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The Word of God

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The Word of God

How Important is the Word of God to the Church Today?

from JoeUser Forums
How important is the Word of God for the church today? Does the church seem to be a falling away from the truth of God's Word supplanting it with a gospel more palatable to the flesh?

preacherman
religion
11,922 views 87 replies
Reply #26 from JoeUser Forums Top
Excellent point philomedy- I give you an insightful! That is my point, way to often Christians don't live any different than those who don't believe in God. It would seem to me that if an individual has strong enough convictions about certain issues, they have to be evident in the individuals life.


Many thanks for the insightful.

I hope I am not taking your second comment out of context, but I feel I have to respond to it, if for no other reason than to clarify. If an Atheist lives a decent life, and a Christian leads a decent life, and both their lives are similar, I don't see anything wrong with that. The only difference is that one of these individuals believes in God and the other doesn't. I don't see why it would be alarming, in this case, that the Christian lived like the Atheist. I don't think that "living like an Atheist" is a phrase one can universalize.

Reply #27 from JoeUser Forums Top

Some of the responses have directed the discussion about Biblical Truths mandating a nations values. Don't you think the values of a people dictate the direction of the nation... we kind'a saw it in the election this past November. The Democrates thought that the war, jobs, economics, etc.... would be the focal point of getting the upper hand and discounted that a vast majority of the people still have a high expectation for the moral issues that seem to be undermining our society, of which the marriage of homosexuals, sodimites.. or what ever a society calls them. With the overwhelming opposition, in states where the issue was on the ballet, voted not to recognize it is an indication that something fueled their beliefs. What was the source of their will?


this is, in fact, what hapened in the past election but just as it wasnt god who made honkytonk angels, he had nothing to do with hateful initatives in those 11 states in which false claims to his endorsement were used as a rallying point by cynical strategists.


the source of their will--honest tho it may have been--was a manifestation of the false prophets described in the bible.  hell they didnt even bother to cloak the wolves in those commercials with sheeps clothing now did they?

Star Control: Origins
Reply #28 from JoeUser Forums Top
this is, in fact, what hapened in the past election but just as it wasnt god who made honkytonk angels, he had nothing to do with hateful initatives in those 11 states in which false claims to his endorsement were used as a rallying point by cynical strategists.


I gather from your comments, it is your opinion it was the results of false claims by cynical stategist instead of the principles of God's Word that made the difference?

Concerning the false prophets- the religious leaders of the day thought Jesus Christ was a false prophet. It is amazing how blind the heart of sin can be to Truth that they would slap and spit in the very face of God.

Do you agree that we do not see things as they are but as we are? Therein lies the importance of God's Word in the church- it gives the people of God discernment.

preacherman
Reply #29 from JoeUser Forums Top

it is your opinion it was the results of false claims by cynical stategist instead of the principles of God's Word that made the difference?


i see nothing moral or valuable or even godly in advocating government definition of what is claimed to be a religious rite.  more than that, the christ of the gospels strongly condemned divorce as the destroyer of marriage, yet said not a word about sexual orientation of potential partners.  maybe he forgot that issue?  maybe he couldnt foresee it becoming a problem?   

the religious leaders of the day thought Jesus Christ was a false prophet. It is amazing how blind the heart of sin can be to Truth that they would slap and spit in the very face of God
 


is there any reason to conclude the religious leaders of our day arent equally blinded?  judge not lest ye be judged, no?
 

Reply #30 from JoeUser Forums Top
I don't think anyone can claim to follow the Word of God at all, let alone to literally follow what the Bible says. Let me explain:

The Bible wasn't written by God, nor was it written by Jesus, who claimed to convey the message of God. The Bible was written by men long afterwards who were influenced by the environment they lived in. They also wrote stories that have been proven untrue simply to convey a message. That alone means that people have to be somewhat subjective when interpreting the Bible, because they have to differentiate between fact and fiction. Then the fact that the time and environment influenced the men means that that some of the moral standards which are looked down upon today are advocated in the Bible. If we base morality on the worth and rights of others, many of the messages in the Bible about women and slaves being inferior and their mistreatment justified are immoral. Even if you look to the issue of homosexuality, I realize that it's a big unresolved issue, but I definitely see immoral standards there, to say that we should not allow gay people the same rights. Anyway, that means that when people interpret the Bible, they necessarily have to reject some of the so-called moral statements that the Bible makes, while still saying that others are good. Either that, or they have to advocate that all the moral standards given in the Bible are moral, with their only argument being that they come from God, the ultimate good, but without any actual link to universal morality.

I think I'm getting a little off topic here, but my point is that we can't ever really know what the Word of God is or advocate it because we always have to interpret different parts of the Bible individually, picking and choosing which parts we think are right or wrong. I think that it's fine for people to interpret the Bible how they wish, but it isn't okay for an entire religion to force this view on its people or even advocate it. I think that all of these interpretations should always be made individually, which is why I don't like organized religion. That's also off topic, but if you think it's interesting, you should read The Last Day. It's a fictional book about a supposed second messiah who basically advocates against a lot of the current Christian values and practices, including organized religion. I's very cool .
Reply #31 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think I'm getting a little off topic here


No problem Molly- It appears a little strange that you don't believe God was involved in writing the Bible and you ran across this on a Religious Blog page.

The Bible says that God did write the Bible ref- 2 Peter 1:20 & 21 knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost... 2 Timothy 3:16 states all scripture is given by inspiration (breathed) of God. In other words the very scripture was supernaturally spoken by men of God by God's Holy Spirit and is though it came from the very breath of God.

people have to be somewhat subjective when interpreting the Bible

The only interpretation is that of God's Spirit in the mind of the true believer- you know the scripture teaches that when we trust Christ as ou Saviour we are born again of His Spirit that we might have the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct us (1 Corinthians 2:16)

It is true!

preacherman
Reply #32 from JoeUser Forums Top
The Bible says that God did write the Bible


The box of Cheez Nips says Cheez Nips is America's favorite cheese-flavored snack. Of course the Bible is going to say it was written by God...it would be contradictory for it to say otherwise.

The only interpretation is that of God's Spirit in the mind of the true believer


And a true believer is...

It is true!


Prove it.

I don't think anyone can claim to follow the Word of God at all, let alone to literally follow what the Bible says.


Exactly.
Reply #33 from JoeUser Forums Top
philomedy consider this... when you have your proof- it may be too late!

Jesus Christ is the answer! Search the scriptures for in them is eternal life and He is the avenue. Faith my man... Faith.

God Bless
preacherman
Reply #34 from JoeUser Forums Top

The box of Cheez Nips says Cheez Nips is America's favorite cheese-flavored snack


please dont tell me that aint true.  dammit one more illusion shattered. (altho not without cost;altho im happy to pay one insightful rating for the education )  

Reply #35 from JoeUser Forums Top
I believe in God. I have plenty of faith. I just don't think any defensible system of moral values can be based on an uncertainty. What if someone finds a passage in the Bible that can be interpreted to mean that it is morally wrong to drink water? Then what?

please dont tell me that aint true. dammit one more illusion shattered.


I know...I still remember when I found out the truth about Cheez Nips...I cried for days...
Reply #36 from JoeUser Forums Top
philomedy consider this... when you have your proof- it may be too late!


Just to clarify...I am asking for proof that what is found in the Bible is the Word of God, not for proof of God's existence.
Reply #37 from JoeUser Forums Top
Prove it.


The scriptures teach that in the last day shall come scoffers saying where is the promise of his coming- The spirit is present, it is the proof.

God Bless
Enjoy your Cheez Nips but be sure to consume them here for in they lake of fire- they shall not withstand the heat.

There is always hope in the person of Christ. How great a salvation. But be sure to read the earlier portions of this thread- it is not mandated or forced it is man's own free will.

preacherman
Reply #38 from JoeUser Forums Top
The scripture say the devil believes in God... yet he fears. Why do you think?

preacherman
Reply #39 from JoeUser Forums Top

Enjoy your Cheez Nips but be sure to consume them here for in they lake of fire- they shall not withstand the heat


theyre roasted, not fried.

Reply #40 from JoeUser Forums Top
The scriptures teach that in the last day shall come scoffers saying where is the promise of his coming- The spirit is present, it is the proof.


And the scriptures were written by...

Enjoy your Cheez Nips but be sure to consume them here for in they lake of fire- they shall not withstand the heat.


I was not aware I was going to a lake of fire...What a horrible place for someone who has not done anything any more misguided than you to end up in. And on a side bar...if you've had real old Cheez Nips around...them things can't be destroyed, man...
Reply #41 from JoeUser Forums Top
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is that spirit of antichrist.

To all reading this thread- does it seem odd that such an antichrist-spirit would dwell on a religion blog site. Just another proof that the Word of God is true and very accurate.

I must close for the night... Sunday is tomorrow and I must preach.... hence preacherman.

I will be back tomorrow night... Lord willing!

preacherman:-||
Reply #42 from JoeUser Forums Top
Hey, so now I'm the antichrist...maybe my ex-girlfriend was right...

To all reading this thread- does it seem odd that such an antichrist-spirit would dwell on a religion blog site. Just another proof that the Word of God is true and very accurate.


I was under the impression that your original question called for differing opinions...what seems odd is that now, having realized that you can't make all of us agree with you, you have resorted to calling people antichrists...tsk tsk...WWJD?
Reply #43 from JoeUser Forums Top
The scriptures were written by people who had close, personal relationships with God and Jesus...they heard Jesus speak, preach, teach, and love. They heard God speak to them on the mountain top.

I made a choice to believe what the Bible says. I choose to believe that there is no interpretation needed. That's where all the controversy comes from...humans trying to "interpret" a document that needs no interpreting at all. We try to interpret it so that it will say what we want it to say...i.e. that's why the Metropolitan Community Church uses their own "interpretations" so that the language surrounding the topic of homosexuality isn't as harsh.

We push God out of our lives alot I think...and refuse to see Him and His work in the world. When I stood on the edge of the Grand Canyon back in October...and looked across to the other side ten miles away...that was proof to me that God exists. The way I feel His Spirit move when I open my heart to Him...that's proof to me that He exists. The fact that my faith...yeah...faith...has brought me through things in my life that most 24-year-old wet-behind-the-ears kids shouldn't have to go through is proof to me that He exists. I believe in the supernatural...and that's my choice. I also have beliefs about sin...murder, homosexuality, divorce, etc....and that's my choice. My belief in God and Jesus Christ is MY CHOICE...and in a world and a nation where we are SO liberal about everyone's rights and beliefs and choices...you'd think that mine would be accepted.

I don't go around telling homosexual people that they're wrong. I don't go into prisons and tell the murderers and robbers that they're sinning. I don't tell people who have sex before they're married that they're going to hell...because I've got nothing to do with that.

I just think its funny that because I choose to believe the Word of God, go to church on Sundays, and remain sexually pure until I'm married that I'm considered a fool by the world.

Well...I guess I'm lucky that this world isn't all there is...and that it's not my home.
Reply #44 from JoeUser Forums Top
The scriptures were written by people who had close, personal relationships with God and Jesus...they heard Jesus speak, preach, teach, and love. They heard God speak to them on the mountain top.


Alright. Now prove that what they wrote is exactly what God said, and that any personal feelings that those people may have had did not cause them to distort His Word.

I just think its funny that because I choose to believe the Word of God, go to church on Sundays, and remain sexually pure until I'm married that I'm considered a fool by the world.


I don't think anyone considers you a fool. We just happen to disagree.

My belief in God and Jesus Christ is MY CHOICE...and in a world and a nation where we are SO liberal about everyone's rights and beliefs and choices...you'd think that mine would be accepted.


Accepting your beliefs is not synonymous with making national desicions in accordance with your beliefs. I accept your beliefs just as I accept everyone else's. I just don't want political decisions being made because of the doctrine of one faith.

Reply #45 from JoeUser Forums Top

My belief in God and Jesus Christ is MY CHOICE...and in a world and a nation where we are SO liberal about everyone's rights and beliefs and choices...you'd think that mine would be accepted


to clarify something.  i realize your belief is your choice and i respect it as such.  im glad to see you exercising your right to express your beliefs--all of them. whether anyone agrees with your beliefs is irrelevant as long as your ability to express them is not impeded.  by the same token, neither you nor anyone else has a right to impose your beliefs on another, nor impede another's right to express his or her beliefs by demanding your beliefs be accepted.


protecting everyone's right to believe what they choose and express their beliefs requires constant vigilance to ensure our government is as free as possible of religious doctrine or model. 

Reply #46 from JoeUser Forums Top

dammit i wish there was a way we could delete our own duplicate posts. 

Reply #47 from JoeUser Forums Top
Accepting your beliefs is not synonymous with making national desicions in accordance with your beliefs.


This country makes decisions by majority rule. And in the states where the voters CHOSE to not allow gay marriage...the majority ruled. Gotta love democracy, right?

protecting everyone's right to believe what they choose and express their beliefs requires constant vigilance to ensure our government is as free as possible of religious doctrine or model


I think not having any standards or rules is a wonderful thing (BLECH!)! If we did not have any "doctrine" or "model" as you say, killing each other would be okay. Stealing your neighbor's Mercedes would be cool with everyone. We have "doctrine" and "model" as you say so that people know how to live, and know how to treat each other. If those rules weren't in place...well...I don't think our nation would be so great. We have standards of living that 90% of the people live by...probably even more. We don't have car bombings, we're generally not afraid to go for a walk in our neighborhoods. We don't usually fear for our lives. That's because we have those standards...most of them are aligned with biblical princpals. How horrible for our forefathers, and even those who serve our country today, to have high expectations for the way we treat each other. Man...what kinda of country do we live in?
Reply #48 from JoeUser Forums Top
I was under the impression that your original question called for differing opinions...what seems odd is that now, having realized that you can't make all of us agree with you, you have resorted to calling people antichrists...tsk tsk...WWJD?


This is how the Bible gets "misinterpreted" as well. You can make anything say whatever you want to say. BTW...I think the Constitution is a secret code from the Devil. Read it backwards. PFFFFFT.
Reply #49 from JoeUser Forums Top
This country makes decisions by majority rule. And in the states where the voters CHOSE to not allow gay marriage...the majority ruled. Gotta love democracy, right?


k...we're a republic...republics don't do majority rule...and the people who chose to not allow gay marriage let religion and politics mix...thats a theocracy...gotta love the truth, right?

That's because we have those standards...most of them are aligned with biblical princpals.


Yeah but you don't know which came first, the Bible or the principles. I personally find it unbelievable that human beings would not have been able to figure out that killing and stealing was wrong if the Bible hadn't been written. A lot of "Biblical values" coincide with common sense. You don't hurt another human being...this is a far better reason for not doing something than "because God said so."





This is how the Bible gets "misinterpreted" as well. You can make anything say whatever you want to say. BTW...I think the Constitution is a secret code from the Devil. Read it backwards. PFFFFFT.


This is how the Bible gets "misinterpreted" as well. You can make anything say whatever you want to say. BTW...I think the Constitution is a secret code from the Devil. Read it backwards. PFFFFFT.
Reply #50 from JoeUser Forums Top
This is how the Bible gets "misinterpreted" as well. You can make anything say whatever you want to say. BTW...I think the Constitution is a secret code from the Devil. Read it backwards. PFFFFFT.


Well, thank you for making my entire point for me. You can make the Bible say whatever you want, which is why it is an inadequate source of morality.