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Everytime I ask a relatively tough question about the Christian faith, raise an issue that is not easily resolved or CANNOT be resolved, I always inevitably get someone telling me the reason why I don't get it is because I do not have the spirit of god and as a result, I cannot discern the spiritual things of god.
Now stay with me here.
I tell them, well once upon a time I did understand "spiritual things" because I was once a devoted Christian. I understood and bought into Christian concepts, hook, line and sinker. Just because I understood, did not make my conclusions right no more than understanding the moral lessons of Aesop's fables make a talking mouse and lion real.
Now what I don't seem to get is this. If Christians claim people need the spirit of god to grasp, understand and conclude the true interpretation of things godly, how come so many Christians interpret different biblical passages differently? How com so many different denominations that are sometimes on different sides of the fence on biblical interpretation?
Preterist (as his name implies) believes the contents of the book of Revelation have since been fulfilled, ye another Christian will say, "oh no, not so." Another Christan will believe in the trinity and another will not. Another will baptize in the name of Jesus only and another will baptize in the name of the father, son and holy spirit. One group will say Christians are supposed to observe Saturday as the sabbath and another will say it is Sunday. The long, long lists of differences in scriptural interpretation will go on and on and yet just about all of them will feel the spirit of god has given them the correct interpretation of the scriptures. They will all tell the unbeliever he or she just cannot get the scriptures right, yet they cannot even agree or be in unity with their own scriptures supposedly utilizing their alleged inside track to god's mind.
Hi, I believe that believers differ in their understanding on some things for many reasons. Some, for example, are babes in Christ and we are at different stages of growth in our walk with the Lord. Some have done more indepth studies and take into account various sources such as different lexicons, dictionaries, studies, ect which may influence how we understand things and some may look through the perspective of what they have been taught only. Sometimes we may not be ready to accept something that may be scriptural but which may go against what we have been taught. And I also believe that God gives us as He desires. This is why to me is so great that we can study the scriptures and pray for understanding and guidance. We can also learn from each other, but I believe that in all this, the spirit of how we relate to one another despite our differences on some subjects is what is most important. God bless.
Everytime I ask a relatively tough question about the Christian faith, raise an issue that is not easily resolved or CANNOT be resolved, I always inevitably get someone telling me the reason why I don't get it is because I do not have the spirit of god and as a result, I cannot discern the spiritual things of god.
Now stay with me here.
I tell them, well once upon a time I did understand "spiritual things" because I was once a devoted Christian. I understood and bought into Christian concepts, hook, line and sinker. Just because I understood, did not make my conclusions right no more than understanding the moral lessons of Aesop's fables make a talking mouse and lion real.
Now what I don't seem to get is this. If Christians claim people need the spirit of god to grasp, understand and conclude the true interpretation of things godly, how come so many Christians interpret different biblical passages differently? How com so many different denominations that are sometimes on different sides of the fence on biblical interpretation?
Preterist (as his name implies) believes the contents of the book of Revelation have since been fulfilled, ye another Christian will say, "oh no, not so." Another Christan will believe in the trinity and another will not. Another will baptize in the name of Jesus only and another will baptize in the name of the father, son and holy spirit. One group will say Christians are supposed to observe Saturday as the sabbath and another will say it is Sunday. The long, long lists of differences in scriptural interpretation will go on and on and yet just about all of them will feel the spirit of god has given them the correct interpretation of the scriptures. They will all tell the unbeliever he or she just cannot get the scriptures right, yet they cannot even agree or be in unity with their own scriptures supposedly utilizing their alleged inside track to god's mind.
This is why it is best not to trust in man and go directly to God. The still small voice within.
Each person is on a walk of sorts, some get delayed by others ways, some see them for what they are and walk on, down the road they are meant to walk. While most fall in the ditch.
Ask, Seek, Knock directly...that's the only way anyone truly knows what is true and beneficial.
And then the Bible, supposedly the blueprint for Christian walk, is NOT an easily understood book WITHOUT some kind of knowledge of the social, cultural, philosophical and historical background/perspective. I will wager the the overwhelming majority of Christians do not even know what Zoroastrianism is and the clear evidence of its influence on Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Some open their New Testament and read about Pharisees and Sadducees, sects they never read about in the Old Testament, and won't even research their origins and so forth.
Sure, biblical concepts that have been handed down through the ages and accepted as "fact" can be learned and understood, but many (if not all) biblical concepts require "faith" (belief) which does NOT require facts.
Last edited by DonGorgonII; 01-27-2008 at 10:27 AM..
This is why it is best not to trust in man and go directly to God. The still small voice within.
Each person is on a walk of sorts, some get delayed by others ways, some see them for what they are and walk on, down the road they are meant to walk. While most fall in the ditch.
Ask, Seek, Knock directly...that's the only way anyone truly knows what is true and beneficial.
godspeed,
freedom
Well that 'still small voice' appears to tell people different things so can we really trust those voices in our heads?
Well, Don, you may or may not understand what I am about to write, but's the best I can do for you.
Joseph Smith asked almost the identical questions you have asked here. I suggest prayer and investigation.
And he came up with a different Gospel and invented a false religion. But you are correct, Sergeantl--we must seek truth through prayer and study. I find it inexcusable that we have denominationalism and are perfectly content with that. But that is not the fault of God and that does not negate the truths of the Bible.
The problem as I see it is apathy and laziness. It is far easier to sit in a pew on Sunday morning and take in every word spoken from the pulpit without question and without analysis. Some churches baptize infants while many in their congregations have no understanding why. It is just s-ooooo cute! Others speak in tongues as a show of superiority over others. Other groups raise their gigantic signs over THEIR church that say "the FULL Gospel." What do the rest have--half a Gospel, three-quarters of a Gospel? Still others join together on Sunday mornings because they love the music or they just think pastor so and so is such a good speaker--who cares WHAT he is saying; they just like HOW he says it! Others have entertainment and exciting social programs that draw the mediocre. Still others turn the bread and wine of communion into the very blood and body of Christ (transubstantiation). Others just let the Holy Spirit sort of hover over the bread and wine and give them some type of signifiance (consubstantiation)???? I never have understood that one. Still others say that the bread and wine are merely symbols. Jesus is coming again--no, Jesus already came. You can lose your salvation--no, that is not possible. And on and on and on.
What is the solution?--a body of Christ that takes the Word of God seriously--each one for himself. A body of Christ whose individual members care not about the traditions of men or creeds written by men UNLESS they strictly adhere to the truths of God's Word. As long as the Church universal is not willing to come together in councils and conferences to attempt to iron out these differences and attempt to come to a general consensus as to the nonnegotiable truths of God's Word, the manmade, fleshly differences between us will never be bridged. In response, cults will continue to arise and skeptics and atheists will have furtile ground for their attacks. The Church can thank itself for the rise of cults and false doctrines. It has been asleep far too long and become complacent in its regard for God's Word--We are content, when it comes to truth, to agree to disagree! That should never be!
We are EACH ONE to study to show ourselves approved, workmen not needing to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Location: Comunistafornia, and working to get out ASAP!
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Originally Posted by Preterist
And he came up with a different Gospel and invented a false religion. But you are correct, Sergeantl--we must seek truth through prayer and study. I find it inexcusable that we have denominationalism and are perfectly content with that. But that is not the fault of God and that does not negate the truths of the Bible.
The problem as I see it is apathy and laziness. It is far easier to sit in a pew on Sunday morning and take in every word spoken from the pulpit without question and without analysis. Some churches baptize infants while many in their congregations have no understanding why. It is just s-ooooo cute! Others speak in tongues as a show of superiority over others. Other groups raise their gigantic signs over THEIR church that say "the FULL Gospel." What do the rest have--half a Gospel, three-quarters of a Gospel? Still others join together on Sunday mornings because they love the music or they just think pastor so and so is such a good speaker--who cares WHAT he is saying; they just like HOW he says it! Others have entertainment and exciting social programs that draw the mediocre. Still others turn the bread and wine of communion into the very blood and body of Christ (transubstantiation). Others just let the Holy Spirit sort of hover over the bread and wine and give them some type of signifiance (consubstantiation)???? I never have understood that one. Still others say that the bread and wine are merely symbols. Jesus is coming again--no, Jesus already came. You can lose your salvation--no, that is not possible. And on and on and on.
What is the solution?--a body of Christ that takes the Word of God seriously--each one for himself. A body of Christ whose individual members care not about the traditions of men or creeds written by men UNLESS they strictly adhere to the truths of God's Word. As long as the Church universal is not willing to come together in councils and conferences to attempt to iron out these differences and attempt to come to a general consensus as to the nonnegotiable truths of God's Word, the manmade, fleshly differences between us will never be bridged. In response, cults will continue to arise and skeptics and atheists will have furtile ground for their attacks. The Church can thank itself for the rise of cults and false doctrines. It has been asleep far too long and become complacent in its regard for God's Word--We are content, when it comes to truth, to agree to disagree! That should never be!
We are EACH ONE to study to show ourselves approved, workmen not needing to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Preterist
911! 911! Preterist, I fell out of my chair help and I can't get up I agree with what you just said? A Miracle.
Well that 'still small voice' appears to tell people different things so can we really trust those voices in our heads?
That "still small voice" doesn't tell me anything about what other people believe..It just gives me a feeling of peace with myself and what I think is the spirit of God that is part of me..It is not like I hear voices. ( If I did, I would consult with June)..When you have made a decision that has finally solved a big problem in your life, don't you feel good about it because you just know it is the right decision, based on your thoughts, feelings and whatever research you have done to help you reach that decision?..That is how I feel about my decision to leave religion and find God for myself..I didn't challenge God, I didn't ask for a sign or a miracle..I already knew he was there..somewhere..
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911! 
Preterist, I fell out of my chair help and I can't get up 
