One of the challenging parts about being a Christian is what I believe
about the Bible. I believe that the Bible is God's word. That it was
written by people guided by God. And that when we read the Bible we
can learn more about God than we could ever learn any other way.
One of the hard things I experience is when people pick and choose
from the Bible. Friends that are quick to quote scripture in certain
subjects don't want to read other parts of the Bible or don't want to
hear about other parts of the Bible that say what they're doing
shouldn't be done. A lot of people say "that's in the Old Testament so
it doesn't apply anymore" but then will quote from the Old Testament
and say this is how you want to live your life this is what you should
do. Same book in the Bible, just different chapters and verses that
don't fit what they're doing with their lives.
Some people take to heart the law and the festivals and have a big
time saying "we're becoming more like the Israelis". This is what the
Jewish people did so we should do the same things!
But when I read the Bible and I read history I read that the Jewish
people turn away from God over and over and over. And that Jesus
freed us from those restrictive boundaries saying nobody could do all
those things. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No
one gets to the father except through me.""
I just find it interesting that the same people that will claim
freedom will also claim restriction so that they can justify what they
feel think or believe.
I prefer to develop my personal relationship with God and to lean on
what Jesus taught was the greatest commandment. To love the Lord your
God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And to love your
neighbor as you love yourself.
Challenging!
