Sufficient Self's Bible Study Group

[Wannabefree]

Im gonna say we start 1 John tommorow!! Whos with me???

I'm in, yeppers!

sounds good

 

[Beekissed]

There are many, many controversial topics in the Bible. Are we, as a study group, going to avoid all controversial topics? I think my preacher does this so that the boat doesn't ever rock. Not that I'm fond of rocking boats but maybe those topics were included in the Bible so that Christians would learn to work together in the spirit of Christ to divine their meanings?

It seems the most controversial subjects are the ones that most people need to ponder, question, get set into their minds....subjects like divorce, other religions, marriage, child rearing, Biblical prophecy, legalism, Hell, works, gifts, etc.

Safer, I'm sure, to avoid these topics. But will we learn anything by sticking to safe paths that are broad and worn smooth?

 

[Wannabefree]

Yes Bee we WILL still learn. Maybe if it was less speculation and more actual quoting scripture to support the theories it would be better taken. I saw no scripture point to the EU or China or anyone else for that matter being quoted, supported etc. Controversial issues aren't safe, neither is being a Christian in some countries....that isn't the point. The point is the whole conversation has no study element to it. Those who are new Christians are not getting supported when veering off into whatever everyone else thinks. A whole lot of opinion, little support with facts. I'm just saying this may not be an appropriate setting for such discussion.

As far as your own church goes...start a study group.

 

[FarmerJamie]

There are many, many controversial topics in the Bible. Are we, as a study group, going to avoid all controversial topics? I think my preacher does this so that the boat doesn't ever rock. Not that I'm fond of rocking boats but maybe those topics were included in the Bible so that Christians would learn to work together in the spirit of Christ to divine their meanings?

It seems the most controversial subjects are the ones that most people need to ponder, question, get set into their minds....subjects like divorce, other religions, marriage, child rearing, Biblical prophecy, legalism, Hell, works, gifts, etc.

Safer, I'm sure, to avoid these topics. But will we learn anything by sticking to safe paths that are broad and worn smooth?

First, I apologize for my tone here tonight as I did not carry myself as well as I wanted to.

Earlier in this thread there was a great posting about how we should approach ourselves here. I'm going to back and read it *again*

The hard part for controversial topics is when "I think" gets replaced with "don't you see this?" When we feel passionate about something and a differing viewpoint gets offered up, many of us want to "rise to the occasion" and convince everyone. BTW, I'm referring to MY actions tonight, not anyone else's.

I'm willing to try.

 

[Denim Deb]

There are topics that I avoid discussing w/other Christians, not because I'm afraid of them, or afraid of debate, but because of how it can appear to non believers. There's a guy near here, has a farm stand. He's one of the ones that believes in the May date. For the longest while, I did not go in the store. If I did, he was sure to try to start an argument w/me and I did not see that as profitable, nor did I see it as a good witness. Plus, I was hampered a bit by not having my Bible w/me. He offered me the use of his Bible, but what he doesn't get is that while I may not remember exactly where something is in the Bible, if it's a passage that I'm familiar with, I know where it's located on the page. So, I can flip thru that section of my Bible, and find it fairly quickly. Plus, I'll often have cross references written in the margin, and even notes on either the custom of the day, or what the word meant in the original language.

And just for the record, if anyone uses an outside source to back up what they're saying, IMO, it had better be backed up by the Bible. Too often, people want to use something other than the Word of God.

Jesus told us to search the scriptures for in them we think we have eternal life. They are they which testify of Him. When the Bereans first heard of Christ, and were being taught about Him, they searched the scriptures daily to see if what they were being taught was accurate. So, if you post that your pastor said this, or you read something in a book, or heard it on the radio, I'm going to ask you to back it up w/the Bible-not to pick on you, or because I want to prove you wrong but so that we can all grow and learn together.

 

[rebecca100]

I agree. I hear things almost daily that I can't dispute or say one way or the other. I am not a new Christian, but I guess I am new to actually trying to learn and understand. I have found that the only source of true information is the bible itself. NOT what someone has been trying to teach me. I listen to what they say and consider it carefully, then I compare it to the bible and if they don't come out the same for me then I set it to the side. I find that for me it seems to be better that if in doubt read and pray.

 

[Beekissed]

Well....okay! Safe and smooth it is!

 

[FarmerChick]

only way it can be or this thread will implode fast

 

[Beekissed]

That's a shame but you are probably right.

 

[savingdogs]

I suppose we need to keep things on an even keel. It is nice we are being allowed to have a religious thread. We need to take extra care to respect that we have been given this opportunity in a non-denominational self sufficient forum setting. Keeping things a little light is probably a way of ensuring we won't ruffle any feathers.....like each others!

I was enjoying your topic though, Bee! I'd say it seems to be the point of all religions, explaining what happens when we die.