Wait! It does not specifically say that!

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Justin Mangonel

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Nov 7, 2012
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Dear All,

Someone was saying that "Strong Delusion" was only mentioned specifically about the antichrist. Ergo, is suppose, it could not apply to anything else. I got to thinking about that and here is where I think the fallacy of such thinking lays.

If I am describing, for example, happiness in relationship to a certain birthday of a certain boy does that mean that happiness can only refer to that type of situation? Shall we build a doctrine that proper happiness can only be shown in a birthday setting where a little boy is being honored? Or is it better to view the concept of happiness as a vast and varied emotion that applies to many different types of situations and people? Perhaps the description of happiness as it relates to the birthday boy is only one instance of a much broader range of instances where happiness applies.

People often assume, that when the Bible describes a certain principle that it is describing the only instance where that teaching it can be properly applied. However, what is more likely the case is that the word is describing a limited instance where that particular principle applies among a vast range of instance where it would apply also.

People seem to tend to want to screw things down so tightly that they sometimes end up being absurd. This is what happens with the different rapture camps. Their view must be right and others must be wrong if they are right. The truth is they lack perspective and cannot see how their opposing views are really part of a vast phenomena of catching away.

Dogma blinds but the Spirit gives insight. Let us allow God to expand our view of the scriptures and gain more of His perspective.

Blessings,

Justin
 

AndyBern

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Jun 26, 2012
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Another example is the parable of the sower. We interpret the parable to be about salvation (and so it is primarily). But the parable also applies to anything God tells us. Are we receptive to everything He says? Do all of His words bring forth fruit in our lives?
 

JB_Reformed Baptist

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AndyBern said:
Another example is the parable of the sower. We interpret the parable to be about salvation (and so it is primarily). But the parable also applies to anything God tells us. Are we receptive to everything He says? Do all of His words bring forth fruit in our lives?
Good point! :)
 

Angelina

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People seem to tend to want to screw things down so tightly that they sometimes end up being absurd. This is what happens with the different rapture camps. Their view must be right and others must be wrong if they are right. The truth is they lack perspective and cannot see how their opposing views are really part of a vast phenomena of catching away.

Dogma blinds but the Spirit gives insight. Let us allow God to expand our view of the scriptures and gain more of His perspective.
I think that this happens with most theological viewpoints...that is why there is so much doctrinal division out there...

BB
 

HeRoseFromTheDead

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Jan 6, 2012
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I think this is why we need a balanced approach. Too many people focus on the bible as being the source of truth itself, rather than as it being a reference book that is an essential guide to the walk of faith, but is not the only one. The other teacher is the spirit who gives life and colors in the line drawings (so to speak) written in the book.

Faith encompasses both the heart and mind. Those who focus on only one or the other will be deluded. With the heart we believe and find life through interacting with the spirit; with the mind we interact with the book, using it as a compass and map to stay on course, knowing that the heart is deceitfully wicked. Yet the mind of itself is carnal and wicked, and can only lead astray. So the two must work together in order for a person to walk straight.

Justin Mangonel said:
Dogma blinds but the Spirit gives insight. Let us allow God to expand our view of the scriptures and gain more of His perspective.
Dogma is another word for doctrine (instruction) that has taken on a negative connotation from the tyranny of mental belief untempered with understanding of the holy spirit.
 

JB_Reformed Baptist

Many are called but few are chosen.
Feb 23, 2013
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ChristRoseFromTheDead said:
I think this is why we need a balanced approach. Too many people focus on the bible as being the source of truth itself, rather than as it being a reference book that is an essential guide to the walk of faith, but is not the only one. The other teacher is the spirit who gives life and colors in the line drawings (so to speak) written in the book.

Faith encompasses both the heart and mind. Those who focus on only one or the other will be deluded. With the heart we believe and find life through interacting with the spirit; with the mind we interact with the book, using it as a compass and map to stay on course, knowing that the heart is deceitfully wicked. Yet the mind of itself is carnal and wicked, and can only lead astray. So the two must work together in order for a person to walk straight.


Dogma is another word for doctrine (instruction) that has taken on a negative connotation due to the tyranny of mental belief untempered with understanding of the holy spirit.
Care to elaborate? Try to be specific and give some examples. Thanks :)
 

HeRoseFromTheDead

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Jan 6, 2012
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JB_ said:
Care to elaborate? Try to be specific and give some examples. Thanks :)
The book is not a being. It is an inanimate object. No inanimate object can give life. Only life itself can give life. The holy spirit is life.