Section 4 - Experiencing God Flashcards
Why Christians think the bible is important;
The Christian community will read the Scriptures and see how God has revealed himself to characters of the past and will believe that they can also experience God who reveals himself to them. In other words the Bible is viewed as a living book, in which God acted in the past but continues to use these words to transform His people today. The Bible has been written by 40 different authors over hundreds of years but the story is ongoing from when God made the world in Genesis and will come back as foretold in Revelation. Many Christians think that God has to inspire the Bible because despite the length of time it took to come together and its numerous authors it fits together as one story. Jesus gave authority to the Bible when speaking to His disciples, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” The Bible is read in Churches every week with its texts explained by religious leaders and its relevance is emphasised for the situations that Christians find themselves in today.
Churches explain what the bible means to Christians
The parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 is an example from Jesus’ teaching that addressed a specific question that Jesus was asked but is also believed to be relevant for Christians today. A lawyer was looking to test Jesus on how we are saved and when Jesus explained that key to being a Christian was loving God and other people, he told the story of the good Samaritan. In this story a man was beaten and left half dead but when a Priest came across him, he passed by to the other side. Similarly a Levite also crossed to the other side. A Samaritan however comes to his aid, binds his wounds and take him to an Inn to be cared for and pays the debt for this. This was a particular challenge to the Jews because they had a longstanding hatred with the Samaritans. Jesus emphasises to the crowd that Christians are asked to show love to all in society not just friends or family. A minister will explain the story in context of how Jesus challenged those 2000 years ago but will emphasise its relevance for Christians living today. Christians should love their enemies in today’s society as well.
Who is Paul Tripp?
For example Paul Tripp (Author and Pastor in Philadelphia) remarks that a Christian should never tire of learning from God’s word, “No matter how wise you’ve become, you will never reach the bottom of the inexhaustible wisdom of Jesus and his world.”
How the bible can help in a range of circumstances
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Christians believe that there are a range of situations and circumstances that the Bible can speak into. For example when you are anxious about a problem you can take Jesus words to heart of ‘not worrying about tomorrow’ (Matthew 6:34), or that God will always be there for you (Psalm 46 ‘refuge and strength). Christians believe that the Bible challenges them to become closer to God and not to let sin master them. For example The sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) explains how Christians should live
How the bible secures a Christians future
Christians believe that this world is temporary. The Bible teaches that this world is hindered by the problem of sin but this will not always be the case. In the future Jesus will return and after the Judgement Day the world will be made new. Revelation 21 for example explains this. Therefore there are prophecies in the Bible that have not yet happened which Christians put their hope and trust in.
What is a sacred text?
It is believed by many theists that a ‘truth claim’ or ‘experience of God’ can have authority because it is revealed in a ‘sacred text’. This means a ‘holy book’ or ‘Word of God’ which form the basis of that religions’ beliefs and informs believers what God is like and how they can know and follow him. For Christians this sacred text is obviously the Bible.
