This raises an interesting point. There are many people over the years that have spent a great deal of time digging through and studying scriptures, manuscripts, greek, etc. However, in some of our circles we are essentially taught to ignore what the smart people have said and to rely on a revelation. Some Apostolics/Pentecostals take pride in finding some truth that the educated have missed. I find that a dangerous place when people will ignore scholarly studies and eat up a catch phrase that some fly by night preacher came up with.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that you need to be something in the world for God to show you something. God will reveal himself to anyone seeking. What I'm saying is that it's a shame that we're so paranoid of being mislead that we'll easily discard what people have spent years studying. That seems to be a proud stance... proud of ignorance?
Truth will stand and we have to be more open to true professionals who devote their life to studying scripture. We don't have to reinvent the wheel everytime we get up to teach or preach.
I think it's so important that we learn not to be afraid of what we might find when we dig into things.
I once told my Atheist husband that if they came up with conclusive proof that the Bible was a fakery and all the historical info about Jesus was faulty, it wouldn't destroy my faith in Jesus, because my faith is not found (solely) in those things.
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“There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting.”
I think it's so important that we learn not to be afraid of what we might find when we dig into things.
I once told my Atheist husband that if they came up with conclusive proof that the Bible was a fakery and all the historical info about Jesus was faulty, it wouldn't destroy my faith in Jesus, because my faith is not found (solely) in those things.
Have you really considered the implications of this? In particular, if you no longer have any idea what Jesus did or said (in this hypothetical, as you put it forth, "all the historical info about Jesus was faulty"), then how in the world can you put faith in him? And who exactly would that object of your faith be? Someone you merely imagine? Or at least, someone whose characteristics are what you imagine they are, or what you think they should be?
Just wondering.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Have you really considered the implications of this? In particular, if you no longer have any idea what Jesus did or said (in this hypothetical, as you put it forth, "all the historical info about Jesus was faulty"), then how in the world can you put faith in him? And who exactly would that object of your faith be? Someone you merely imagine? Or at least, someone whose characteristics are what you imagine they are, or what you think they should be?
Just wondering.
Speaking for myself, my faith is in the One who saved me. I'll let Mich answer the rest....
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Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the people doing it. ~Chinese Proverb
When I was young and clever, I wanted to change the world. Now that I am older and wiser, I strive to change myself. ~
Have you really considered the implications of this? In particular, if you no longer have any idea what Jesus did or said (in this hypothetical, as you put it forth, "all the historical info about Jesus was faulty"), then how in the world can you put faith in him? And who exactly would that object of your faith be? Someone you merely imagine? Or at least, someone whose characteristics are what you imagine they are, or what you think they should be?
Just wondering.
I believe that the purpose of the historical background on Jesus and the wisdom, etc. found in the Bible is to lead one into a relationship with Jesus (in particular the indwelling of the Holy Spirit).
And that is what my faith is based on now. So I would think Whoever/Whatever it is that fills me with this peace, joy, love, comfort, that is where I place my faith
That probably sounds crazy (I know my husband would think so!)
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“There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting.”
I believe the Bible is the Word of God. But remember Jesus told us to live by the spirit of the law not the letter of the law. Do what you know is right and don't create a dead religion on rules. Live like your Father in Heaven wants you to.
As far as how can we be 100% certain? The dead sea scrolls are a great example. They prove that very little has changed with scripture. A few misspellings or different word choices but overall nothing that would change major doctrines.
But also there are cultures that have oral traditions that are very old. The most important thing to me is that someone told me about Jesus. I believed and now Jesus is my savior and king.
__________________ In the Old Days, if you wanted to argue about religion you had to go to Church.
Nowadays you get on the internet!
It is basically a concise explanation of each book of the Bible. (in a way that most would find snarky and irreverent). But it's a good reminder to me, what my husband thinks of the Bible (Which if you look at it without faith, many parts sound ridiculous or just plain wrong). My Husband says that reading the Bible is how he became an Atheist!
Thus far, I like the setup, and the readability of it. I found it Via Brian McLaren, an author that I have always admired.
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“There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting.”
The Bible has errors of sorts.
Beyond that it has ambiguous Teachings
BUT it has enough Teachings to help the SEEKER connect
with GOD and his ARM and become a blessed part of the plan.
I spent years on this matter, learning and doing as I learnt.
I finally became respectful and brave enough
to say to GOD that I believe that he WOULD do a perfect work...
I was greatly blessed and gifted....
Not the BIBLE alone... THE SPIRIT guides into all TRUTH
John.16
13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth,
is/ has come, (to you)
he will guide you into all truth:
for he shall not speak of himself;
but whatsoever he shall hear, that he shall speak:
and he will show (reveal to) you things to come.
My best to you.
Last edited by wordsponge; 05-06-2014 at 07:11 PM.
“There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting.”
My only advice to you folks is try reading the "defenders" blogs and not the just the "naysayers" blogs. You will find out you can trust the KJV bible as the word of God. If not, your will faith will end up like those critics' faith that you are reading about. MUSHY.
Stand up and defend your faith and dont surrender it without a fight.
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