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Bible Thread

heavyiron said:
If you are asking honestly I'll bite but I'm not interested in a copy and paste war from a drone that has no openness to other doctrines. About 35 years ago I realized that there were so many conflicting doctrines and I went to God in fervent prayer over and over and over asking Him to help me see ONLY truth. Its a rare prayer in "religious" circles I'm afraid.

Do you seek truth or do you just want to "win" arguments on the net?
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I am interested. I didn’t mean to start conflict I merely want to learn more. I value your opinion and knowledge and when I first discovered these terms I too was skeptical with these ideas. I feel like there are too many “different” Christian’s. If I could I would try to unify Christianity in a more orthodox tradition, I guess? I mean that is a slippery slope which obviously leads to copious amounts of blood and death so rather than leading the next crusade I think I’d rather sit back and read what you, multi, EJD and hfo3 have to say about it. And also the other newer guys that definitely know more than I know. That so170 (I think that’s his screen name) is also very well read in the Christian theology sector and I’d like to see him post more in here and on this topic of “reformed” Christianity….

So feel free to educate me please
 
A lot of what I read here is very interesting and I would like to read and learn more, but where do I begin? I was brought up in a non practicing Christian home.
I have never read any part of the bible and to be honest I don't know much about my own religion. So where do I begin, what is the baby steps to educate myself. I know there are bibles that are more in layman's terms but not sure, I thought I heard King James version was one. Any guidance would be appreciated......:coffee:
 
Milford King said:
I am interested. I didn’t mean to start conflict I merely want to learn more. I value your opinion and knowledge and when I first discovered these terms I too was skeptical with these ideas. I feel like there are too many “different” Christian’s. If I could I would try to unify Christianity in a more orthodox tradition, I guess? I mean that is a slippery slope which obviously leads to copious amounts of blood and death so rather than leading the next crusade I think I’d rather sit back and read what you, multi, EJD and hfo3 have to say about it. And also the other newer guys that definitely know more than I know. That so170 (I think that’s his screen name) is also very well read in the Christian theology sector and I’d like to see him post more in here and on this topic of “reformed” Christianity….

So feel free to educate me please
Click to expand...
My response wasn't towards you. Doctrine is super important but unfortunately entire doctrinal systems have been built in the name of Gods Word that completely miss WHO the God of the Bible is. Then straw men are set up to be knocked down. Its a tedious back and forth and all the while the entire point gets missed.

God wants YOU. Read His word daily and talk to Him daily. I would suggest starting in the New Testament if you haven't started yet. Read a chapter each day and ask Him to help you understand. God is way more dynamic and way more than these "doctrinal systems" say He is.
 
reddog309 said:
A lot of what I read here is very interesting and I would like to read and learn more, but where do I begin? I was brought up in a non practicing Christian home.
I have never read any part of the bible and to be honest I don't know much about my own religion. So where do I begin, what is the baby steps to educate myself. I know there are bibles that are more in layman's terms but not sure, I thought I heard King James version was one. Any guidance would be appreciated......:coffee:
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Praise God that you're interested in learning and following Him. I'd suggest you start in the Gospel of John. It was written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ and that by believing you may have life!

Like HeavyIron said; read a chapter or two a day and ask God to reveal Himself to you through His Word. Dont worry too much about Bible translations yet. Find one that you enjoy and is easy to read. Personally I like the ESV, but the KJV, NKJV, NASB, and NIV are good too.

Here's an online version. Personally I think it's good to physically hold and read and meditate on the Word if you can :)
www.biblegateway.com

Bible Gateway passage: John 1 - English Standard Version

The Word Became Flesh - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines...
www.biblegateway.com www.biblegateway.com

Proverbs and Psalms are awesome if you're short on time.



heavyiron said:
My response wasn't towards you. Doctrine is super important but unfortunately entire doctrinal systems have been built in the name of Gods Word that completely miss WHO the God of the Bible is. Then straw men are set up to be knocked down. Its a tedious back and forth and all the while the entire point gets missed.

God wants YOU. Read His word daily and talk to Him daily. I would suggest starting in the New Testament if you haven't started yet. Read a chapter each day and ask Him to help you understand. God is way more dynamic and way more than these "doctrinal systems" say He is.
Click to expand...

Hey man, sorry if I came across as trying to 'win an argument'. Definitely not my goals. I was just trying to answer Milford King's question about Calvinism. Maybe in the future I'll start a thread on Reformed/Calvinism :)

For now, I'll try to not muddy any waters in this thread with too much "Reformed talk" :D


Today I was reading some John:

John 1:29
"The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Praise God for providing a substitution for us!
 
reddog309 said:
A lot of what I read here is very interesting and I would like to read and learn more, but where do I begin? I was brought up in a non practicing Christian home.
I have never read any part of the bible and to be honest I don't know much about my own religion. So where do I begin, what is the baby steps to educate myself. I know there are bibles that are more in layman's terms but not sure, I thought I heard King James version was one. Any guidance would be appreciated......:coffee:
Click to expand...

We actually had this discussion a couple of pages back:

Bible Thread

Tucker talks with the leader of the club. Tucker takes on Satanic Temple - YouTube If that’s tucker “taking on” the satanic temple then….. he got owned in that segment for sure. Tucker needs to focus on what these people are teaching those kids whose parents allow them to go there after school...
www.anabolicsteroidforums.com www.anabolicsteroidforums.com

John and Romans are still my two favorite "beginner" books. Even though Romans is arguably the most advanced book when it comes to salvation. And NKJV (new king james version) is still my favorite "version" of the bible. It's still a very accurate translation but puts it in modern grammar and leaves out the "thou, art, etc". Very easy to read.
 
reddog309 said:
A lot of what I read here is very interesting and I would like to read and learn more, but where do I begin? I was brought up in a non practicing Christian home.
I have never read any part of the bible and to be honest I don't know much about my own religion. So where do I begin, what is the baby steps to educate myself. I know there are bibles that are more in layman's terms but not sure, I thought I heard King James version was one. Any guidance would be appreciated......:coffee:
Click to expand...
The beginning point is a relationship with Christ.

He was in the form of God and emptied Himself to take on the punishment for our sin's. He was murdered, buried and rose from the dead for you and me. He paid our debt with His blood and obedience.

I have pretty much every translation but my go to is the New King James Version. The New Testament is a great place to start reading (listening) to The One who made us. I had my son read it from the beginning because the first 4 books are about the life of Christ from 4 different perspectives. It has some repetition and overlap which honestly is the best teacher. Repetition is a fast way to learn and retain info.

God wants a relationship with you so seek after Him, talk to Him and listen to Him through reading His book.
 
Philippians 3:4-11
...I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...

Are we trusting in our own good works or religion to be right with God?
In this portion of the Bible, Paul essentially shares with us his "religious resume", which by human standards was perfect! And yet he concludes that it's all rubbish, trash, and worthless. All his accomplishments, good works, and successes mean nothing to him (and nothing to God). He throws them all away.
Why? He found something of much greater worth: The righteousness of God received by faith in Jesus Christ.

Repent of your sins, trust in Christ today, and be forgiven of all wrong/sins you've ever done, or ever will do.

Soli Deo Gloria
______________________________
Heidelberg Catechism Question 2 - What do you need to know in order to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

Answer - First, how great my sins and misery are;[1]
second, how I am delivered from all my sins and misery;[2]
third, how I am to be thankful to God for such deliverance.[3]

[1] Rom. 3:9, 10; I John 1:10.
[2] John 17:3; Acts 4:12; 10:43.
[3] Matt. 5:16; Rom. 6:13; Eph. 5:8-10; I Pet. 2:9, 10.
 
I appreciate everyone’s perspective here. After reading through this thread I have been challenged to study God’s word even more.

2 Timothy 2:15​

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[a] a worker (A)who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
 
James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
 
220 said:
I appreciate everyone’s perspective here. After reading through this thread I have been challenged to study God’s word even more.

2 Timothy 2:15​

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[a] a worker (A)who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
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Right on man! I dont know if you're familiar with AWANA, but when I was growing up I attended there and that was the one of their core verses. (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed)

It's also crazy to think that you can read most books of the Bible in 30-60 minutes... and then I get convicted because I easily spend 30 minutes watching Netflix or playing COD....

www.crossway.org

Infographic: You Have More Time for Bible Reading than You Think

If someone observed an average day in your life, how would they see you spend your time? How much do you devote to Bible reading?
www.crossway.org www.crossway.org

heavyiron said:
James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Click to expand...

This verse has always stood out as a proof that saving faith always produces fruit. As Christians we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone... but saving faith is never alone. Thanks for the reminder :)
 
Looks like Tom figured out the grift and propaganda.

 
heavyiron said:
Looks like Tom figured out the grift and propaganda.
....
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Oooh eschatology, quite the can of worms that I'll try to tread carefully with :)

It seems most Christians hold to a dispensational/premillennial view of the end times and cite passages like Revelation 17 (with seven kings), Daniel 7 (ten kings).

Just to add a slightly different viewpoint - it's possible these prophecies have already been fulfilled.


Here's a couple quick links expanding more on this thought.

"The purpose of these visions is clear: to give God’s suffering people hope."

 
2 Corinthians 5:21 - For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

"The Great Exchange"
God laid our sin upon Christ, so that he might lay Christ's righteousness upon us. When God looks at us who have faith in Christ, He sees Christ's perfect life lived. All our own "good works" should be considered garbage to be tossed out. Dont rely on being "good enough." Trust only in Christ and His perfect righteousness given to you.



horizDots.gif

Heidelberg Catechism Question 3 - From where do you know your sins and misery?

A. From the law of God.[1]

[1] Rom. 3: 20;

Heidelberg Catechism Question 4 - What does God's law require of us?

A. Christ teaches us this in a summary in Matthew 22: You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.[1] This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.[2]

[1] Deut. 6:5. [2] Lev. 19:18.
 
HFO3 said:
ItÂ’s not the combination of works and knowing Jesus that produces salvation.

Salvation is 100% purely based on faith in Christ as the Son of God and your Lord and savior that He was crucified and God rose Him from the dead, etcÂ…

0% of salvation is based on works. There are scriptures to confirm this but the nutshell is Jesus gift of salvation is so no man can boast, moreover human works are like filthy rags to God. ItÂ’s faith that pleases Him and as your relationship with Jesus grows you will eventually produce works. Respectfully
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I agree and we know the most important part of studying scripture is context. In ephesians 2 it says why we were saved by grace through faith (alone) and not by works- so that we would do the good works God prepared beforehand. We were as dead as Lazurus until He saved us. Check out 1 John, especially ch 3, or James or really any book of the NT. Real saving faith works and is not a better person but a new one and the habitual love of and practice of sinning is detestable to him (us), but it is certainly a process, we are transformed as our minds are renewed by the word and Holy Spirit. Submitting to God and denying sinful self is real freedom. Doing whatever you want is total slavery to self. Big revelation to me and still learning, usually the hard way. Don't listen to people unless God's word backs it up. Many people and pastors make scripture prove their point when it doesn't even mean what they make it out to mean. It seems like many here are really wanting to know God more and show love and respect and encourage each other. That gives God much glory! Thank you keep walking in the light

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8‭-‬10 HCSB

bible.com

Bible - Bible App

Encouraging and challenging you to seek intimacy with God every day.
bible.com
 
Milford King said:
I am interested. I didn’t mean to start conflict I merely want to learn more. I value your opinion and knowledge and when I first discovered these terms I too was skeptical with these ideas. I feel like there are too many “different” Christian’s. If I could I would try to unify Christianity in a more orthodox tradition, I guess? I mean that is a slippery slope which obviously leads to copious amounts of blood and death so rather than leading the next crusade I think I’d rather sit back and read what you, multi, EJD and hfo3 have to say about it. And also the other newer guys that definitely know more than I know. That so170 (I think that’s his screen name) is also very well read in the Christian theology sector and I’d like to see him post more in here and on this topic of “reformed” Christianity….

So feel free to educate me please
Click to expand...
I've not been on here in a while so just catching up. Here's my thoughts. I don't worry alot about how I label myself as a Christian. I attend a southern Baptist church but I don't believe being a Christian is about the denomination you belong to, but the relationship between you and the Lord. It doesn't matter to me what denomination anyone is as long as they believe the only way to heaven is the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christian. That being said. I also believe that if you are going to have a relationship with the Lord that is productive to the kingdom work ,then you are going to have to spend time in the word and pray to the Father that He give you a right understanding of what you are reading. We as Christians have a responsibility to tell others the good news about Jesus. We also have a responsibility to each other. The Bible says to not forsake the gathering together of other believers. The Bible also says where 2 or more are gathered he is with us. So I thank God for this thread we have all been given the opportunity to be a part of
 
2 things popped into my head;

1.) I pray pretty much always alone and I use the self talk approach… like I’m doing now… I’m talking in silence inside my head these very words I am typing. Should I speak my prayer aloud? Should I pray in front of people? I am not ashamed of my faith in God but I am very private when it comes to myself. Have I been doing this wrong?

2.) summer is coming and I want to avoid weekend work… can I get religious exemption? Wasn’t konah condemned to death by stoning For working on the sabbath? And should this always apply to working for my wife on the house on the weekends?

Ps. I’m kidding on number 2 obviously… we must find laughter in these dark days. I’m almost certain there is scripture that backs up the fact that laughter is good for one’s spirit!
 
God hears your silent prayers. The only time I really pray aloud is meal blessings and when praying for others who are there. Not to say that I haven't had some discussions out loud with God.
 
Milford King said:
Discussions out loud with God lol

I can relate…


Sometimes I literally just look up and shrug my shoulders asking “why?” , “just why?”

Lmao
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Constant internal prayer can really effect your entire mindset. Pretty sure I thank God 100 times every day. Nothing profound and no speeches.
 
I pray out loud in the shower and on my commute back and forth to work. It's on average a 45 minute ride each way. It's a mix of regular talk and tongues. Maybe I should try the quiet silent in the head thought prayers.
 
Milford King said:
I am interested. I didn’t mean to start conflict I merely want to learn more. I value your opinion and knowledge and when I first discovered these terms I too was skeptical with these ideas. I feel like there are too many “different” Christian’s. If I could I would try to unify Christianity in a more orthodox tradition, I guess? I mean that is a slippery slope which obviously leads to copious amounts of blood and death so rather than leading the next crusade I think I’d rather sit back and read what you, multi, EJD and hfo3 have to say about it. And also the other newer guys that definitely know more than I know. That so170 (I think that’s his screen name) is also very well read in the Christian theology sector and I’d like to see him post more in here and on this topic of “reformed” Christianity….

So feel free to educate me please
Click to expand...
I've always used the k.i.s.s template when it came to my faith. When I went to a church it was a non denominational church. There is alot of different doctrine that different sects can't agree on. I always viewed my faith as a personal relationship between me and my savior. Doctrine differences aren't worth arguing over and would rather have fellowship. I think the real beauty of faith and fellowship is lost over difference in opinion on doctrine. Your not a real Christian because you believe in speaking in tongues or this or that.
 
E.J.D said:
I pray out loud in the shower and on my commute back and forth to work. It's on average a 45 minute ride each way. It's a mix of regular talk and tongues. Maybe I should try the quiet silent in the head thought prayers.
Click to expand...
I do my best praying while on my motorcycle just me and Jesus. My wife says that's when I sing best also that way she can't hear me
 
About 20 ish years ago I noticed almost every pastor or Bible teacher "prays" a summary of their sermon so not really a prayer to God just a summary for us dumb folks that didn't get the point of the message the first time. Once you see it you will never be the same. Canned responses are canned responses. My prayers are typically heart felt, short and beyond reverent. I can't stand the summary "prayers" or the lesson "prayers". I'm pretty sure 60% of what churches do is nothing like God intended. I'm not knocking folks for trying but I do think we are being modeled something not even close to what it was like in the first century.

I want my faith to be real and relational.
 
E.J.D said:
I've always used the k.i.s.s template when it came to my faith. When I went to a church it was a non denominational church. There is alot of different doctrine that different sects can't agree on. I always viewed my faith as a personal relationship between me and my savior. Doctrine differences aren't worth arguing over and would rather have fellowship. I think the real beauty of faith and fellowship is lost over difference in opinion on doctrine. Your not a real Christian because you believe in speaking in tongues or this or that.
Click to expand...

Amen.
 
tatertot said:
Oooh eschatology, quite the can of worms that I'll try to tread carefully with :)

It seems most Christians hold to a dispensational/premillennial view of the end times and cite passages like Revelation 17 (with seven kings), Daniel 7 (ten kings).

Just to add a slightly different viewpoint - it's possible these prophecies have already been fulfilled.


Here's a couple quick links expanding more on this thought.

"The purpose of these visions is clear: to give God’s suffering people hope."

Click to expand...
#datpostmill
 
Milford King said:
2 things popped into my head;

1.) I pray pretty much always alone and I use the self talk approach… like I’m doing now… I’m talking in silence inside my head these very words I am typing. Should I speak my prayer aloud? Should I pray in front of people? I am not ashamed of my faith in God but I am very private when it comes to myself. Have I been doing this wrong?

2.) summer is coming and I want to avoid weekend work… can I get religious exemption? Wasn’t konah condemned to death by stoning For working on the sabbath? And should this always apply to working for my wife on the house on the weekends?

Ps. I’m kidding on number 2 obviously… we must find laughter in these dark days. I’m almost certain there is scripture that backs up the fact that laughter is good for one’s spirit!
Click to expand...
The Bible says pray without stopping. Obviously we can't pray outloud all day every day. But we can be in a spirit of prayer always. When you go about your day keep the lord in your mind. Just like you pray silently the lord knows your heart
 
Milford King said:
2 things popped into my head;

1.) I pray pretty much always alone and I use the self talk approach… like I’m doing now… I’m talking in silence inside my head these very words I am typing. Should I speak my prayer aloud? Should I pray in front of people? I am not ashamed of my faith in God but I am very private when it comes to myself. Have I been doing this wrong?

2.) summer is coming and I want to avoid weekend work… can I get religious exemption? Wasn’t konah condemned to death by stoning For working on the sabbath? And should this always apply to working for my wife on the house on the weekends?

Ps. I’m kidding on number 2 obviously… we must find laughter in these dark days. I’m almost certain there is scripture that backs up the fact that laughter is good for one’s spirit!
Click to expand...
I also like to pray outloud when its appropriate. Our words have power and we need to speak them with confidence and know God is alive, well and listening, God honors our prayers with answers. His word never returns unto Him void, rather it sets out to accomplish what He sent it to accomplish. So pray His words over your life, family and friends alike (:

This is a miracle that this thread is so popular on this board, I love it lol
 

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