I dont read books, I just read the Bible!

[evangelist6589]

This is a common error of our day of Mysticism, existentialism, and what not. Its also a very unbiblical position. We have much to learn from those of the past, and many great Bible tecahers these days such as John MacArthur, David Jeremiah, Ravi Zacharias, and other love books. Ravi said in a book that I own that books are his gold mine, and he highly advocates Christians to build their libraries. Friends the word of God is complex and there is a reason God have gifted us with the thousands of books, journals, and study aids out there. Sure once needs to have discernment on what they read, hear, or observe. However books, and MP3's greatly help us.

 

[jbh28]

Very good! The Bible is our final authority, but it is God that has given us people to help us.

Eph 4:11

 

[mont974x4]

The other side of the coin of the OP is the 'I don't read the Bible just these other authors".

Both extremes lead to a lack of discernment.

We should be well read men and women. We should take all we read and view it through the lens of the Scripture.

 

[preacher4truth]

Friends the word of God is complex and there is a reason God have gifted us with the thousands of books, journals, and study aids out there. Sure once needs to have discernment on what they read, hear, or observe. However books, and MP3's greatly help us.

:thumbsup:

Yes, the Word of God is complex. Those who think it simplistic or 'simple' typically hold a superficial understanding of the Scriptures.

 

[saturneptune]

Nothing wrong with reading books besides the Bible. We just have to remember that notes, books, commentaries are not inspired, written by people flawed as we are. They had the same Holy Spirit as a guide that we do, so it is within us to figure a spiritual concept as well as anyone.

I have had two Bibles side by side, and for a given situation, I have seen notes in one that says the individual was saved, and in the other Bible, say the same individual was lost. A good example is the seed that falls on four differerrnt types of ground.

 

[evangelist6589]

The other side of the coin of the OP is the 'I don't read the Bible just these other authors".

Both extremes lead to a lack of discernment.

We should be well read men and women. We should take all we read and view it through the lens of the Scripture.

Exactly… Like yesterday I was reading in a book by one author, and in another book by the other author. The second author got it correct as he states that in the last days the church will be Lukewarm in accordance with what is taught in Revelation. I am aware Post & Amill will disagree with this, but hear me out. There is no use in continuing to think that God is going to change everyone, and that all of this is out fault, when all just a fulfillment of prophecy.

 

[Greektim]

Exactly… Like yesterday I was reading in a book by one author, and in another book by the other author. The second author got it correct as he states that in the last days the church will be Lukewarm in accordance with what is taught in Revelation. I am aware Post & Amill will disagree with this, but hear me out. There is no use in continuing to think that God is going to change everyone, and that all of this is out fault, when all just a fulfillment of prophecy.

Even when I was a dispo, I had a hard time w/ this interpretation. You who argue for and "maintain" a consistent, literal interpretation have no problem foisting that for a figural one when you get to the 7 churches. Strange. Plus, even if your interpretation is correct, you have no way to know if we are in the "Laodicean age". The early church thought they were in the last days.

I would argue that your understanding of "last days" is woefully lacking. And your view seems to say that the gospel has no power unto salvation, the God who justifies must not be able to sanctify his church, and God's program is a failure. This is the result of your interpretation. It has terrible effects on other areas of doctrine.

 

[evangelist6589]

Well as I said. I knew you would not agree with me. But point stated we are in the last days and the church is Luke-warm. Your other comments make too many assptions to my words.

 

[Greektim]

Well as I said. I knew you would not agree with me. But point stated we are in the last days and the church is Luke-warm. Your other comments make too many assptions to my words.

Hold on... the text doesn't say anything about the 7 churches representing ages of the church age... and I'm making too many assumptions???