Do we need to find out about biblic history?

[futuresoldier]

Hello people. I am not really having time to post right now, so I'll be making a topic asking for your help on various topics about once a week. I-um-Oh yeah, that was it- the recurring theme of time in this message is not intentional. NOW JUMP. Hehehe- Sorry I'm rambeling. Anyways...

Do we have to find out about biblic history? I know that God has done a lot of good things (he does 'em for me every day), this is obvious. However, is it necessary for us to learn every page of the old testemant?

Those of you that would answer yes may be interested to know that archelogical evidence is in direct conflict with the Bible regarding the Israelite's arrival in 'The Promised Land' (I don't have time to tell or remember more, but just trust me- this is true). Surely it is just best to have faith in God, without wasteing time getting hung up on the details. Your opinions, please?

 

[Elijah]

It would be good to, yes.

What archeological evidence is there in conflict with that? If you specify we can talk further.

We don't have to know it, but when the Bible says something happened then it must be correct in that or it is not inerrant.

 

[futuresoldier]

What does

inerrant

mean? I haven't really got time to talk over much now, I'll post more in this thread, trying to specify etc, Elijah, in about two days.

 

[WhitBit]

Inerrant = infallible, correct, without flaw

I think the OT is incredibly important! My faith is so much more well-rounded with the messages from David, Job, Moses, Joshua, Solomon, etc...And Esther and Ruth? The stories are fascinating, and speak so deeply of God's love and provision...

How many people have ever read the story of Samson and Delilah? (well, or at least have heard it.) And then...how many recognize the direct correlation of the events preceding Samson's defeat and his identity as a Nazarite? That's an AWESOME Bible Study I've heard once - and will never forget. Remind me to tell it sometime.

Is it absolutely necessary to know stuff about the OT to be a Christian, I don't think so. But is it absolutely beneficial in every way to read it, study it, and be able to recognize its importance as God's Word? Yes!

 

[Crusader Abrahm]

if all were proven out with physical evidence, then where would faith come in?

 

[WhitBit]

BTW...Josephus (an administrator of the board) is pretty well versed on the matters of correlation between Biblical history and archaeological evidence....I'll see if we can't drag him into the thread for some educated light-shedding But Crusader is right...our faith is not ever based on "proof" of God. What, then, would make faith meritorious?

 

[Josephus]

Thanks Whit.

actually yes, we do need to find out about biblical history, but keep in mind that dating techniques and calibrations are based totally on assumptions, so one scientist can have one opinion a hundred years off, and another a hundred years earlier. It'd be interested in seeing what 'evidence' there is to contradict 'biblical' history, as I have yet to see any.

 

[Crusader Abrahm]

when Jesus let thomas touch His wounds, He did not condemn him for needing proof, but do you remember what Jesus said about those who believe without proof?

 

[Blackwing]

Sometimes we ask for proof so that we can tell others logicaly what we are believing in and not run in circles for even Peter said we must defend our faith at all times especially to non-believers.

But above all we must have faith in God and what He told us through His word. Then we take off from there.

Biblical history gives us something to add upon our faith and not faith itself

 

[Devoted Warrior]

Thoughts from an old person. (he he)

I think archeological evidence is a gift from God, and I think He gives us enough to keep us excited! he he

(example Dead Sea Scrolls)


I used to avoid the Old Testament, and I admit it can get a little LONG and redundant at times. (I just finished reading every word of Judges. Phew!)

I have read or listened to the dramatized version on tape, and just find it very interesting...and inspiring....as to God's constant re-directing His people back to His plan, in whatever way He had to. I guess my focus changed over the years and now is just on God and what he has done. So from that perspective it is important for me.

As far as proof, I think there are people who need this to help them build faith. And that is o.k. So did Thomas, as already mentioned. We are all so different, and God, in His INFINITE wisdom, works with all of us, for He wants all of us in heaven with Him someday. Praise Him!

Just my thoughts.

Peace of Christ,
nancy

 

[solo66 man]

Personally, I need no proof. I am so glad God gave me the gift of faith. Remember, Christ said, "Blessed is he who has not seen yet believes."

If we need proof, we have no faith. Then where goes our righteousness? Abraham needed no proof. He waited many years for God's promise to be fulfilled. He was counted as righteous on account of his faith. If we always need proof, how
can we follow Him in our daily things of life? How can we believe
that all things are for the good in him who believes in the Lord?
How do we know Christs blood is sacrificed in all sufficiency?
Are we truely justified? There is no physical evidence for the essentials of Christianity. God did it that way on purpose. He wants us to be His children, not because we can touch Him physically, but because we love Him so much, we need no proof.

 

[Josephus]

but I think it is important that Christians be aware of the evidence of their faith, the proofs of historic Christianity, and the evidence for our "rational faith."

Total and completely blind faith is irrational, and unacceptable to a lot of people. Of course, I didn't come to God with some proof of his existence, I always believed as a little kid; but as an adult I see now the importance of knowing your roots, and the reasons for why you believe - because there are adults that need that in our world today. Back then, the apostles performed miracles and people believed. Today we have our minds. Let's use what God has given us, especially since now we have at our hands more evidence than the entire church has had in the last 2000 years. Let's be familiar with the evidence so that we can answer quite reasonably and demonstrate the rationale of the faith and truth we have come to "know" and now so irrevocably cling to.

 

[solo66 man]

I do agree to the point of possibly using physical proof for witnessing, but in the long run, faith is the only alternative. As has been stated already, there is physical evidence that can also, be used against the historical scriptures and so, if we lean too heavily on physical evidence, it can actually be much, much more fragile in keeping someone faithful(is faithful the right word in this case?)as evidence to the contrary, which we know Satan is certainly capable of unvailing to archeaologists, will only disprove to the scientifically minded individual the reality of crediblilty of the Scriptures. So, we must be very careful with how we endeavor to seek evidence for the use of witnessing and it's validity in the future of a believer.

 

[VOW]

Originally posted by Josephus
but I think it is important that Christians be aware of the evidence of their faith, the proofs of historic Christianity, and the evidence for our "rational faith."

Total and completely blind faith is irrational, and unacceptable to a lot of people

Yup. If you have a good, heaping dose of blind faith, then I can find a copy of the "Book of Mormon" for you!

Personally, I get a fantastic charge out of archaeology corroborating the Bible. It's almost like as man's physical knowledge grows, the Bible expands to meet it. There is something "new" to discover with each age. Kinda reminds me of a "Chinese take-apart ball" I used to get when I was a kid. It was a ball of wound strips of crepe paper. As you unwound the ball, you would find all kinds of little toys in each layer. With the Bible, the more you "unwind," the more layers of discovery await you!



Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[solo66 man]

I always test everything by the Scriptures. That is not blind faith. Plus I take the Bible as a whole rather than verse by verse. Verses can help prove something out, but to see God in a comprehensive description, you need the entire Bible, leaving nothing out, to see an acurate picture of who He is.

 

[VOW]

Originally posted by solo66 man
I take the Bible as a whole rather than verse by verse. Verses can help prove something out, but to see God in a comprehensive description, you need the entire Bible, leaving nothing out, to see an acurate picture of who He is.

Absolutely! You start picking apart the verses with tweezers, you can make the Bible say just about anything!


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[Josephus]

one thing I've learned, is that the truth has nothing to fear from being picked apart. ever. what i do warn others about most though, are their interpretations.

the bible has nothing to fear from skeptics. what is fearful is one who twists what the bible says, or what the facts are, to say something else.

 

[solo66 man]

Absolutely and Amen to that! There are many who are ticking the ears of many others today and few are approaching them on it. That is why I appreciate the Bible answer man Hank Hannigraph. Is that how you spell his name? he does not hesitate to point out error.

 

[WhitBit]

YEAH!! BIBLE ANSWER MAN ROCKS!! (Hanegraff)

 

[solo66 man]

Originally posted by WhitBit
YEAH!! BIBLE ANSWER MAN ROCKS!! (Hanegraff)

Thank you for the spelling and encouragement.