"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
Maybe the question is if people understand what faith even means. lol
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
Sure. It's a good, workable definition of faith, especially when you consider its implications:
1. "faith is the substance" And it is the only substance you will ever have for "things hoped for" in many cases. In other words, you will not receive what you hoped for. But, technically, faith isn't really substance. It's only imaginary substance.
2. "the evidence" Ditto. It is the only evidence, in many cases. Things you don't see may never actually be seen. If your faith in something unseen is the only evidence, then you can decide to have that kind of faith in literally anything! Heaven and hell, peace that passeth all understanding, leprechauns. Anything.
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
You are not reading my words. Why try so hard to impose upon me the thing you want me to believe in order to satisfy your position, causing you to remain mistaken about it? lol
Read it again. It is a "walk" of faith. Not a single exertion of faith. A lifetime of the position of faith. When we leave that position, and we claim we have proof, then we are fallen from a walk and life of faith. In other words, I beleive I am right with God, at the same time believe that if I am mistaken --- which I could be -- God will continue to answer my p[ray to correct me. Maybe it's a correction process for my entire life, not required as much in others ... whatever.
Always being in a state of faith means you are always maintaining the attitude that God is answering, to put it more precisely. But you always never know without need of further proof. Always. It empties you of any self dependency more and more, if you or me or anyone really walks by it.
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
Sure. It's a good, workable definition of faith, especially when you consider its implications:
1. "faith is the substance" And it is the only substance you will ever have for "things hoped for" in many cases. In other words, you will not receive what you hoped for. But, technically, faith isn't really substance. It's only imaginary substance.
2. "the evidence" Ditto. It is the only evidence, in many cases. Things you don't see may never actually be seen. If your faith in something unseen is the only evidence, then you can decide to have that kind of faith in literally anything! Heaven and hell, peace that passeth all understanding, leprechauns. Anything.
Who said you will never receive what you hoped for? Where is your "proof" for that? Have you llived your life, gone to the other side and back, and have a video tape of the results?
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
Mike, you'll take this in circles until you confuse everyone.
You mean you are not really sure of what faith is? Look it up and it will make sense. Get Websters.
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
Your kind of Faith is, believe me or else, without proof and regardless if I disagree with your idea.
No, that is not my kind of faith. It is what the bible says to do in handling faith. That is not the definition of faith. The definition is trust in what someone says. The bible takes that and demands we have that and then says it is "or else," not me, nor it is MY kind.
Faith is not "believe me or else."
lol
Dictionaries help in these situations.
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
Who said you will never receive what you hoped for? Where is your "proof" for that? Have you llived your life, gone to the other side and back, and have a video tape of the results?
I didn't say that. I said it doesn't always happen. Do you disagree?
I don't think I have to go "to the other side and back", nor do I have any obligation to provide you with video. I will simply give my testimony. Accept it or don't.
I trusted God. I believed in the promises. A sound mind. Fear cast out. Peace. Healing.
Sometimes I got these things, and sometimes not. My depression got progressively worse and worse, the more these promises were not kept. That's my view of it, at least. And of course, the ever helpful believers will, as they already have many times, offer advice such as "just keep holding on" and "keep trusting" etc. Yeah, well, when I commit suicide, can I stop holding on then? I was close.
Then I got out. When you stop believing things that aren't true, it helps. A lot.
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty