Why do YOU believe the Bible?

[ReformedDave]

Just interested in your responses. At the gym this morning I listened to a program that asked kids at a Christian college this question. Very interesting responses.

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

Just interested in your responses. At the gym this morning I listened to a program that asked kids at a Christian college this question. Very interesting responses.

I just read a book called, "Don't know much about the BIBLE" The guy who wrote it also wrote a great book on American History called "Don't know much about History."

He goes through the bible book by book, explaining scripture, but also contrasting it with history. It isn't deep, and there is no agenda, but there are questions and what he thinks are contradicitons about certain things.

I thought for a time, how do I know what is true to actually be true? It occured to me in a powerful way that I have lived, experienced, and felt the spirit and presence of God in direct congruence with the word, and nothing can change that.

So I would say it is true by validation throught the Spirit of the Living God in my life and in my spirit.

[OGIA]

Originally Posted by Carpenter

So I would say it is true by validation throught the Spirit of the Living God in my life and in my spirit.

I agree, Carpenter!

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by Carpenter

I just read a book called, "Don't know much about the BIBLE" The guy who wrote it also wrote a great book on American History called "Don't know much about History."

He goes through the bible book by book, explaining scripture, but also contrasting it with history. It isn't deep, and there is no agenda, but there are questions and what he thinks are contradicitons about certain things.

I thought for a time, how do I know what is true to actually be true? It occured to me in a powerful way that I have lived, experienced, and felt the spirit and presence of God in direct congruence with the word, and nothing can change that.

So I would say it is true by validation throught the Spirit of the Living God in my life and in my spirit.

You do realize that Mormons can make the same esoteric claim.......Why should I accept Christianity on your 'feelings'?

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

You do realize that Mormons can make the same esoteric claim.......Why should I accept Christianity on your 'feelings'?

You can't accept Christianity on MY feelings, you must test God and His word yourself.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

If you obey him, he will prove himself to you. If you seek him, he will be found of you.

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

You can't accept Christianity on MY feelings, you must test God and His word yourself.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

If you obey him, he will prove himself to you. If you seek him, he will be found of you.

Why should I believe the Bible when others have equal if not greater experiences? If I came to you and said that I've found perfect peace as a Zen Buddhist and I don't need Christianity. And BTW, many have found peace through Buddhism. You experience is of no greater authority than mine.

What if I told you I bought a car because I had some 'experience' when thinking about it. You would say I was a real flake.

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

Just interested in your responses. At the gym this morning I listened to a program that asked kids at a Christian college this question. Very interesting responses.

Because my parents taught it, their lives exemplified it, I believed it, it has worked for me and my family. A biblicial world view has served us well, it has kept my children and given them a foundation for significant lives. The personal relationship with Jesus that has proceeded from faith in the Bible has given me peace, confidence and a template to live life. In the world yet not of the world, may God be praised!! That's not all but it is a start. Our God is an awesome God!

[Michlow]

Sadly I don't know. I have been asking myself this question (and many others) lately.

I do know that there was a point of faith. At one time the Bible was just a spiritual book, and eventually I saw some truth in it. Eventually I came to a crossroads, and needed to determine if I was going to relegate it to absolute truth or dismiss it as error. I chose to have faith that it was Truth.

The problem came, when rather than having all the answers, it seems to simply lead to more questions.

[Felicity]

RD........

Ever hear of T&P? Stands for "Tested and Proved". This is one of the reasons I believe the Bible and believe it to be authentic.

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by crakjak

Because my parents taught it, their lives exemplified it, I believed it, it has worked for me and my family. A biblicial world view has served us well, it has kept my children and given them a foundation for significant lives. The personal relationship with Jesus that has proceeded from faith in the Bible has given me peace, confidence and a template to live life. In the world yet not of the world, may God be praised!! That's not all but it is a start. Our God is an awesome God!

So, you serve your God out of tradition. Many have done the same and have made the same claim. That doesn't make it true. Just remember, I'm a Buddhist from a long tradition also that has served me and my family well.