For those who call themselves Christians the Bible is, well, their “bible.” It’s the instruction manual, the map and the rule book for living. Just as those who attempt to use a new piece of technology without reading the instruction manual, a traveler who veers away from the plotted course or someone who attempts to drive without learning the rules of the road, a Christian doesn’t make much progress without the Bible.
The Bible is just an abstract collection of stories and platitudes to some people. While they believe it may contain bits of wisdom, it isn’t absolute truth or infallible. Most Christ-followers see it differently, believing this to be the inspired word of God, period. From time to time I come across something I don’t like as I’m reading: God commanding that everyone in a certain region be killed and their property destroyed; a man being told to sacrificially kill his own son (even though he wasn’t forced to go through with it) and some of His laws and expectations about our daily living.
It is hard not to get caught up in culturally contemporary thinking. Why not watch a little bit of nudity in a movie…that’s not porn. As long as two people love each other whom are they hurting if they sleep together without being married? Marijuana is a natural substance like wine…why should I obey the dumb law prohibiting its use? Shouldn’t people have a right to choose the gender of the person they fall in love with, or are intimate with? There are wars, natural disasters and famine all over the world. Does God really expect us to follow these archaic rules about such small things?
The simple answer is yes. We may not like it and we certainly won’t understand it, but our loving creator has designed a master plan…and within that, a microcosm for each of us. Every choice we make alters our path—and the journey of those around us. Reverting to the simple truths we learned as children: Trust, Obey and Receive Blessings.
The Lord doesn’t love us any less when we choose to disobey His words and direction. If we’ve truly given our heart to Him, our salvation is secure. However, we are likely to miss some of the wonderful blessings that were on the path He chose for us. It’s difficult to have true peace when we belong to God, know His ways and still make choices apart from His plan.
Being a follower of Jesus isn’t a selective endeavor…I’ll buy this, but not that. It’s an all-or-nothing venture. Are you in all the way or only willing to accept parts of the Bible you like and make you feel comfortable? Perhaps it’s time to consider this dangerous (often unpopular) challenge. Then go forward and see how much different your journey is after this decision.
Do you think it’s important to aspire to follow God’s ways and His direction through the Bible? Is it OK to pick some things that seem out-dated and abandon them as obsolete or dogmatic? Comment below.
Diane Markins
*I’m proud to add “Grandma” to my resume! Noah Jeffrey was born July 12th. Well done and congrats to Jeffrey and Chelsea.
Loved this piece. Thanks. Please check out my blog. It reminds me of yours a lot
Blessings, Barb
Congrats Granny! Very cute baby!
Feel free to delete this comment if you want–I will totally understand– but…the past two years I have been getting into deeper study of the Word as well as reading the opposing perspectives (what the atheists/agnostics disagree with about our modern Bibles) and I have learned some critical insights. First of all, our “Bibles,” which are nothing more than interpretations by fallen man often with agenda, are a mess. One doesn’t realize it until things are pointed out that don’t add up. For instance, many of our Bible translations contradict each other! Also, do you ever wonder why theologians can’t agree on what seems like important doctrines? Partly back to mistranslations and errors in popular Bible versions as well as their lack of Hebrew understanding of the intent. I still believe original Scriptures are inerrant and inspired, but we don’t have any of the original Scriptures. Truth can only be found by comparing different versions, Hebrew, Greek (many free tools online for doing this), and of course, being led by the Spirit. “But what about God preserving His Word?” (the argument I used to use). Well, God never promised He would preserve His Word from corruption. If anything, He prophesied the opposite.
Jer. 8:7-9 “But My people do not know the ordinance of the LORD. How can you say, `We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us’? But behold, the lying pen of the scribes has made it into a lie. The wise men are put to shame, they are dismayed and caught; behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD, and what kind of wisdom do they have?”
Just food for thought…I thought you might be interested in hearing this perspective.
P.S. I think all Christians should be reading the opposing arguments to our faith and beliefs. They are really eye-opening. THe atheists know the Bible better than most Christians and they have many valid points. This will not shake your faith if you get down to the intent of Scripture, study the Hebrew and Greek (most people don’t want to take the time to do this) and apply the Hebrew lenses though.
Julie,
I would never delete any insights you want to contribute. I have to point out that your understanding of God’s word is a little different than the “average Christian” because you’ve devoted so much passion, time and energy into studying (especially in recent years).
I believe that the more we invest in seeking God and truth, the more of both will be revealed to us. Comparing scripture in Hebrew, Greek and disecting original verbiage/intent opens entirely new realms of thought.
I know that God created us with brains and He doesn’t want us to accept or reject anything unless we reason, research and pursue honest answers.
That said, for Believers there has to be a starting point…some basic foundations of non-negotiables, ie. God is real, Jesus is the Christ, there are some actions prescribed by the Lord, etc. Scripture is that starting place.
My point is that we can’t pick and choose our theology of choice if we want to follow Christ. While Christianity may look a little different to each person according to where he or she is on the journey and how much time they’ve spent delving into knowing God, it isn’t an arbitrary religion buffet.
Thanks for sharing your heart and knowlege here, sister!
Diane
I agree with you about the starting place, Diane! I still believe there is absolute truth, only it has become a new journey for me to find out what it is. I only gave my opinions to provoke thought. In these last days, it will be critical that we begin learning what is deep down truth, or we will be in danger of giving up on our faith as our eyes are opened to the inconsistencies and mistranslations. The Bible teaches that Satan deceives the whole world…this is because too many of us for too long have relied on others to tell us what to believe instead of seeking out the truth for ourselves. This is what the Bereans taught by example. God intentionally (I believe) put the Scriptures into Greek so that the average person could study and learn the truth. Koine Greek is the common people’s language of the day. It is relatively simple, consistent, and has changed very little in 3,000 years unlike other languages.
Have you ever noticed that Jesus taught that His Father would “hide the truth” from the wise and learned? Luke 10:21: At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.”
It is important to note that Jesus was speaking ABOUT the religious scholars/teachers/leaders of the day, not atheists. There is an important principle here…
All food for though.
Have a great week!
Diane,Congratulations on your new grandson! May, Noah con’t. to grow in wisdom & stature. And Blessings to Jeffrey & Chelsey, May Our Heavenly Father give them much wisdom & strength as they raise Noah for the kingdom of God. I enjoy your teachings. May God con’t. to get the glory. Bless you Sister.
I like the blog- it’s unfathomably amazing that the Bible is not just words in a book- but a representation of the real, living God. I think that’s sort of the answer to your searching Julie- you’re absolutely right- fallen man have said a LOT of different things about God over the centuries! Christians, Atheists, Gnostics, Heathens, Pagans, Muslims and everybody else who can think all have something to say about God (or the lack there of). What, I think separates the wheat from the chaff here is that God speaks for himself.
Follow me here, whatever you believe, it logically follows that if God truly exists and he loves his creation, he would be telling us about himself left and right! Just like how you can say and think and tell others all you want about me, doesnt necessarily make it true. However, if I tell you about myself, and then back it up by how I live- you know a true thing. It is likewise with God.
So, if you are honestly searching for God- you’re in luck. He’s actually not that hard to find in and of himself- because he wants to be found. Pick any direction, but if you are searching for God, the God- you are going to run into him sooner or later- just make sure you can recognize him when you do, is all.
God bless
Ryan
Good comments Ryan! I also LOVE that the OT is full of amazing pictures telling us about God’s plan to save humanity over and over…when we are tuned in and really seeking, He reveals Himself Pr. 2:1-5.