1077. Dealing With the Information Overload of Conflicting Bible Beliefs

To a significant degree, Bible teaching consists of a perspective or opinion ... a point of view. You've probably noticed the seemingly infinite number of those different theories and expressions. Many times, one well-known church or pastor can express the polar opposite of another prominent—if not trendy—minister with a popular following. It becomes an academic or philosophical debate about things that are only spiritually discerned.

The viewpoints can often be traced back to narratives that were handed down from previous ideologies by those who came before us. When the narrative is embraced as the ultimate truth, it becomes the mission to fit the concepts into the boundaries of that narrative. It can also be the result of interpretation without context. Combining the old and new covenants may also be a contributing factor. Church groupies wander all over, looking for someone they can trust to give them answers and interpret the Bible for them.

Not everyone can be right, right? It can leave so many in a state of confusion. In this day of instant social media, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all of it when trying to get answers. And for those who have encountered the gospel of grace and been freed from many burdensome and misguided doctrines with the help of God's Spirit ... how can we possibly begin to have a positive impact on so many others who are trapped in a system that touts various forms of legalism and religious bondage? Here's a hint: It doesn't start by trying to convince them to think like you do.




"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1065. Talking Outside the Traditional Box About the B-I-B-L-E

Many Christians consider the Bible as a book that is their connection to God. This is understandable because people tend to desire in seeking ways to make God more tangible within their life and world. The pages are something we can touch and see. It can easily become something worshiped or considered to be our primary source and destination when it comes to knowing God. But it's all based upon how one interprets through human filters—which can constantly change.

The Bible isn't a single book, but a collection of writings authored by many people over a lengthy period of time, and came to us from many thousands of manuscripts which were copied by hand. Whether written before the cross or after, the scripts are designed to point to truth and life which are found and contained within a Person—Jesus Christ. As believers in Christ, we're not called to 'believe in the Bible.' After all, there are millions of very different perspectives, opinions, and ideologies being embraced and debated. We certainly can't believe every version of someone else's truth... because they are all over the map.

Our life and destination will not be in trying to unlock the vault to proper interpretation and understanding. Jesus sent a far more superior Guide to help us in our walk of faith as we live in the Spirit. Of course we're thankful to have access to these writings. After all, we've been referring to them on the podcast for more than a couple decades. But compared to the thousands of other religions out there, we have something that goes beyond "the book" and academics ... or theological labels. Becoming aware of the incredible view from above 30,000 feet may help from getting lost in a maze of individual verses.




"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1062. The Burdensome Process of 'Surrendering' Everything to God

Many of the things we've all heard in mixed-covenant church buildings can easily result in leftovers or at least trace elements within our mindsets that we attempt to apply to the message of the gospel of grace. The result becomes a rather murky hodgepodge of inconsistency. It leaves believers in Christ wondering if they they are right with God, resulting in fear, uncertainty ... and pecks away at people who are finding peace to be somewhat elusive in their minds. Of course, most who embrace grace are not intending for this to happen ... but it does ... partly because it may ultimately have similarities to the religious talking points people have been trying to escape.

There are many perspectives, angles, Bible teachings, and opinions that can be quite different—even within circles where grace dominates. But it is not unusual to see some of the messages sliding down a slippery slope which gradually manages to put the spotlight back on us and what we do—and how well we're doing it. Am I doing enough? How do I know? Am I out of touch with God compared to others who seem so spiritual?

The focus of faith should remain on the finished work of Jesus and God's Spirit who was sent to guide us. Your identity of righteousness is contained in Him. When legalistic venues insist on our need to surrender everything to God, it will usually lack specifics on what that looks like. Religion declares we need to put our belief on display for others to see, otherwise, it may indicate something isn't real and genuine. Walking by faith and not by sight is turned completely inside out. God lives in us. He wants to express His life through us. But His fruit should not be considered synonymous with works that are performed in order to get God to respond. His response to you is firmly anchored in a Savior who established a different and much better covenant. No pressure.




"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1061. Being at Peace Even When So Many Questions Remain Unanswered

We have received many inquiries from listeners over the years who are in search of answers to questions that may have them confused when it comes to things found in the Bible. This isn't exactly an exclusive club. We all would like greater clarity on many things we may not fully understand. When someone seeks input from us, a pastor, or their favorite grace teacher ... it will sometimes just lead to more questions which will result in seeking more answers—and how they compare to previously received answers from a different source.

That's the problem when there are so many different opinions, doctrines and perspectives from people who all declare the Bible as their source for truth. Grace will help us to realize we don't need to know everything or feel that we need an answer to every question. And it can result in depending more on the One who abides within ... who is more than enough to keep us at peace.




"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1041. Even as People of Faith, It's Okay to Say, "I Don't Know"

We can all look back at the many things we've learned (or unlearned) about God, His love, the message of Jesus and His redemptive work at the cross. And yet, there seems to be so much we don't know when it comes to eternal things. Theology becomes a tangled mess full of twists and turns. We change our perspectives sometimes, especially when God's Spirit helps us in reaching a greater knowledge of the truth, perhaps one small bite at a time. But as humans, some of what we believe about Bible doctrine and things related to it may also just be a matter of opinion or perspective based upon what we know, think, or have been taught.

This week's program is rather unique as we discuss individual perspectives about faith, believing, and questions that may be difficult to answer. In the end, God is not frustrated with our ignorance ... and sometimes it's okay to say, "I don't know for sure what the answer is to that."



   
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