Nature of the Bible Discussion

WK 2 from Joe

WK 2 from Joe

by Joe Amini -
Number of replies: 6

Hello friends! 

Let us jump right in, shall we? 

What aspect of biblical inspiration is most difficult for you to understand or explain?
From our notes, this was very helpful because I have struggled to describe the types of writings in the Bible. 

Types of Divine Writing

* Composition: written by God (Exod 31:18)

* Dictation: dictated by God (Exod 34:27-28)

* Commission: authorized by God (Isa 6)

* Appropriation: adopted by God (Ps 54)

Understanding that God uses all available sources helps me grow my knowledge of creation and being made in God's image with folks with different personalities and differences. God used the authors and their skill sets based on what He knew about them. In one case with Moses, God wrote for him; in another case with Moses, God spoke to him. That shows me that God understood what Moses needed and how best Moses would be able to lead God's people.  

Do the number and consistency of the biblical manuscripts give you confidence in the Bible? Why or why not? 
Honestly a bit hard to answer because I haven't ever doubted the confidence of the Bible once I became a follower of Jesus. But since the question has been asked, it brings more confidence to me because of the widely accepted confidence in the Bible by even nonbelievers in the historical and scientific world. 

Which translation of the Bible do you prefer and why?
I am a simple NIV guy, mainly because it seems to be the most widely used Bible among the folks I hang out with. 


In reply to Joe Amini

Re: WK 2 from Joe

by Alex Nagy -
I like the direction you went with this one. I didn't give Divine Writing a second thought but the way you explain God understanding what Moses needed was insightful.

Based on your answer to the second question, I'm curious if you have ever struggled with the thought of different religions believe in variations of God?
In reply to Alex Nagy

Re: WK 2 from Joe

by Joe Amini -
Alex, love the question. Honestly, I haven't struggled with it; with my white-and-black thinking, I tend to be okay with other folks' beliefs. But Jesus says that He is the way, the truth, and the life does make it very simple to know the only way to God is through Jesus.
In reply to Joe Amini

Re: WK 2 from Joe

by Jim Damman -
Joe! I am in awe of you that you have never doubted the confidence of the Bible post-salvation. I wish I could say the same. I thought many of my doubts and questions might disappear after I was saved but some still linger!!!
In reply to Jim Damman

Re: WK 2 from Joe

by Joe Amini -
Thanks, Jim; some of that is that I am not a natural question-asker, which also applies to the Bible.
In reply to Joe Amini

Re: WK 2 from Joe

by Ashley Duval -
Hi Joe,

I really appreciate the perspective that you gave about the confidence of the Bible after becoming a believer. It is incredibly easy once we are fully bought into our faith - and oftentimes I find myself avoiding some of these same questions because I have been afraid of not having the answers. I tend to cling strongly to staying away from avenues that would cause me to question my faith (which is not always a positive thing).Walking amongst so many non believers and working in a church whose main audience is the unchurched, having these answers strengthened my confidence in being able to answer the questions that others asked or have asked in the past - and being able to answer throughly for someone who may not yet have experienced God.