Bible

[~~ angelique ~~]

I have been wondering lately if I can believe the bible in it's entirety. I believe yet there are several parts of the bible that I don't agree with. This is a bit confusing for me.

Is everything in the bible?

[Trusting Jesus]

You ask the most wonderful questions! Yes, the Bible in its entirety is true and it all can be believed. It has been penned by several different men throughout the centuries, but it is all inspired by the Holy Spirit. It's OK to question its authority, but you need to study to understand what it says. Through the years there have been many things that I have had questions about - and disagreed with - but I never doubted God's authority. The more I study the more I learn. The more I learn the more I understand that God is right in all things.

Remember, we all look at things from our own view point. A person who has been at odds with the Bible for so many years may have difficulty looking a things from a Biblical point of view. The world will teach one thing, but this is man's ideas. When we look at things from a Biblical view point, we have to remember that God is the authority and knows best.

When you ask is everything in the Bible, I'm not real sure what you are asking about in particular, but off hand I can't think of anything that isn't dealt with someplace in the Bible.

<>< ><>

Nathele

[Richard_yaash]

I have been wondering lately if I can believe the bible in it's entirety. I believe yet there are several parts of the bible that I don't agree with. This is a bit confusing for me.

Is everything in the bible?

Hi LadyofFlight,

Perhaps if we were to ***gently*** take a look at the things that you don't agree with, we might clear up your confusion. OTOH: You may not wish to share in that area which I can understand and respect.

I do remember a time in my life in which I was questioning not too unlike you. I remember praying about it, I prayed over and over, perhaps because I did not want to hear the answer that was so clear that it rang within my ears. The answer was always and unceasingly the same: "You have my Word, read it, study it, learn it."

Beyond this, I refer you back to the good reply of Nathele aka 'Trusting Jesus'.

Do not worry about understanding, do not worry about others. I can assure you, it will come in time. Take a deep breath, relax and smile. Smile, for you are a treasure in His sight.

May kindness unlooked for brighten your day.

Richard

Edited February 4, 2008 by Richard_yaash

[MeCajunboy]

I have been wondering lately if I can believe the bible in it's entirety. I believe yet there are several parts of the bible that I don't agree with. This is a bit confusing for me.

Is everything in the bible?

I would have to ask you to be more specific about your question and doubts! Can you elaborate more?

[jehovah Nissi]

I have been wondering lately if I can believe the bible in it's entirety. I believe yet there are several parts of the bible that I don't agree with. This is a bit confusing for me.

Is everything in the bible?

****Disclamer...A lot of things I am saying on this post came from a teaching I received on "How to study and interpret the Bible"

Hey Angelique...formally known as ladyoflight...formally known as ~hurting~...This is just part of growing in Christ like Nathele said, I as well have had questions on the integrity of the bible but I believe God expects and wants us to ask questions so that He can answer us and open our eyes to His wisdom and knowledge. God is only going to draw near to those who draw near to Him to seek answers (James 4:8). I read something interesting once. The commentary of "The Open Bible" says this:

The oneness or unity of the Bible is a miracle. It is a library of 66 books, written by over 35 different authors, in a period of approximately 1,500 years. Represented in the authors is a cross section of humanity, educated and uneducated, including kings, fisherman, public officials, farmers, teachers and physicians. Included in the subjects are religion, history, law, science, poetry, drama, biography and prophecy. Yet its various parts are as harmoniously united as the parts that make up the human body.

For 35 authors, with such varied backgrounds, to write on so many subjects, over a period of approximately 1,500 years, in absolute harmony, is a mathematical impossibility. It could not happen. Then how do we account for the Bible? The only adequate explanation is: "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

Your questions kindof remind me of a time when Peter, at the time known as Simon, questioned Christ's word. In Luke 5:4-7 - "When He (Jesus) had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, 'launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.' But Simon answered and said to Him, 'Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing (in other words he was saying "are you sure your word has integrity?"); nevertheless at Your word I will (in other words he was saying "I don't know about your word or integrity here but I know Your a man of God and I'll trust you.") let down the net.' And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish..." in other words, when they had obeyed God's word, they saw God's word/truth/integrity in action in their life.

The Nature of God's Word:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is given by insperation of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." The words "given by insperation by God" in this verse is the greek word "Theopneustos" which is divided into two words..."theo" = God "pneustos" = breath hard, blow, breeze.. SO it literally means "God breathed"...All Scripture is God breathed and one thing that God can and will not breath out is a lie...nothing but truth comes out of His mouth because "I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it" (Jeremiah 1:12 AMP) and He has recorded it for us so that we may be "complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." What an awesome God!

2 Peter 1:20-21 - "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, (meaning private impulse/release) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." This verse tells us that even though man wrote the words on paper and it came out of their mouth...God directed it "for with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment" (Luke 1:37 AMP).

See Angelique...God gave us His word so that we may grow in Him and come to know Him. God by His Holy Spirit caused His Word to be recorded for our benefit and if we are not carful, we can take His word for granted in our lives and cut ourselves off from His words influence so that it does not profit us...how?

----Lack of knowledg (Hosea 4:6)

----Not mixing faith with His word (Hebrews 4:2 and Romans 10:17)

----Embracing tradition rather than truth (Mark 7:13)

----Hearing but not doing (James 1:22)

So many people have blamed God for so many things that He didn't even have His hand in but rather it was because of one of the above reasons that it happened. See it is easier to put the blame on someone else than to take responsibility for it...so why not put it on God after all that is what Adam did when he ate of the fruit.

Another characteristic of God's word is that it is powerful. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13 it says "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." the end of that verse in the Amplified says "effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it]." Hebrews 11:3 says "by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." In Genesis chapter 1 you will see over and over again "and God said...and there was...and He saw that it was good." His word spoke us into existance...It is powerful! Take Jesus for example. His life demonstrated the power of God. People were amazed when He spoke with such authority. Well Jesus spoke with authority because He was the word of God made flesh. Jesus spoke and sins were forgiven, sick bodies were healed, demons were driven out, dead men came to life, and the storm and the raging sea became extreamly calm (Mark 4:39).

So how important is it to stay in His word and to keep seeking answeres???? John 8:31-32 - "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'" Angelique...Jesus wants to say this to you so lets make it personal..."Angelique, you believe in me, so IF you abide in My word, you are My disciple indeed. And you, Angelique, shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

His word causes me to be "Walking in Victory"

J

[~~ angelique ~~]

Remember, we all look at things from our own view point. A person who has been at odds with the Bible for so many years may have difficulty looking a things from a Biblical point of view. The world will teach one thing, but this is man's ideas. When we look at things from a Biblical view point, we have to remember that God is the authority and knows best.

How can I see it any other way then from the ways of the beliefs within me??? I am confused because I have experiential comprehension of the other things and not much with this yet.

[HeatherEljohari]

All the name changes are starting to confuse me, lol.

The bible is truth, all the truth we'll ever need. But- If you find the bible isnt enough Gods holy spirit is. The holy spirit is there for us every step of the way. Ummm- As far as the bible matching up... is it with what you feel is true or contradicts your current belief system or is it You dont understand?

Love-

Heatherxoxoxox

[Trusting Jesus]

It's very hard to look from God's perspective. The Bible is God's word to us - His instructions to us (B.I.B.L.E. = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth). The more you read and study the Bible, the Holy Spirit will work from within you. I know that you have problems reading the Bible, but I do notice that you are quoting it more. Does this mean that you are able to read it more?

There is so much depth to the Bible. A person can read it and get comfort and understanding from it. But when you are able to really study and dig deep into it - cross reference Bible passages, see where the New Testament fulfilles the Old Testament, look up the meaning of the Hebrew words and the Greek words to see what deeper meaning is sometimes missed in translation - it comes alive! So often people don't understand why God commands a certain thing, but a full study of His word makes it perfectly clear why He requires certain things.

I was raised believing God's word as truth. But like every other person I had/have my own experiences and look at the Bible through my own experiences and teachings (both Christian and secular). For example, the issue of homosexuality. I never liked the idea, but thought it didn't really matter. Well, one day after AID's became an issue I studied what God had to say, and I really understand now that it is against God's will. I also know that God does not hate homosexuals, but the sin must be repented...just like any other sin. Another example is the evolution/creation debate. I knew what God's word said, but school taught me something else. I tried to reconcile the two and failed miserably. Well, I came to see that God's word is true and does not have to be compromised. I have studied commentaries on both sides of the issue, found the meanings of the Hebrew words used, and now I know that God is right and the world is wrong. But it takes study and guidance of the Holy Spirit to work the changes.

These changes can take time, so don't get discouraged that you don't have a total complete understanding of the Bible. The changes will happen as you grow. I can't encourage you enough to try reading God's word. You are a very smart and intelligent lady. I know that one day you will be able to do the study you need to do.

<>< ><>

Nathele

[jehovah Nissi]

Remember, we all look at things from our own view point. A person who has been at odds with the Bible for so many years may have difficulty looking a things from a Biblical point of view. The world will teach one thing, but this is man's ideas. When we look at things from a Biblical view point, we have to remember that God is the authority and knows best.

How can I see it any other way then from the ways of the beliefs within me??? I am confused because I have experiential comprehension of the other things and not much with this yet.

I know I allready gave you this but just in case you havn't listned to it yet here it is...it will answer a lot of questions. Spirit, Soul, Body

[woden]

Imagine for a moment that you believe everything the Bible says and teaches. You accept it 110%. What have you learned? Have you allowed time to meditate on what you've been taught, a bit like cattle chewing the cud. Thought it through. Well by your question about the Bible you obviously want to be sure that what you read and learn is for your benefit. How many people do you know who don't know even the basics of their faith? How can they believe in something they don't understand even the first things? It boggles the mind. And yet they exist. You may of heard of the Boreans on Paul's missionary tours. They were Jews whom Paul was persuading to become Christians. what was their reaction? Look at Acts 17:10-12 for the answer.

Here is a short worded answer: Question, demand proof, research, read your Bible before accepting anything. If you find something that you just can't see, put it to one side and move on to something else. Once the truth of God's Word sinks deeply in, nothing and no-one can remove it.