Hi Amanda, you said (I agree the bible does seem to be contradictions and people do use verses
to justify themselves.  Probably one of the reasons I do not read mine so often.)  I would beg to differ because not all who read the bible as it should be within the time frame and context of it is hard to recognize unless taught by a teacher of the word. The Old Testimiment was a foreground from what was to come, the New Testament , without the old one we cannot understand the New Testament in its proper form as it is meant to be. If you are having trouble understanding your bible within the context and its useful needs of todays life please use me, i would be happy to assist, after all i am a missionary , well thats another name for me, so many names, cant i just be called Tom? LOL

Hi Tom,

That is OK to agree to disagree with me. 
What I have found numerous times especially when discussing with people of
another faith - Bible books, chapters and verses are bandied around in the
context they believe which is not necessarily what I or others of my own faith
believe.  This contradicts and one gets into headed disguisions and arguments.

I read the bible cover to cover and did the foundation study like I said previously.
Many in home bible studies, home group services, prayer time...
It is stored up inside me and the Holy Spirit enlightens me of truth and false.
I believe that the Lord has given me a great gift of discernment and wisdom
because this was the first gift prayer I asked after I met him.  I came to meet the
Lord through the back door.  I could not get answers from my own church and
they did not see that I was seeking.  I had a couple of missionaries call on me
one day.  I learned how to ask Jesus in and also learned a different holy spirit deception, one that burns whereby He falls upon one.  I never wanted to be
deceived again nor be plucked out of my Fathers Hands.  This gift has been invaluable to me and I am very thankful.

I do not generally get involved with trading off bible verses with people I am
conversing with or writing in forums and give personal experiences. 

The old testament can be rather difficult as there are lots of people mentioned
whom you have to try and place into their respective family and genealogy.
Many of the old place names of the areas are long gone now and are now part
of a country with a different name etc.  Those chapters are quite involved and
long winded.  I realize that the OT is a prophecy for the NT and the NT is the
fulfillment and events still to come of the OT.

I loved reading the stories in the OT, the history, lessons learned.  When I first
read them I only understood the story it was not until later that when a study or
sermon was given and more insight was given.  e.g. the types of clothes they
wore, why the character was acting in the particular way and generally learning
the culture back in those days.  Then I could go back over and re-read and better
understanding.

Living my life within my conscientious works for me.  I can sleep at night and
my spirit is quite sensitive and when I am convicted I make amends and am
not too proud to apologize.

I believe when one is teaching another as Pastor, missionary, teacher etc one
does need to know their bible inside and out and be able to open it and prepared
to give an account of their lesson.  I am not holding any positions so there is not the same burden as office barers hold and need to be accounted for.  I am living my
faith and people will recognize me by the fruit I bare.


Amanda

The basic tools of learning how to live like a Christian is to follow the greatest example and thats rabbi Jesus, Matthew 28:18-20. Like i say i have a ton of questions for you in anything you want to know about the bible, its what i do. I dont want to preach and i dont want to have anyone get me wrong hence is why i made this forum. One thing a Christian doesnt do is condemn anyone by what they do or say, only God does that, a true Christian will help the ones who arent sure of how to act as God intended for them to do and thats through the scriptures, Discipleship. I ask what does Jesus what everybody to become?