Ask Any Question About The Bible

[Mr. Somebody]

As a Christian I've been afraid to share my faith in a public forum(no pun intended). As a theology major in college I have seen that people desire answers and makes no sense for me keep what I know to myself.

I know there will be those many of you who may and/or will ridicule me for this and that's fine, it comes with the territory. I hope to be transparent and genuine with anyone and everyone who asks a question. I also promise to try my best to remove personal and denominational preferences and biases.

For each question, I will attempt to answer in three parts:

1. What the Bible Says

2. What Tradition/History Say (After the 1st century AD/CE)

3. How Do I Apply It

The purpose of this is not to sway, that's the Holy Spirit's job. My purpose to point my dim flashlight to a greater Light. If Jesus could be real with me, I should be real with you.

Lets not be afraid to share our faith. Scripture says we arent fighting to win the believers but the people that dont believe. The angels weep when friends turn from God more than anything. Looks like we have a new addition to the friend gang.

 

[Joey24]

If all the answers are in the bible, why does the world still have questions?

With you being Christian, how do you feel about the mass murders done for Christianity?

Why follow the bible when I was born with common sense?

Thanks for asking man, I'll take the time to answer your questions clearly.

For your first question

1. What The Bible Says:

James 1: 5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Proverbs: 1: 22 - How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

2. What History/Tradition Says

History dictates that we are to repeat the failures of the past if we do not learn from them. Just as how we can observe that we lack the wisdom and knowledge as individuals and as a society, the same was true. There were things that were made known after the passage of time and events. We still ask questions because there is still much we don't know and things that we haven't learn from the past.

3. How Do I Apply It.

Throughout the Bible and human history God has been more than willing to give men knowledge and wisdom if they ask sincerely. I know I have struggled with doubt because there are I don't know or understand. God did promise that He will things known in the right time. It takes faith to know that God will do as He says.

For your second question:

1. What the Bible Says

Matthew 7: 21 - 23 -
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 5: 43 - 44
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5: 19
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

2. What History/Tradition Says

After the deaths of the apostles, the church slowly became to gain political in Roman Empire. It wouldn't be until the 4th century when the emperors of Rome decreed that Christianity to be the state religion and remove the persecution of the followers of Jesus. At the same time pagan traditions creep into the doctrines. It is really clear to see why most of us know that Christmas, Easter, and Halloween makes no sense in a Christian setting. Discrimination of the Jews started long before the formation of the Roman Empire and grew after the rebellion of the Jews and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Anti-Semitic views remained strong because of Roman hatred of the pesky Jews and Christians who wished to remove any association from the Jews. The Catholic Church received ultimate power after 476 AD after the fall of the Western Half of the Roman Empire. They did wicked things to those inside and outside of the church. Though things have progressed from the Middle Ages, the Protestants didn't learn anything from there predecessors and were guilty of same crimes as the Catholic Church.

3. How Do I Apply It

God never planned for death to enter the human scope. When sin entered the world, man was doomed to die. The value of human life diminished and lives have been lost over the conquering and stabilization of power, wealth, and prestige. God promises to not only protect His people, to right every wrong every right, and reveal why things happen in accordance to human history. This does not remove the pain and suffering cause immediately. I hope one day the church would own up to it's mistakes and honestly try to help those in need but I know this will not come because the end is coming and things have and will get worse. The only constant is God make things right in His time.

For your last question:

1. What The Bible Says

Proverbs 4: 5 - 8

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

2. What History/Tradition Says

Just like the first question, there are things we do not know and understand. That does not mean we are not sensible or contain common sense. The phrase "common sense" is not found in the Bible and was popularize by Thomas Paine. Every philosopher, parent, preacher, and teacher can attest that we are still learning and common sense can take us so far, though many have stated society has lacked common sense for years.

3. How Do I Apply It

God has given me a mind to understand complex things. We were made higher than any other organism in the world. In the Genesis 2 we were given dominion over the world. However in the next chapter, man fell and the connection between God and man was broken. I believe God has given more than enough knowledge to hold a conversation, do complex tasks, and become better people. He desires us to not to just be good enough though. He has gifts ready to pour to anyone ask with a sincere heart and that includes wisdom.

 

[Joey24]

Run yo pockets. Just give me your coli cash.

I got no problem with that

 

[mortuus est]

Why follow the bible when I was born with common sense?

 

[HoloGraphic]

Aren't there books missing from the bible that the Vatican has? Why are these left out? And why adhere to a religion you know has secrets?

 

[Joey24]

who wrote it?

Thanks for asking bro, I really appreciate it.

For your question

1. What The Bible Says

2nd Timothy 3: 16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2. What History/Tradition Says

History is not always who most of the writings are credited to, both secular and religious circles. Most agree that were written within a 1600 time period. The general answer history gives is about 40 men, most Jews and one Greek. The Old Testament was most likely the scribes of the priests, judges, prophets, and kings who either took dictation or wrote what they observe occurred during their time period. The New Testament writers were most likely written by the apostles of the namesake of the books. Most of the them were in either on missionary trips or in prison when they were written.

3. How Do I Apply It

God was able to use many different men who didn't know each other and had different writing styles and objectives to write the same story, Jesus. Every book point to the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and return of Jesus Christ. It could only be the will of God that this could come to be.

 

[Joey24]

the bible is a fiction book. its a cheap ripoff of ancient religions.

I may not agree or like your view but you have the right and the ability to believe what you want and I could respect that.

 

[Flay Mayweather]

Thanks for asking man, I'll take the time to answer your questions clearly.

For your first question

1. What The Bible Says:

James 1: 5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Proverbs: 1: 22 - How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

2. What History/Tradition Says

History dictates that we are to repeat the failures of the past if we do not learn from them. Just as how we can observe that we lack the wisdom and knowledge as individuals and as a society, the same was true. There were things that were made known after the passage of time and events. We still ask questions because there is still much we don't know and things that we haven't learn from the past.

3. How Do I Apply It.

Throughout the Bible and human history God has been more than willing to give men knowledge and wisdom if they ask sincerely. I know I have struggled with doubt because there are I don't know or understand. God did promise that He will things known in the right time. It takes faith to know that God will do as He says.

For your second question:

1. What the Bible Says

Matthew 7: 21 - 23 -
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 5: 43 - 44
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5: 19
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

2. What History/Tradition Says

After the deaths of the apostles, the church slowly became to gain political in Roman Empire. It wouldn't be until the 4th century when the emperors of Rome decreed that Christianity to be the state religion and remove the persecution of the followers of Jesus. At the same time pagan traditions creep into the doctrines. It is really clear to see why most of us know that Christmas, Easter, and Halloween makes no sense in a Christian setting. Discrimination of the Jews started long before the formation of the Roman Empire and grew after the rebellion of the Jews and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Anti-Semitic views remained strong because of Roman hatred of the pesky Jews and Christians who wished to remove any association from the Jews. The Catholic Church received ultimate power after 476 AD after the fall of the Western Half of the Roman Empire. They did wicked things to those inside and outside of the church. Though things have progressed from the Middle Ages, the Protestants didn't learn anything from there predecessors and were guilty of same crimes as the Catholic Church.

3. How Do I Apply It

God never planned for death to enter the human scope. When sin entered the world, man was doomed to die. The value of human life diminished and lives have been lost over the conquering and stabilization of power, wealth, and prestige. God promises to not only protect His people, to right every wrong every right, and reveal why things happen in accordance to human history. This does not remove the pain and suffering cause immediately. I hope one day the church would own up to it's mistakes and honestly try to help those in need but I know this will not come because the end is coming and things have and will get worse. The only constant is God make things right in His time.

For your last question:

1. What The Bible Says

Proverbs 4: 5 - 8

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

2. What History/Tradition Says

Just like the first question, there are things we do not know and understand. That does not mean we are not sensible or contain common sense. The phrase "common sense" is not found in the Bible and was popularize by Thomas Paine. Every philosopher, parent, preacher, and teacher can attest that we are still learning and common sense can take us so far, though many have stated society has lacked common sense for years.

3. How Do I Apply It

God has given me a mind to understand complex things. We were made higher than any other organism in the world. In the Genesis 2 we were given dominion over the world. However in the next chapter, man fell and the connection between God and man was broken. I believe God has given more than enough knowledge to hold a conversation, do complex tasks, and become better people. He desires us to not to just be good enough though. He has gifts ready to pour to anyone ask with a sincere heart and that includes wisdom.

From all of what you've just said, I gained my own knowledge from the environment we live in.

The bible is a tool of control. It's a tool keep those who not know what path to follow in check....the bible creates a path for those who lack the faith in one's self so they rely on faith of a higher power that offer rewards in exchange for obedience.

As humans and products of nature, we gain our knowledge through our understanding of our environment. The bible was written by a man, no man can tell you how to live your life because that man's life is not one you might not want to live. Religions as a whole want to feed you with so called "answers" but all the answers they teach are virtues given at birth.

The world is the way it is today because of religion, not only Christianity.

If one religion is right and the God of that religion wants the world to know whom it is, it would have showed its face a long time ago. And with the almighty power of said God would have implemented us from birth with its presence so we could know from birth who it is and what is wants.

 

[aRoMaN21]

i hope my questions are answered next

 

[Joey24]

What do you think about it saying that people who don't accept Christ are sent to hell?

Doesn't sound very Christian-like..

Y'know like some people just don't have that bond or whatever you want to call it, seems a bit much to me to be like 'oh so you don't believe I am your creator, ok well have fun in those pits of fire for the rest of eternity, but hey I still love you'

That's one difficult question, something I struggled with 2 summers ago.

I'll try my best to your question

1. What The Bible Says

Matthew 20: 28 - Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 25: 40 - Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Romans 6: 23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jude 1: 5 - 8

5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

2. What History/Tradition Says

The Christian church has been guilty of using hell is scaring people to become believers. That was never the message Jesus preached. Though He did speak about Hell and punishment, His main objective was to point to the Father not scare with scary stories of demise. Neither did the apostles who wrote the New Testament use fear but truth and love to share the gospel.

3. How Do I Apply It

This discussion will take too long to break down fully so I'll condense it for the sake of time.

God created everything good, that's made clear in Genesis 1. The story however does not start there. The Devil wanted to the take the throne of God, though he did nothing to deserve or earn it. He lead a rebellion telling other angels that God was unfair and He was holding them back. That wasn't true and for it the Devil and his angels were cast out of heaven to the earth. God created man in perfect harmony with Himself. God gave His children a fair opportunity to choose to follow Him or Satan.

When Adam and Even fell, sin entered our DNA and we have become cursed to death. Why death, you may ask is placed on us for one misstep. Sin in not a one time thing, it's a lifestyle and a choice. We see it both nature and nurturing settings. We have no right to live, only death. Since death was our fate, the only way to pay for our sins was the death of oneself.

God planned to prove that His Statures were fair and loving and save a human race from the chains of death by becoming man. Man could not bring himself if he died for sins he's not God. God became man to relate and understand our struggles and died to later remove them completely some in our lifetime and the rest at His coming. If Jesus didn't intervene we would have went to hell anyway. Sin separates us from God and death is the final separation.

God has sent each of us many opportunities to accept Him. If you study the Bible, God never punished them without multiple warnings. Most believe that the Old Testament is about war and killing but the general theme is God sending people to His people to repent. They killed most of the prophets and God sent His Son to settle the score straight with the Devil and the Human Race.

Hell's fire is also not eternal and the Devil is and will never be in charge of Hell, don't believe the hype. The Dead Sea is not burning right now. The results of the fire is eternal not the fire itself. Hell is reserved for the Devil and his angels for punishment against the government of God. That's all I got share for now. God gives all of us free will and choice to decide where we want to end up.

 

[Joey24]

Lets not be afraid to share our faith. Scripture says we arent fighting to win the believers but the people that dont believe. The angels weep when friends turn from God more than anything. Looks like we have a new addition to the friend gang.

I appreciate the support bro.

 

[GzUp]

if everything has a creator than who created god?

 

[Will Ross]

This site is not the place for this.

 

[Joey24]

Aren't there books missing from the bible that the Vatican has? Why are these left out? And why adhere to a religion you know has secrets?

Thanks for the questions bro, I appreciate it man.

For your first question

1. What The Bible Says

Revelation 22: 18 - 19

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Deuteronomy 4:2 - You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.

Proverbs 30: 5 - 6

5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

2. What History/Tradition Says

The Bible is combinations of smaller books in two sections. The first section, The Old Testament, was written by Jewish writers in both Hebrew and Aramaic. The second section, The New Testament, was written by mostly Jewish writers and one Greek writer in Coine Greek, the common language of the Roman Empire of that day. The last book of the OT was written over 400 years before the birth of Jesus. The last book of the NT was written after 100 years after the birth of Jesus. The OT was already compiled during the life of Jesus and was His scripture. The NT, which were report and letters written to different churches and individuals in the Roman Empire were compiled in the 4th Century. Jewish leaders fearing the influence of Christians, finalized what could be in the Tanakh,(the Law, the Prophets, and Writings) in both Hebrew and Greek. After the death of the apostles there was much work done to finish finalizing the Canon of both the OT and NT. The Catholic Church added books much later and closed the book to the public for over a century.

3. How Do I Apply It

Based on my upbringing, classes I've taken, and personal research, there is a reason why those books are not in the Bible. Believe or not, the Bible states many times what is truth and those books did not match with the consistent theme of Scripture. Jesus, the apostles, nor the early church fathers saw it fit to mention those books. Many of them were gnostic in nature and had nothing to do with story of the Bible. The Bible also warns of those who will make up stories to receive followers. The authors of the Bible were self aware to write how and what the Bible would be use, both for good and evil. It's why early Protestants refused to have the Apocrypha in the Bible.

For your second question

1. What The Bible Say

Deuteronomy 29: 29 - The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Romans 2: 15 - 16

15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them
16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2: 6 - 8

6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

2 Peter 2: 1 - 3

1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.
3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

2. What History/Tradition Says

From the beginning of the Christian church it's mission is to share the gospel. Around this time gnostic views appeared with to combined with the story of Jesus. It promised that there was a secret that needed to be reveal more after Jesus and he was just a vessel for it. As the church grew in numbers and power, traditions became the norm and Scripture were hidden. Early reformers like Martin Luther knew of this(he was a theology professor) and wanted to expose the charade the Church had over it's people and share truth. There are some who think all the secrets of the Bible are not revealed and some are hiding withing the writings and writing patterns of Scripture.

3. How Do I Apply It

I like to be well read of subjects close to my heart. I've read and seen enough about controversies and secret societies to keep up at night. Everybody has a different story and agenda, but all will agree there are some things hidden within religion that needs to exposed. I believe is the Master of both Wisdom and Knowledge. It takes a great deal of faith to put your trust in Someone you can't physically can't see or hear. I believe what's in the Protestant Bible or just the Bible is the Word of God. It's a very complex book filled with narratives, poetry, and prophesy. We as a church and as believers have not done a good job explaining the Bible because we don't read it, we don't read it enough, and/or we don't ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. God promised to revealed everything done in the dark to be shone in the light. He also promised that He will reveal what He needs us to know in the appropriate time period.

 

[LAXtoNY]

Ehh. I believe in a higher power but there's a reason that people with higher intellect and who think for themselves always poke holes in religion.

Honestly, on this planet, the life I live as far a debauchery is pretty average as far as humans go. Im a caring dude and I hurt for others when bad things happen. I have goals, dreams, family and ppl I care about just like a religious or Christian person. If I'm damned to hell then theres nothing I can do but I doubt thats the case.

Real talk, even if I WANTED to believe in a religion, my mind or common sense as some of you put it simply wont let me from my years of learning and research on it.