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[GeekyDad]

I try to appreciate the "Christianity" OT, but every time I check in, there's no real discussion of the Scriptures, just quotes, affirmations, etc. I'm needing discussion of the Scriptures. I'm wanting people's takes and takeaways from things they've recently read, read long ago, or even as a child -- how it compares to their lives now, and so on. There's so much written, but also so much more. There is us. Our reactions to what the Bible says. How it's changed us, affected us.

I can read a particular scripture or verse, and it can mean something entirely different to me than it does to someone else.

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

Romans 4 (entire chapter) KJV

 

[-Minsc-]

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ ”

Matthew 13:24-30 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. | New International Version (NIV

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy cam...

www.bible.com

I've thought in the past how easy it is for us to pass judgement on others. All too often I can make an assumption as to why someone does something without knowing what was going on behind the person. Chances are they were not even thinking of me but I go ahead and take it personally and build a fantasy in my head. Based on this fantasy I can rush out to pull the weeds.

To step back and let God be the judge. Easier said than done. I want to deflect from myself and say "they hurt me!"

 

[-Minsc-]

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

www.bible.com

What "yoke" to take on? I think of the desire to convince others how I think things should be. In NeoGAF I have views of how people should act. In the past there would be this difficulty posting due to the pressure of having to "prove" myself. That is unnecessary as all I need to do is be as honest as I can. Nothing I say and do will convince a person one way or another. I can lay down a sheet of paper on the table containing my thoughts and that is where I end.

 

[GeekyDad]

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

www.bible.com

What "yoke" to take on? I think of the desire to convince others how I think things should be. In NeoGAF I have views of how people should act. In the past there would be this difficulty posting due to the pressure of having to "prove" myself. That is unnecessary as all I need to do is be as honest as I can. Nothing I say and do will convince a person one way or another. I can lay down a sheet of paper on the table containing my thoughts and that is where I end.

Yeah, I think that's something we all struggle with. We have fun with it here on GAF, but it's also pretty easy to get swept up by nonsense. But yeah, the Bible has many reverences to the old saying, "lead by example."

 

[-Minsc-]

But yeah, the Bible has many reverences to the old saying, "lead by example."

Where I'm moving toward "leading by example" today is to express myself as I am. This includes both the bad and the good. I can be easy for me to fall into the bad. For example, I can tear myself down when I fail to meet a set target. Within my arms reach I can see when animals are not treated as well as they could. There's more that I can do but I also want to leave the matter for others to take care of us. A part of me just wishes I could do what needs to be done but it's easy to get overwhelmed, distracted and fall in to a negative thought cycle.

 

[DryvBy]

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

www.bible.com

What "yoke" to take on? I think of the desire to convince others how I think things should be. In NeoGAF I have views of how people should act. In the past there would be this difficulty posting due to the pressure of having to "prove" myself. That is unnecessary as all I need to do is be as honest as I can. Nothing I say and do will convince a person one way or another. I can lay down a sheet of paper on the table containing my thoughts and that is where I end.

The yoke is a reference to his ways, not mankind's. The yoke of the Pharisees were bogged down by rituals and extra traditions. So for example, "keep the sabbath holy and don't work". Some sects of Judaism believe even flipping a light switch on to be work or even taking a bath. They've added so many rules that it becomes a burden. I currently do the easier yoke as it's relaxing.

 

[GeekyDad]

Where I'm moving toward "leading by example" today is to express myself as I am. This includes both the bad and the good. I can be easy for me to fall into the bad. For example, I can tear myself down when I fail to meet a set target. Within my arms reach I can see when animals are not treated as well as they could. There's more that I can do but I also want to leave the matter for others to take care of us. A part of me just wishes I could do what needs to be done but it's easy to get overwhelmed, distracted and fall in to a negative thought cycle.

My son (middle child who identifies as a female) made contact with me recently. We had a falling out. Then today he called me crying terribly, in a terrible state. I tried to be there for him the best I could. Seems he's literally thinking too much. He sounded as though he were in the midst of a breakdown. I suggested perhaps to not underestimate the power of baby steps, taking things slow. And as DryvBy suggested, the more reasonable "yoke." I also take from that scripture the same/similar meaning. We're made a certain way, and though we may want or expect more from ourselves, we also might need to step back and consider ourselves.

Consider others as you would consider yourself. But...that cuts both ways. If you don't consider yourself in a healthy way, I can't imagine we'll be much good to others.

 

[Dice]

Here are a couple I feel most Christians are either unaware of or need to reflect upon as the commands they are. They are passages written to people under persecution by corrupt government, mind you.

Titus 3:1-8
"Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another; but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. The saying is sure.
I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men."

James 3:13-18
"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

 

[-Minsc-]

Proverbs 16:10
"Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die."

At this moment I'm not going to look into the words from this translation came from so I'm going to view it at a more surface value.

For many reasons discipline seems to have taken on the same meaning as punishment. Not surprising as many parents had "disciplined" their children by beating them or letting their fury show through their words. Getting back on the path will require me to discipline my mind. Not to punish myself but to be firm. For example, I do not walk away from pornography by choosing to consume it. Failing to heed correction leads to death.

 

[GeekyDad]

Proverbs 16:10
"Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die."

At this moment I'm not going to look into the words from this translation came from so I'm going to view it at a more surface value.

For many reasons discipline seems to have taken on the same meaning as punishment. Not surprising as many parents had "disciplined" their children by beating them or letting their fury show through their words. Getting back on the path will require me to discipline my mind. Not to punish myself but to be firm. For example, I do not walk away from pornography by choosing to consume it. Failing to heed correction leads to death.

I need to revisit Proverbs. Solomon was kinda my Bible hero growing up. I know his end was sad, but most of his life was so full, and of course, full of wisdom. He seemed to have lived such a balanced life, considering other prominent people of the Old Testament.

I think, honestly, when considering discipline, Jesus' examples are probably going to be the most useful. It's funny how most Christian parents seem to defer to Old Testament examples, and that's probably because they're perhaps more formulaic and easy to adhere to. But Jesus' approach suggests to me giving all the time in the world to solving one simple problem. Basically, patience -- a much harder tool to use as a parent. And I speaking from experience. Lots of failure there on my part.

 

[-Minsc-]

My wife and I are planning to have a child. Mentally preparing myself a bit but I know I can never be prepared. Definitely looking toward building patience.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

www.bible.com

Just one of the first quotes of the day. It's something I want to believe and I believe it does happen. Unfortunately there is so much evidence out there which appears to prove that mercy can be repaid with abuse. To break a destructive cycle, mercy is necessary.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

John 5:24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to ...

www.bible.com

This verse stands out. Is it because I believe or don't believe? I know what I do not want and that is an eternal life of condemnation and punishment. Understanding that mercy is not something I can earn, this can be difficult.

 

[GeekyDad]

...Is it because I believe or don't believe? I know what I do not want and that is an eternal life of condemnation and punishment. Understanding that mercy is not something I can earn, this can be difficult.

And there it is...

There are ample examples and statements throughout the Bible that suggest there are no easy answers, and no one answer. However...

When I doubt, I try to remember that one...golden...rule. And it seems to not be exclusive to Christianity.

 

[Trogdor1123]

I really like the idea. Perhaps we we structure it a bit and pick a specific section of each book to discuss?

 

[King Dazzar]

I can read a particular scripture or verse, and it can mean something entirely different to me than it does to someone else.

I think something to be aware of too. Is that we may come across a part which may not sit well or initially be confusing. And then we can look for an interpretation that fits with what we want it to mean, rather than what it does. Which I try and bear in mind. I find the Bible has its own soul and is amazing. Its a crucial part of my journey. But I do need to balance its teachings with prayer and having a relationship with Christ and God. Its with a combination of all of the elements with which I grow and progress with my faith.

 

[GeekyDad]

... And then we can look for an interpretation that fits with what we want it to mean, rather than what it does. ...

Though I completely understanding what you're trying to say, there's no pure evidence (I'm aware of, anyway) stating that what we want it to mean isn't what it does mean, or what it should mean. But I agree with you on principle.

 

[-Minsc-]

Scripture reading from a devotion the other day.

Keeping Good Secrets — Today Daily Devotional

Today is a daily devotional that helps God's people refresh, refocus and renew their faith through Bible reading, reflection, and prayer.

todaydevotional.com

Ecclesiastes 10:12-20

New International Version

12 Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious,
but fools are consumed by their own lips.
13 At the beginning their words are folly;
at the end they are wicked madness—
14 and fools multiply words.
No one knows what is coming—
who can tell someone else what will happen after them?
15 The toil of fools wearies them;
they do not know the way to town.
16 Woe to the land whose king was a servant[a]
and whose princes feast in the morning.
17 Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth
and whose princes eat at a proper time—
for strength and not for drunkenness.
18 Through laziness, the rafters sag;
because of idle hands, the house leaks.
19 A feast is made for laughter,
wine makes life merry,
and money is the answer for everything.
20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts,
or curse the rich in your bedroom,
because a bird in the sky may carry your words,
and a bird on the wing may report what you say.


Gave me pause to think about when I'm the fool. It is true, in a certain wind my home does leak. I never did repair the damage from a stronger wind. At the very least that's my practical takeaway thus far.

 

[JimmyRustler]

I take the liberty to revive this thread.

Just reading the Bible again and really do my best to understand and question everything this time. Usually Google helps me when I’m lost but I can’t seem to find the answer now. Can someone here perhaps elaborate?

Large parts of Leviticus deal with offerings to repent for certain sins or trespassings. What’s the difference here to the transgressions later on where God demands the perpetrator is to be put to death? Weren’t the offerings refering also to transgressions of the commandments?