And books written by humans are about the least reliable method I could think of!
If God were to communicate the way you wanted, then where would faith fit in?
I am OK the Bible as a Book, even though I seldom study it in book form anymore. I was one of the first Christians to use an electronic Bible. (Hey I am a computer Geek )
Actually God could have written the whole thing in the sky like a sky writing plane does, but he chose a different method.
God chose the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
God has on purpose chosen things that you and some intellectuals might consider foolish in order to confound you.
However after reading the Bible for years, I am just beginning to see the profound wisdom that is hidden in the Bible. The Bible is written in a manner that is incomprehensible to those who do not want to see the spiritual things of God.
You were raised in the truth, but somewhere along the way you showed that you had no love for the truth, so you like Esau have sold your birthright for a bowl of lentils.
That which you rejected, I picked up and cherish with all my heart.
I would not trade what you have rejected for an ocean of lentils.
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**Original Matthew 28:19 Restored**
What other pieces of writings are there that date back thousands of years?
There is good consensus that the book of Job is the oldest-written book of the Bible, and that was written about 1500 BCE. To name a few older writings:
The Code of Hammurabi, c. 1780 BCE (280 years older than the Bible).
Records of Sumerian kings, c. 3300 BCE (1,800 years older).
Egyptian hieroglyphs, c 3200 BCE (you do the math ).
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Flawed indeed. All ideas that you (or anyone else for that matter) might come up with are flawed, because after all, we humans can't be trusted - right? LOL.
Humans wrote the Bible.
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However, it is reasonable to believe that humanity was created and brought forth into being for a reason, and a purpose. I choose to believe it is because God wants to have a relationship with me. And the way He has chosen to communicate to humanity has been varied throughout history.
So, it is your *choice and opinion* to believe that God doesn't want a relationship with His creation. However, I choose to believe that He does, and I am actively pursuing that relationship. He is the Creator, and as the Creator, He gets to pick and choose how things are. I may not understand why God chose the certain methods of communication that He has, but I choose to believe in Him, and seek out a relationship with Him, because He is the Creator, and I am just a created being with a limited existence. I don't get to tell Him what I think He should do, but since He holds my eternal destiny in his Hand (being the Creator), I choose to pursue a relationship with Him, because His rules and His ways ultimately will the final end for me. He was here before me, and He will be here after I die. And I choose to believe that.
Of course, you are entitled to your opinions as well, just keeping in mind the finite existence that you have, and that God will go on existing even after you have died. Your death will make no difference to Him, He will still exist whether you choose to believe He exists or not.
I have no problem in not believing God made humans so he could fellowship with me.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
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Apostolic is an understanding that God has finally and completely revealed Himself to all mankind through His incarnation as Jesus Christ. He has revealed to all a way of life, love and forgiveness that leads to a right relationship with Him and with each other.
~Repairing the Apostolic Church, Apostle W. Carey & Bishop N. Morales
Work out my own salvation with fear and trembling.
How can I think to share my opinion about other peoples lifestyle choices?
If I lift up Jesus HE would draw men.
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different guy, attends a gay affirming Pentecostal church in the city
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.
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1 Timothy 4:9-10
9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.