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St. Benedict lived 30 miles East of Rome from 480-547. He discipled Pope Gregory 1st and is considered to be the founder of monasticism in the Western Church.

Benedict established a school of the Lord’s service and recommended,
dividing time (8 hrs sleep), 5-6 hours in prayer, 5-6 hours in work, and 4 hrs in study of scripture, reading religious philosophy, church father's writings and other study.

My focus here is on studying the scriptures. I have discipled people for over 30 years. One challenge I consistently encounter is encouraging those who I am mentoring to study The Bible. I find that the average Evangelical has some knowledge of scripture and occasionally will read outside of church, but has never studied it one time in their lives.

By "Study" I mean exegete what the passage meant to the original audience, and then ask how, if at all, it might apply to us as Christians? Later we get into Biblical theology and systematic theology.

When I show men I'm discipling, how to determine date, author, audience, occasion for writing, followed by developing an outline of the book, the looks on their faces is of pure astonishment.

It takes about 10-12 45-minute lessons to get people introduced to the skills required to study and apply the Bible. That is the english translation of the Bible. Including some introduction to textual criticism, perspectives on inerrancy and canonization.

For Protestants, do you study regularly? If scripture, rather than church authority reigns supreme, do you rely on your Pastor to tell you what to believe, or do you investigate the Pastor's view with skepticism, checking everything against a close study of the scriptures like the Berean Jews in Acts 17?

I have spent my life with Catholics. Many of my friends, my wife until she graduated from college, and in-laws are/were Catholic and attend church regularly. However, many have never read their Bible outside of church one time in their lives. As poorly as my Evangelical peers do studying, my Catholic friends don't even read it. And give me great reasons why they don't feel they have to.

Instead of engaging that argument I will just defer to Pope Francis.

Recently, in a German-language Catholic study guide, the Pope Francis quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who said, "You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature."

"God speaks through the Bible," the Pope wrote. "It is not a book designed for the shelves, but for the hands."

Pope Francis went on to encourage all Catholics to read and study their Bible daily.

What role does Bible study play in your lives as Catholics?

Do you study, just read, or neither?

Secondly, as Church Tradition plays an important role what resources do you use to study tradition?
 

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When I show men I'm discipling, how to determine date, author, audience, occasion for writing, followed by developing an outline of the book, the looks on their faces is of pure astonishment.
What's "funny" is that this stuff is already included in any good study Bible! So even if they only read, they have that info at their fingertips. Now, exegesis is another matter...
 
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Greg J.

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I'd be surprised if it took so many sessions for someone that is motivated to know. For everyone else, I'm surprised it only takes 10-12 sessions! On the other hand, if you're talking about them becoming comfortable with the process, then, it does sound about right.

I'm used to using books. If you use online resources, I'd be interested in the links you use. :)

For myself, I've always dealt with knowledge of Scripture in a question and answer format. Even when just reading, I had and have long-standing questions that I'm either looking for answers to or looking for more supporting passages for. There's never too many verses to refer to when trying to explain something to someone that doesn't believe it.
__
People can figure it out on their own, but fortunately Jesus taught it straight out:

... For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34b, 1984 NIV)

But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, ... (Matthew 15:18a, 1984 NIV)

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
(Luke 6:45, 1984 NIV)

The Holy Spirit is who/what changes people's hearts. Knowledge, understanding, and belief are tools used to express one's heart. When person A says something that person B objects to, person B has an immediate reaction (sometimes they draw a blank), which one might call a "feeling." Then person B's tries to understand what was said and what to respond with, and his mind puts memories, ideas, and reasoning into a blender for those purposes. The blending continues until they've formed into something cohesive that rings true, which can be the "click" of a logical conclusion or something comforting/peaceful. This is what person B communicates back with his mouth as what he believes. But it didn't start with logic, it started with their heart reaction. It ended with something logical or comfortable.

The reason for this explanation is to provide a different take on why we need to study Scripture. God has come to dwell within us, but when he did that, he didn't give us a new set of beliefs and memories consistent with our new heart. We need to be transformed (a slow process) into a person with experiences, feeling, and memories that are consistent with our new heart . One's heart can be thought of as who we really are at the core without all the veneers of personality, emotions, and memories occluding the real us.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2, 1984 NIV)

It is the Lord himself who has come into our hearts, but until we grow up with new experiences and memories based on our new hearts, we will just be an empty shell of who we really are. Knowing and understanding Scripture is essential to growing up into Jesus. It allows us to exercise our will in agreement with God to become like him.

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13, 1984 NIV)

With a new heart but without Scripture is like being Tarzan. Without a framework for who he is (a man), he grows up like an animal, even though he is no less human than anyone else.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26, 1984 NIV)

A person with a soft heart is someone with a child-like attitude for learning from and believing in Jesus, so that he may grow up to be like him.

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. (bold mine, Ezekiel 11:19, 1984 NIV)

Not studying Scripture or letting something occlude the heart God has given us is like denying who you now really are in Christ—which is not unlike refusing to become like him.
 
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ToBeLoved

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My thought is more along the lines of that they do not understand basic things, like the diff between the Old Testament and New Testament, Old Covenant vs. New Covenant, how the law (OT/OC) is much, much diff than grace by faith (NT/NC) who wrote each book, that New Testament books/Epistles are explained overall through Paul's Missionary journey's outlined in Acts. That the Epistles are books that were letters to specific churches.

The other thing I find is that they think the Bible is in a chronological order and does not cross-reference itself in many books. They think it reads like a novel. Start at the beginning, read til the end. Which does not a good Bible study make.

This is what I find overall.

My advice is to read scripture, but use other tools like a Bible encyclopedia, dictionary, timeline of when books are written, maps, and try to find out about the culture, especially OT.
 
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Greg J.

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My thought is more along the lines of that they do not understand basic things, like the diff between the Old Testament and New Testament, Old Covenant vs. New Covenant, how the law (OT/OC) is much, much diff than grace by faith (NT/NC) who wrote each book, that New Testament books/Epistles are explained overall through Paul's Missionary journey's outlined in Acts. That the Epistles are books that were letters to specific churches.

The other thing I find is that they think the Bible is in a chronological order and does not cross-reference itself in many books. They think it reads like a novel. Start at the beginning, read til the end. Which does not a good Bible study make.

This is what I find overall.

My advice is to read scripture, but use other tools like a Bible encyclopedia, dictionary, timeline of when books are written, maps, and try to find out about the culture, especially OT.
I started reading the Bible on my own (with the help of the Holy Spirit). It took me YEARS to figure some of those simple things out. I'm a big proponent of explaining what the Bible is to seekers and new Christians, as well as a short overview of the story that the Bible tells overall. I would read a book or letter in Scripture and be completely clueless as to what I was reading (I'm just now reminded of what the Ethiopian said in Acts 8:30-31), because I didn't know anything about the writer, the people he was writing to, or the circumstances they were in. It's also why I like some study Bibles. Looking at a timeline of the Bible has proved richly clarifying many times.
 
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ToBeLoved

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I started reading the Bible on my own (with the help of the Holy Spirit). It took me YEARS to figure some of those simple things out. I'm a big proponent of explaining what the Bible is to seekers and new Christians, as well as a short overview of the story that the Bible tells overall. I would read a book or letter in Scripture and be completely clueless as to what I was reading (I'm just now reminded of what the Ethiopian said in Acts 8:30-31), because I didn't know anything about the writer, the people he was writing to, or the circumstances they were in. It's also why I like some study Bibles. Looking at a timeline of the Bible has proved richly clarifying many times.
Yes, I 100% agree. I think that some of us who do have this knowledge it is important that we impart it upon others. I try to do that here on CF. To help people maybe put things into perspective that they do not understand, of course including the scripture for them so that they can then read it for themselves.

I strongly encourage all of us who know and understand (and like you, it took years!) this to help others so they do not stumble or misunderstand key concepts. No reason others should have to figure it out over time like I did. Make stronger witnesses of those already dedicated to Christ! :clap:

I was given a gift by the Holy Spirit of desiring to really understand the context of not only Jesus life, but Paul's ministry. After Jesus death it all seemed somewhat confusing, but I found it a challenge as well as interesting to put it all together. Now I think maybe I know why the Holy Spirit gave me this interest.
 
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I'm interested in the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture series. I've bought the Psalms one and I'll soon buy the Proverbs + Ecclesiastes + Song of Songs, and the Revelation one.

Fr. Tadros Malaty has commented on many books of the OT and all of the NT, I recur to him extensively: http://www.stminahamilton.ca/groups/servants/bible-commentary-books

I use Aquinas's compilation, the Catena Aurea, for the Gospels:
I use St. John Chrysostom for the Pauline epistles:
 
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Wings of Eagles

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Yes, I 100% agree. I think that some of us who do have this knowledge it is important that we impart it upon others. I try to do that here on CF. To help people maybe put things into perspective that they do not understand, of course including the scripture for them so that they can then read it for themselves.

I strongly encourage all of us who know and understand (and like you, it took years!) this to help others so they do not stumble or misunderstand key concepts. No reason others should have to figure it out over time like I did. Make stronger witnesses of those already dedicated to Christ! :clap:

I was given a gift by the Holy Spirit of desiring to really understand the context of not only Jesus life, but Paul's ministry. After Jesus death it all seemed somewhat confusing, but I found it a challenge as well as interesting to put it all together. Now I think maybe I know why the Holy Spirit gave me this interest.

I concur....It took many years of Bible study for me to realize the voice of the Holy Spirit and to rely on his wonderful illumination of Scripture to my mind....many times revealing wonderful things that only he could teach....and showing me error from which only he could spare me.

I have come to depend on his counsel through the Scriptures constantly, AND act accordingly. As Jesus said: " When he , the Spirit of Truth is come, He will GUIDE you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (Jn. 16:13)
Well; if he is not going to speak (of) from himself, then who is he getting this truth from, who does he hear it from??

Jesus Gives that answer also:
""He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you." (Jn. 16:14-15)

And again....
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." - Jesus (Jn. 14:26)

In these scriptures (there are others) we find that the Holy Spirit who dwells within us teaches and reveals the truth that Jesus taught.....Therefore as we read the words of Christ in Scripture, he bears witness to what is actually truth, and he corrects any misunderstanding in our minds.

Furthermore; Even though it is sometimes important to know the historical context and circumstances, today I spend FAR less time with such because I have come to realize the words of Jesus are eternal truths and are not dependent upon the circumstances or historicity. All the words of Christ are applicable to me today in MY circumstances....

Even when I hear the preaching of others who are following Christ, many of whom I enjoy immensely, I still allow the Spirit of God to speak to me about it and compare the message with scripture....and to bear witness one way of the other....
 
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Shane R

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I will just say: my mother reads two or three chapters of the Bible every day, because it helps her feel pious. She gains next to nothing from the reading because she never takes time to meditate on it and interpret what she read. But she loves to boast about how much she reads her Bible.
 
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farout

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St. Benedict lived 30 miles East of Rome from 480-547. He discipled Pope Gregory 1st and is considered to be the founder of monasticism in the Western Church.

Benedict established a school of the Lord’s service and recommended,
dividing time (8 hrs sleep), 5-6 hours in prayer, 5-6 hours in work, and 4 hrs in study of scripture, reading religious philosophy, church father's writings and other study.

My focus here is on studying the scriptures. I have discipled people for over 30 years. One challenge I consistently encounter is encouraging those who I am mentoring to study The Bible. I find that the average Evangelical has some knowledge of scripture and occasionally will read outside of church, but has never studied it one time in their lives.

By "Study" I mean exegete what the passage meant to the original audience, and then ask how, if at all, it might apply to us as Christians? Later we get into Biblical theology and systematic theology.

When I show men I'm discipling, how to determine date, author, audience, occasion for writing, followed by developing an outline of the book, the looks on their faces is of pure astonishment.

It takes about 10-12 45-minute lessons to get people introduced to the skills required to study and apply the Bible. That is the english translation of the Bible. Including some introduction to textual criticism, perspectives on inerrancy and canonization.

For Protestants, do you study regularly? If scripture, rather than church authority reigns supreme, do you rely on your Pastor to tell you what to believe, or do you investigate the Pastor's view with skepticism, checking everything against a close study of the scriptures like the Berean Jews in Acts 17?

I have spent my life with Catholics. Many of my friends, my wife until she graduated from college, and in-laws are/were Catholic and attend church regularly. However, many have never read their Bible outside of church one time in their lives. As poorly as my Evangelical peers do studying, my Catholic friends don't even read it. And give me great reasons why they don't feel they have to.

Instead of engaging that argument I will just defer to Pope Francis.

Recently, in a German-language Catholic study guide, the Pope Francis quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who said, "You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature."

"God speaks through the Bible," the Pope wrote. "It is not a book designed for the shelves, but for the hands."

Pope Francis went on to encourage all Catholics to read and study their Bible daily.

What role does Bible study play in your lives as Catholics?

Do you study, just read, or neither?

Secondly, as Church Tradition plays an important role what resources do you use to study tradition?




Very well written statement. However are you addressing Catholics or protestants? I hope the last as well.

I do both. Study takes more that a brief half an hour. Reading can be as little as a daily devotional read, like OUR DAILY BREAD, which I have done from when it first came out in the mid fifties.

When I study I have not only several Bibles, but as many as three or more Commentaries, and a Hebrew Geek English Bible. It takes about 15 minuets just to lay all my study materials out before I start studying. Sometimes I leave these materials out fore several days while I study for a a four hours at a time.

You are right most Christians hardly ever read the Bible say nothing about studying it. Why, people as a general rule prefer TV preachers who slobber weak soft non food that's takes no real thought whatsoever. vey sad.
 
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Wings of Eagles

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farout said:
Very well written statement. However are you addressing Catholics or protestants? I hope the last as well.

I do both. Study takes more that a brief half an hour. Reading can be as little as a daily devotional read, like OUR DAILY BREAD, which I have done from when it first came out in the mid fifties.

When I study I have not only several Bibles, but as many as three or more Commentaries, and a Hebrew Geek English Bible. It takes about 15 minuets just to lay all my study materials out before I start studying. Sometimes I leave these materials out fore several days while I study for a a four hours at a time.

Thank you Far Out;
I was also going to mention that in my previous post. When I want to go further in depth on a Scripture or topic....I always have a Strong's Concordance handy for the Hebrew and Greek...as well as the Interlinear, all of
which are easily accessible on-line...

farout said:
You are right most Christians hardly ever read the Bible say nothing about studying it. Why, people as a general rule prefer TV preachers who slobber weak soft non food that's takes no real thought whatsoever. vey sad.

Right again, unfortunately. Why get regurgitated food when you can serve up your own good meal straight from the Master Chef ?
In my earlier years I went thru the program and worked on staff at Teen Challenge and then went on to set up several Teen Challenge Bible Schools at locations in the country.
The first part of the day was always 4 and 1/2 hours of Bible study....intensive work at your own pace through fundamental Bible doctrines etc. as well as very practical Biblical studies ...and it all lasted for 13 month for each student.
And it WORKED...87% cure rate for heroin addicts after 5 years back in society. Federal Guberment programs can't even get to 5%. Two of my first students not only graduated from the program but went on to score the top 5 and 10% in the state GED Test....one got the highest math score in the history of the State !
Because they handled their Bible studies well with discipline they were able to transfer that discipline and clarity of thought to the GED studies which we offered and they excelled greatly...These were former drug addicts, BTW.

For me...The discipline lasted all my life...MANY years later I still do several hours of Bible reading and study every morning....and I teach whenever asked. Yes; we all have areas that need improvement and the flesh & devil trap is always around the corner, but consistent Bible reading, studying and praying brings us back on track.... I can't live without it....nor without the guidance of the Holy Spirit at every step....

I really don't know how people who"say" they are Christians can live without consistent meeting with the Lord in Bible study . Sadly, hearing nominal Christians speak and write (even here on this forum), I can only conclude they have decided that cultural compromise is the easy way out.
 
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ToBeLoved

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I will just say: my mother reads two or three chapters of the Bible every day, because it helps her feel pious. She gains next to nothing from the reading because she never takes time to meditate on it and interpret what she read. But she loves to boast about how much she reads her Bible.

That is a shame. You can only pray that God reveals her error to her.
 
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ToBeLoved

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Very well written statement. However are you addressing Catholics or protestants? I hope the last as well.

I do both. Study takes more that a brief half an hour. Reading can be as little as a daily devotional read, like OUR DAILY BREAD, which I have done from when it first came out in the mid fifties.

When I study I have not only several Bibles, but as many as three or more Commentaries, and a Hebrew Geek English Bible. It takes about 15 minuets just to lay all my study materials out before I start studying. Sometimes I leave these materials out fore several days while I study for a a four hours at a time.

You are right most Christians hardly ever read the Bible say nothing about studying it. Why, people as a general rule prefer TV preachers who slobber weak soft non food that's takes no real thought whatsoever. vey sad.

I think too that people want to be entertained so what by preachers. They want them to have flair and keep their interest. That bothers me too
 
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Uber Genius

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Very well written statement. However are you addressing Catholics or protestants? I hope the last as well.

I do both. Study takes more that a brief half an hour. Reading can be as little as a daily devotional read, like OUR DAILY BREAD, which I have done from when it first came out in the mid fifties.

When I study I have not only several Bibles, but as many as three or more Commentaries, and a Hebrew Geek English Bible. It takes about 15 minuets just to lay all my study materials out before I start studying. Sometimes I leave these materials out fore several days while I study for a a four hours at a time.

You are right most Christians hardly ever read the Bible say nothing about studying it. Why, people as a general rule prefer TV preachers who slobber weak soft non food that's takes no real thought whatsoever. vey sad.
All Christians, no matter what their denomination or tradition.

The point of the post was to get people to study, as opposed to read.

If that took place, we would see a large portion of denominational distinctives drop away IMO.
 
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Uber Genius

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What's "funny" is that this stuff is already included in any good study Bible! So even if they only read, they have that info at their fingertips. Now, exegesis is another matter...
Remember, I'm teaching them how to create or write a Bible study. How to defend their understanding. Reading a Bible study is helpful but writing one locks in understanding at a deeper level. So within a couple months of becoming Christians my guys are writing bible studies, doing exegesis (in English not Greek).
 
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farout

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All Christians, no matter what their denomination or tradition.

The point of the post was to get people to study, as opposed to read.

If that took place, we would see a large portion of denominational distinctives drop away IMO.

I don't think so. As a Baptist real Scripture Study only confirms what Baptist Doctrine says.
 
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farout

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So you believe that we should just read the Bible, not study it, and the only use for it is to confirm our own beliefs?


Please go back and read my post on how I study the Scriptures. For sure and certain the Bible is what dictates what becomes what we draw our beliefs from, not the other way around. Thanks for asking, I hope this helps.
 
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Uber Genius

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I don't think so. As a Baptist real Scripture Study only confirms what Baptist Doctrine says.

Wouldn't every denomination say that? Can they all be right? Can even two different denominations make you claim truthfully?

Now do you think that out of the 100s of denominational distinctives, you are the only one without false beliefs?

This is a chicken or the egg type of question.

Do we hold and maintain our beliefs because of rigorous examination of the scriptures? Or by authority? Have we done the hard work of examining the different inferences to the biblical data on:
Harmatology
Soteriology
Christology
Pneumatology
Ecclesiology
Theology of God
Anthropology
Etc.

Or have we just looked at our traditions "statements of belief," and said "yep, those must be the true ones, so of coarse the men that studied scripture and put those beliefs together aeons ago were right."

But of coarse that is the same answer I get from the. Jehovah's Witnesses, when I'm discussing why they misrepresent John 1:1

Imagine their surprised faces when I show them the greek text and where, within a few verses, their New World Translation ignores the falsely constructed JW interpretive framework of rendering theos without a preceding definite article "ton!" When I take them to psalms and Isaiah and Hebrews and Epistles and prove (even with their own NWT) that Jesus in fact is not created!

My point is obvious, eliminate the arguments from authority. Do your own hard work because scripture study is just that valuable. And engage you pastor in a friendly discussion about your observations that produce questions of the various views.

Be respectful. "Pastor, when. I read these passages they seem to defeat the view ..., how do you treat these issues when your are confronted by them. Let them have time to respond. In fact getting together for coffee is a good way to engage. If there is a basic doctrine class in your church (with a Q&A period) then jump on in.

Hope this helps.
 
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farout

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Wouldn't every denomination say that? Can they all be right? Can even two different denominations make you claim truthfully?

Now do you think that out of the 100s of denominational distinctives, you are the only one without false beliefs?

This is a chicken or the egg type of question.

Do we hold and maintain our beliefs because of rigorous examination of the scriptures? Or by authority? Have we done the hard work of examining the different inferences to the biblical data on:
Harmatology
Soteriology
Christology
Pneumatology
Ecclesiology
Theology of God
Anthropology
Etc.

Or have we just looked at our traditions "statements of belief," and said "yep, those must be the true ones, so of coarse the men that studied scripture and put those beliefs together aeons ago were right."

But of coarse that is the same answer I get from the. Jehovah's Witnesses, when I'm discussing why they misrepresent John 1:1

Imagine their surprised faces when I show them the greek text and where, within a few verses, their New World Translation ignores the falsely constructed JW interpretive framework of rendering theos without a preceding definite article "ton!" When I take them to psalms and Isaiah and Hebrews and Epistles and prove (even with their own NWT) that Jesus in fact is not created!

My point is obvious, eliminate the arguments from authority. Do your own hard work because scripture study is just that valuable. And engage you pastor in a friendly discussion about your observations that produce questions of the various views.

Be respectful. "Pastor, when. I read these passages they seem to defeat the view ..., how do you treat these issues when your are confronted by them. Let them have time to respond. In fact getting together for coffee is a good way to engage. If there is a basic doctrine class in your church (with a Q&A period) then jump on in.

Hope this helps.

I did NOT say only Baptists have it right. I did say that's how I selected being a Baptist. I am a Christian FIRST, I select to assembly with others in a church call Baptist. Most Christians know when a person says they are a Assembly of God member that their understanding of Scripture is that all the Gifts are operational today. The same for seventh day Baptists, people know they worship the Lord on Saturday. We as Christians all have the privilege to understand the Scripture as we believe it should be in worship and daily living. Anabaptists have their understanding too, but the CORE is Jesus Christ. In liberty we must show love.

Pleas except my sincere apology if is offended anyone in giving any opinion but love and appreciation for other believers in Jesus Christ and the Word of God

The text JWs use is quite different from the oldest new testament manuscripts. I can not and will not dialogue about the JW religion or their beliefs in this thread, as I believe it would be inappropriate here.
 
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