| Author | Message | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1045 Registered: 5-2007 |
Greetings everyone, One of the recurring confusions that I encounter is when I read the Gospels and review the teachings of Christ as well as His instructions. Many of the things he taught are processed through a "then vs now" filter. In other words, it is put forth as, were these teachings applicable before the cross, or after the cross? If so which ones? Some of the answers are obvious. But many are not. I wants to hear Christ's words, but quickly realize that so often I cannot bear up to them. Some yes, others no. Some warm and inviting, others fearful and oppressive. Christ would speak tenderly with love and compassion, while in other places He spoke of martyrism, being tested and so on. We are to follow Christ. But to what manner, by what means and to what literal extent? I think the SDA tend to see the gospels as verbatum instructions, whereas most Christians filter the Gospels through the teachings of Paul. I am not really sure how I should embrace the Gospels and Christ's words. If I were to advise someone where to start in the Bible. Not sure how I could even answer that question without risking them being overwhelmed or confused. I would be ineterested in knowing how some of you approach the Gospels. Thanks, Jim | ||
| Bb Registered user Username: Bb Post Number: 852 Registered: 7-2004 |
I've been told by a few different people to start with the book of John. He lays out the Gospel the best. | ||
| Cloudwatcher Registered user Username: Cloudwatcher Post Number: 295 Registered: 5-2009 |
We are to follow Christ through the leading of His Spirit. There's no formula or strategy or checklist. It's crazy-sounding, I know. | ||
| Grace_alone Registered user Username: Grace_alone Post Number: 1833 Registered: 6-2006  |
Jim, I don't think you should advise anyone on the Bible at this point. That's not your responsibility right now. There are some wonderful study Bibles by Zondervan. If you read the preface it tells you who assembled all the historical information offered in the study section. It's usually a panel of theologians from different mainstream denominations. Study Bibles are scripture on the top of the page, and historical facts and cross references on the bottom of the page. There isn't an agenda or any one church driving this info ~ just historical, which you can find in ancient history books. Try in your heart and mind to tell Ellen G. White that she's dead and from this day forward will not be allowed to influence you. Say a prayer that God will open your heart and direct your mind evey time you read the Bible. John is a great place to start. Try not to read into the words, but take them for what they say on the surface. Pretend like you've never read it before and it's a brand new book. God will take it from there, I promise!  Leigh Anne | ||
| Paulcross Registered user Username: Paulcross Post Number: 121 Registered: 4-2005 |
Jim, The "job" of reading the Gospels is primarily one of encountering the Messiah and knowing Him. When we make "figuring out" and "proving" the first job we are headed for the "reef of unbelief". [Because without the Spirit there is never enough human logic to deliver a satisfying argument. Human hature always adds, "But what about...?".] We must get to know the Shepherd and recognize His voice before we can follow Him with confidence, [John 10:1-6] This passage shows that the path to knowing the difference between truth and error is rooted in knowing the shepherd. PRAY that your eyes and heart will be opened to Jesus and that you will not be seduced by arguments or others opinions. Ask to see Jesus. READ the Gospels and ask yourself only, what is this saying to my spirit about Jesus? This is a good starting place. Meeting Jesus is what saved me from deception and doctinal disputes. This was my starting place and the RESET place when I need realignment. God will bless your search for Him. Paul Cross | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 12079 Registered: 12-2003  |
What Paul said above, Jim. Ask God to reveal Jesus to you, to remove from your mind the influence of EGW and Roman Catholicism. Ask Him to teach you truth and reality and to give you faith to believe and trust. Ask Him to free you from the spirit of Adventism and false gospels and to replace that spirit with His Holy Spirit in the place where it used to reside in your heart. Ask God to teach and convict you of truth. You have to let go of all your previous suppositions and understandings. Allow the Holy Spirit and His word to build your foundation from the ground up. Colleen |
