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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How should we take the Bible? | Bible general Archive 2 | DocTrinsograce | 154923 | ||
Dear Diomede, Scripture was, indeed, written in a specific cultural context. We live in a different cultural context. The constant that unites us is that we are all human beings. Human nature has not changed. Consequently, it is unlikely that the advice associated with a Roman soldier insisting that I carry his kit the obligatory mile of Matthew 5:41 will have direct, literal bearing on my life. Roman soldiers are relatively rare -- at least in Missouri -- and the laws concerning conscription of citizens have changed. However, I can certainly understand the principle, and it is a blessing to creatively find ways to implement those principles! That written, I have to admit we humans are an awfully conniving lot. We're self centered, rebellious, and slow to change. We spend more time trying to figure out how to obey as little as possible and have our own way as much as possible. We even read the Scriptures -- when we bother to read them at all -- with an attitude of how much is in it for me, and what is the least I have to do. If we are honest, everyone of us struggles with this. So, the long and short of it is this: We quibble over funny language, odd cultural practices, the number of pronouns in a passage, etc. instead of becoming doers of the Word. We look for the promises and eschew the obligations. (Just watch the kinds of questions we get on the forum!) When we approach the Word of God we ought to approach it in the manner in which it is given to us. Primarily, this means to be God focused more than self focused. Here are three simple rules that I find valuable when I read the Word: 1. Look for truths about God, since the Word is His revelation to us about Himself. (Eze 20:12) 2. Look for truths about the Gospel, since the Word is God's plan and history for redemption. (Rom 1:16; Heb 1:1-2) 3. Look for principles and instructions for behaviors that are commended or ought to be avoided, since the Word is God's guide for obedience. (2 Tim 3:16-17) 4. In anything that I learn from the above, since these things are true, how ought I to live? (John 14:21; Jam 1:22) Of course, in all of the above, pray. (Col 1:9) Love it (John 15:10), learn it (2 Tim 2:15, and let it lead (Psalm 119:105, Matthew 7:24)! In Him, Doc |
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2 | How should we take the Bible? | Bible general Archive 2 | Ray | 154932 | ||
Hi Doc, You wrote "We quibble over funny language, odd cultural practices, the number of pronouns in a passage, etc. instead of becoming doers of the Word." I don't know what posts or people you have in mind in writing that; but I am one who is studying the number of pronouns which speak of Deity in a passage. And when I do that, I think that I am "a doer of the (w)Word" so to speak. In looking for truths about God, it is important for us to know which pronouns are speaking of Deity. For instance, in John 1:1 we see how important it is to "do" the right thing as far as capitalization and observing the pronoun speaking of God. God is God not "a god". Ezekiel 20:11, "And I gave them My statutes and informed them of My ordinances, by which, if a man observes [Lit. does] them, he will live." I think it important also not to deify the Gospel, the Word of God. There is a difference between your #1 rule of seeing the Word as His revelation about Himself; and #2 the gospel, the word of God, which is God's plan and history for redemption. From the heart, Ray |
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