Biblical Ignorance

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I have long struggled with a lack of understanding regarding many many many, probably most, Biblical passages and teachings. I don't find myself a unbeliever since this struggle with comprehension is also in my day to day life, plus I hold to John 3:16 and such knowing I believe as well as I am able. My pastor reminded me that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I know I am in Christ Jesus. I see my need as a sinner for the God's Grace and I believe Jesus is the only way to be right with God. I have seen Christ Jesus work in my life to prove he is here with me.

But, when I read the Bible I get confused. Many thoughts float around. I don't understand. I feel stupid - and that can lead to questioning my salvation. I find myself asking God to help my weak faith, grow it, show me thy ways .... guide me ..... but, after 25+ years as a believer in Jesus Christ I am almost as I began - ignorant to the things of God. I barely can share my faith.

Sure, I have some solid thoughts. Things that I believe. But, in general, the Bible intimidates me since it shows me just how stupid I really am. And then, when I think I have something -  I see clearly how ignorant I am.

Is this normal? Anyone else struggle like this?

I find myself at this point also unable to trust man mostly, for man can change the Bible to be his own words and ideas. I want to read the Bible and get understanding and solidify what man says. This is why it frustrates me so!!!!! I lean on man so much to understand.

Any words of help?
 
Tim said:
I have long struggled with a lack of understanding regarding many many many, probably most, Biblical passages and teachings. I don't find myself a unbeliever since this struggle with comprehension is also in my day to day life, plus I hold to John 3:16 and such knowing I believe as well as I am able. My pastor reminded me that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I know I am in Christ Jesus. I see my need as a sinner for the God's Grace and I believe Jesus is the only way to be right with God. I have seen Christ Jesus work in my life to prove he is here with me.

But, when I read the Bible I get confused. Many thoughts float around. I don't understand. I feel stupid - and that can lead to questioning my salvation. I find myself asking God to help my weak faith, grow it, show me thy ways .... guide me ..... but, after 25+ years as a believer in Jesus Christ I am almost as I began - ignorant to the things of God. I barely can share my faith.

Sure, I have some solid thoughts. Things that I believe. But, in general, the Bible intimidates me since it shows me just how stupid I really am. And then, when I think I have something -  I see clearly how ignorant I am.

Is this normal? Anyone else struggle like this?

I find myself at this point also unable to trust man mostly, for man can change the Bible to be his own words and ideas. I want to read the Bible and get understanding and solidify what man says. This is why it frustrates me so!!!!! I lean on man so much to understand.

Any words of help?
Click to expand...
From Man?



Anishinaabe

 
yep. i feel it too.
there's passages that i dont understand and confuse me.
there's things about God that i fully don't get or understand.
i feel sympathetic to teachings that i've been taught are complete heresy, like losing ones salvation.  i dont believe a saved person CAN lose their salvation, but i understand why some believe they can lose it.

i still for the life of me cannot understand how those ppl in bible who thought they were saved, yet they weren't... how does that happen???  the ppl who were all "have we not done works in thy name..." i dont get that... how could they think they were saved and be lost? what's going on? what kind of joke is that? i almost.. ALMOST feel irritated how they could be deceived like that, like is God playing a trick on them?  they thought they were believers and doing what God wanted and that's how things end up for them??
So then i begin to wonder... am I believing the right way?
 
I think maybe people are disappointed because they're trying to get something out of the Bible that isn't there. Like clear, simple instructions for life. The Bible is deep, but it isn't clear, simple or easy. 
 
Tim said:
I have long struggled with a lack of understanding regarding many many many, probably most, Biblical passages and teachings. I don't find myself a unbeliever since this struggle with comprehension is also in my day to day life, plus I hold to John 3:16 and such knowing I believe as well as I am able. My pastor reminded me that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I know I am in Christ Jesus. I see my need as a sinner for the God's Grace and I believe Jesus is the only way to be right with God. I have seen Christ Jesus work in my life to prove he is here with me.

But, when I read the Bible I get confused. Many thoughts float around. I don't understand. I feel stupid - and that can lead to questioning my salvation. I find myself asking God to help my weak faith, grow it, show me thy ways .... guide me ..... but, after 25+ years as a believer in Jesus Christ I am almost as I began - ignorant to the things of God. I barely can share my faith.

Sure, I have some solid thoughts. Things that I believe. But, in general, the Bible intimidates me since it shows me just how stupid I really am. And then, when I think I have something -  I see clearly how ignorant I am.

Is this normal? Anyone else struggle like this?

I find myself at this point also unable to trust man mostly, for man can change the Bible to be his own words and ideas. I want to read the Bible and get understanding and solidify what man says. This is why it frustrates me so!!!!! I lean on man so much to understand.

Any words of help?
Click to expand...

Contrary to what you've read here in this thread.... In many areas, the Bible is really simplistic. Simplistic to the point that many reject its teachings. Its very simplistic to see that Christ died for sinners. So simplistic, that many want to find something "more". I've spent many years studying the texts of the Bible. The more I study, the more I realize just how simple its teachings are presented. Theology tends to ruin a simplistic view of Scripture. Theology has been the ruin of many a individual. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly embrace Theology. Yet,  I am well aware of the dangers of reading too much into what the texts of the Scriptures teach. There are so many things in Theology that aren't actually taught in the Scriptures. Theology is dogmatic and rigid. It tries to sometime explain the unexplainable.

My advice to you is to mediate upon the Scriptures and be patient. Its a journey that involves build "precept upon precept". Establish the simple things in your mind and build out to the complicated. Expect to find yourself changing your mind. That's okay. Don't be afraid of change and never be afraid to have your beliefs challenged. Wherever you're at in your walk with Christ, seek to find peace in your beliefs. Its okay to tell God you don't understand and to patiently seek to understand.

One other piece of advice. I can tell you. There is no place for pride in learning the Scriptures. There is no place for those that seek power and influence through teaching the Scriptures. You're not going to find anything new. You're not going to set the world on fire with some revelation from God that hasn't been established in God thousands of years ago.

1Co 4:7  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

I've seen far too many people looking to "advance themselves" in what they learn. Its not all about us and when its all about Him..... Everything else fades into the background.
 
MrsRow said:
yep. i feel it too.
there's passages that i dont understand and confuse me.
there's things about God that i fully don't get or understand.
i feel sympathetic to teachings that i've been taught are complete heresy, like losing ones salvation.  i dont believe a saved person CAN lose their salvation, but i understand why some believe they can lose it.

i still for the life of me cannot understand how those ppl in bible who thought they were saved, yet they weren't... how does that happen???  the ppl who were all "have we not done works in thy name..." i dont get that... how could they think they were saved and be lost? what's going on? what kind of joke is that? i almost.. ALMOST feel irritated how they could be deceived like that, like is God playing a trick on them?  they thought they were believers and doing what God wanted and that's how things end up for them??
So then i begin to wonder... am I believing the right way?
Click to expand...

Wow, are you in my mind? You are dead on.
 
christundivided said:
Tim said:
I have long struggled with a lack of understanding regarding many many many, probably most, Biblical passages and teachings. I don't find myself a unbeliever since this struggle with comprehension is also in my day to day life, plus I hold to John 3:16 and such knowing I believe as well as I am able. My pastor reminded me that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I know I am in Christ Jesus. I see my need as a sinner for the God's Grace and I believe Jesus is the only way to be right with God. I have seen Christ Jesus work in my life to prove he is here with me.

But, when I read the Bible I get confused. Many thoughts float around. I don't understand. I feel stupid - and that can lead to questioning my salvation. I find myself asking God to help my weak faith, grow it, show me thy ways .... guide me ..... but, after 25+ years as a believer in Jesus Christ I am almost as I began - ignorant to the things of God. I barely can share my faith.

Sure, I have some solid thoughts. Things that I believe. But, in general, the Bible intimidates me since it shows me just how stupid I really am. And then, when I think I have something -  I see clearly how ignorant I am.

Is this normal? Anyone else struggle like this?

I find myself at this point also unable to trust man mostly, for man can change the Bible to be his own words and ideas. I want to read the Bible and get understanding and solidify what man says. This is why it frustrates me so!!!!! I lean on man so much to understand.

Any words of help?
Click to expand...

Contrary to what you've read here in this thread.... In many areas, the Bible is really simplistic. Simplistic to the point that many reject its teachings. Its very simplistic to see that Christ died for sinners. So simplistic, that many want to find something "more". I've spent many years studying the texts of the Bible. The more I study, the more I realize just how simple its teachings are presented. Theology tends to ruin a simplistic view of Scripture. Theology has been the ruin of many a individual. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly embrace Theology. Yet,  I am well aware of the dangers of reading too much into what the texts of the Scriptures teach. There are so many things in Theology that aren't actually taught in the Scriptures. Theology is dogmatic and rigid. It tries to sometime explain the unexplainable.

My advice to you is to mediate upon the Scriptures and be patient. Its a journey that involves build "precept upon precept". Establish the simple things in your mind and build out to the complicated. Expect to find yourself changing your mind. That's okay. Don't be afraid of change and never be afraid to have your beliefs challenged. Wherever you're at in your walk with Christ, seek to find peace in your beliefs. Its okay to tell God you don't understand and to patiently seek to understand.

One other piece of advice. I can tell you. There is no place for pride in learning the Scriptures. There is no place for those that seek power and influence through teaching the Scriptures. You're not going to find anything new. You're not going to set the world on fire with some revelation from God that hasn't been established in God thousands of years ago.

1Co 4:7  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

I've seen far too many people looking to "advance themselves" in what they learn. Its not all about us and when its all about Him..... Everything else fades into the background.
Click to expand...

Thank you.
 
Maybe those ppl who tried to convince the Lord that they were sincere believers were just trying to Con Him, the way they conned their following by doing all kinds of things in His name?  We certainly see that happening nowadays w/ all the money grubbing T.V. evangelists.  It's just that sometimes it appears like they're innocent & sincere and were truly trying to do what they understood was right. 

I'm honestly not as faithful to bible reading and praying like i ought to be and i think that leaves my mind vulnerable to  being confused or not understanding the way God intends for me to understand.
 
MrsRow said:
Maybe those ppl who tried to convince the Lord that they were sincere believers were just trying to Con Him, the way they conned their following by doing all kinds of things in His name?  We certainly see that happening nowadays w/ all the money grubbing T.V. evangelists.  It's just that sometimes it appears like they're innocent & sincere and were truly trying to do what they understood was right. 

I'm honestly not as faithful to bible reading and praying like i ought to be and i think that leaves my mind vulnerable to  being confused or not understanding the way God intends for me to understand.
Click to expand...

Jim Baker?
 
MrsRow said:
yep. i feel it too.
there's passages that i dont understand and confuse me.
there's things about God that i fully don't get or understand.
i feel sympathetic to teachings that i've been taught are complete heresy, like losing ones salvation.  i dont believe a saved person CAN lose their salvation, but i understand why some believe they can lose it.

i still for the life of me cannot understand how those ppl in bible who thought they were saved, yet they weren't... how does that happen???  the ppl who were all "have we not done works in thy name..." i dont get that... how could they think they were saved and be lost? what's going on? what kind of joke is that? i almost.. ALMOST feel irritated how they could be deceived like that, like is God playing a trick on them?  they thought they were believers and doing what God wanted and that's how things end up for them??
So then i begin to wonder... am I believing the right way?
Click to expand...

Try a good discipleship program - not just a "you need to do these things" but a "Let me introduce you to my friend, Jesus" type of program.  Try Bible study - Warren Wiersbe has very good materials for the laymen.

Regarding your second paragraph - Get rid of the Performance Based Christianity mentality.  The pope is sincere in his beliefs, but his beliefs are wrong.  I think he will be shocked to find out just how wrong his beliefs are.  Some IFBxers have discovered a portion of their belief system is wrong, and have been shocked at how wrong they were.
 
Binaca Chugger said:
MrsRow said:
yep. i feel it too.
there's passages that i dont understand and confuse me.
there's things about God that i fully don't get or understand.
i feel sympathetic to teachings that i've been taught are complete heresy, like losing ones salvation.  i dont believe a saved person CAN lose their salvation, but i understand why some believe they can lose it.

i still for the life of me cannot understand how those ppl in bible who thought they were saved, yet they weren't... how does that happen???  the ppl who were all "have we not done works in thy name..." i dont get that... how could they think they were saved and be lost? what's going on? what kind of joke is that? i almost.. ALMOST feel irritated how they could be deceived like that, like is God playing a trick on them?  they thought they were believers and doing what God wanted and that's how things end up for them??
So then i begin to wonder... am I believing the right way?
Click to expand...

Try a good discipleship program - not just a "you need to do these things" but a "Let me introduce you to my friend, Jesus" type of program.  Try Bible study - Warren Wiersbe has very good materials for the laymen.

Regarding your second paragraph - Get rid of the Performance Based Christianity mentality.  The pope is sincere in his beliefs, but his beliefs are wrong.  I think he will be shocked to find out just how wrong his beliefs are.  Some IFBxers have discovered a portion of their belief system is wrong, and have been shocked at how wrong they were.
Click to expand...

It isn't easy to rid the false teachings of Performance Based Christianity or the teaches that you can lose your salvation, or certain sins send you to hell automatically. Sure, you can read the Bible and trust what God has reveled regarding grace and eternal security. But, after years under such a false system it isn't easy to change. It is deep deep harm done - many times linked to family life as well.

I told my pastor, "It is hard looking at someone and not judging their spiritual makeup. It is easy to assume they are going to hell for what they wear or say."

He grew up Pentecostal, he understands the struggle.

I have said this before - we can look at the IFBX world and be shocked, but the PentecostalX world is perhaps even more evil. Where do you think all that crap came from for Mrs. Barbara? I knew plenty of them growing up.
 
Mrs. Barbara?  I really don't know what you are talking about.

 
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