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NASB | Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God]--he cannot be My disciple. |
Bible Question:
Thanks, George. Yes, the issue about calling no man "father" seems to be another point of contention, doesn't it? As is women keeping silent in the church. I am a skeptic, I will admit that. But I run into alot of "Bible-believing Christians" who, quite simply don't believe the Bible. Jesus said to call no man "father" and we do anyway. Paul said that women should keep silent in the church and I've never seen that exhortation put into practice. If we interpret the word "hate" as "to love less" then it becomes a sticky situation with God loving sin less or God loving divorce less or God loving Esau less. So I struggle with the fact that the Bible cannot be taken at face-value (it doesn't mean what it says). As soon as we open that Pandora's box, that the Bible doesn't mean what it says, then how are we ever to know what it DOES mean? Then it becomes one persons opinion against another and who is to say who is right? Anyway, yes, I am seeking truth. But I have trouble trusting something which people swear is without contradiction, even when the contradiction is as plain as the noses on our faces. And it cases of this sort, it seems like "Bible-believing Christians" pick and choose what parts they want to believe and what parts they don't. Here is another issue that I would seriously like an answer to: God says to love our enemies and to do good to those who spitefully use us. But He swears that He will destroy His enemies. Now I guess God is God but this certainly seems like a "do as I say, not as I do" approach. Any thoughts? seeking4truth |
Bible Answer: Perhaps dear soul, you should consider changing your name. For from the tone of your note, you’re not seeking anything. You are stating! If you are serious, you should consider a "bible teaching" church. "Seek, and ye shall find. State, and you may reveal your ignorance." Ignorance may cause one to wind up in Hades, but in and of itself, ignorance is not a sin, and will not “send” anyone to Hell. Refusal of knowledge; now that’s a different story all together. All are ignorant in many ways. Is it a sin for one to refuse knowledge? No. Is it smart? You have correctly labeled some Christians, for as yourself, where the Word is concerned, many Christians are utterly ignorant with the exception of a few verses they have picked up here and there or, perhaps a passage or two they have half heartedly read or heard someone ignorantly quote. Are those people "ultimately" responsible for the condition of your immortal soul or anyone’s, other than their own? Is it possible that you may have read the verse I suggested? If so, what did it say? I believe it said something about the word “study.” How much of the Word have you “studied?” You may struggle with what “(YOU CALL,) the fact that the Bible cannot be taken at face-value (it doesn't mean what it says).” But, DEAR SOUL, I have got news for you, and anyone else who displays their ignorance by making such a statement; THE Word SAYS WHAT THE LORD MEANS AND MEANS EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS. Our ignorance of that fact and inability to interpret and apply Gods Word in its (entirety,) is not going to be an excuse when we stand before the judgment seat. Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, Dear soul, do you have any idea where the bible originated, what language or languages it was written in. Do you know anything concerning the interpretation of those languages? It would be a trivial task for even a young child who has regularly attended Sunday school to thoroughly explain the topics you have pointed out. I pray that you are not as you have portrayed in your note, for if you are, you would not listen. Yet there is still hope… For “all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God, and He is not will in that anyone should parish." You; not I nor anyone else, are ultimately responsible for the eternal condition or your immortal soul. seeking4truth, my words may not be easy to swallow. They may stir your anger and wrath. But as medicine and treatment for the mortal body is often painful, so is truth. I’m not investing my time to tell you what you want to hear, or what you may agree with. Through my blessings, I am attempting to bring to light what you say you are seeking. It is now up to you. My prayer for you seeking4truth is that when truth is in front of you, you will recognize it. May His Grace allow your eyes to see, and heart to hear, and may He open your heart to take these strong words in the mending context they are intended. Exhorting In Christ George |