Comments on: The B-I-B-L-E #6 http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6 Sniffing out the work of God in the world... Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:56:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: PreacherMike » Blog Archive » The B-I-B-L-E #7 http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9715 PreacherMike » Blog Archive » The B-I-B-L-E #7 Tue, 28 Mar 2006 12:44:19 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9715 [...] (I plan to end this series tomorrow. For the previous post, check here.) [...] [...] (I plan to end this series tomorrow. For the previous post, check here.) [...]

]]> By: Peggy in Texas http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9360 Peggy in Texas Thu, 16 Mar 2006 14:21:56 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9360 I meant to add: I don't worship my Bible anymore the way I use to. I now worship God; author and creator. Huge difference! I meant to add:

I don’t worship my Bible anymore the way I use to. I now worship
God; author and creator. Huge difference!

]]> By: Peggy in Texas http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9359 Peggy in Texas Thu, 16 Mar 2006 14:19:48 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9359 I have really enjoyed your series on B-I-B-L-E. When does the book come out? (Your book on it, not the Bible!) Anyway, it is interesting how God is sending me these little tidbits to enhance the already forming thoughts in my brain concerning the Bible. For months now, I have been thinking and discussing with my husband many of these same thoughts you have posted. I realize that for all my years in the tribe of cofc, I read the Bible as a prooftext. I was always looking for ways to prove to someone why they needed Christ. I could use scripture to prove to them why my way was right and theirs was wrong. It was my total answer book. Any question I had was found in the Bible. I just had to continue to read it to find it and sometimes I thought I did; many times I couldn't understand why the answer was not coming to me as I read and read. I was the one wrong all along. Not all my answers are in the Bible. The HS is sending me answers from all kinds of sources like other people, nature, my brain, out of the mouths of my grandchildren; really anyway He chooses. I am thankful for my experiences and God's work in my life to change my thinking. I am the one who has changed! God has stayed the same. I now read the Bible to deepen my relationship with Christ! The new "filter" for my reading of the Bible is looking for Christ; who is the answer! This thinking has broadened my horizons beyond measure. I now know that if I can get someone to read the Bible, I can point them to Jesus. My husband and I have started a Bible Study at work, (we work at the same company) with about three other people. Two are Catholic and the other is "generic." In my past thinking, I would want to point out all the things they are doing wrong in the Catholic faith and get them to see that my way is the right way for them. But now I point them to Jesus in every reading. We are not teaching, we are discussing the Bible. We have started in the OT and are reading different stories to "paint" the picture God has for the world. We add our color occasionally, but it is their own painting. My painting is changing and different colors are being added to it as well. The best part is that I don't have to prove anything. I just have to point them to Jesus and the HS will take care of the rest. The Bible is not the book I grew-up thinking it was. The only "answer" from it that I need is Christ and how I can deepen that relationship! I have really enjoyed your series on B-I-B-L-E. When does the book come out? (Your book on it, not the Bible!)

Anyway, it is interesting how God is sending me these little tidbits to enhance the already forming thoughts in my brain concerning the Bible. For months now, I have been thinking and discussing with my husband many of these same thoughts you have posted.

I realize that for all my years in the tribe of cofc, I read the Bible as a prooftext. I was always looking for ways to prove to someone why they needed Christ. I could use scripture to prove to them why my way was right and theirs was wrong. It was my total answer book. Any question I had was found in the Bible. I just had to continue to read it to find it and sometimes I thought I did; many times I couldn’t understand why the answer was not coming to me as I read and read. I was the one wrong all along. Not all my answers are in the Bible. The HS is sending me answers from all kinds of sources like other people, nature, my brain, out of the mouths of my grandchildren; really anyway He chooses.

I am thankful for my experiences and God’s work in my life to change my thinking. I am the one who has changed! God has stayed the same. I now read the Bible to deepen my relationship with Christ!

The new “filter” for my reading of the Bible is looking for Christ; who is the answer! This thinking has broadened my horizons beyond measure. I now know that if I can get someone to read the Bible, I can point them to Jesus.

My husband and I have started a Bible Study at work, (we work at the same company) with about three other people. Two are Catholic and the other is “generic.” In my past thinking, I would want to point out all the things they are doing wrong in the Catholic faith and get them to see that my way is the right way for them. But now I point them to Jesus in every reading. We are not teaching, we are discussing the Bible. We have started in the OT and are reading different stories to “paint” the picture God has for the world. We add our color occasionally, but it is their own painting. My painting is changing and different colors are being added to it as well.

The best part is that I don’t have to prove anything. I just have to point them to Jesus and the HS will take care of the rest. The Bible is not the book I grew-up thinking it was. The only “answer” from it that I need is Christ and how I can deepen that relationship!

]]> By: Nichole Langham http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9358 Nichole Langham Thu, 16 Mar 2006 04:43:34 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9358 I like the new blog Mike. It looks nice! Hope you enjoy it!!! I like the new blog Mike. It looks nice! Hope you enjoy it!!!

]]> By: David http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9357 David Thu, 16 Mar 2006 03:08:41 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9357 I remember when people used to ask how the Bible was "relevant to my life." Much better question: how are our lives relevant to the Bible? I remember when people used to ask how the Bible was “relevant to my life.” Much better question: how are our lives relevant to the Bible?

]]> By: candy http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9356 candy Thu, 16 Mar 2006 02:34:36 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9356 #2. #7. #8. #2. #7. #8.

]]> By: Amy http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9355 Amy Thu, 16 Mar 2006 00:20:14 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9355 A big, fat YES to #1. Still can't figure that one out. All part of the mystery. Weirdly enough, I prefer Ecclesiates. A big, fat YES to #1. Still can’t figure that one out.
All part of the mystery. Weirdly enough, I prefer Ecclesiates.

]]> By: TCS http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9354 TCS Wed, 15 Mar 2006 21:46:27 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9354 #9 has been for me a problem. I was somehow raised to worship the Bible. It somehow became our golden calf. #9 has been for me a problem. I was somehow raised to worship the Bible. It somehow became our golden calf.

]]> By: eddy http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9353 eddy Wed, 15 Mar 2006 20:57:30 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9353 The God in whom I live, move and my being is not far from each one of us. When I read scripture, I am able to identify that God--He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Scripture is a library filled with testimonies about God's faithfulness. I look forward to reading your book about this subject! The God in whom I live, move and my being is not far from each one of us. When I read scripture, I am able to identify that God–He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Scripture is a library filled with testimonies about God’s faithfulness.
I look forward to reading your book about this subject!

]]> By: julie http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9352 julie Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:51:20 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9352 So many of these words today have struck me in the heart. Yes, the word knows me....yes, yes, yes....convicting, challenging, reassuring, comforting and sometimes pushing to places and levels that I am sure that I am not ready for...but somehow I am. Twice in the last month I have been told that I need to watch Sling Blade. My mother's family is from North Alabama and my cousin told me that Billy Bob Thornton walks like my grandparents...one arm hanging behind the back and the other the other hand holding that arm while leaning slightly forward. Okay, I will watch it soon. The songs here are powerful. I love Ancient Words...such truths. I need to find the song by Sara Groves...good words. Thanks Mike for talking about all this. For many years this was a hush-hush conversation. Thanks for putting it out there. So many of these words today have struck me in the heart. Yes, the word knows me….yes, yes, yes….convicting, challenging, reassuring, comforting and sometimes pushing to places and levels that I am sure that I am not ready for…but somehow I am.
Twice in the last month I have been told that I need to watch Sling Blade. My mother’s family is from North Alabama and my cousin told me that Billy Bob Thornton walks like my grandparents…one arm hanging behind the back and the other the other hand holding that arm while leaning slightly forward. Okay, I will watch it soon.
The songs here are powerful. I love Ancient Words…such truths. I need to find the song by Sara Groves…good words.
Thanks Mike for talking about all this. For many years this was a hush-hush conversation. Thanks for putting it out there.

]]> By: Gina http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9351 Gina Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:45:03 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9351 really great post! been struggling with number 7 for sometime - but numbers 5 & 6 encourage me to press on! really great post! been struggling with number 7 for sometime - but numbers 5 & 6 encourage me to press on!

]]> By: Angie http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9350 Angie Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:33:19 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9350 The Bible produces a sort of unsettling endearment in me, and your post gives words to that feeling. I love it even though I'm nervous when I can't make all the pieces fit. Below are the lyrics of a song called "The Word" by Sara Groves (brilliant songwriter and singer!). I think it fits nicely, so I hope you don't mind me sharing... I've done every devotional Been every place emotional Trying to hear a new word from God And I think it's very odd, that while I attempt to help myself My Bible sits upon my shelf With every promise I could ever need Chorus: And the Word was And the Word is And the Word will be The old Word is the new Word People are getting fit for Truth Like they're buying a new tailored suit Does it fit across the shoulders Does it fade when it gets older We throw ideas that aren't in style In the Salvation Army pile And search for something more to meet our needs I think it's time I rediscover All the ground that I have covered, like Seek Ye first... what a verse We are pressed but not crushed, perplexed but don't despair. We are persecuted but not abandoned We are no longer slaves we are daughters and sons, and when we are weak we are very strong And neither death nor life nor present nor future nor depth nor height can keep us from the love of Christ And the Word I need is the Word that was who put on flesh to dwell with us. In the beginning.... The Bible produces a sort of unsettling endearment in me, and your post gives words to that feeling. I love it even though I’m nervous when I can’t make all the pieces fit. Below are the lyrics of a song called “The Word” by Sara Groves (brilliant songwriter and singer!). I think it fits nicely, so I hope you don’t mind me sharing…

I’ve done every devotional
Been every place emotional
Trying to hear a new word from God
And I think it’s very odd,
that while I attempt to help myself
My Bible sits upon my shelf
With every promise
I could ever need

Chorus:
And the Word was
And the Word is
And the Word will be
The old Word is the new Word

People are getting fit for Truth
Like they’re buying a new tailored suit
Does it fit across the shoulders
Does it fade when it gets older
We throw ideas that aren’t in style
In the Salvation Army pile
And search for something more to meet our needs

I think it’s time I rediscover
All the ground that I have covered, like
Seek Ye first… what a verse
We are pressed but not crushed,
perplexed but don’t despair.
We are persecuted but not abandoned
We are no longer slaves
we are daughters and sons,
and when we are weak
we are very strong

And neither death nor life
nor present nor future
nor depth nor height
can keep us from the love of Christ
And the Word I need
is the Word that was
who put on flesh to dwell with us.
In the beginning….

]]> By: Josh http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9349 Josh Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:31:26 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9349 As I was reading this post the song "Ancient Words" started playing in my mind. "In this world where 'er we roam, Ancient words will guide us home. Ancient words ever true. Changing me and changing you. We have come with open hearts. Oh let the ancient words impart." Such a great song...and I have yet to sing it through without at least tearing up. Great little series. I'm so jealous/upset that I won't get to hear you and Randy Harris and Bob Russel at Tulsa. Will there be cd's availble? As I was reading this post the song “Ancient Words” started playing in my mind.

“In this world where ‘er we roam, Ancient words will guide us home. Ancient words ever true. Changing me and changing you. We have come with open hearts. Oh let the ancient words impart.”

Such a great song…and I have yet to sing it through without at least tearing up.

Great little series. I’m so jealous/upset that I won’t get to hear you and Randy Harris and Bob Russel at Tulsa. Will there be cd’s availble?

]]> By: Josh http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9348 Josh Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:29:24 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9348 As I was reading this post the song "Ancient Words" started playing in my mind. "In this world where 'er we roam, Ancient words will guid us home. Ancient words ever true. Changing me and changing you. We have come with open hearts. Oh let the ancient words impart." Such a great song...and I have yet to sing it through without at least tearing up. Great little series. I'm so jealous/upset that I won't get to hear you and Randy Harries and Bob Russle at Tulsa. Will there be cd's availble? As I was reading this post the song “Ancient Words” started playing in my mind.

“In this world where ‘er we roam, Ancient words will guid us home. Ancient words ever true. Changing me and changing you. We have come with open hearts. Oh let the ancient words impart.”

Such a great song…and I have yet to sing it through without at least tearing up.

Great little series. I’m so jealous/upset that I won’t get to hear you and Randy Harries and Bob Russle at Tulsa. Will there be cd’s availble?

]]> By: Martin F. http://preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9347 Martin F. Wed, 15 Mar 2006 17:38:26 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/03/15/the-b-i-b-l-e-6#comment-9347 To Jerry, Hi Jerry. I'm not Mike, but I just think that you ask a great question. "Are the Scriptures inspired and yet not inerrant ?" Whether or not a person thinks they are "inspired" is up to the individual; obviously, some people say "yes", some "no". But whether or not it is inerrant is easy to decide by simply reading it and then being honest about any errors that might exist. It doesn't take long to read the gospels and see an inconsistency that is an obvious error. Matt.: Jesus is born at home in Bethlehem. The family flees to Egypt. Then they don't return home to Bethlehem, but "went and lived in a town called Nazareth." Luke: From Nazareth to Bethlehem and back to Nazareth (no Egypt). The stories don't match, so the Bible does not live up to the modern claim of inerrancy, a claim which no book in the Bible claims for itself. (Notice what Luke claims about his book: "Lots of stories have been handed-down, but I went out and did some investigating on my own. Here's what I found. . . . " [my paraphrase]). It takes some tough gut-wrenching honesty to see and admit. But this doesn't have to shake anyone's faith in the Creator, unless one is so rigid and unbending that they can't adjust. To Jerry,

Hi Jerry. I’m not Mike, but I just think that you ask a great question. “Are the Scriptures inspired and yet not inerrant ?” Whether or not a person thinks they are “inspired” is up to the individual; obviously, some people say “yes”, some “no”. But whether or not it is inerrant is easy to decide by simply reading it and then being honest about any errors that might exist.

It doesn’t take long to read the gospels and see an inconsistency that is an obvious error. Matt.: Jesus is born at home in Bethlehem. The family flees to Egypt. Then they don’t return home to Bethlehem, but “went and lived in a town called Nazareth.” Luke: From Nazareth to Bethlehem and back to Nazareth (no Egypt). The stories don’t match, so the Bible does not live up to the modern claim of inerrancy, a claim which no book in the Bible claims for itself. (Notice what Luke claims about his book: “Lots of stories have been handed-down, but I went out and did some investigating on my own. Here’s what I found. . . . ” [my paraphrase]).

It takes some tough gut-wrenching honesty to see and admit. But this doesn’t have to shake anyone’s faith in the Creator, unless one is so rigid and unbending that they can’t adjust.

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