been revealed in His word to us, all of them. Now I’m not saying that there isn’t other material available to help us, but in the end, our Holy Bible has to be the final authority concerning our questions of God, Christ and His Church. I trust that God knows what is needed and I realize that, who am I to question God and claim that He still owes me answers. In my finite worldly wisdom, I have done that and I have been wrong. God owes me nothing. He owes us nothing. He has graciously given us what we need to live our lives in a manner pleasing to Him. And we owe it to Him to do that. He has also informed us that all questions will be answered in the end. But we have to get there first. Faith is the key: Hebrews 11 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. So as long as our outlook and answers are rooted in the basic principals of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, can they be wrong? Not if we let the Spirit guide us on our search for those answers. We know our Bible does not answer all questions, but on a subject to which the Word is silent, we must rely on our consciences, our hearts, the Spirit of God to guide us. We risk much by turning to worldly wisdom to find our answers. Now like I said, there is plenty of material out there to help us along the path, but scripture forewarns us of the dangers of it as well, so let us choose our material wisely, with a godly wisdom. Just my thoughts. WOS |
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2 | denominations. | Eph 4:3 | Wild Olive Shoot | 149169 | ||
Scripture that I hope supports my stance concerning the preceding posts. Corinthians 2:6-16 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 Galatians 1:6-9 1 Timothy 1:4-6 1 Timothy 4:1-5 2 Timothy 3:16-17 2 Timothy 4:2-4 Titus 1:8-16 Colossians 2:4-8 |
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3 | denominations. | Eph 4:3 | EdB | 149192 | ||
Wild Olive I agree with most of what you mention but two things bother me, you seem to excuse denominational differences as merely our differences of application of the truth. Application is crux of the problem not a side issue of Christianity. The Pharisees knew the law but their failure came on application. Jesus told us to be in unity and one accord not at different levels of application. Also you mention maturity, does my maturity or my lack of maturity excuse my actions? They might be an explanation for my actions but the fact is I need to bring my actions into line with God’s commands. Again this almost circles back to the application. God didn’t call us to apply his words according to our environment, our social status, our maturity of lack thereof, of by any other standard other than do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That all said I thank you for thoughtful response to this issue, and I want to think reread what you said because there is a lot of good in it. Thanks EdB |
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4 | denominations. | Eph 4:3 | Wild Olive Shoot | 149206 | ||
Hey EdB, just trying to shed some light on the subject. Please, don't look at anything I stated as argumentative or defensive. Just to clarify something though, when speaking on maturity, I wasn't implying that anyone or any denomination was immature. But many seem to argue over issues of basic Christian doctrine and get stuck at that level, referencing the scripture taken from Hebrews. The arguments over doctrine, which should already be well known to the new or existing Christian, are rather immature, and we should move on. Sort of like moving on to bigger and better things, growing spiritually and progressing towards Christ promoting unity not dissension. Get over what we already know as fact and move on to more mature things that we should be learning. That's all. Regarding application, I agree with you 100 percent. Application of God's word in our life is of the utmost importance. After all, what is the purpose of God's word given to us if we don't apply it? I just feel that application will vary based on where we are in our spiritual growth with Christ. Since we are all not at the same level, application can vary, but application is still the desire. Glad you thought there were some good things you could pull. That's what my hope was and if they helped just one, then it served its purpose. I must let you know, your reply helped my perspective as well and I thank you for that. WOS |
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