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Post by evanschaible on Mar 9, 2006 18:43:03 GMT -5
I have to admit, I havent done much browsing and am fairly new to this particular board. However, from what I have seen thus far no one has an opinion that doesnt have someone elses name in front of it (finney, wesley, spurgeon, etc.) I know that these men were great men of God and need to be read, but is there any revelation from God himself that came from God himself not Charles Finney or some other man? Not to be confrontational, but this puzzles me greatly.
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Post by Steve Noel on Mar 9, 2006 18:58:27 GMT -5
Hi Evan,
I'm not sure I understand your point fully so correct me if I'm off the point.
I don't think anyone opposes an interpretation that is unique, as long as it is biblical. I think ultimately that you'll find that such an interpretation is not original after all. It's likely that there's someone in church history that has advocated it before.
Steve
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Post by evanschaible on Mar 9, 2006 19:11:32 GMT -5
I agree totally, however, do we find our belieffs within the beliefs of others after we read their works, or do we find our beliefs within theirs? Is the works of others confirmation or second hand revelation?
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Post by Steve Noel on Mar 9, 2006 19:45:42 GMT -5
That's a real good point. I think all of us probably bring preconceived ideas to the Bible. This seems inevitable because we were taught what the Bible means by people we trust. Those people taught us according to a scheme (Reformed, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Wesleyan, etc.) One of the hardest things to do is to read the Bible fresh without reading into it. This MB has really helped me in this area. I've recently purchased theology books from people outside of my theological tradition and I find it fascinating to see how they understand certain Scriptures. This is causing me to challenge some of my own beliefs to see if they're really what the Bible teaches.
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Post by Jesse Morrell on Mar 9, 2006 20:00:53 GMT -5
Any and all doctrine and theology must be backed up with God and His Word.
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Post by messengermicah on Mar 9, 2006 23:46:13 GMT -5
Evan,
I don't think what you said above is true. I have wrote many posts without someone else's name on it and I am sure many others on here have also.
I would disagree with you though about a revelation coming from another man could not be a revelation from God (maybe this is not what you are saying). Ephesians 4:11-15 God gives men as gifts to perfect and equip His church to do the work of the ministry. If a man of God is bringing forth the Word of God under the power of the Holy Spirit then the revelation is from God.
I think we sometimes quote other men because they have found a clear way to express what we believe.
I think sometimes what others have said is confirmation and other times it is as you would say "second hand revelation".
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Post by Jesse Morrell on Mar 10, 2006 0:59:55 GMT -5
Amen.
Micah, I love your posts more and more. They hit the nail right on the head.
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Post by Miles Lewis on Mar 10, 2006 4:54:32 GMT -5
I think we also need to be very careful on how we simply "get revelation". I may be missing your point, please don't take this as accusing you of something you are not doing. We know that no prophecy is open to private interpretation. Now I believe in rhemas for sure, but there is a danger in looking at a scripture and just saying "Well, God told me what this really means". Let words be confirmed in the mouths of two or three witnesses. I think it is wise and something I am about to look more in depth into is what the earliest church fathers believed on certain doctrines and the history of the formation of doctrines. As far as Micah's quote above, right on, my sentiments exactly.
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Post by Steve Noel on Mar 10, 2006 18:53:09 GMT -5
Amen, Micah and Miles. Miles, I've been working on historical theology as well. It's fascinating to see where the doctrines come from. I recently purchased a book callled The Story of Christian Theology by Roger E. Olson. It's pretty good. You can read about it here: www.ivpress.com/title/int/1505.php
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Post by evanschaible on Mar 12, 2006 11:31:28 GMT -5
No No, I am not saying that other men cannot relay truth, I simply pray that all who read others works gather confirmation from them about what they already belive. The largest tragedy is taking what others say without thought and that I know is not what you are doing, I just wanted to raise eyebrows so that it doesnt happen that way. The gospel has been emasculated because people read books and never read the book. My point was to ripple the waters, so that we examine whether we recieve truth from God anbd his word, or from others minds after they have studied and prayed and recived ilumination hence my comment, is others works confirmation or second hand revelation.
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Post by messengermicah on Mar 13, 2006 16:45:41 GMT -5
You have a very valid point brother.
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Post by josh on Mar 14, 2006 22:40:07 GMT -5
Any and all doctrine and theology must be backed up with God and His Word. So true brother
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