May 31, 2009 -- 10:09AM, Theisticevol wrote:

Found out there is a theology going on in a small circle at our church that I have not heard of, but the person promoting it is from a major seminary. The premise of the theology is that much of the Bible is ineligible to be applicable to our lives. For example, the letters Paul wrote to the churches were intended only for those churches, and therefore we cannot apply those writings to our own lives. Same goes for many of the O.T. books. The viewpoint is those were intended only for the audiences of that time and therefore don't apply to us.

Before I try to get involved with others who are fighting this theology, I want to know more about it. I consider myself fairly aware of modern theological issues, but this one caught me by surprise. Any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi Theistic, That really isn't a new concept. Satan initiated it with Eve---(i.e.)"God really doesn't mean what HE says---believe that which I tell you. You will not surely die". Any who do not desire to have GOD Rule in their lives seek ways and means to eliminate the "Thus saith the LORD" and the "It is written". Jer.6:10 describes them. "To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it."

Now contrast the attitude of those who truly seek and abide in GOD'S LOVE.: Ps.1:1-2; 40:8; 119:27, "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart."  Paul echos the same loving desire. Rom.7:22, For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:"

While it is true that some things were specific for a specified event during a specific time the
PRINCIPLES given are timeless and GENERAL. Notice Paul's admonition: 1Cor.10:6,11, (but, also, take note of vs.1-4, "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. ......Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."  Who did Paul acknowledge was with them at Sinai?? vs.4---Jesus. Notice Gal.1:11-12 that Gospel which Paul gave and taught came straight from Jesus and was the same as seen at Sinai.(see Heb.4:2 in this relationship)

Theistic, in light of Jesus admonition that there would be "wolves in sheeps clothing and false teachers and prophets, does a "seminary" give precedent to "decrees and men commandments" over GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS for right relationships to GOD and Neighbor?

In Col.4:16,  Paul is certainly not giving the same philosophy as that person is trying to spread. Notice: "[color=blue]And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea. ]/color]"

As seen in Heb.4:2, the "Everlasting Gospel" was Spread from Eden and will continue to the last person who will has given his WILL to the Father and Repented is Loving Obedience to forever have HIS LAWS written in his heart and mind. That Gospel doesn't change with the "philosophy of society" or what is "politically correct".

Hello theist,

I'm not familiar with the particular instruction you have heard, but it's my general understanding that that argument is basically behind all so called liberal and agnostic teaching.  While it is true that much of the Old Testament commands were given specifically to the children born of Abraham that would set them apart from the peoples of the world in that time, I haven't been convicted that there is anything in the New Covenant that is not fully applicable to us in our lives today as followers of the Christ.

We must always remember Jesus' instruction that we be wise as serpants and gentle as doves.

God bless.

In Christ, Ted.

Jun 10, 2009 -- 10:32PM, Thezman60 wrote:

It an interesting thought if you look at it brefly. However the closer you look at it and the more you understand the Bible, you come to understand that the Bible applies to every aspect of our lifes.

One of my best exsamples of this the Proverbs, James, and Romans. Of course I could go on give more detailed exsamples of this. It just that if we the have the Word of God and His Hol Spirit indwelling then why isnt all the Bible appied to the life of the believer?

Thezman, Just wanted to say------ Welcome to the B'net forums.!

I am forever amazed at the excuses people will find when they don't want to obey God. Did we invent new sins to commit, different from the sins of the people of biblical times? No. We merely invented more ways to commit the same sins. If all, or even most, of the Word of God as given to us in the Bible doesn't apply to us, then why did God bother to give it to us? God wants all the people of all time to have all the information they need in order to find salvation. He raised for Himself a people for the express purpose of teaching them  His requirements, so that in turn they could teach all the other nations. This people was the people known as Israel, the descendants of Abraham. The fact that the Chosen People failed to carry out God's commission doesn't change God's purpose, does it? So if the sins that human beings commit are still the same sins they committed 6000 years ago, and if God's will is to save ALL of humanity from the consequences of those sins, it doesn't make any sense to say that "a large part of the Bible doesn't apply to us today", does it?

Jul 2, 2009 -- 11:54PM, Roodog wrote:

If God did not want Paul's letters in the New Testament they would not be there. Even addressed to particular churches in particular times, they speak to us as the Body of Christ.

 All scripture is for our edification even if seems harsh and savage. Old Testament stories are often an example of what NOT to do. The severity of the Law was to point out the horrendous nature of sin.

Agreed, Roodog! Notice how Paul referenced those Writings: 1Cor.10:6, 11,"Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted."......................."Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."