Subject: Where should I turn?????? |
Bible Note: You said "if I did not hold the Word to be true your stating that it is so without reason is a sure-fired way to get tuned out." Again, I point to the same scripture used earlier that says different. Isa 55:11, Heb 4:12, Rom 10:17 Granted, it can be tuned out. But I beg to differ that it is a sure-fired way as you say. Take the time to read each of the verses mentioned above. Really think about what they are saying. I say WOW! I would even say that Isaiah 55:11 is proof that someone can tune it out all day long if they want to but if God's will is that they tune it in, they will tune it in. :) I pray I'm wrong, but your statement appears to me that you don't understand the true power of God's words. You said "I respect your faith, but how can a person who is apparently lost and without the Holy Spirit to illuminate them know what a particular verse means? they can read it all day long and know what it says without knowing what it means." Brother, I think I know where you are coming from with your whole argument but I have to ask, do you really understand what these scriptures are saying? You ask how? How is easy to answer. It's God's word we are talking about. How is not a problem for God. I would say Hebrews 4:11 teaches us that God's word has the power to do anything. I would also say Romans 10:17 drives the point home on the importance of using God's word. Brother, these are not just words on paper. There is power in God's words. By the way, even the saved can sit and read a particular verse all day long and not know what it means. Take a look at this forum for example. Many of the questions ask here are ask by the saved seeking understanding of the scriptures. We can be thankful that the same Holy Spirit that lives within us and guides us is also in others and guiding them as well. So we learn much that the Holy Spirit has revealed to others that are saved. You said "I do believe that the presentation of the Romans road or the "Gospel" of the salvation of sinners by Christ is the end goal, but we must not discount people too quickly when they ask questions that require physical proof" The Gospel is not the end goal. It should be the main goal and the first objective. God has told us the power in His word, we should use it. I for one will not question it's abilities to accomplish exactly what God said it will accomplish nor think that I can in someway do a better job then He. Also, I didn't discount anyone. Actually, I was counting this young person. That's why I felt it important to not put the word of God on the side line and dismiss it as circular reasoning. Brother, take a look at the world today. Look at all the ways man has placed himself above God and all the ways that man has excluded God. What are the results we find when God is excluded? Not a pretty picture from what I see. The point I'm trying to drive home is the importance and the power of God's word. Hey, if I was the enemy that's the first thing I would want you to stop using myself. I would want you to put the word of God on the shelf and not use it because it's too powerful and as the enemy I have nothing to dispute it. I pray we all learn to keep the word of God in front of us at all time and live by it, trust in it, and share it every chance we get. In love, not criticism |