Do differences in practices of faith mean we follow the same Jesus Christ? (reject, gospel)

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by Scuba Pete

Sure, that's what I am saying. You can tell by how illiterate that I am. This is an example of a troll. If anyone had any doubts about what a troll is, just read the previous post to this one. It attempts to inflame the situation by putting words in my mouth and ascribing unkind motives and thoughts to me. This should not be confused with taking a statement to it's logical conclusion.

Amen Pete... that gem must be a product of scholarship and not the spirit!

I, being "one" of sound mind and sorta sound body, do hereby DENY that the greatest strides in theology have been made by scholars.

I concur... the greatest examples of Christianity are not found in theology books... but in the blood of the martyrs... those who live and love for Christ, even to their death are what Christian theology is truly based upon.... no matter how "scholarly" they may or may not be.

S

[sojourner]

Originally Posted by Scuba Pete

Sure, that's what I am saying. You can tell by how illiterate that I am. This is an example of a troll. If anyone had any doubts about what a troll is, just read the previous post to this one. It attempts to inflame the situation by putting words in my mouth and ascribing unkind motives and thoughts to me. This should not be confused with taking a statement to it's logical conclusion. I, being "one" of sound mind and sorta sound body, do hereby DENY that the greatest strides in theology have been made by scholars. While Paul might be construed to be a scholar, his Lord and my savior was a simple carpenter and his right hand man, Peter, was but a rough fisherman. Even then, Paul refused to rely on his scholarship:

I Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."[c] 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. NIV

I must say that I delight in being a "fool for Christ"! You can strive for scholarship, but I will continue to work on discipleship. Love beats out knowledge any day of the week.

the simple carpenter you mention was also literate in a largely illiterate society. He was well-versed in scriptural exegesis, having the title "rabbi." He was capable, scholastically, of teaching the scriptures in the synagogue. This scholar taught Peter. Paul, the scholar, was well-versed in scripture, being a Pharisee.

I just keep on saying that knowledge is a good start. It is not the goal, nor the prize for the one who seeks to know God. But it is imperative that we use scholarship on some level when we approach scriptures that are ancient and written in foreign languages. Even you, who would dismiss scholarship, sure use it to your own advantage when pointing out Greek or Hebrew terms. I guess scholarship does work for us...

[sojourner]

Originally Posted by Scott1

Amen Pete... that gem must be a product of scholarship and not the spirit!

I concur... the greatest examples of Christianity are not found in theology books... but in the blood of the martyrs... those who live and love for Christ, even to their death are what Christian theology is truly based upon.... no matter how "scholarly" they may or may not be.

S

the martyrs were also, largely, people who had studied...

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by sojourner

the simple carpenter you mention was also literate in a largely illiterate society. He was well-versed in scriptural exegesis, having the title "rabbi."

So, you are saying that being the Son of God had little to do with this? Jesus was full of Grace and Truth. It had little with him being able to understand scripture. In fact, his HEART was his biggest asset here.

Originally Posted by sojourner

I just keep on saying that knowledge is a good start. It is not the goal, nor the prize for the one who seeks to know God.

It is only a good start for those so inclined. I don't hate scholarship: I just don't think it is necessary to live a life of love. It is definitely not needed to understand "Love God and Love your Neighbor". After all, that IS the essence of Christianity.

[uss_bigd]

Originally Posted by uss_bigd

yes or no and why.

Again, the Jesus Christ came from the bible, not from any other reference material.
Hence, in this thread, the authenticity of the bible is not questioned, because it is the only reference where the life and teachings of Christ can be found.

if you want to question the authenticity of the bible please start a new thread, thank you!

back to the topic....

[uss_bigd]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Mason

(Gal. 1:6-9) " I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preach to
you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned."

(2 Peter 1: 20-21) "Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

(2 Timothy 3:16-17) " All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be throughly equipped for every good work."


What Paul is saying here is that different practices of faith don't mean that we follow the same Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the Bible is the true standard for Christians. Some will say that the Bible was tainted through time, I would like to see the proof. The gospels that were not canonized were gospels that had major conflicts of interests to the gospels that were canonized. I agree that the timing of the canonization happened at very turbulent time, and understand other peoples concerns and rejections of the New Testaments authenticity. Never-the-less, when I read the Old and New Testament, I personally feel it is the Word of God. I will continue to grow Biblically while at the same time, open my mind to other ideas.

This was a good post!

[Jeremy Mason]

Originally Posted by uss_bigd

This was a good post!

Thanks again uss_bigd, here is some more Scripture to be edified.

Corinthians 1:6-12 (NIV)
6Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

Romans 2:13 (NIV)
13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

Knowledge, faith and action walk hand and hand.