Hello

[SPB1987]

I don't think so, I have noticed that elman doesn't always interpret the bible in the obvious manner. He has studied the bible in depth to achieve the deeper meanings that literal interpretation cannot portray. However in saying this I don't think you should discount his knowledge and understanding, the faith that is produced in us depends on how much we trust God. Elman in this case cannot be faulted. If on the other hand you do interpret the bible in the obvious manner and you do believe that God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, told Moses to defeat the sinful civilizations, then you'll likely need to work on understanding both sides of the story. The bible is a record that can be considered biased in favor of God, by representing only that information that is relevant to having faith in God. It doesn't therefore go on to explain the nature of the Canaanites such that God would hate them, you would need to obtain that knowledge from a non-biblical source if you were interested in understanding why Moses was instructed to defeat them.

Well that is interesting. I read his comment as sarcasm.

 

[razeontherock]

Nope, that wasn't sarcasm coming from Elman. He's a bit of a unique individual here, who will usually present a viewpoint no one else will 100% share. IIRC, he wouldn't say Moses (or Joshua) was actually instructed by G-d to kill their neighbors. And modern Jews agree.

 

[elman]

Nope, that wasn't sarcasm coming from Elman. He's a bit of a unique individual here, who will usually present a viewpoint no one else will 100% share. IIRC, he wouldn't say Moses (or Joshua) was actually instructed by G-d to kill their neighbors. And modern Jews agree.

Thank you--very much. I appreciate that comment.

 

[elman]

I don't think so, I have noticed that elman doesn't always interpret the bible in the obvious manner. He has studied the bible in depth to achieve the deeper meanings that literal interpretation cannot portray. However in saying this I don't think you should discount his knowledge and understanding, the faith that is produced in us depends on how much we trust God. Elman in this case cannot be faulted. If on the other hand you do interpret the bible in the obvious manner and you do believe that God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, told Moses to defeat the sinful civilizations, then you'll likely need to work on understanding both sides of the story. The bible is a record that can be considered biased in favor of God, by representing only that information that is relevant to having faith in God. It doesn't therefore go on to explain the nature of the Canaanites such that God would hate them, you would need to obtain that knowledge from a non-biblical source if you were interested in understanding why Moses was instructed to defeat them.

Thank you.

 

[SPB1987]

We are going to church tonight so that will hopefully go well. I want to say thanks to everyone again! I will be posting some more tonight.

 

[bling]

Mid-week Bible service, that is great. I enjoy reading your comments. Just keep on keeping on. God bless your efforts.

 

[SPB1987]

Well church went great today. The class covered James 2 in great detail. The lesson was incredibly relevant to what I am currently going through. He talked a great deal about faith, works and individuals who are "I think I believe" and "I think I do not believe". Overall it was an excellent lesson. I had a conversation for about 20 minutes with the man who did the class. He was great to talk to and said anytime I have any questions that I am more than welcome to seek him out.

 

[razeontherock]

Glad to hear that! We haven't had Church of Christ (CoC) represented well here. There was one rather militant individual, posting things known to be contrary to CoC.

2 things I have to say about being part of a "good" Church:

1) if it were perfect, either of us attending would mess it up (The point being don't be put off by minor issues)

2) As long as you are growing there, you are being connected to LIFE. This is the basic goal!

No need to look elsewhere, as long as what your wife is comfortable with is a Blessing. (IMHO) As you yourself grow, there may come a time when some conflict arises. By that time, you will already know to be patient, and seek the Lord about it.

I truly do believe at least some different denoms exist, as places for believers to grow ...

 

[SPB1987]

Glad to hear that! We haven't had Church of Christ (CoC) represented well here. There was one rather militant individual, posting things known to be contrary to CoC.

2 things I have to say about being part of a "good" Church:

1) if it were perfect, either of us attending would mess it up (The point being don't be put off by minor issues)

2) As long as you are growing there, you are being connected to LIFE. This is the basic goal!

No need to look elsewhere, as long as what your wife is comfortable with is a Blessing. (IMHO) As you yourself grow, there may come a time when some conflict arises. By that time, you will already know to be patient, and seek the Lord about it.

I truly do believe at least some different denoms exist, as places for believers to grow ...

I have been looking around the forums and I do not think I have seen much COC either. COC is not the same as United Church of Christ just to clarify that for everyone. I really only have experience with Church of Christ and Southern Baptist churches. I like the fact that in COC they leave out the music. I am not opposed to music(pianos, violins, ect) but have always been put off by rock style music in church. I like the solemn and soothing music/singing that comes with a church service.

 

[razeontherock]

As a musician one thing I can say for sure: the Lord is NOT at all put off by worship from a pure heart, done w/o instrumental accompianament!

 

[SPB1987]

I am feeling really good about the whole thing right now. He also recommended that I just continue to read my bible as much as possible. He told me that he used to read and write down questions about what he read and then he would talk to a preacher about it. I will be writing down my questions and concerns and keeping in close contact with him. He teaches the class every Wednesday night and he also taught VBS earlier this year.

 

[razeontherock]

This all sure seems wholesome to me ... the blessing of G-d isn't so elusive as people make it out to be:

(Deut 28:2) And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God."

 

[oi_antz]

I am feeling really good about the whole thing right now. He also recommended that I just continue to read my bible as much as possible. He told me that he used to read and write down questions about what he read and then he would talk to a preacher about it. I will be writing down my questions and concerns and keeping in close contact with him. He teaches the class every Wednesday night and he also taught VBS earlier this year.

Hey good to hear it SPB!

 

[bling]

Glad to hear that! We haven't had Church of Christ (CoC) represented well here. There was one rather militant individual, posting things known to be contrary to CoC.

2 things I have to say about being part of a "good" Church:

1) if it were perfect, either of us attending would mess it up (The point being don't be put off by minor issues)

2) As long as you are growing there, you are being connected to LIFE. This is the basic goal!

No need to look elsewhere, as long as what your wife is comfortable with is a Blessing. (IMHO) As you yourself grow, there may come a time when some conflict arises. By that time, you will already know to be patient, and seek the Lord about it.

I truly do believe at least some different denoms exist, as places for believers to grow ...

I attend a Church of Christ and really like the lessons and do some teaching. The congregation has some wonderful people, but there are some hyporcites.

 

[bling]

I have been looking around the forums and I do not think I have seen much COC either. COC is not the same as United Church of Christ just to clarify that for everyone. I really only have experience with Church of Christ and Southern Baptist churches. I like the fact that in COC they leave out the music. I am not opposed to music(pianos, violins, ect) but have always been put off by rock style music in church. I like the solemn and soothing music/singing that comes with a church service.

I have no problem with instruments, but prefer singing for similar reasons.
I attend COC.

 

[bling]

Well church went great today. The class covered James 2 in great detail. The lesson was incredibly relevant to what I am currently going through. He talked a great deal about faith, works and individuals who are "I think I believe" and "I think I do not believe". Overall it was an excellent lesson. I had a conversation for about 20 minutes with the man who did the class. He was great to talk to and said anytime I have any questions that I am more than welcome to seek him out.

Reading and studying on your own is great, but getting with a small group of men would be better (that has been my experience). We might help a little here, but it is not the same.

 

[SPB1987]

Reading and studying on your own is great, but getting with a small group of men would be better (that has been my experience). We might help a little here, but it is not the same.

I know what you mean. Every Wednesday night is the men's class. I work 6 days a week, 52 hours a week so I don't have time for much of anything else. I am also in college full time and our 4 month old has reflux so he cries constantly. I am a very busy and tired person and I have a hard time seeing an end to this in sight.

 

[bling]

I know what you mean. Every Wednesday night is the men's class. I work 6 days a week, 52 hours a week so I don't have time for much of anything else. I am also in college full time and our 4 month old has reflux so he cries constantly. I am a very busy and tired person and I have a hard time seeing an end to this in sight.

You will be in my prays. I have been there and can tell you there is light at the end of that tunnel. Enjoy your youth, the challenges have rewards, there is always someone in worse shape you can help.
Count your blessings, be thankful, and you have been blessed.

 

[razeontherock]

Yup! My first born, you could set your watch by when he would need to eat. 20 minutes! And I don't mean maybe. 6 months straight of that. After a while of no sleep and my tools continually "getting heavier," i weighed myself and saw I was lighter than I had been since 8th grade. NOT healthy! Do take care of yourself ... never knew Bling was CoC

 

[SPB1987]

You will be in my prays. I have been there and can tell you there is light at the end of that tunnel. Enjoy your youth, the challenges have rewards, there is always someone in worse shape you can help.
Count your blessings, be thankful, and you have been blessed.

I sure hope things do get better. I will not graduate until November of 2012 and I can not imagine doing what I am currently doing until then. It just feels like there is no end in sight. I know that is probably irrational but that really is how I feel. Well thanks again for your response!