I have a lot of Christian views on different biblical issues. Every believer should be studying God's word throughout their lifetimes and forming their own Christian opinions about God, Jesus Christ, creation, the history of mankind, the spiritual condition of humanity, and how we can be assured of everlasting life. Nonbelievers should also be searching out answers to their own Bible questions, so they can make that leap of faith necessary to be in a relationship with their Creator.
The most important question that every person should be asking is "What is the significance of the blood of Christ?" Why did Jesus have to die by shedding His blood?
In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were cleansed from their sin by the blood of animals. In Leviticus 17:11, the Bible teaches that that is because blood is what gives our bodies life.
So when Jesus' blood was shed for us on the cross, He was a substitute for all of humanity so we would not have to spiritually die. Jesus told His disciples that His blood was being poured out for the New Covenant (Luke 22:20).
Jesus' blood was also pure, a perfect Lamb sacrifice (I Peter 1:14-19). Only the blood of Christ can perfectly wash away our sins and give us clear consciences (Heb. 9:14). There is nothing better than a perfect remedy for guilt. Jesus made the way.
Feel free to comment with your own Christian views.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Applying The Bible As I See It
My Christian views are my own. What are your opinions on Christianity and the Bible?
Ya know, I have plenty of Bible verses, Bible facts, and Bible answers tucked away in my brain, my Microsoft documents, and articles I've written. But it all started with me asking my own Bible questions. I've been asking questions of the Bible for decades now. And I've changed my Christian views on different issues taught in scripture many times over.
The Bible is a lot for us to consume. How many of us just listen to our pastors, Bible teachers, Christian articles, and televangelists for all the answers to our Bible questions? Reading the Bible takes a lot of time and there are a lot of misconceptions about who God is because we can read something in one part of scripture and create a belief system around it. What I've learned through the years is that scripture interprets scripture.
When I teach scripture, it is based on hours and hours of researching key words and phrases dealing with the same issue. I've come to see so many Bible verses differently after recognizing how they connect with other scripture references dealing with the same issue. I've taken things out of context many times, and I see it happen all the time when I read teachings by other Christian teachers or hear it from the pulpit on Sunday. But that's because we are all flawed.
Not one Christian perfectly interprets scripture. We all differ on our Christian opinions in one way or another. We wrongfully judge and condemn each other because of our differing Christian views. That is why we have so many churches and denominations. But even in the churches we feel most comfortable in, we still don't all agree on everything.
Does that make the Bible inconsistent or give reason to doubt it's truth? No! God inspired the prophets and apostles who wrote the Bible to pass on His words to humanity. We just don't always understand how to interpret and apply its teachings correctly. We do our best. What do you think?
Ya know, I have plenty of Bible verses, Bible facts, and Bible answers tucked away in my brain, my Microsoft documents, and articles I've written. But it all started with me asking my own Bible questions. I've been asking questions of the Bible for decades now. And I've changed my Christian views on different issues taught in scripture many times over.
The Bible is a lot for us to consume. How many of us just listen to our pastors, Bible teachers, Christian articles, and televangelists for all the answers to our Bible questions? Reading the Bible takes a lot of time and there are a lot of misconceptions about who God is because we can read something in one part of scripture and create a belief system around it. What I've learned through the years is that scripture interprets scripture.
When I teach scripture, it is based on hours and hours of researching key words and phrases dealing with the same issue. I've come to see so many Bible verses differently after recognizing how they connect with other scripture references dealing with the same issue. I've taken things out of context many times, and I see it happen all the time when I read teachings by other Christian teachers or hear it from the pulpit on Sunday. But that's because we are all flawed.
Not one Christian perfectly interprets scripture. We all differ on our Christian opinions in one way or another. We wrongfully judge and condemn each other because of our differing Christian views. That is why we have so many churches and denominations. But even in the churches we feel most comfortable in, we still don't all agree on everything.
Does that make the Bible inconsistent or give reason to doubt it's truth? No! God inspired the prophets and apostles who wrote the Bible to pass on His words to humanity. We just don't always understand how to interpret and apply its teachings correctly. We do our best. What do you think?
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