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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 | jlhetrick | 154938 | ||
Hello Doc, Where are you coming from with this statement? You wrote: "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." It saddens me to read this. You used the "pronoun" WE but I hope you were not referring to yourself and/or Christians. What you described here is not the character or the way of a true converted person. Sure "our" sin nature still exists and sure many, and even perhapse all, of the characteristics you described can and do exists in every christian, but hoepfully as the exception rather than the rule. I'm sorry but I just don't see how this broad statement about Christians (as it appears you are referring to Christians) as being helpful in answering Diomede's question. Your numberes list was helpful and thanks for that. Jeff |
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3 | How should we take the Bible? | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 154943 | ||
Hi Jeff, I agree with you in hoping that what Doc described is the exception and not the rule, but I stand with Doc, and am a part of his "we". Who among us would think, or claim, that we follow the Lord's mandates most of the time? Why do you think that there are so many places that we are told to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only? Not because it comes automatically, easily, or quickly, I am certain. I would even go a little further than what Doc wrote, and say that we don't even try to figure out how to not obey, we so often have not even the slightest intention of obeying. We read the Word so that we can think we are ok, and then continue with our lives as we choose. There is such a fundamental disobedience within us that has to die, and I think that of the people I know or have met, that have more than half died to themselves as God requires, I could count on one hand. Look at the state of the Christian church in America, and you tell me how far we have come. How many Christians do you know who you would characturize as primarily engaged in a ministry of reconciliation of mankind to God (2Cor 5)? How many are persecuted (2Tim 3)? How many have even suffered minor loss for the sake of the gospel? How many could stand up before us today, and say with clear conscience, "I live holy before God." How should we take the Bible? Like a scalpel in the hand of the only One Who can save us, like the drops of water on a dying man's lips, like our marching orders for today, lest we waste yet another day. Like our Father's words of love, and of power, that will light our way home. Blessings! Love in Christ, Mark |
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4 | How should we take the Bible? | Bible general Archive 2 | jlhetrick | 154944 | ||
Thanks for the reply Mark, I agree with everything you wrote here for the most part. I could not respond to your post the way I did to Doc's. Your post represents the truth about the majority of Christians in this country (in my opinion). I will not, and can not try to defend even myself regarding the "lazy" approach to Christianity the majority of Christians (in this Country) take. I know I should be giving more back to Him and I know that I will never succeed at doing all I should in this life to further the Kingdom of God. But I keep working at it (sometimes harder than others). This is not what I took issue with in Doc's post. In the section of his post that I quoted it read to me like he was likening Christians to the pagans in Romans 1:18-32. I simply don't agree that Christians are, as a rule, "inventors of evil" Romans 1:30 which is how the statment came across to me. That "we" are looking for ways to be disobedient. Perhapse it is our differences in experience related to our individual churches and fellowships. Perhaps I totally missed Doc's point and/or misunderstood what he was writing. But, I'll have to stand by my feedback until I know different. Jeff (always open to correction and redirection) |
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