Bible Question: I am searching for a local church because I am new to Christianity and this Forum was suggested by a friend.I listened to a pastor recently who insisted in his speech that Hebrews was written by Paul. He offered a lot of evidence. But I am not equiped to know if the evidence is factual. My Bible notes that the author is not known. I have searched the Forum and found some interesting comments. I have discovered that the author could have been any number of people. So, my question is this-should I trust a pastor who has insisted that Paul wrote Hebrews or should I continue my search for a church? |
Bible Answer: May I end this discussion? Many of you have offered what seems to me to be good, sound advice. Most have offered it respectfully and all have offered it in love. What a truly diverse community I find myself in. My understanding thusfar, concerning the knowing of Scripture and His will, is best summed up by the account of the Pharisees(sp?) arguing with one another as to the coming of the Savior. They were the most knowledgable, and best educated of all the Jews (if I understand correctly.) They are represented by todays Pastors, Priests, Bishops, Forum contributors, and teachers in this way; That they would quote lots and lots of Scripture to each other saying, essentially, what they wanted to be true (that this Jesus could not, in no way be the Messiah according to the Scriptures) just as those today quote lots and lots of Scripture to make the case for what they want to be the truth. But, of course, He was and He proved it by His resurection and most of those best versed missed it. And it continues to be shown to be true by the fact of the many lives that were/are changed (including my own.):) And today many of these fallible men have caused us to become disunited. I offer this witness; the multitude of denominations (cults?) that can not agree on a simple method of Baptism - what is the correct method, the correct wording, is it even necessary - when in my limited understanding if I depend on anything other than His saving Grace I have missed the Messiah completly. I am saved by what He said (Grace) And what He said ONLY. I believe the Bible, and the Bible ONLY. I recognize that, as a new creation, I will change and have indeed changed in small yet perceptible ways that were not of my own making. And that this change is not and will not be brought about by the pressure of men but, rather, the "pressure" of the Holy Spirit which is in me. I have a desire to "join" a local church but it is to Praise God that I join and not praise the many words of the best educated among us. If a preacher insists on possessing a sure fire knowledge of a "debateable" area, such as the author of Hebrews, how can I trust him for advice based on Scripture. I am not lazy and would always seek to prove the lesson of Scripture on my own. But it would be a lot easier to facilitate my Christian growth if the preacher would just say something like "It is not agreed upon universaly but..." As you might have noticed, I still have a bit of that cynic in me :) yet I know that this too has limited days. May God Bless All of You, Jensen |