Well Cammy, the problem many have is their system of beliefs is based upon empericism, which is forming opinions based upon practical experience or rationalization...but learning about things you cant see, or touch is more difficult..at least in the beginning. The first time you saw a trigonometry equation you were probably overwhelmed but after it was explained to you then it made alot more sense and you could then begin to understand trig....learning about the Bible is no different...but its a system of learning based upon faith...only after committing to doing so do things start to make sense in that area....as a matter of fact ..many things start to make sense that didnt before. But you learn by faith and study...not by someone showing you something or arriving at a conclusion by empericism.
The basic breakdown is as follows:
1st...someone has to teach the scripture..the translated ver done by King James in 1670 contains many translational errors...so the Conei greek is the preferred source..and the oldest on record. The Greek language is 5 times more scientific than English so therefore when a passage is explained there is only ONE exact meaning and no translational issues. Anyway, the passage is communicated to you and you understand what is being communicated...this is the 1st step.
2nd..after receiving the info you then choose, on your own free voalition, whether you believe it or not...and this is the critical part. If you choose to believe then the info is transferred into your soul (spirit) and recycled back into your mind as a frame of reference..to be used in everyday life. This is where the good stuff happens. Just hearing the Word without having faith to believe it is useless. Yes, you can quote scripture and everybody might be impressed that you appear to know so much, but really you have learned nothing. The more Biblee Doctrine you take in the more you learn...if its done as described above..the Greeks call this (nosis..step 1) and (epinosis..step 2)...its epinosis the Christians gains from.
Now to those who belive other wise...what I just said will seems silly and ridiculous...and thats normal. Because one does not understand based upon our normal learning systems like taste, touch , see and so on.
Another problem with many churches today of all denominations is that there is little actual Bible study being developed...out of the 1hr or so spent there much of the time is either used for social announcements, singing and the like..which there is nothing wrong with...but you are not learning anything. There is also an abundance of preachers that preach opinionated sermons...rather than strict Bible interpretation...why? Becuase there are things clearly stated in there that go against modern trends...and most preachers do not want to risk alienating the congregation because of financial reasons...
There is a major difference between a preacher and a teacher...a teacher is what one should look for..and that may or may not be found in the church around the corner.
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To those of you who think what I say is crazy I respect your beliefs and would never make fun of them....that is your business. I hope you will give me the same respect and allow 2 people to dicuss an interesting subject without persecution over it. This is much more interesrting than anything Ive seen posted here....in my opinion I mean.
Anyway, Cammy there is much information...info that breaks all the stereotyping of Christians..like "turn the other cheek".."the meek shall inherit the earth","thou shalt not kill"...when studied correctly you find that these actually mean and refer to situations that have little or nothing to do with you...here in the church age. Studying the Bible is the most interesting thing Ive ever done....Ive done it for years and Ive only scratched the surface...its incredible whats in there.
If you are attracted to this then I suggest you find a good Bible teacher and start learning....
My ICQ is 34568440...I know of a Bible ministry that will send you a collection of 84 tapes....and although basic stuff, you will come away with an understanding about God and why you are here and probably know more than most who have gone to church all their life...
There is no charge and nobody calls or send you anything..as grace should be. And it doesnt mean you have to quit blowing players up in UT..lol. Yes, you can still play Unreal without having a guilty conscience...you see how religion has confused the world? LOL!