I disappear for a few hours and now we have 2 more pages of stuff. Well I'll be. I hope I got to everything.
God made each of us different to be able to hear the diversity of His word. And I firmly believe He intended it that way... even from the choosing of the very diverse group He first picked to spread His word.
That is a rather profound way of looking at it.
If you regard the Bible to be of no more value or credibility than any work of fiction then why the interest?
Why read it then? Why has this book had so great an effect on all of mankind? Given the historical context it has survived when other books faded into obscurity. It is much more than just a book. It fills a void in mans heart that nothing else can do.
Now, you know why he said that. By our ages, many of us understand human nature enough to know why almost anyone says what they say. You used the very "key" word... INTEREST. He does know there is "something" to this "Christianity" stuff, but he's got some concerns about letting go of control of his own life.
Willie is pretty close.
I will further offer that just because I may, at this point, view the Bible as little more than a book, does not mean that there is nothing of significant or profound value to be found within.
On a more personal level, Christianity has been popping up with me a lot over this past month. In online searches, articles I have read, or even with conversations with friends. Coincidence had possibly gone out the window some time ago. I am merely curious to find out.
So, there is "something," and I do not know what. So, I sought out answers from others.
So tell me - Do you consider yourself and Agnostic or an Atheist? I see by your profile you say you are not Christian. Just interested in knowing to know how to really answer you...however, as this Blond sees it...
Agnostic fits better, I think.
To get the best understanding of the Bible it is best to sit down with the book and start reading it and much better if you first pray and ask God to send His Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply what you are reading to your life. Then you don't really have to worry about what the many different denominations try to tell you what the Bible says because if you go straight to the Author of the book you usually get the answers you are seeking.
Then again if you don't believe in God what I just wrote won't mean much to you. But it is the best answer this Blonde's got..
To a degree, I think it's safe to say that I do. To my understanding, the concept of God is simply the next level up above the other deities of other faiths. For example, a sort of collective of the entire Greco-Roman, Norse, or Kemetic pantheons are just attributes of God identified as different entities. Zeus could simply be a personification of their perception of God's justice, with a bit of their own culture tossed in to flesh him out as a character and capable of interacting with the other personifications they've imagined.
Well, this is how I hear God spoken of. If that is the case, then it is not farfetched for me to have a firm understanding and belief in God.
And a thank you for the welcome, and the cookies.
It's very nice to meet you!
Jesus told us what the weightier matters are. Mercy, forgiveness.
If we ever put anything above these, we have begun to go wrong.
If we can state what we believe in a manner that does not withhold mercy and forgiveness from anyone, we do well.
If we do withhold mercy and forgiveness, we will be judged exactly as we have judged.
It's very sobering and when a man understands it, he begins to leave behind bitterness over opinions and vicious disputing and begins to walk more humbly.
Thank you, and to you too!
I'll keep that in mind as I go through the rest of these, and begin a more thorough reading.
Biblical Understand first has to be in Relationship with Jesus or as The Holy Spirit provides Illumination in imparting insight and understanding to the individual reader or hearer so that " Truth is comprehended.
Are you implying that it's more of a gradual process? That illumination comes with time and study? I know many books often recommend reading thorugh it multiple times, over time. You pick up on something you didn't notice before, and then on the next read through, the understanding you gained from the previous then lets you pick up on something new, and the cycle continues.
What you will find is the interpretation people put on the words comes down to experience.
At first this might seem strange but the subject is simple. If I was writing a guide to swimming and you almost drowned, either my guide was wrong or you did not apply it properly.
The bible is the same. The Lord is saying if you establish a relationship with Him, He will guide you.
Now a lot of people follow Christianity, but a unclear about this basic of realities.
Therefore not surprisingly their interpretations of the words vary wildly. But that is the nature of the beast, the seed, or the word bears its fruit to all who listen and put it into action.
I suppose I should take that bit about Shephard a little more literally then, huh?
"Interpretation"
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Pet 1:20-21
"How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying." 1 Cor 14:26
True interpretation can only happen with Holy Ghost teaching one the truths behind each Scripture. The truth behind 2 Pet 1:20-21 is that your interpreter, Jesus(or as the Bible says, "Spirit of Jesus Christ" Phil 1:19 ), IS the spirit of prophecy!("...for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" Rev 19:10b)
All one needs to do is to match everything with the Word itself, we don't need private interpretations, the Word interprets itself! For the Spirit that was given testifies of what the whole Word represents-Jesus!
"Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me" Psa 40:7(seen in Heb 10:7)
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me" John 15:26
Interesting. And assuming I am following correctly, somewhat coincides with what others have been talking about.
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I think I got to everyone... If I need to elaborate something, do let me know.
