Bible Question:
Dear Jensen, Greetings from Japan in Jesus' name! Dancing? You keep saying accuracy. I suppose you mean 'freedom from mistake or error.' If we are speaking of fortune-telling or future-telling, I can see that we can just wait and see if the things said come to pass or not. If they do not, the prophecy was false, and intelligent people will no longer listen to said prophet. I agree with you. In case you did not hear me, I AGREE WITH YOU. But, prophets do other things than write the Bible (finished) and tell the future. "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB How do YOU measure the *accuracy* of the above prophetic ministries to God's people? I measure it in service, in the bearing of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, in spiritual guidance to individual saints and the the local church. My friend, if you knew me at all, and if you have read more than a few of my posts, you would not call my values 'liberal' or my attitude toward the Bible 'tolerant.' If you ask me whether I show grace (tolerance) to God's people (as He does!), I am 'guilty as charged.' :-) "...with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love," Ephesians 4:2 NASB. Brother, I can't help but ask, but do you demand the same degree of perfection from preachers and teachers? I don't know about your family situation, but though the Bible demands that I love my wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), I doubt if I have done so 'accurately.' But I believe you could ask Junko about this, and she would tell you that I have loved her 'within acceptable tolerances.' :-) How about you, my friend? Have you you been 'accurate' in your faith? I daresay that there might be a discrepancy between your version and the version of those around you. Your 'conservatism' is admirable, but perhaps God's church deserves a bit better than that. God is 'accurate' and so is His Word. The church, well... I don't think our standards measure up to His. We personally persevere in pursuit of perfection, yes! But we won't attain it until we meet Him. 'Within acceptable tolerances' in Christ Jesus, charis |
Bible Answer: Dear charis...You Wrote... "In case you did not hear me, I AGREE WITH YOU."....Finally. Thank you. I had begun to think that I lost all ability to communicate clearly. At least I'm not going as crazy as I had begun to think :-) And I want to thank you for the gentle tone of your reply. I am not familiar with the scope of the prophets’ role. I was focused on one thing: Those who make the claim that God speaks through them in one way or another. That being settled I will now become more familiar with this Gift. And, I will beware of the false prophet, and the false teacher, and the preacher who adds to the Bible, and I will increase my awareness or ability to see the Enemy for all that he is. Thanks for holding on. For defending the Faith is a constant in the world, especially today. God Bless….Jensen |