Yes, ask the Holy Spirit, but let the word of God be the final court of arbitration. So many people say God told me this or that, and then the next guy says the HS told him something opposite. The HS will never contradict His word. God's word is Spirit, and the foundation and the base in which the Holy Spirit operates.
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I'm not so sure it does. Although I think a seeker is one of the fruits by which we can know somebody is a Christian. What if someone doesn't know how to read? or stranded somewhere for a long time with a bible (a hypothetical I know) or someone just might not have the mental capacity to comprehend. We are all created equal in the site of God, but that doesn't mean everyone has equal intelligence (just look at me, lol).
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N
I suppose it's all about exegetical study of God's Word. Additionally, while I believe we are guided by the Holy Spirit to attain a better understanding of God's Word and will for us, I think it is highly probable the Holy Spirit also guides us to truly study God's Word, instead of wanting for us to falsely believe that by being idle God will somehow magically reveal His revelation to us. I guarantee there are few individuals who have never read the Bible that have a great understanding of God's Word -- that isn't to say one who hasn't read the Bible can't be Christian, but the Holy Spirit definitely wants for us to critically think about and analyze God's Word. Of course, this might just be my opinion. Oh, and we should also keep Scripture in context.
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N
I'm not so sure it does. Although I think a seeker is one of the fruits by which we can know somebody is a Christian. What if someone doesn't know how to read? or stranded somewhere for a long time with a bible (a hypothetical I know) or someone just might not have the mental capacity to comprehend. We are all created equal in the site of God, but that doesn't mean everyone has equal intelligence (just look at me, lol).
If you really have a face like that, I will keep you in my prayers.
No, nope . . . Seriously!
L
I'm not so sure it does. Although I think a seeker is one of the fruits by which we can know somebody is a Christian. What if someone doesn't know how to read? or stranded somewhere for a long time with a bible (a hypothetical I know) or someone just might not have the mental capacity to comprehend. We are all created equal in the site of God, but that doesn't mean everyone has equal intelligence (just look at me, lol).
I don't think that studying the word has anything to do with being highly educated. Most of the disciples were not well educated men. But as Jesus said, Matthew 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
My sister was on a flight with her four year old son. She isn't a church goer, and her son had never even been to church.
She told me that while they were flying, her son was looking out of the airplane window with this amazed look on his face. When she asked him what he was looking at, he replied, "I'm looking for GOD."
It's all about the heart my friend.
H
We all need to heed the words of nathan3 and others in this thread . The church today is in a great apostasy because of "famous"(infamous) preachers who have destroyed salvation teaching in the word of God and teach a false "faith only", "alone" false gospel. Salvation is the meat of the word that is choking many seasoned pastors today. All of God's word is centered on salvation. The theme of the Bible is salvation. More,exactly, the theme of the Bible is: God's eternal covenant of Grace. Rom. 8:29-30. What are the elementary trues of the Gospel. Heb 6:1-2 "...the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." All of the above are so messed up on this site by people of good intentions but some even following the teaching of demons, making the voices they hear better than God's word. "RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH" (rightly: not wrongly) (dividing: analyzing, dissecting, relating, synthesizing) (the Word of truth: the divinely inspired scriptures of the old testament and the new testament, the Bible, 66 books ) The word "dividing is a beautiful word, it relates to the way a tent maker makes a tent, or as a puzzle maker puts a puzzle together. Read the WHOLE BIBLE, cut out the pattern, put the related parts together, reduce the whole box of pieces to related parts, blue sky green grace, etc. analyzing the whole, then you put the related pieces together into a systematical meaningful whole. and you end up with a livable tent or a beautiful picture. the biggest problem with today's pastors is ,they don't know how to ANALYZE and SYSTHESIZE, they don't correctly brake down the Bible to related parts nor do they put the parts into an intelligent whole. the truth of the Bible has many sides, and if we are pigheaded and don't want to study hard, we will miss the whole truth of the Bible. Love to all,Hoffco
J
What is it to rightly deviding the gospel of truth? Rightly deviding...... able to determate what apllies to us and what doesnt.... what applies to us since jesus died for us in the new testament matthew, mark, luke and john.... since jesus died for us in those letters in the end of the the chapters leads to hebrews 9:16/17 for where a testament is, there must also be of necessity be the death of a testator. For atestament is of force AFTER a men are dead ; otherwise it is of no strength at allwhile the testator liveth. So it leads up to Paul he says that we are at liberty, the law is not our salvation but teaches jesus christ dying for our sins... died buried then rose again on the third day 1corithians 15:1/4 and if you dont believe that he rose again then how would you rise again? And also paul teaches that we are liberty, putting on the armour of god in ephesians....christ our saviour and our life the spirit In us.... and christs faith and righteousness, not of our owns otherwise we boast.... giving thanx always and resting In his cross....that paul through the spirit reveals the true gospel that opens up the whole bible when you rightly devide word of truth...romans 16:25/24...
L
Hi jesusmyhomie, thanks for your response.
I know that there are many teachings that will exclude different parts of the bible but considering what Jesus said above all else, I believe that He was speaking about all of the scriptures.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
When this was written, the NT hadn't been put together yet. They had the "OT" only. So when Paul spoke of the Bereans, who studied out every matter to see if it was so, they were studying the OT. They also studied out what he taught.
Jesus also said that man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. He didn't say, "Jewish people" alone should live every word, or "Christians" alone, but he said, "man."
Psalms 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.'
Our trust should be in Jesus above all men. That's why it's important to prayerfully study out every matter.
Romans 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
I know that there are many teachings that will exclude different parts of the bible but considering what Jesus said above all else, I believe that He was speaking about all of the scriptures.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
When this was written, the NT hadn't been put together yet. They had the "OT" only. So when Paul spoke of the Bereans, who studied out every matter to see if it was so, they were studying the OT. They also studied out what he taught.
Jesus also said that man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. He didn't say, "Jewish people" alone should live every word, or "Christians" alone, but he said, "man."
Psalms 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.'
Our trust should be in Jesus above all men. That's why it's important to prayerfully study out every matter.
Romans 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
L
The Gospel is simple enough for a child to understand and accept, and powerful enough to save the world. The Gospel is the Christ died for our sins, and rose from the dead. Salvation comes from trusting in that event to save us. If your Gospel is more complicated than a small childs level, then you are adding to the requirements for salvation.
J
Weither we want to hear it or not jesus came to fullfill the book and the law that was handed to abraham and moses... that yeap he simply died for us.... was it not men that followed after the law wanted jesus blood spilt.. it doesnt take a genius too understand like you said LT, but you constantly have christians out there trying to please god when he sees christ in us... his righteousness not ours....
His love is true... we rely on him, he keeps us safe, if it doesnt happen its not according to his will which opens up better oppurtunities.... he transforms us... god blessings to you all x
His love is true... we rely on him, he keeps us safe, if it doesnt happen its not according to his will which opens up better oppurtunities.... he transforms us... god blessings to you all x
L
Hi LT,
Without salvation there's no pressing on, because we can do nothing without Christ. A new believer begins with the milk of the word, and should continue on to the meat of the word.
Believers are being addressed in all of these passages. I hope that you will read them and look into the word more on this.
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
1 Corinthians 10:3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
1 Corinthians 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
Here are a few things that Jesus said on the subject. The bible has a lot more to say about these things.
John 4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Matthew 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Without salvation there's no pressing on, because we can do nothing without Christ. A new believer begins with the milk of the word, and should continue on to the meat of the word.
Believers are being addressed in all of these passages. I hope that you will read them and look into the word more on this.
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
1 Corinthians 10:3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
1 Corinthians 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
Here are a few things that Jesus said on the subject. The bible has a lot more to say about these things.
John 4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Matthew 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
J
But I understand forming a relationship with him is reading his word, otherwise how would we be able to have a personal relationship with him? We can pray but I worry who would I be praying too? If I wasnt able to form that relationship with the lord how else am I meant to form that relationship. When im not to sure unless I had evidence through the bible.. it made sence to me, I experienced his blessings through his word.... to be honest rightly deviding his word.... made a huge deference.. made sence... to me that jesus is the key
That is so true! When using any scripture to support your thoughts, actions, beliefs, etc. take all scripture referring to the subject and take it in context. For instance, the word "atonement" in the Old Testament has a different meaning than "atonement" in the New Testament, and understanding the is part of rightly dividing.
E
Atonement is atonement. There are not different meanings.
In the OT it means our crimes were atoned for. thus we were forgiven. it means the same in the NT.
This is the danger of trying to use our beliefs to interpret scripture. and not using the words used to interpret.
Atonement in the hebrew is the same as atonment in the greek. People who these letters were written to would interpret them by what they meant.
