We need a Book.In all our society's confusion, politics, economy, terrorism, moral decline, we need a Book.
We need a Book that will make us say, 'Forget about what I think and forget about what you think. What does God have to say about that?'
We need The Book. Because this is what is true and this is what builds our faith.
And be blessed.
9 comments:
PK, I have heard you say it often that the Bible is for us now, these days. But sometimes, I have a bit of a hard time relating. Of course, there are other times when I am so excited that God has spoken to me about something I am going thru at the time. That is so awesome! It's just that there are times when I just don't 'get it'.
I am in the midst of conversations about gay marriage. Personally, I think that the interpretation of the Bible changes over time. Maybe God doesn't change, but it sure changes on their interpretation...(ie: women's roles, slavery, mixed races marrying, remarriage after a divorce...just a few that come to mind.)
What DOES God say about all of these things? I am not sure and I would venture a guess that no one else is 100% sure either. Based on Jesus' relationships, I err on the side of love.
All said, I have to admit...sometimes it is easier for me to relate and apply to my life a significant Christian book. I know that flies in the face of many Christians, but it's just the bare bones truth.
The interpretation of the Bible doesn't change over time. Just because PEOPLE do something in the Bible doesn't mean God approves of it. Paul said from the beginning of his writings that there was neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free. The people felt differently, but it wasn't God's plan that some be slaves. Same with divorce. The Bible says God gave in and allowed the people to divorce and re-marry even tho it wasn't His plan. Follow GOD. Don't even follow PEOPLE in the Bible. They're sinful like us.
I'm not trying to be argumentative with you, but does that mean I shouldn't follow the teaching of the men at JC (like you)? I would find it easier to follow God if I heard from HIM...not those that tell me what they THINK He meant. Honestly, it feels like a circular argument. Let's be honest. The Bible is filled with contradictory messages. I would feel much more certain if I heard it from the mouth of God. Until then, I can only base my thoughts on the things I know. And that is that Christians change their interpretations over time. They just do. Sorry...
The Bible isn't filled with contradictory messages whatsoever. That's what you've read from naysayers, the internet, books that tear down the Bible, etc.
You be honest. Do you hear from Him? If so, then I say, follow that, not me. But when/if you begin saying God says things He clearly doesn't say - or even speaks against - then, with all due respect, I suggest you listen to Godly men and women who can help you.
I do have thoughts that I believe are from the Holy Spirit. I will tell you that I am not always quite sure that I am correct. I wish there was a clearer path to God's thoughts.
I will agree, MEN often change their interpretation of the Bible to what suits them. Maybe God never changes. In fact, I feel certain of that. However, I have yet for you or any other Christian tell me why it is ok to remarry if it was not due to adultery or abandonment. No matter what you say, I could go to most any church and be remarried without a problem. It is such a double standard. Oh well, you and I have been around this before and it is likely neither one of us will reach an agreement.
At any rate, I do trust your calling. But I cannot accept it all blindly.
BTW, I know it often seems that our discussion comes back to gay marriage. I don't mean it to, but it is the hot button topic of our times.
I will finish this conversation this way: It is troubling when you use such blanket statements about things, I'm sorry, that you don't know about.
You could not, in fact, 'go to almost any other church and be remarried without a problem.' I can name church after church in our own city where that is not the case.
We remarry people at our church, but not without asking a lot of questions.
I will finish this conversation this way: It is troubling when you use such blanket statements about things, I'm sorry, that you don't know about.
You could not, in fact, 'go to almost any other church and be remarried without a problem.' I can name church after church in our own city where that is not the case.
We remarry people at our church, but not without asking a lot of questions.
I do understand your position, PK, and I trust you. It's just that I can also listen to Jim Wallis. He is a well-known author and an advisor to the President. He is in favor of many things. His whole idea in many areas are progressive. He resonates with my own core beliefs. Whether it be the poor, inequality, peace not war. It is a myriad of topics. He speaks my heart. You are a vital source for me, but yet, not the only one.
Often times when I get into deep conversation about biblical principals and it almost always comes back to Christian people of different denominations standing behind their own interpretations and pointing fingers and condemning every other denomination. Sad...
If only we could agree it's the amazing sacrifice and act of love given to us from a loving God.
If only we could collectively agree on what is and isn't an abomination in the Bible...
Who are we to argue what is in that book?
I have been through a brutal divorce, where there was unfaithfulness, lies, abuse, and neglect. It was done by both myself and my former wife. To look back at a marriage that never truly put God first, then at the end use his word to try and justify our arguments, rather than to salvage our commitment. Sad...
Both of the same principals, wouldn't you say?
We picked the word of God apart rather than take it in. We lose when we do this.
I love you Pastor Kevin. When I was going through the darkest point of my life you gave me the best advice I could have gotten. Although I'm still wrapping my mind around your comment, and although it didn't end in me salvaging my marriage; life, faith, and the formentioned "arguments" can be summarized into a few questions...
"How do you feel about it?"
"What does the word of God say about it?"
"WHICH ONE ARE YOU GOING TO LISTEN TO?"
Application based on understanding, right?
In the beginning of my marriage I considered myself a Christian. I went to church, seminars, men's support groups. I did just about everything I thought a Christian should do, except read the word of God myself. I built a poor foundation.
I strayed from the church and fell into the ways of the world. Towards the end of my marriage (after significant damage had been done) I spent a long time picking the Bible apart and looking for Christian justification, rather than trying to become a just Christian.
I'm scarred from a selfish past, and the process I am going through, I believe is a part of my repentance. I'm sorry I did my part to put a woman and children through so much chaos. I'm sorry I was a part of so much destruction. I'm sorry I stood on my side of the story and pointed the finger at her. I'm sorry for my selfishness. I'm sorry to God for breaking the vows I didn't understand. I can only pray for God's grace. I can only hope that if anything the experience draws me closer to him. For me, the most profound moments and radical shifts in perspective have come in a silent room, with my bible in hand.
My calling is to understand, truly UNDERSTAND for myself the significance of the word of God.
Maybe it took all of the unfortunate circumstances realize what it takes to be a husband, or father, or Christian. I serve an amazing God. Rather than take the Bible and try to find flaws or justify my thoughts, I am going to let the Bible pick my thoughts apart and identify my flaws.
I hope God blesses me with a new opportunity to be a husband. I hope that if that day comes I will be able to be the husband God wants me to be. If everything we do is for the glory of God according to his word, who wants to argue with that?
Humility over pride.
Overcoming through understanding.
We are blessed.
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