What Is Your Basis For Discernment?

[GoodSamaritan]

Many state what they believe here on these posts. There are occasional disagreements.

When you decide to believe something about the Chrisitan Faith, what basis is behind your belief?

Are you satisfied to believe because you read Scripture, and that's the meaning you alone got from it? Are you a little more cautious and bounce the meaning you thought you discerned off a few others, and therefore there is now a small group of you with similar beliefs?

Or do you accept the beliefs that are shared by a group consisting of thousands or millions of people?

If you tend to be a loner, do you have it right, and everybody else has it wrong?

If you share the same faith as millions of others, do you do so because you believe that God wouldn't lead millions of believers astray? Or did you come to this shared Faith because it is the meaning you gleaned from Scripture, and you happened to find a huge group of believers who believe the same way you do?

God Bless!

GS

[Ovedya]

Basis for discernment: 1) The Bible, 2) The inner leading of the Spirit.

[truseek]

I, personally am a firm believer in sola scriptura, sola fide. Scripture alone is our guide, and we are saved by faith alone through grace. I try not to let dogma weigh me down, taking scipture on it's own merits, not addind or subtracting anything. Now, that is not to say that I do not attmpt to back up my faith with science, I do, however, believe that science is unneccessary in realizing and understanding the remptive power of Christ.

For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse

(Romans 1:20).

Yours in Christ

Truseek

Edited June 29, 2004 by truseek

[Catsmeow]

Some very interesting questions.

When a person is 'born again' their spirit is quickened by the Spirit of God. You can search through cults and the "occult" to find 'meaning' in life...and only end up with a hand full of dust.

When it comes to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords...something is profoundly different.

It's not whether you're a Catholic or I'm evangelical...it's whether we bow our knee to the same King, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior of mankind.

It's whether there's been an unexplainable change in character of the sinner because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who begins to mold godly character in the one who's willing to receive the blood shed for him or her.

Jesus Christ is the answer to all questions...trust in Him and Him alone is the answer to life's confusion and problems.

It's not whether you attend mass or I attend a revival meeting...it's whether we love the same Lord and Savior.

Based on what I could see of Mel Gibson's, "Passion of the Christ"...it matters not either way. It matters only that the blood of Christ covers both of our sins.

I have learned that if I have all knowledge and can speak in the tongues of angels and have not love, I have nothing...and that love comes from one, true source: Jesus Christ, the Savior and Lord of the Universe.

There is salvation in no other Name.

[Dad Ernie]

Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Acts 17:10-12 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[GoodSamaritan]

I, personally am a firm believer in sola scripture, sola fide. Scripture alone is our guide, and we are saved by faith alone through grace. I try not to let dogma weigh me down, taking scipture on it's own merits, not addind or subtracting anything.

Just out of curiosity, do you believe that there exists more than one correct interpretation of the Bible? How do you reconcile this 'discernment' of Scripture with Peter's decree in 2Peter 1:20: 'No prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation'? Do you reckon that maybe Peter had an authority for interpreting Scripture when he said this? Should you and I interpret the same verse and disagree, how do you know which is correct? Either one is right or we're both wrong, no? Absent a first interpretive point of reference from some authority, how can we determine ANY of it? Are there modern day revelations that you have received from God regarding Scripture or do you rely on some formal authority even to determine that you are a firm believer in sola scriptura?

In OT Times, Israel, when faced with disgreements of the Law, had the Seat of Moses and the Judges to determine proper teaching. Personal revelation and reliance on one's own interpretation of the Torah, in these times, was grounds for stoning.

Peter carried this to NT times when he says, 'No prophecy in Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation'--implying that an authority existed for this interpretation. How about Matthew 18:15 when Jesus tells us precisely how to settle arguments regarding the Law? He doesn't tell us to interpret in our own way but to 'tell the Church'. Here again, the Church was set up to determine proper interpretation of Scripture, wasn't it?

Discernment is for avoiding sin, avoiding temptation, and, as Paul wrote, for 'working out your salvation in fear and trembling', right? Discernment, based on Peter's quote, cannot be used to designate one's self as an authority to define Scripture and/or interpret it. Can Scripture authenticate itself absent a fixed point of reference set by an authority? If so, can you show me the verse that says this?

God Bless

GS

[Catsmeow]

When we are very young children, we learn the foundationals of our native language...that is, we learn to speak the tongue of our own parents.

As we grow and mature, those same words still mean the same things by definition but our understanding increases and we are able to take those same words and create music, poetry and literature.

We go from 'glory to glory' -advancing and maturing.

The Word of God is often misinterpreted by people of all stripes; that usually depends on their own level of maturity and whether they are seduced by deceiving spirits or grounded in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Every Word of God still processes through us as individuals. We are all unique yet parts of the Body of Christ and endowed with gifts and talents which fit together like a tapestry.

Some are given to be pastors, teachers, evangelists, apostles, givers, encouragers, or servants, such as Mother Teresa, who minister to the poor and needy.

Scripture doesn't change yet is seems more three-dimensional than flat...filled with life and the ability to mold character in each individual according to his or her own calling.

Billy Graham reads the same scripture as Mother Teresa did...when she was with us...and God used both of them in ways of His own choosing.

Same with each of us...the Bible is used by God in ways to meet the needs of others and we are compelled to read and soak up His Word for our own growth and edification as well as others.

If we become blind sheep, wolves are well able to penetrate the pen and devour the sheep who have no natural defenses against predators.

The Bible tells us our weapon is the Word...sharper than any sword...and this serves to protect us from predators who would deceive us or lead us astray.

I recognize that some of us are born into Catholic households and some are not; the tendency is to stereotype and label others who differ in our perception of God's Word.

One of my best friends is a very devout Catholic and I'm evangelical. We learned along time ago to focus on Jesus alone and not our doctrinal differences. The important things remain consistent...Jesus is Lord and lives and reigns at the right hand of the Father.

We can rejoice that while we are all different parts, we are part of one Body...and that's where I keep myself focused.

[Catsmeow]

GS: I'm very forthright in saying I'm not antiCatholic nor will I bash Catholics for their differences. Some people will. I won't. My focus is Christ and I know that God uses all of us according to His own purpose.

I don't consider the Pope the source of all truth and wisdom. I have sat through too many masses to consider priests to be likewise.

I was raised Roman Catholic and could clearly see that many lacked the rebirth of the Holy Spirit. That can be said of some evangelists..who actually went into ministry but were never really quickened by the Spirit of the Living God.

The same Holy Spirit that convicts of sin also quickens our understanding to the Word of God.

The point the scripture is making about private interpretation is what happens when people get into sword fighting...arguing using scriptures back and forth...and promoting some "agenda"...

Remember, Satan used scripture to fight Jesus in the desert. He quoted scripture, in fact...but Jesus returned the blows with scripture in proper context, "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds ...."

Jesus had to know scripture and know it well less he be tested by the enemy.

In like manner, we have wolves who have gone out and infiltrated every type of church or congretation imaginable...whether Catholic or non-Catholic...

Sadly, we've ended up with emotionally unbalanced persons starting weird cults and bizarre religions that don't even remotely resemble true Christianity.

I know true Christianity. You know it by the fruit it bears...

My neighbor across the street and I speak different languages. She speaks Spanish and I speak English. I come from America; she comes from Cuba. I'm non-Catholic and she's a very devout Catholic...

Oddly, it doesn't matter...I'm learning her language and we have the same Holy Spirit so we are able to overcome every barrier one can imagine...It's not the language we speak or the church we attend but the same Spirit that indwells us.

When we reach a level of maturity where we are consumed not with our own desires and wishes but with what pleases our Father in heaven, we are able to overcome the barriers that separate most people.

I have noticed so many people joining ranks...and they bash certain groups. They remind me of the Klu Klux Klan...full of venom and hatred.

I tune them out pretty quick..because I know that they are not demonstrating the love of Christ..but have an agenda. Typically it's to generate contempt and chaos rather than to join people in peace and focus our attention on the Lord who bought us from death with His own life.

That's where our attention needs to be...not on superficial stereotypes and common misconceptions. I have become so attracted to the Lord's people, no matter what denomination or race or country they come from...I look far beyond the external and try to see deep into the heart and soul of the believer.

We are more than appearances...there's a heart and soul that makes us each unique...and Jesus is our heartbeat that quickens life within us. He is our focus.

When we begin to make others our focus, whether it be the Pope, a famous pastor, or other people in general, we are straying from the true focus...which is Christ.

It's far too easy to become like the foolish Babylonians and worship all kinds of idols who are nothing but flesh and blood.

[Guest Called]

Basis for discernment: 1) The Bible, 2) The inner leading of the Spirit.

I second that!

[truseek]

I take it you are Catholic, GS? First off, I would like to clarify that I am by no means a Catholic hater, or slanderer. I hate no one (or at least try not to).

Proverbs 10:18 - He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

The Catholics have their beliefs, I have mine. We agree on the most important issues, maily that of Christ as our Lord and saviour. I think that Catholics generally get a bad rap, and it is a terrible thing to breed division amongst God's people.

By more than one correct interpretation, are you speaking of translations? such as the KJV, NIV, NAS, etc? I believe that more than one may be correct. I know that some most definitely are not, using "dynamic" translation is no good. I, personally like to use the KJV, and compare with other translations, as the KJV is apporx. 99% accurate when compared with ancient manuscripts. Ideally, I would be fluent in ancient Greek and Hebrew, but I'm workin on that .

I'm not certain where you are going with 2Peter 1:20-21 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

I think that it is clear here that Peter is saying that true prophecy is the direct Word of God, spoken directly through a person, not something God tells someone, which they then interpret and deliver.

Are you saying that some intermediary is neccessary (i.e. the Pope)? I believe that it is good to seek counsel, but no man speaks purely truth. We, as humans, are bound to disagree, it is paramount, however, that we agree on the redemptive and divine nature of Christ.

The church exists for guidance and for leadership. How does one determine which, if any, is the true church? Could it be more than one? I don't think that is is really an issue in putting one's faith in any single institution. We can see this as evidenced by the recent scandals involving priests, tv evangelists, etc. A man, a priest must be taken on his own merit, regardless of what institution he is affiliated with. I have known professors at Christian theological seminaries who denied the divinity of Christ!

Scripture alone is our guide. When in doubt, or when disagreement arises, it is then the duty of the church to guide and lead. I don't know that asking if scripture can authenticate itself is the right question. I think it could authenticate itself if we all posessed the mind of God. Being human, however, we are bound at time to interpret it to meant what we want, or to interpret based on supposition and/or culture. We must seek with an honest heart, and ask God to show us His truth. Idealistic? Perhaps.

I must say that was one of the most thought provoking posts I have ever read, well done, and well thought out.

Yours in Christ

Truseek