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Jacob62

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The Bible was written for people to read, and then comprehend what it specifically says. God did not write His Words in Scripture for people to use as a launching pad for divergent discussion.

1.) Yes, all of Scripture is inspired by God, but no place in The Bible can be correctly read to say "Scripture inspires people." The Holy Spirit inspires/moves Prophets, not Scripture.

3.) Scripture is not given to stimulate our imaginations. Within The Bible, the words "imagine/imagination" occur 35 times, being translated as such from 12 original Text words. All but one of those mentions of "imagine/imagination" clearly describe it to be either "evil," or "of the Devil." Check this for yourself. God clearly is stating human imagination is corrupted.

3.) Failing to read Scripture using the correct definitions of the words is a huge error. The error occurs when the meanings of words are shaved and turned by an individual who claims to be identifying some intricate little "sense of the passage" which then requires from him some long, tricky explanation to be seen.

Preachers are well trained in this technique of customizing the Text for their preferred ideology. They then confidently declare "We must let God's Word speak for itself!" As if they are able to "let" God's Word do anything by means of their personal permission. They often make this statement using a sincere and contemplative look on their face.

4.) No place in Scripture has any two people disagreeing upon then intent and significance of other parts of Scripture. Nobody is shown to be saying, "Well, this is what it is saying to ME."

God's Word is about stark reality. It is not about emotionally sensitive little uncertainties, or about "things which just might be." It describes itself as "Quick, Powerful, Sharp, Piercing." (Heb. 4:12) There is nothing there about humans "letting" it do anything. Christ never "discussed" God's Word. He declared it, demonstrated it, and demanded it to be done. Jesus never chatted about it.
 
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4.) No place in Scripture has any two people disagreeing upon then intent and significance of other parts of Scripture. Nobody is shown to be saying, "Well, this is what it is saying to ME."

God's Word is about stark reality. It is not about emotionally sensitive little uncertainties, or about "things which just might be." It describes itself as "Quick, Powerful, Sharp, Piercing." (Heb. 4:12) There is nothing there about humans "letting" it do anything. Christ never "discussed" God's Word. He declared it, demonstrated it, and demanded it to be done. Jesus never chatted about it.

Amen.





JLB
 
Preachers are well trained in this technique of customizing the Text for their preferred ideology.

Some call this “technique”, Lexicon Gymnastics.


Its sad but true.


The word “believe” is one such word in scripture that has been misunderstood.

Faith is another.


If we misunderstand and misapply the meaning of a word then it’s likely we will misunderstand the doctrine.


 
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3.) Scripture is not given to stimulate our imaginations. Within The Bible, the words "imagine/imagination" occur 35 times, being translated as such from 12 original Text words. All but one of those mentions of "imagine/imagination" clearly describe it to be either "evil," or "of the Devil." Check this for yourself. God clearly is stating human imagination is corrupted.

So we pray for a sanctified imagination. It's highly probable that our imagination is in actuality is a spiritual sense of ours and as such should be exercised and developed for use in a sanctified manner.

Christ never "discussed" God's Word. He declared it, demonstrated it, and demanded it to be done. Jesus never chatted about it.

But that's all He ever did with the Apostles, lol. Because they're like all men, slow witted. How long shall I be with thee? Does thou have eyes but can not see? And stuff like that. He did quote scripture here and there too.
 
So we pray for a sanctified imagination. It's highly probable that our imagination is in actuality is a spiritual sense of ours and as such should be exercised and developed for use in a sanctified manner.


Amen.


Meditating on the word is one practice that helps develop a renewed mind.
 
Some call this “technique”, Lexicon Gymnastics.


Its sad but true.


The word “believe” is one such word in scripture that has been misunderstood.

Faith is another.


If we misunderstand and misapply the meaning of a word then it’s likely we will misunderstand the doctrine.


Yes, even though belief and faith appear interchangeably in the Text, I am sure ... we can do things like that if we are attracted to seminary for a career. Thanks for sharing additional work, here.
 
So we pray for a sanctified imagination. It's highly probable that our imagination is in actuality is a spiritual sense of ours and as such should be exercised and developed for use in a sanctified manner.



But that's all He ever did with the Apostles, lol. Because they're like all men, slow witted. How long shall I be with thee? Does thou have eyes but can not see? And stuff like that. He did quote scripture here and there too.
No actual discussion is recorded between Jesus and anyone.

He placed rhetoric questions, He made axiomatic statements, He declared germane facts, He corrected all falsehoods, He elevated every topic to its superior realm, and He controlled the progression of all outcomes. The other people could only bring their ignorance and desperately attempt to keep up with Him.

There was no discussion. No chit chat.

"We" do not pray for a sanctified imagination. Scripture consistently calls human imaginations "evil" and "of the Devil." Any person wishing to know what Scripture actually says need do only a little investigation.
 
Jacob62

The biblical term “vain babbling“ may have a different meaning than the English slang term “chit chat”.


However, your OP is well written and something we all should consider.
 
So we pray for a sanctified imagination. It's highly probable that our imagination is in actuality is a spiritual sense of ours and as such should be exercised and developed for use in a sanctified manner.



But that's all He ever did with the Apostles, lol. Because they're like all men, slow witted. How long shall I be with thee? Does thou have eyes but can not see? And stuff like that. He did quote scripture here and there too.
No actual discussion is recorded between Jesus and anyone.

He placed rhetoric questions, He made axiomatic statements, He declared germane facts, He corrected all falsehoods, He elevated every topic to its superior realm, and He controlled the progression of all comes. The other people could only bring their ignorance and desperately attempt to keep up with Him.

There was no discussion. No chit chat
Jacob62

The biblical term “vain babbling“ may have a different meaning than the English slang term “chit chat”.


However, your OP is well written and something we all should consider.
Positing fine comparative distinctions of words and concepts does not honor the plain intent of God's revealed Word.

Webster's specifies chat to be "light, informal talk." No primary evidence beyond mere speculation upon "how Jesus just seemed to be like us" indicates Jesus chatting. There are 10 specific verses speaking to the folly of idle words, a prime example being Matthew 12:36.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement."
 
No actual discussion is recorded between Jesus and anyone.

He placed rhetoric questions, He made axiomatic statements, He declared germane facts, He corrected all falsehoods, He elevated every topic to its superior realm, and He controlled the progression of all outcomes. The other people could only bring their ignorance and desperately attempt to keep up with Him.

There was no discussion. No chit chat.

"We" do not pray for a sanctified imagination. Scripture consistently calls human imaginations "evil" and "of the Devil." Any person wishing to know what Scripture actually says need do only a little investigation.

I believe that we have a small difference in semantics between us. I don't mean the vain babblings of arguing doctrines and such as is spoken against in scripture but more of a friendly type of chit chat amongst them. I can think of one instance right off where Jesus was clearly joking around with the Apostles and showing His sense of humor, but it clearly had nothing to do with doctrine. I'm in agreement with you about that.

We're told that the carnal mind is unable to receive or understand the things of the Kingdom of God for it is carnal and therefore unable to receive them....So, if a Christian Brother receives a revelation from the Lord...what is many times the first thing he does with it? Let's go to the forum board and give testimony of it and now we all can discuss this spiritual revelation with our carnal minds and logic...Lol. And that is impossible as we know. So that's a little ironic I think,
 
I believe that we have a small difference in semantics between us. I don't mean the vain babblings of arguing doctrines and such as is spoken against in scripture but more of a friendly type of chit chat amongst them. I can think of one instance right off where Jesus was clearly joking around with the Apostles and showing His sense of humor, but it clearly had nothing to do with doctrine. I'm in agreement with you about that.

We're told that the carnal mind is unable to receive or understand the things of the Kingdom of God for it is carnal and therefore unable to receive them....So, if a Christian Brother receives a revelation from the Lord...what is many times the first thing he does with it? Let's go to the forum board and give testimony of it and now we all can discuss this spiritual revelation with our carnal minds and logic...Lol. And that is impossible as we know. So that's a little ironic I think,
"We" are not to understand Christ in terms of what imagined Christian brothers might do.
 
It's an interesting point to make of the word "imagine". We are told to set our mind on things that are good, virtuous, lovely, and so it acknowledged a valuable way of using imagination - only, that the word is called "meditate" rather than "imagine".

To imagine is to see an image in the mind. Imagination is therefore not always a bad thing, but the nature of imagination is such that we are looking at an image that is not necessarily true. The problems with imagination come when the image we have in mind is not of the truth, and we know that no lie is of the truth. That means that if we ever imagine a thing that isn't true, we are subjecting our mind to the influence of the father of lies. Is it any wonder then, that it is nearly impossible to find wholesome movies? That's what it is! .. and yet, Jesus has used fictional stories, parables, to paint images in our minds .. yet being of the nature that conveys truth.

As for your contention that chit-chat is bad, I have similar views about that. Jesus didn't say that our idle words would be the cause of our condemnation, but only that we must give account for them. Therefore it is clear that idle words carry the risk that it might be impossible to justify having said them, and also there's a truth that someone might be confident in their idle speech to have no worries about giving an answer for them in the day of judgment.
 
It's an interesting point to make of the word "imagine". We are told to set our mind on things that are good, virtuous, lovely, and so it acknowledged a valuable way of using imagination - only, that the word is called "meditate" rather than "imagine".

To imagine is to see an image in the mind. Imagination is therefore not always a bad thing, but the nature of imagination is such that we are looking at an image that is not necessarily true. The problems with imagination come when the image we have in mind is not of the truth, and we know that no lie is of the truth. That means that if we ever imagine a thing that isn't true, we are subjecting our mind to the influence of the father of lies. Is it any wonder then, that it is nearly impossible to find wholesome movies? That's what it is! .. and yet, Jesus has used fictional stories, parables, to paint images in our minds .. yet being of the nature that conveys truth.

As for your contention that chit-chat is bad, I have similar views about that. Jesus didn't say that our idle words would be the cause of our condemnation, but only that we must give account for them. Therefore it is clear that idle words carry the risk that it might be impossible to justify having said them, and also there's a truth that someone might be confident in their idle speech to have no worries about giving an answer for them in the day of judgment.
I appreciate your verification of this.

In addition to speculation upon what Scripture seems to say about "imagination," there remains ample opportunity to actually read each place in Scripture itself which speaks of "imagination." Opportunity to actually read Scripture today is a gift from God. Speculation without reading Scripture is not His Wisdom.

Regards.
 
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Scripture is not given to stimulate our imaginations.
That's an interesting comment. Yet our imaginations are important for us to understand life in Israel more than 2000 years ago. If we don't use our imagination , we can't empathise with any characters in the Bible.
A story like the Prodigal Son helps us understand the sad state that the son reached, after running out of money. Ending up in a pigsty. Reaching rock bottom. Finally he is ready to go home and beg his father for forgiveness. The more imagination we use, the more profound the story.
 
"We" are not to understand Christ in terms of what imagined Christian brothers might do.
I pray, tell us how we are to understand Christ? Just believe as you do? Is that it?

Please allow me to put it another way. If everyone understands and believes as you do, there would be no division, no misunderstanding. Is that what you're trying to say?
 
That's an interesting comment. Yet our imaginations are important for us to understand life in Israel more than 2000 years ago. If we don't use our imagination , we can't empathise with any characters in the Bible.
A story like the Prodigal Son helps us understand the sad state that the son reached, after running out of money. Ending up in a pigsty. Reaching rock bottom. Finally he is ready to go home and beg his father for forgiveness. The more imagination we use, the more profound the story.
What is there to imagine about the Word of God?

Blessings.
 
I pray, tell us how we are to understand Christ? Just believe as you do? Is that it?

Please allow me to put it another way. If everyone understands and believes as you do, there would be no division, no misunderstanding. Is that what you're trying to say?
Thank you so much for asking. Understanding God's Word is not through a person alive today, but through obeying God's Word first hand, which says "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
Psalm 34:8.

Praise God.
 
I appreciate your verification of this.

In addition to speculation upon what Scripture seems to say about "imagination," there remains ample opportunity to actually read each place in Scripture itself which speaks of "imagination." Opportunity to actually read Scripture today is a gift from God. Speculation without reading Scripture is not His Wisdom.

Regards.
I agree! There is a strong temptation to be slothful when you have commanded to look at it and yet have not provided a link to show it. The temptation arises through pride where you have had an opportunity to share that information but have first decided to put the onus on the one whom you expect to be convinced. It's for your consideration, to future opportunities for service.

In service to others, I can put the urls here of the searches I did in order to verify your assertion before giving my feedback and insights. They were "imagine": https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Imagine&version=DRA and "imagination": https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Imagination&version=DRA

You'll notice it has been with the Douay-Rheims translation, and so it includes some instances from apocryphal books. Please be careful with the opinion you are tempted to form by that fact, because it may lead you into error about me. It had been purely coincidental that I happened to have the Douay-Rheims translation in my browser cookie because it had only been the most recent translation I had consulted prior to those searches. I am often comparing the words of various translations and I mostly don't think with much respect to the apocryphal books.
 
I agree! There is a strong temptation to be slothful when you have commanded to look at it and yet have not provided a link to show it. The temptation arises through pride where you have had an opportunity to share that information but have first decided to put the onus on the one whom you expect to be convinced. It's for your consideration, to future opportunities for service.

In service to others, I can put the urls here of the searches I did in order to verify your assertion before giving my feedback and insights. They were "imagine": https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Imagine&version=DRA and "imagination": https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Imagination&version=DRA

You'll notice it has been with the Douay-Rheims translation, and so it includes some instances from apocryphal books. Please be careful with the opinion you are tempted to form by that fact, because it may lead you into error about me. It had been purely coincidental that I happened to have the Douay-Rheims translation in my browser cookie because it had only been the most recent translation I had consulted prior to those searches. I am often comparing the words of various translations and I mostly don't think with much respect to the apocryphal books.
Remember, 36 instances of "imagine/imagination" from 12 original text words, 35 of them literally saying "evil" or "from the devil."

To provide this information in Scripture testifies to our hearts God loves us so much, that he wants us to not think like the World. "Repent" literally means to "Change One's Thinking."

Praise God for His Word at our finger tips.
 
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