My concerns about the bible

[Blain]

Wait Blain is actually talking about something that fits in the bible discussion forum!? But all jokes aside There is something i wish to discuss and it's bible. Lately I have been talking to God about my concerns with his word. I'm sure you all know my stance on scripture that it is holy and sacred and should be treated as such not to be used lightly or misused.
My conversation with God starts off with how it disturbs me how easy it is for one to tear apart his holy words and twist them and misuse them with ease. I heard atheists will study the bible exhaustively simple to debate attack and hurt Christians, I notice how if one knows the bible well how easy it is to take it out of context to fit our own desires beliefs or intentions. Even satan himself did this when Jesus was in the wilderness.

Another thing is this whole Bible version mess.Lots of ppl say a certain version is the only true word of God such as the king james version or possible some other version. But see this doesn't make sense to me because when I was first saved I only had a living translation bible and I have seen scripture do amazing things. When i began reading it wasn't like reading or studying a normal book every word and verse I read I could feel my soul devouring it as if it was the most amazing and most satisfying food or wine. I didn't read with an interpretation or anything I simply devoured everything I read and i saw how strong it made me so quickly I saw the power each verse held and I saw it do amazing things.

Although for some reason this didn't last long maybe a week or so, one day it just stopped i never could read the word like that again I never felt my soul devouring each verse like that. it's not the same as reading the bible or studying it like we normally do there is no interpretation needed no view of what a scripture means its as if God already gave you the eyes and understanding and all you have to do is simply feast on his word. I desperately want this again and I have prayed for it but it simply doesn't happen.

 

[Jason0047]

Jesus quoted Scripture as an authority. The Scriptures say we are to conform to the image of Christ. Also, the apostles also quoted Scripture, too. 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is profitable for correction and training in righteousness. Meaning, we are supposed to use the Word of God when we correct and train other believers. It is not an option.

 

[Blain]

Jesus quoted Scripture as an authority. The Scriptures say we are to conform to the image of Christ. Also, the apostles also quoted Scripture, too. 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is profitable for correction and training in righteousness. Meaning, we are supposed to use the Word of God when we correct and train other believers. It is not an option.

I think you missed the point of my post. My point wasn't that we shouldn't use scripture

 

[just-me]

Although for some reason this didn't last long maybe a week or so, one day it just stopped i never could read the word like that again I never felt my soul devouring each verse like that. it's not the same as reading the bible or studying it like we normally do there is no interpretation needed no view of what a scripture means its as if God already gave you the eyes and understanding and all you have to do is simply feast on his word. I desperately want this again and I have prayed for it but it simply doesn't happen.

As scripture indicates, God produces certain chronological events that happen as we progress in walking with Him in Christ. There are hills and valleys, rivers and flowers, dry places and springs of living water along the way. Sometimes there seems to be a drought in our lives, but that doesn't mean we are far from God or Him from us. It is a testing of your faith so you can see in yourself whether you are really committed to Him or not.

James 1:2-8
[SUP]2 [/SUP]My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto theLord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

 

[Jason0047]

I think you missed the point of my post. My point wasn't that we shouldn't use scripture

You said before that you don't like to quote Scripture. But Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God. Believers are supposed to study to show themselves approved unto God. They are to speak and act upon God's Word. Jesus said His words are spirit and they are life. Death and life is in the tongue. The reason why you don't have the fire for God's Word anymore is because you have not made it apart of your every day life in how you speak and act. If one is talking and walking God's Word, then they will be passionate about it.

 

[gb9]

you also have to rightly divide the words of truth. not just pluck out verses and ignore others. Jason, listening man??

 

[Dan_473]

hi again, blain... I just posted on your 'church' thread...

sounds to me like the things you're experiencing are common things that happen to believers as they mature...

about the bible, imo, God purposely wrote the bible in such a way that it can be twisted, used for wrong purposes... I think it's designed to benefit those who are willing to use subtlety...

 

[Jason0047]

you also have to rightly divide the words of truth. not just pluck out verses and ignore others.

Well, actually MAD (Mid Acts Dispensationalism) and OSAS (Once Saved Always Saved) proponents are called Right Dividers because they beat that phrase in the Bible to death. However, it is the MAD or OSAS proponent that plucks verses out of context and ignores others. Hence, why they attack my character instead of addressing the actual verses (most of the time). Take for example a simple one. Jesus said if you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven. Also, they not only ignore tons of passages, but they also cannot make a real world example out of what they believe. So they are ignoring reality, too.

 

[kodiak]

Wait Blain is actually talking about something that fits in the bible discussion forum!? But all jokes aside There is something i wish to discuss and it's bible. Lately I have been talking to God about my concerns with his word. I'm sure you all know my stance on scripture that it is holy and sacred and should be treated as such not to be used lightly or misused.
My conversation with God starts off with how it disturbs me how easy it is for one to tear apart his holy words and twist them and misuse them with ease. I heard atheists will study the bible exhaustively simple to debate attack and hurt Christians, I notice how if one knows the bible well how easy it is to take it out of context to fit our own desires beliefs or intentions. Even satan himself did this when Jesus was in the wilderness.

Another thing is this whole Bible version mess.Lots of ppl say a certain version is the only true word of God such as the king james version or possible some other version. But see this doesn't make sense to me because when I was first saved I only had a living translation bible and I have seen scripture do amazing things. When i began reading it wasn't like reading or studying a normal book every word and verse I read I could feel my soul devouring it as if it was the most amazing and most satisfying food or wine. I didn't read with an interpretation or anything I simply devoured everything I read and i saw how strong it made me so quickly I saw the power each verse held and I saw it do amazing things.

Although for some reason this didn't last long maybe a week or so, one day it just stopped i never could read the word like that again I never felt my soul devouring each verse like that. it's not the same as reading the bible or studying it like we normally do there is no interpretation needed no view of what a scripture means its as if God already gave you the eyes and understanding and all you have to do is simply feast on his word. I desperately want this again and I have prayed for it but it simply doesn't happen.

Are you saying that you are afraid that If you continue to read, you will misinterpret it? I will pray for you.

 

[gb9]

what I mean is this: some PEOPLE take every verse about sin, judgement, holiness, etc, and ignore the ones about forgiveness and grace and long-suffering and compassion. by contrast, some use only the love and forgiveness and nothing about sin and judgement. we need a healthy balance.

 

[atwhatcost]

In order of how my mind works (compared to chronological order or even common sense order lol):
1. Wait! You don't usually talk about the Bible? I haven't met that side of you yet. Sure, you don't ask what Lev. 22:18-22 means, (and I'm hoping Leviticus has those verses lol), but you just asked about church and that was a biblical question. And this is Biblical even without it being nitpicky Biblical. (I'm a Nitpicker Biblical, so I know these difference. lol) If it's about God, like most of your questions and answers that I've seen thus far, it's Biblical.

2. You think atheists who turn to the Bible to taunt Christians and their God walk away learning nothing? I've never heard of an atheist who really started digging for the ammunition not end up getting the Big Bang that is God's salvation by the end of it. (Their goal backfires in a good way. lol) I'm married to someone who used to do that.

His pleasure was to find "contradictory Bible verses" and then flaunt them to Christians. Most haven't learned enough to have come backs, so he got great pleasure tearing them apart. And then he met a woman who drove him crazy. He'd say something, she'd open up, find the verse and then tear his argument apart verse by verse. He'd go home looking for more ammo, come back for round 2, 3, 4, 10, 12, and go home seething because she did it again. One night he had trouble sleeping because he was furious with her. The next morning he woke up born again.

Because of his history, he studies others with the other history. He can tell of others who did the same thing. His favorite is two lawyers who made a pact together that they'd study the Bible for the next year, and come back to show the ammunition they gathered proving "No God." A year later and both blushed. God broke through and they were closer to Bible scholars than most. lol Believers completely.

3. Bible version debate -ad nauseum. Yeah, I get what you're saying and agree. God has chosen some from every nation every where at any given time. That means God has chosen some people from before the time Moses wrote down the first word "In." Bible not required. God is. Bible is good so we can tell which thing were imagining instead of the real God. Apparently, he knew I had to come along after the Bible was bound (even after scrolls), because I need it to get who he is versus who I want him to be. (I want him to be a god who never killed massive amounts of people, but that's not who he really is -- just to show what I mean.) God is. God has always been. The Bible is for us to understand who he is. Even with a poor translation, God gives us what we need to know about him.

4. The fire back in studying. I've been a Christian since 1972. (I'm tired of doing the math. I'm also stuck thinking 1972 wasn't that long ago. lol) I remember that "Oh wow!" the first time. I've read it multiple times since. Not there after that first time. It's back again.

The thing that helps me is my Dead Guys. My Dead Guys are commentators. As many times as I read the Bible before, I had no idea the Ten Plagues was God showing the Egyptians, one at a time, that ten of their gods weren't real. I just never knew that, because I didn't know the culture. I never knew that golden calf the Israelites made while Moses was still up on the mountain talking to God was a representation of that God. I thought they invented another god while seeing that thunder cloud Moses was in. So, yeah, there's still plenty to learn, we just have to go past thinking we got it all straight from the pages themselves. It's a book about God through time, so it's not like we'll get it all in any one round. It's still just as cool, but we need to raise the level of understanding each time. With Dead Guys helping, it makes it easier. Even they were used to tell what God wants us to hear.

 

[skylove7]

First off Blain...let me say this! I know you. You are a kind, God loving young man. You are very hard on yourself at times in these forums. Your conscience that feels guilt at times...is a beautiful thing. You and many others I see...have spilled your sins out in these forums for the pickings to begin! I am not here to pick at you...because I have sinned in my life too. I am here to love, and tell you forgive yourself...because God forgives you!
Let me also if I may express a personal opinion. Agree or disagree...It doesn't bother me in the least....but how I feel is this...
Debates will continue....until Jesus comes. But this I conclude,...is we are all Christians! We all love God...and each other. We praise him...study scripture...walk his path. But no one can know everything...that is Gods design...for imagine if an evil man...knew all secrets of God...I don't believe God would want that to happen. The bible says With God ALL things are possible! It doesn't say trust in men of flesh, for ALL things are possible with your neighbor Joe down the road! Follow your heart. Let the Holy Spirit lead you! You have the right to believe what you like,...God will show us ALL what didn't quite make sense to us...when we meet him in heaven.
As for now Blain...trust this! You know God loves you! Also you have been in excruciating pain lately. God knows we love him...but sometimes when we read scriptures when our bodies ache or we have problems on our mind...it is hard for the mind to concentrate on the beauty of scripture in pain. God knows this! You have had a lot happen to you in your youth. God loves you...He is with you! Stay strong as you can young brother! You are in my prayers!

 

[Joidevivre]

The bible will begin to come alive again when you learn how to "pray it". Every scripture you read - use it for interaction with God Either praise Him, receive what is offered to you, repent, or intercede it for someone who needs it.

I found for myself that all the understanding in the world does not take the place of praying it. Of letting it be that place where you meet with Jesus Christ.

 

[atwhatcost]

You said before that you don't like to quote Scripture. But Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God. Believers are supposed to study to show themselves approved unto God. They are to speak and act upon God's Word. Jesus said His words are spirit and they are life. Death and life is in the tongue. The reason why you don't have the fire for God's Word anymore is because you have not made it apart of your every day life in how you speak and act. If one is talking and walking God's Word, then they will be passionate about it.

And I tend to think you miss the "unto God" part and think it means you need to prove yourself to show your worth. That defeats the purpose...

Since we're now telling what we think others are thinking.

 

[JesusIsAll]

Although for some reason this didn't last long maybe a week or so, one day it just stopped i never could read the word like that again I never felt my soul devouring each verse like that. it's not the same as reading the bible or studying it like we normally do there is no interpretation needed no view of what a scripture means its as if God already gave you the eyes and understanding and all you have to do is simply feast on his word. I desperately want this again and I have prayed for it but it simply doesn't happen.

Your experience is very familiar. I remember, as a new Christian, devouring the word of God, until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore nights. Everything was new, as if the world was also new and changed, couldn't wait to straighten everybody out with this new information, great things around the corner. But the world didn't go away one whit, there was dealing with the same realities, even more trials of not fitting in, and, over all the years, I've only some fewer times had that same feeling, as if, constantly high on the Lord, and more fleeting, but also came to realize it's largely an emotionalism that has little to do with agape love and the mind of God. Feelings are often mistaken for spirituality. What do you do? You pray to the Lord for spiritual strength, for more of His Spirit, and, as importantly, you continue to study His word as a lifetime habit, start sometimes reading the Bible when you don't want to, as His word is spiritual life and power, which will manifest. We must seek to find, therefore have an obligation to walk in the light of Christ, whether we're filled with motivation at any given time, or not. And the promise is, as we seek Him, we find. Eyes on the Lord, seek Him and praise Him, rain or shine! The following verse worked for Paul, who was filled with the joy of the Lord, when even in a dark, dirty, cold and damp prison,

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

I would like to add that it's also my experience that I'm not as emotionally driven as when very young in matters of faith, but am in a much better place of having a consistent, steady realization of the Lord, in all circumstances, that helps focus on things eternal, things generally not getting me down often, at all. This more steady state of assurance of all things, through faith and trust in the Lord, is a better place, than dancing around one day, and crashing the next. Like your mentioning spending time in the word of God, it's just something I do, as even things you've read or heard a zillion times are still a joy, to uplift your spirit. It's sort of like walking with Christ isn't running, nor crawling, but best done steadily. Hope this helps you in some way.

 

[Blain]

You said before that you don't like to quote Scripture. But Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God. Believers are supposed to study to show themselves approved unto God. They are to speak and act upon God's Word. Jesus said His words are spirit and they are life. Death and life is in the tongue. The reason why you don't have the fire for God's Word anymore is because you have not made it apart of your every day life in how you speak and act. If one is talking and walking God's Word, then they will be passionate about it.

I told you I don't quote scripture because I refuse to use it like many do. Scripture is holy and sacred and I am very careful as to how I use it. I have used scripture in debates before many times actually but it never does any good no one listen to the scripture they simply reject it and say it means something else so I stopped using scripture in debates and decided to use it help and encourage and uplift others instead of using it in debates.

I am very passionate about God's word why do you think I made this thread? But what I am saying is I haven't been been able to read it like I did before and not a lot of ppl do apparently as they twist misuse and take God's word out of context to fit their beliefs views and desires

 

[Blain]

Are you saying that you are afraid that If you continue to read, you will misinterpret it? I will pray for you.

No that's not what i'm saying I read the word I just don't seem to be able to feast on it like I used to. I do not claim to have every interpretation of scripture correct or view it in the correct way which is why I am so careful in how I use it as my understanding of it may be lacking and ppl don't like that they expect me to use scripture to make my point or to use it in a debate but do you know how easy it is to even accidently misuse misquote and take scripture out of context?

But when I use it to help ppl instead of debates or to make my point I see the scriptures demonstrate amazing power

 

[kodiak]

No that's not what i'm saying I read the word I just don't seem to be able to feast on it like I used to. I do not claim to have every interpretation of scripture correct or view it in the correct way which is why I am so careful in how I use it as my understanding of it may be lacking and ppl don't like that they expect me to use scripture to make my point or to use it in a debate but do you know how easy it is to even accidently misuse misquote and take scripture out of context?

But when I use it to help ppl instead of debates or to make my point I see the scriptures demonstrate amazing power

There is really smart. I will still pray for you that you can get back into feasting on the Bible.

 

[ivanc0]

Wait Blain is actually talking about something that fits in the bible discussion forum!? But all jokes aside There is something i wish to discuss and it's bible. Lately I have been talking to God about my concerns with his word. I'm sure you all know my stance on scripture that it is holy and sacred and should be treated as such not to be used lightly or misused.
My conversation with God starts off with how it disturbs me how easy it is for one to tear apart his holy words and twist them and misuse them with ease. I heard atheists will study the bible exhaustively simple to debate attack and hurt Christians, I notice how if one knows the bible well how easy it is to take it out of context to fit our own desires beliefs or intentions. Even satan himself did this when Jesus was in the wilderness.

Another thing is this whole Bible version mess.Lots of ppl say a certain version is the only true word of God such as the king james version or possible some other version. But see this doesn't make sense to me because when I was first saved I only had a living translation bible and I have seen scripture do amazing things. When i began reading it wasn't like reading or studying a normal book every word and verse I read I could feel my soul devouring it as if it was the most amazing and most satisfying food or wine. I didn't read with an interpretation or anything I simply devoured everything I read and i saw how strong it made me so quickly I saw the power each verse held and I saw it do amazing things.

Although for some reason this didn't last long maybe a week or so, one day it just stopped i never could read the word like that again I never felt my soul devouring each verse like that. it's not the same as reading the bible or studying it like we normally do there is no interpretation needed no view of what a scripture means its as if God already gave you the eyes and understanding and all you have to do is simply feast on his word. I desperately want this again and I have prayed for it but it simply doesn't happen.

The bible is a book of contradictions. the biggest contradiction is the zealous, revengeful, slavery promoted, rape promoted, Daughters slave promoter, Genocide making God of the Old testament,
against the loving, enemy loving, not revengeful God of the New testament.

Jesus say No one have seen God, but the old testament shows how Moses talk to God face to face like any man talk to another man, and also Jacob and many others.

Jacob show a disturbing story when changing his name to Israel.

[h=1]Genesis 32:22-3221st Century King James Version (KJ21)[/h] [SUP]22 [/SUP]And he rose up that night, and took his two wives and his two womenservants and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]And he took them and sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had.
[SUP]24 [/SUP]And Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

[SUP]25 [/SUP]And when the man saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint as he wrestled with him.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]And the man said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” And he said, “I will not let thee go, unless thou bless me.”
[SUP]27 [/SUP]And he said unto him, “What is thy name?” And he said, “Jacob.”
[SUP]28 [/SUP]And he said, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”

[SUP]29 [/SUP]And Jacob asked him, and said, “Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.” And he said, “Why is it that thou dost ask after my name?” And he blessed him there.
[SUP]30 [/SUP]And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel [that is, The face of God]: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”




What?, Jacob wrestled some one and prevailed, He saw the face of God, and beat him, and what is the problem with God and the sun light? is this a vampire story?
The story talks about a physical event this is why Jacob end up limping (see verses below)
This story contradict everything makes God Just as another man. (It is just a legend)

 

[1joseph]

And you call yourself a Christian.

The bible is a book of contradictions. the biggest contradiction is the zealous, revengeful, slavery promoted, rape promoted, Daughters slave promoter, Genocide making God of the Old testament,
against the loving, enemy loving, not revengeful God of the New testament.

Jesus say No one have seen God, but the old testament shows how Moses talk to God face to face like any man talk to another man, and also Jacob and many others.

Jacob show a disturbing story when changing his name to Israel.

Genesis 32:22-3221st Century King James Version (KJ21)

[SUP]22 [/SUP]And he rose up that night, and took his two wives and his two womenservants and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]And he took them and sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had.
[SUP]24 [/SUP]And Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

[SUP]25 [/SUP]And when the man saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint as he wrestled with him.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]And the man said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” And he said, “I will not let thee go, unless thou bless me.”
[SUP]27 [/SUP]And he said unto him, “What is thy name?” And he said, “Jacob.”
[SUP]28 [/SUP]And he said, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”

[SUP]29 [/SUP]And Jacob asked him, and said, “Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.” And he said, “Why is it that thou dost ask after my name?” And he blessed him there.
[SUP]30 [/SUP]And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel [that is, The face of God]: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”




What?, Jacob wrestled some one and prevailed, He saw the face of God, and beat him, and what is the problem with God and the sun light? is this a vampire story?
The story talks about a physical event this is why Jacob end up limping (see verses below)
This story contradict everything makes God Just as another man. (It is just a legend)