What if we really got down and dirty with our study of the Bible? I wonder if what we have been taught from scripture is really the truth or just propaganda from early Bible translators to instill fear in us so that we would cling to the law instead of God’s unconditional grace and love? You know, when I was in college a few years ago, I took some philosophy and religion classes that really messed with my theology. But I was fearful of admitting that some of their questions about the validaty of scripture actually made sense to me. We aren’t supposed to question the Bible, are we? I wonder if King James stayed true to the pure form of the scriptures or did he sprinkle in some religious garbage just to keep us strangled in fear and bondage. The truth is, I haven’t taken enough time to really find out the truth for myself.
I believe that many Christ followers have failed when it comes to personal exploration of the scriptures and other historical texts – some have been lulled into accepting whatever comes from the pulpit and are blindly following whatever is fed to us. I have commited to God that I would not continue to be one of them. I want to be a true follower of Christ – one who knows for herself what is in the heart of the Father. The journey before me literally scares the hell out of me – but I believe that it is a journey that I must take.
Why don’t we take the journey together?
Abs of Steel 
WOOHOO! You’ve been sucked in to the blog world! I’ll take this journey with you, too.
He (your dear brother) found you the same way he found us apparently. But I’m in too, not sure where I’ll start, but I agree it is something I need to do.
“The truth is, I haven’t taken enough time to really find out the truth for myself.”
bingo. get out and do some things you never thought you’d do, bro. only then will your faith be challenged enough to either strengthen it or tear it asunder. you have nothing better to do than find out which. why do you think jesus wandered in the wilderness for that long? no one ever became the best christian (or human) they could be by playing it safe.
sorry, you don’t know me, but i’m a non-christian who used to be one, and who has tried very, very hard to keep all the best “christian stuff” with him over the years, including defending jesus’ reality and worldly transcendence to all my misguided, atheist hipster friends who don’t get it. you know what i mean.
get out there, bro!
yours in christ,
d
This journey is worth taking, but I am not sure where to start either.
I didn’t sign up for the New Testament class because the Rate My Professor site said the Professor eats Christians. Perhaps I should reconsider and jump in the lion pit?
I have recently started another class and had to read 20 chapters a day, starting in the Old Testament. WOW!!!
Total emersion is pretty intense. I saw things I had never seen before from reading a chapter at a time nibbling through guided bible studies.
It gave a whole new dimension to the “reveled Word of God” as He started reveling to me things I hadn’t seen, and what they mean for me now present day.
I think we need to have knowledge with wisdom and discernment.
For me at least it is a process of learning to hear the voice of God speaking. However He decides He wants to do that.
I see He is birthing a new thing in you Pastor Abs!
I have never responded to anything like this before, but I thought what the heck!
Abs, you inspire me with your honesty and love for writing. Makes me want to write more (well, to write at all!!) LOL
Love ya!
Hey Precious Girl,
Well, I do declare! (spoken in my strongest Suthun drawl) You have challenged us. That’s good…provoking us to good works. Without a doubt it is not sufficient for us as Christians to sit under teaching Sunday after Sunday, as good as it may be, and just accept it all. In fact it is irresponsible. It is childish. Imagine a grown man sitting in a high chair being spoon fed. And then lying down for his nappy. How disgusting is that! Awake oh, sleeper!
Yes, let us study to show ourselves approved as workmen who are not ashamed. Let us become Students who not only know the Word of God, but who can rightly divide it and analyze it because WE know the ONE who inspired it. He is our very own personal Professor and Friend who takes us past the printed page and into a supernatural realm of understanding.
I do believe, without a doubt, that the Bible is the Inspired Word of God. Of course it was penned by man. There may be some discrepancies in facts here and there. That doesn’t bother me.
There is no other book like it given to man. I have read other inspiring books that were Spirit written, yet none has the ability to transform like this one. This Word is so powerful, so anointed, that if the devil himself preached it, people would get saved.
That is why even ungodly ministers can bring people to salvation. God honors His Word. And He has given it to us, His friends.
I believe when we truly know the Christ of the scriptures and the Father who sent Him, what we will truly see in the Word is Grace personified…not the law that kills.
Like you, Abbye, I want to know His heart. I want to be like an adoring and compass-
ionate wife who is passionately concerned about whatever concerns HIm.
Keep up the good work. This is a worthy journey! Phil. 3:9-11 Amplified
Love you, Miss Vicki