From faith to fact.

[ScottA]

-- or is this one of those things we're not allowed to question?

It's just that...there is a time limit.

 

[TLK Valentine]

As I said, how?

Is the Bible really the word of God? I'm not sure how much simpler I can make the question.

 

[TLK Valentine]

It's just that...there is a time limit.

How so?

 

[ScottA]

How so?

How many years you got left to live?

 

[amariselle]

Is the Bible really the word of God? I'm not sure how much simpler I can make the question.

I believe it is, yes.

But how exactly do you think you would go about finding answers to that question that satisfy you?

 

[TLK Valentine]

How many years you got left to live?

Who can say? So I had better get some answers to my questions...

 

[TLK Valentine]

I believe it is, yes.

Yeah, I kind of figured that.

But how exactly do you think you would go about finding answers to that question that satisfy you?

Now that's a good question. How would we tell a divinely inspired book from a more mundane one?

 

[ScottA]

Who can say? So I had better get some answers to my questions...

Which would you prefer, faith or facts?

 

[TLK Valentine]

Which would you prefer, faith or facts?

The one that's reliable -- facts.

 

[ScottA]

God speaks to you directly, but a billion other Christians have to rely on "faith."

Have you considered a career as a prophet?

Okay, this is where we left off with the questions...so I will elaborate my answer.

There is a masterful plan at work which includes some need-to-know, and some key witnesses - kind of a dot-to-dot progression. But, yes, faith is a big part of it, because...faith is the measure of a persons connection with God. It is that connection that sees us through the prison time, also known as "hope." But we have this faith and hope, because a part of us is a part of God...so, then, it's like meeting someone and having the feeling you have known them all your life, and you hit it off. It is that little grain of mustard seed connection of faith and hope that ties us to our destiny of returning to God, and it is our ticket out. Everyone without it simply gets the gift of organic/natural life...and because that is all they are made of, they are happy with it. Or...they can be drawn to that eternal something more...and ask for it.

 

[amariselle]

Yeah, I kind of figured that.

Now that's a good question. How would we tell a divinely inspired book from a more mundane one?

So, how would you go about it?

 

[tallbouy]

Which would you prefer, faith or facts?

You mean, either try to fool myself into believing something I know could not be true or, look for answers with the tools I have available? did you really need to ask?

 

[tallbouy]

There is a masterful plan at work which includes some need-to-know, and some key witnesses - kind of a dot-to-dot progression. But, yes, faith is a big part of it, because...faith is the measure of a persons connection with God. It is that connection that sees us through the prison time, also known as "hope." But we have this faith and hope, because a part of us is a part of God...so, then, it's like meeting someone and having the feeling you have known them all your life, and you hit it off. It is that little grain of mustard seed connection of faith and hope that ties us to our destiny of returning to God, and it is our ticket out. Everyone without it simply gets the gift of organic/natural life...and because that is all they are made of, they are happy with it. Or...they can be drawn to that eternal something more...and ask for it.

Do you honestly think that simply by believing something you can change the outcome of anything? how many times has that worked for you during your lifetime? let me guess, not once.
It's the story of the kings new clothes told to fool the gullible, "It's not there but if you believe hard enough it will appear".
"It's not true but if you believe hard enough it will become true".

Can that master plan be applied to all religions or only the one you believe in?

 

[Archaeopteryx]

No religious (and I'm referring to Christian here) leader I've ever met has desired such a thing.

Sometimes I truly wonder how it is that non-Christians actually think we're all a bunch of indoctrinated, mindless followers.

I think they should actually meet with some Christians and talk with some Pastors. It wouldn't take long to realize that Christians don't just go to church and blindly accept everything the Pastor says. Not even close.

I'm still waiting to hear your response to this question:

Interesting that you seem to be drawing a distinction between "manmade teachings" and something else? What is that something else?

 

[TLK Valentine]

So, how would you go about it?

I'd do something I've already done -- read the Bible and decide if there was anything in it which couldn't have been written by ordinary humans.

 

[amariselle]

I'd do something I've already done -- read the Bible and decide if there was anything in it which couldn't have been written by ordinary humans.

No one argues that it was written by "ordinary humans."

The point is, they were inspired by God.

 

[JacksBratt]

God speaks to you directly, but a billion other Christians have to rely on "faith."

Have you considered a career as a prophet?

Faith is what you need to be saved. Once you are a child of God your eyes will be opened and you will really hear and really see and really understand the word of God.

You really cannot understand. It's impossible because you have hardened your heart, closed your eyes and refuse to hear.

Also, as I said in another thread, the "evidence" you need to quench your thirst for some tangible proof that the things of God are true.............will never be found. God gave us enough. Enough to believe by faith. Once we believe and accept....the rest is made apparent.

 

[TLK Valentine]

No one argues that it was written by "ordinary humans."

The point is, they were inspired by God.

Well, aren't we all?

 

[TLK Valentine]

Faith is what you need to be saved. Once you are a child of God your eyes will be opened and you will really hear and really see and really understand the word of God.

Is "faith" still necessary at that point?

You really cannot understand. It's impossible because you have hardened your heart, closed your eyes and refuse to hear.

or perhaps we're just using different definitions...

Also, as I said in another thread, the "evidence" you need to quench your thirst for some tangible proof that the things of God are true.............will never be found. God gave us enough. Enough to believe by faith. Once we believe and accept....the rest is made apparent.

We'll all see what we want to see, then, is that it?

 

[Loudmouth]

So...you figured out who the "writers" were.

That's very good!

Now - and there will be a quiz -who was the Author?

Men were the author.