And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free -
John 8:32
What do I really know? What do I really understand? Am I reading it right? Why are there so many versions of the "truth"? Why so many contradictions? Why so many questions? Why am I so bad with grammar (Is it Jesus' or Jesus's)? note to self: Hire a competent proof reader. Note to self: I cannot afford a competent proof reader. Back to elementary school I guess, or maybe GROK can act as a competent proofreader?
I have had so many people in my life tell me what was in the bible, or what certain verses meant, then one day I began reading it myself... So I now have a few thoughts.
Found 19 Articles
The False Image of Christ - Would You Know It If You Saw It?
The article discusses the concerns with today's image of Jesus, suggesting it breeds a culture of false forgiveness without repentance, and argues for a return to the Biblical representation of Jesus that demands self-accountability, active engagement in confronting sin, and a genuine commitment to live according to teachings.
Should we pray to Jesus?
The debate over whether or not to pray to Jesus is argued to go back to the interpretation of Jesus as a member of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), or simply as a human representative of God's word. This discussion also tackles how faith doctrines, such as the Trinity, have been debated and enforced throughout Christian history, adding gray areas to the understanding of the Bible and its teachings.
You’re Twisting the meaning of the Bible to Fit Your Beliefs
The content discusses the nuanced interpretations of biblical material, suggesting that perspectives on religious texts, such as the Bible, can considerably vary and be perceived as right or wrong based on people's biases, experiences, and context, also highlighting how these interpretations can potentially impact people's moral, ethical, and spiritual compass.
The Devil, Witchcraft, Myths, Reality, and Scripture
The Devil, or Satan, as described in biblical texts refers to an 'adversary' or 'accuser' rather than a physical being, and can represent anyone, or anything, that opposes God or his followers; references to Lucifer in the scriptures are considered more symbolic or metaphorical and often refer to human rulers, and the commonplace portrayal of Satan as a horned, red being is seen as a misguided interpretation, often used to personify and scapegoat human failings and wrongdoings.
Money Is The Root Of All Evil
This conversation discusses the notion that "money is the root of all evil," emphasizing that it is not money itself but the love and greedy pursuit of money that leads to evil, as well as the importance of trusting in God's plan and maintaining faith despite financial struggles.
Jesus loves us Unconditionally, Even in Sin
The article discusses the notion of Jesus' unconditional love, comparing it to a warranty that is freely given but requires living a life in alignment with Jesus' teachings to fully experience it.
Isn't it Ironic by Alanis Morissette
The content discusses and explores the song "Isn't it Ironic" by Alanis Morissette, particularly the use of the term "ironic" in the lyrics, addresses the possible misunderstandings of what constitutes irony and speculates that the title itself could pose the true irony as it contains non-ironic examples.
The Bible clearly states 'Judge Not'
The post discusses that the directive "Judge not" from the Bible does not mean avoiding judgement altogether, but rather judging in a careful, non-hypocritical way, using discernment and a willingness to help others, particularly Christians, away from sin, while acknowledging that there might come a limit to one's patience when a person refuses to address their own issues.
Anything you ask in Jesus name he will do it
In an insightful discussion on prayer and faith, the author grapples with the traditional Christian belief that "anything you ask in Jesus's name, he will do it," challenging the notion of God or Jesus as a cosmic vending machine and instead proposing that "asking in Jesus's name" should be understood as aligning with His character and purpose.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Praying "in Jesus' name" refers to aligning one’s requests or prayers with the character, purpose, and will of Jesus, and doesn’t simply mean appending his name at the end of a prayer, as explained through textual analysis of the King James Version and interpretation of Jesus' teachings.
Does God Hate Human Sacrifice?
The Bible strongly condemns involuntary human sacrifice as exploitation, idolatry, and murder, while the voluntary self-sacrifice Jesus made with his own life is considered the ultimate act of love for humanity. Any connection to the notion of human sacrifice is more about humans needing a language to grasp redemption, than about God's need for it.
Calling out sin is considered more of a sin than the sin itself
The article discusses the interpretation of biblical passages about judgment and sin, suggesting that while the act of judging is not sinful in itself, it becomes so when done arrogantly or wrongly, and that everyone inevitably partakes in judging others, making the manner and motive of judgment more important to consider.
Jesus couldn't do it! But you think you can?
The article discusses the struggles of sharing Christian faith with others who persistently reject it, exploring biblical precedents for "letting it go" and suggesting that it can be a way of respecting a person's freedom of choice, symbolizing trust in God's plan, and avoiding potential harm to the relationship.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do
The verse from John 14:13 states that whatever you ask in Jesus' name, He will do, and the purpose is for the Father to be glorified in the Son; to consider other factors such as the context of the chapter, examples from disciples not receiving what they asked for, the understanding of being God's servant, not expecting Him to grant every wish, and questioning the intention behind requests for material things or sinful desires can provide a more balanced perspective on the meaning and implications of this verse.
God won't give you more than you can handle
Trust that God will never give you challenges beyond your ability to overcome, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:13, commonly understood as "God won't give you more than you can handle."
Were sacrificial offerings a man made idea?
The question raised is whether sacrificial offerings for atonement were a man-made concept rather than a directive from God, with the perspective that true atonement comes from repentance and turning away from sin, rather than offering physical sacrifices.
Anger is a sin (or is it?)
Different versions of the Bible offer varying perspectives on the interpretation of whether anger is a sin, with the New International Version emphasizing the consequences of being angry, while the King James Version includes the condition "without a cause" before declaring anger as potentially sinful; seeking further guidance from religious leaders or scholars may provide clarity on the matter.
(Resist Not Evil) Do not resist an evil person? Did I read that right?
The passage in question from Matthew 5:39 can be interpreted as suggesting that when one has committed an evil act and faces justice from the harmed party, rather than resisting, they should accept the consequences and go above and beyond in offering recompense as a form of restitution for their wrongdoing.
Did Jesus death cover the sins of humanity?
Yes, according to mainstream Christian theology, Jesus' death is believed to have covered the sins of humanity by reconciling them with God through his sacrificial act on the cross, although some interpretations also consider his entire life as a sacrificial offering leading up to the crucifixion.
