|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 9:53 am
This post is neither intended to destroy the faith of any individual, nor to violate God's Word. It's a question I've had on my mind, and I'm a little concerned about it, so I thought I'd share it with you all.
But before I do, I'll introduce myself. I'm RyoSW, and I'm what you might call a lurker for this guild. I'm glad to have found Christ's body on the internet, because we all know He has a lot of work to do on here >.>;
I'm a non-denominational Christian living in liberal-town USA. Meaning the Pacific Northwest. I've grown up Christian, but not in the type of family that sat down and read the bible every night. I was given the choice to remain Christian and I'm glad I did.
This question was first presented to my by my Sensei, and it's been a growing concern in my mind. I've followed up and looked around, and seen that a lot of people are more concerned with the Scripture than with Christ himself. I have friends who cling to the bible as more reliable than personal experience, so I fear for them.
Have you all seen something like this? What are your thoughts on it?
God bless you all.
~RyoSW
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 6:24 pm
Ooh this is a good question!
But let me introduce myself as well! I am Lala~ I have been a part of this guild for quite some time. I LOVE to dig into the word of God and put the holyspirit in the hot seat! So far, God does a pretty good job of revealing the truth to me. Actually, I'm not special! He does that for anyone who wants to know! I just happen to be one of them. heart
Back to your cool question! It seems weird because it according to John 1:1 Jesus IS the WORD of God!
...but I see your point. Jesus actually makes the same point. In the book of John as he is talking to the pharisees. He is talking about how people are so wrapped up in the law (the bible of the time) and they miss the actual point of what it is saying. It is saying, in old and new testiments, prepare to recieve Jesus. If we do not do what the word says (develop a personal relationship with the MAN/Spirit Jesus the Christ)we do not truly love the word as we may claim to.
Unfortunately, people do not realize how personal a relationship they can have with Jesus. The bible itself has become a token. I see your point. That was not the intention of the father, his son or the holy spirit as they gave us the gift of the written word of God.
The flip side of the coin is the written word of God is intended to teach us about the living word --> JESUS. We cannot love one and neglect the other. We can, however claim to love the bible, and claim to reverence it, but do the opposite of what it says (because we don't care to read it and get understanding).
I'll post a reference.
Any other thoughts on this anyone?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 6:50 pm
This Galatians verse is perfect! Let's discuss it!
Gal 5:1-7
5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?
(from New International Version)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:08 pm
John 5:39-40
39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:24 pm
Man of Christ John 5:39-40 39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life. That's what I was looking for in John! Thanks for finding it! Go Holy Spirit! This + Galatians pretty much sums it up for me! smile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 4:33 pm
Mhmm ^.^ I agree with everything that is said, though I have to point out that the difference between Christ being the 'Word' and the Bible being the Word of God is summed up by these points:
1) The Bible neither is, nor was, nor will be eternal. There was a time when the Bible did not exist, while there was never that time for Christ, because Christ is God. God/Christ deserves praise, the Bible does not.
2) The Bible's infallibility and authority come from Yahweh. By itself, the Bible is just a book with some neat stuff written in it. It is only when God reveals himself to us through His word that the Bible can truly come alive.
Thank you for your responses, and I hope to hear more from others as well!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:32 pm
RyoSW Mhmm ^.^ I agree with everything that is said, though I have to point out that the difference between Christ being the 'Word' and the Bible being the Word of God is summed up by these points: 1) The Bible neither is, nor was, nor will be eternal. There was a time when the Bible did not exist, while there was never that time for Christ, because Christ is God. God/Christ deserves praise, the Bible does not. 2) The Bible's infallibility and authority come from Yahweh. By itself, the Bible is just a book with some neat stuff written in it. It is only when God reveals himself to us through His word that the Bible can truly come alive. Thank you for your responses, and I hope to hear more from others as well! I am feeling you on this. Unless God reveal his spirit through the words on paper, it is of no use and will confound even the wisest of men.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:56 am
Hello! This is my first post in this Guild.
My pastor is a great man, he knows how people can be wholly dependant on the Bible. He tells us to read the bible, and gives us a few verses to read up, and then he tells us to have a conversation to God, to pray, and to live a life in prayer, so that when we come up to confusing times, we have that relationship with Jesus and God that get us though them.
I think a good portion of our time as Christians should be in conversation with God. God says he won't do anything untill we ask, that could mean our spirit calls out for help, or we ask him with our mouth.
Whats the point in reading the bible if you do not have the Holy spirit in you? Because then it is just a bunch of words put together that can get really confusing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:57 pm
Hiya, I am VERY late to this discussion, nonetheless, I will add my two cents.
Scripture lives in my heart but Jesus lives in my heart, my mind, and my soul. Without his voice, scripture would not be real to me. Without the Holy Spirit's guidance, I would be lost.
I agree that people rely on scripture many times without having that personal relationship with the Lord. I have found that some people WORSHIP the word but not the Lord of it .... does that make sense? I've seen people Worship the bible, church, worship itself, but not God himself.
I think many times the people that do that are more interested in having something that they can feel better than about other people. It doesn't seem to be a pure motive, but one of human pride.
Just my opinion, and my observation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
