The Bible - The Word of God

Many an atheist and theologian have sat down for coffee to debate the reality of the biblical literature and the purported stories handed down by religion over the generations. The atheist will usually state the obvious and say it is but a false story. And the theologian will either take a complete literal interpretation of agree that some is indeed a matter of speaking and cite examples of interpretations, translations and various re-writes. Some Christians will yell and scream;

“Why should I believe it’s a false story? Just because some guy named James Winthrop from Denver Colorado, says so?”

In over hearing just such a debate at a Starbucks Coffee shop recently, I chuckled as this debate is as old as the religion and its predecessors combined. The gentleman went onto explain; “I am not saying you should follow me. I have no desire in controlling your life like those who wrote up all that poppycock and utter hokum to control the mindless masses. What I am suggesting is that you observe your surroundings and ask god to come visit your butt and when he does not show up maybe that might be a sign, not from god, but from reality.”

Of course this set off a firestorm in the Christian believers mind and so I moved closer and continued sipping on my Frappachino, knowing that one of these days I am going to have to put some more money on my Starbucks Card indeed. The Christian said;

“What proof do you have that it’s false? Were you there? Were you living when it happened to say that these men “duped” us?”

The atheist, I am assuming maybe he was agnostic then indicated that he had no proof actually and said; “None of course not but I did watch L. Ron Hubbard create a religion from scratch in the present period. And followers and believers are abounding.”

Infuriated the Christian stated; “I find it very interesting that atheists fight so hard against something that they claim they don’t even believe!”

Then I thought to myself you know from my perspective it seems that No, I think the problem is the constant preaching, witnessing and loud conversations at coffee shops and the incessant ridiculous non-ending, asinine comments that Hurricane Katrina was because god was angry or pray for this or the other thing? Indeed I do believe that is a form of mental illness. But the atheist or agnostic said;

“Why do you assume I am an atheist? Does you little mind wish so much to classify me, because I am unpleasant to you in some way?”

The Christian said; “Well then; On the other hand since Christians are right, you have a lot more to lose. If you’re ready to roll the dice, then that’s your choice.”

The atheist or agnostic then stated; “Sure that is a common BS comment from those who don’t get it. But you have more to lose if you live your life in fear, guilt and for something else which does not even exist rather than living your life experience for all there is to offer; the pain, sorrow, joy and laughter and all that is. I have read your Biblical doctrines and works and all the others and to tell you the truth they are rather similar in nature the more of this literature you read. I do not refuse philosophical discussions. But you have not brought up anything I have not heard before.”

Do you think Christians and atheists will ever get along? Do you think they can agree to disagree? How can they live together with so much religious fundamentalism around? It seems there is such a large gap of separation one has to wonder what can be done if anything? Consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

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Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know ( 1 Corinthians 8:2 NKJV ).

I’m a big advocate of Bible study. I’d wonder about a church that didn’t provide people opportunities to study the Word. And I’m concerned about churches with very little in-depth teaching. Bible study is something we all need! Unfortunately, a possible danger of doing Bible study is that we can become proud by the knowledge we accumulate. Because of that, it is important to check our motives in the study we do. For instance, a person might want to learn New Testament Greek. That’s a worthy goal, since it can help one to understand the Bible better. Sadly, it can also be an opportunity for pride to develop since few Christians know even the basics of New Testament Greek and even fewer know it well.

It is possible to attend a Bible study not only to learn, but to show off the knowledge you already have. Have you ever noticed that in Bible studies some people monopolize the discussion and few others are able to participate? Even worse, there are some who are quick to step in and correct the “errors” others make in their interpretation and application of the Scriptures. Both types of people, but especially the latter are examples of people who are “puffed up” by their knowledge. The phrase, “puffs up” in 1 Corinthians 8:2 means that it makes one arrogant. In contrast, the word “edifies” means to build up. Think about how you participate in Bible studies. Does your behavior display your arrogance, or does it rather indicate a heart that seeks to build up and encourage others?

I hope that you do study the Bible regularly, and that you do share what you learn with others. But if you feel that you know the Bible well, it would be good to remember the words of Paul, “if anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” This verse makes it clear that we should always be humble in our pursuit of knowledge, with the realization that regardless of how much we learn, the treasures found in Scripture are so vast, that we will never be able to do more than scratch the surface of the unfathomable riches of the Word of God.

Father, we pray that You will help us to seek to know You and Your Word better, but help us always to do it with a spirit of humility. Help us to guard our hearts against the pride that so easily comes with knowledge. And help us to always seek to edify others in the body of Christ. Amen.

© 2006 by Rebecca Livermore, a Christian speaker and writer from Denver, Colorado. Her passion is helping people grow spiritually. To read more of her articles on Christian living, and to check out her always growing selection of Christian resource materials, visit http://www.rebeccalivermore.com.

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With Christmas just around the corner our thoughts turn naturally to the birth of Jesus. Most people think of Jesus as a teacher and a healer, and of course they would be right. The Bible also tells us that God promised King David a son who would reign over Israel for ever. That son was Jesus Christ.

We often forget that Jesus can claim the title “King of the Jews”. When Jesus was born, the wise men asked Herod “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” Nobody laughed, for the Jewish priests knew from scriptures that one day a special king would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2,4)

We know in hindsight that the last time Jesus was on earth it was not God’s will for Jesus to become King of Israel at that time. The gospel had to be preached to the whole earth first, as it now has been. That does not mean Jesus will not be king over Israel though.

The Bible tells us that when Jesus returns, his claim to the throne of David will not be like the kings we see in our world today - Jesus will have the authority and power to lay claim to the throne.

The Bible gives us a wonderful hope for our world. It will not always be in the sad state - the violence, the corruption and the evil ways of men - that we see today.

The Bible teaches us that we can have that wonderful hope ourselves and that we will have the opportunity to help Christ when he returns, but we need to do something about it now. We need to understand, to believe and be baptised into the saving name of Christ, if we are to live forever with Jesus in the world to come.

This is what the apostle Paul said when he explained what he was looking forward to:

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

So, think about the birth of Jesus this Christmas, but also consider the reasons why he was born and the joy that the coming King will bring!

Dave Edmonds is the webmaster of http://www.biblequizzes.org.uk. He is a devoted Christian and an active memeber of his church. His website contains Bible quizzes, and other word puzzles to entertain the mind.

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