Bible Question:
I find that the more I read the Bible, the more humble I become in my lack of knowledge. Every time I read it, I find new information I had somehow missed the last time. Honestly, I have always considered myself very smart, I think God is perfecting his humbling of me in this area! Thank you for your insight. I had an interesting "coming out" with my family and friends when I admitted that I was reading the Bible. I actually wrote an article for our church newsletter entitled "Have You Ever Tried to (gasp) Read the Bible?" that explained, among other things, how to know if you have a Catholic Bible. I found out that my mother-in-law was afraid to open a KJV bible because it wasn't Catholic. I told her to try it once and if it spontaneously ignited, douse it with holy water. (note the tongue in cheek please!). My husband couldn't understand why I would want to read it more than once. My very-Catholic aunt who attends mass daily told me that she just found her bible while cleaning out a room and was going to try to read some of the verses I suggested in my article. The responses I have gotten have been very interesting. I haven't really received any blatant hostile responses, but definitely some silences. I am self-named zealot, which is what I tell my friends if they ask why I do this. I have given my theological angst up to God and know that He will lead me in the right direction. I am not quite sure what you meant about presumptions of individual responsibility. Can you explain further ? Stephanie |
Bible Answer: Scripture ... Psa 119; Pro 2:1-8; Eph 2:8-10; Php 2:12, 3:1-11 ... Stephanie, God's day to you. First, let me add something to your original question. When looking at Ephesians 2:8-9, we need to look at verse 10, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them". Our works doesn't save us, but is evidence of our salvation (Php 2:12). We each need to make our own decision to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. It is not based on our pedigree or past, but a person decision (Php 3:1-11). We each need to do more than hear and read the Bible. We need to study, meditate and memomrize God's Word (Psa 119, Pro 2:1-8). Many people just hear and read once a week, some daily ... it goes in one ear and out the other, because the heart is not receptive. My suggestion is that your aunt start in John. There needs to be a method and reading a book helps. Searcher |