Sufficient Self's Bible Study Group

[Denim Deb]

Well, my goal is always to find out what God means. Doesn't matter what I think, or what most people think or feel. What did HE mean? So going to the original languages and customs of the time is extremely useful. To me.

I teach massage and before that did a lot of tutoring, and believe me, there are many, many problems when a concept is translated from one language to another. Even with a good word to word language dictionary. Even face to face and in person. It takes much work and digging to really get the meaning. Biblical concepts are of the ultimate importance, so I am one to look deeply into the language. It is how my brain works.

Except for the teaching massage part, this is pretty much how my brain works too. I keep wondering, what would the words mean if I could have heard and understood the original language?

This is why, at the very least, a good concordance is very useful when using a version rather than a translation. You can see how a particular word was translated differently in many different places, and replace it with the different words used in English, and see what the meaning should be, or if the translator was taking some liberties. This is why it says version, not translation.

As for the parable of the beggar and Abraham, that was an illustration that Jesus used, the clues are in the story. A drop of water? Seeing each other? It was hyperbole. Other clues come from the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles.

Sorry, not a parable, but a story. A parable doesn't include names.

 

[BarredBuff]

In response to Bee's question: "What do you all say to someone who declares that there couldn't be a Hell if God is a merciful God?"

I heard a pastor years ago give the best response to that question. How merciful would God be if ... after a person has made a personal choice to reject God, denounced God, lived his whole life wild and even embracing the thought of Hell - in the end died and found himself locked in eternity with God? Nothing could be more horrible, surely.

Instead he gives US the choice. We choose our own end - Hell or Heaven. We have to have options. What would life be without free choice?

Exactly!

 

[rebecca100]

Still here. I don't pretend to know anything so I am just watching and learning.

 

[Wannabefree]

I read all of Ecclesiastes weeks ago. I'm up for a change when everyone else is ready.

Or we can break and discuss Bee's question It is a very thought provoking question! I like what bambi said.... about being without God IS hell.

I think it is too. Can you imagine....without God, what would your life be for one millisecond even? Physically...He controls it, heartbeat, breathng, blood flow, in His control constantly. You'd die...and even if you survived..Emotionally...I can't even imagine how dreadful and dark it would feel to be completely without God. Even those who do not know He is there or recognize Him...still have Him in their lives because everything good is from God. Can you imagine all the guilt you'd feel if for one millisecond all of your wrongs were laid out in front of you to take that burden again after being unburdened by the blood of Christ...even a millisecond is too long for most of us. Yeah...I'd say THAT is the true definition of Hell.

Anyway was just thinking about that again.......

 

[BarredBuff]

Im ready for a change too and I'd LOVE to do what Bee suggested the yesterday.......

 

[BarredBuff]

Most of our studiers have had time to reply now, so here is how I'd things are gonna proceed in the next week or two:

**We are done with Ecclesiastes. Most people are not commenting nor do they like it. So were done with it.
**Everyday at around this time (if I can) I am going to post a question for us all to respond to, to get our spiritual mind thinking.
**We are going to do a more of a back and forth study. I dont think doing it book by book is effective any more. I'd like to read certain chapters through the Bible and do a lot of cross referencing with them so we can attain a better understanding. I'd like to focus more on how we live our lives and World Events.

Im working on a study plan right now. So when I get that finished we can start on it.

If you got any comments or suggestions shoot em my way via PM.

BBUFF

Question: What do you think your home in Heaven will be like?

 

[savingdogs]

I think that sounds like a great plan! I did finish reading by the way!

 

[BookWorm77]

i kno this is random but doesnt it irk u when people say they dont believe in God and then they'll say i swear to God...

 

[BarredBuff]

i kno this is random but doesnt it irk u when people say they dont believe in God and then they'll say i swear to God...

Yes it irks me very much.

 

[freemotion]

says version, not translation.

Sorry, not a parable, but a story. A parable doesn't include names.

It feels like you pick apart what I say without addressing the meat of my comments. Sorry, it just is starting to feel that way. I enjoy a good discussion, but that requires thinking about what the other person said and responding. Even if you disagree, that is fine with me. But.....maybe I'm just over tired and over frozen. :/