As for the "god breathed" verse. It can obviously be read in a different way than how it's frequently cited by modern Christians. They see a verse that says "all scripture is God-breathed" and since they have a book they consider scripture, the circular logic kicks in and tells them that entire book fits the description. They never seem to stop and think that if something is NOT "God-breathed" (i.e., TRUE) that no matter what book it happens to be printed in it, by Peter's definition, that is NOT scripture. So you take something that's "god-breathed" and you alter it to change the meaning. Clearly it's no longer "god-breathed" but rather, is an interpolation of either ignorant or evil men.
"But if we can't trust every word the Bible says then how can we trust anything it says???"
They always retort. Simple. Truth RESONATES within you. To know what is and is not true is up to you. You must seek God in prayer, and learn to hear his voice, then all truth shall be made known unto you. Putting your faith in a book to never lead you astray is lazy and foolhardy. Does the book not speak of a living God who speaks with his children? Does it not say anyone who calls upon him in faith, doubting nothing, shall receive the truth directly from him? So why aren't you one of those? Why haven't you put to test the reality of the one thing that stands out as the most consistent theme throughout the entire book--that God speaks to man?
And as for the strawman argument they love to make that states, "So you don't think God had the power to keep His word pure throughout the ages???" give me a break. I think God has the power to do anything, but He gave his children agency and he clearly allows them to do with that what they please. What if, when someone told you about the existence of the Cabal someone replied to you "So you don't think God had the power to keep the world free of such an evil influence???"
Just because God is all-powerful and CAN do anything, doesn't automatically mean he WILL do something. Clearly the faith and obedience of his children plays a massive role in how God chooses to operate among them. But alas, too many eschew the responsibility of seeking direct revelation from God, and have made the Bible their God, and Jesus their idol, as the Children of Israel so frequently did with a variety of people and things throughout their history.
And you did a great job. I really appreciate how you broke that all down.
That said, you were mostly dealing with historical matter and the meaning of words throughout time. I'm not sure what historical proof I can really offer as to the importance of seeking revelation directly from God. If pointing to the billion page book they already believe in that's jam packed full of stories of men talking to God and working miracles through faith doesn't prove my point, I'm not sure anything would.
And it paints me to say this, but if you think your historical treatise swayed any of the people I'm referring to here, I'm sorry but I have a bridge to sell you. You were spot on, but in the face of dogma that was arrived at too easily, I'm afraid your audience will remain limited.
As for the "god breathed" verse. It can obviously be read in a different way than how it's frequently cited by modern Christians. They see a verse that says "all scripture is God-breathed" and since they have a book they consider scripture, the circular logic kicks in and tells them that entire book fits the description. They never seem to stop and think that if something is NOT "God-breathed" (i.e., TRUE) that no matter what book it happens to be printed in it, by Peter's definition, that is NOT scripture. So you take something that's "god-breathed" and you alter it to change the meaning. Clearly it's no longer "god-breathed" but rather, is an interpolation of either ignorant or evil men.
"But if we can't trust every word the Bible says then how can we trust anything it says???"
They always retort. Simple. Truth RESONATES within you. To know what is and is not true is up to you. You must seek God in prayer, and learn to hear his voice, then all truth shall be made known unto you. Putting your faith in a book to never lead you astray is lazy and foolhardy. Does the book not speak of a living God who speaks with his children? Does it not say anyone who calls upon him in faith, doubting nothing, shall receive the truth directly from him? So why aren't you one of those? Why haven't you put to test the reality of the one thing that stands out as the most consistent theme throughout the entire book--that God speaks to man?
And as for the strawman argument they love to make that states, "So you don't think God had the power to keep His word pure throughout the ages???" give me a break. I think God has the power to do anything, but He gave his children agency and he clearly allows them to do with that what they please. What if, when someone told you about the existence of the Cabal someone replied to you "So you don't think God had the power to keep the world free of such an evil influence???"
Just because God is all-powerful and CAN do anything, doesn't automatically mean he WILL do something. Clearly the faith and obedience of his children plays a massive role in how God chooses to operate among them. But alas, too many eschew the responsibility of seeking direct revelation from God, and have made the Bible their God, and Jesus their idol, as the Children of Israel so frequently did with a variety of people and things throughout their history.
But again, don't tell them that.
I suggest attempting to show that is an essential step towards any actual Great Awakening.
The GA isn't just for the people we call "sheep," but for "the flock" as well.
As this is a message board, "tell" will have to suffice for now.
I mean "show" by taking the time to break it down and provide specific evidence rather than "tell" (as I did above).
And you did a great job. I really appreciate how you broke that all down.
That said, you were mostly dealing with historical matter and the meaning of words throughout time. I'm not sure what historical proof I can really offer as to the importance of seeking revelation directly from God. If pointing to the billion page book they already believe in that's jam packed full of stories of men talking to God and working miracles through faith doesn't prove my point, I'm not sure anything would.
And it paints me to say this, but if you think your historical treatise swayed any of the people I'm referring to here, I'm sorry but I have a bridge to sell you. You were spot on, but in the face of dogma that was arrived at too easily, I'm afraid your audience will remain limited.
But as for myself, I enjoyed every word.