My fellow christians, will you accept my challenge?

Question

I challenge you to research the doctrines and traditions you hold dear to see if they stand the scrutiny of scripture.

Don't read with the idea that you are trying to prove what you already believe - but read to try to disprove it. That's the only to know for sure if it is sound knowledge.

Study as if you never heard about christianity in your entire life.

If you use the KJV I suggest that you compare your findings with other translations like ESV or NASB as they are very good translations.

Give it a try - you might be suprised.

If you already do this - what are some of the truths you've learned?

Blinders? I've been a christian for 20 years. The only blinders I had was that of traditions and doctrines of men.

Interesting answers...

KJV is the only bible that I know of that ADDS verses that weren't in original manuscripts.

The one about the trinity comes to mind.
1 John 5

6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Why is that?

1 John 5 (NASB)

6 This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.

I'd like to point out that the KJV was translated according to doctrine...

Answer 1

All ready done it...went from KJV to ASV to NIV To NLT and ESV ( I now use them all as needed-but rely on the Holy Spirit for the final "Word").

Went from Southern Baptist, SDA, SDB, Church of God Seventh-Day, Western Baptist, Several Independents, Episcopalian, AOG, (not in any order).

That is Why I am now NO-Denomination and Independent. I hold no food un-clean, I Eat what I want or have (after I say grace), I hold no day more holy than another and Worship God SEVENDAYS A WEEK-24 HOURS A DAY..and keep no earthly Holiday.

I pick up my cross daily to follow Jesus and not just once and then think all is well.

Thank you very much.

Answer 2

I just would like to tell everyone, that the KJV is the only English Bible that I know that doesn't completely take away verses or shorten them or change the wording or commas to also change the meaning. When studying always use the KJV. I know that this version is a little harder, but my advise is that you go to study the Word of God with patience and pray before you start so that God can iluminate your mind to understand, then you will see the truth. Because the Bible repeats itself alot so that nobody can later say I didn't get the message. So look, and if the doctrine is repeated multiple times then you know it's true. Using this rule will help tremendosly and if you study in a group using this, then that will help even more. And remember Proverbs 13:20: "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." So hang out with people that are truely looking for God so that you can help each other out and grow. You may email me at [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Answer 3

"Come let us reason together..." The point is not all tradition nor "doctrines taught in some churches" stand up to scripture. Tradition is especially tricky because it can get caught up in that "rumor's "type degradation.
What may have once been a legitimate expression of faith in some instances has been degraded.

I use the KJV, the RSV, Strongs, the NIV, the Amplified (not really my favorite) and sometimes a Hebrew transliterative when I can get my hands on it from the library.

For example in the Pentecostal church I once attended they really were attatched to the Azusa Street revival and what they 'discovered' about speaking in tongues.
I searched the scripture and still did not come up with that same answer. Therefore, I stand in disagreement with that part of Pentecostal teaching.

First I think we have to ask is it essential salvation doctrine. If not then I think that minor dicrepancy is just that. Minor.

Answer 4

When the Holy Ghost is given to a person, he or she then has the teacher, & that Holy Ghost can only lead to the one true Truth, Now you mention study my doctrine, My doctrine is based on the one & only true doctrine, & that is the doctrine of the Apostles, Paul even said study to see if you are in the faith & doctrine, But at the end time they will not endure sound doctrine. My faith has with stood all challenges in my walk with God, BTW, I have been a Christian for over 37 yrs.

Answer 5

The problem is that you are starting from a viewpoint that the doctrine is incorrect. Starting with this point of view, next to nothing can be proved to be true.

This is the most common problem non-Catholics have when they look at Catholic doctrine and practices.

There are some people who start with the assumption that Catholic doctrine and custom is incorrect. They see a Catholic kneeling in front of a statue and praying. Starting with the assumption that catholic custom is incorrect, they see the catholic as worshiping an idol in contradiction to the first commandment.

On the other hand, if you start with the assumption that Catholics obey the Ten Commandments, you look at a Catholic kneeling and praying in front of a statue and you you look closer to what the person is doing and you discover that the person is not praying to a statue, but is asking a saint to pray for them to God.

If you make false assumptions and jump to conclusions, you will never learn the truth.

Answer 6

All the English translations may not convey the true meaning and to know exactly what is written in the Old Testament one has to go back to the Hebrew version and for the New Testament one to go back to the version in Greek. One needs to know exactly what is written and rely on the Holy Spirit illuminate the word to one. As we build up on our knowledge of the word very often we can interpret Scripture with Scripture with the Holy Spirit bringing it to our rememberance. To be able minster to word of God we should devote ourselves continually to prayers and ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). Praying for revelation and the work of the Holy Spirit as our Teacher is key to gaining knowledge of the truth.

Answer 7

I can read and re-read and I still believe. So I cannot look at it the way you want me to. I am content in my belief in God Almighty. Anyway why don't you read the same scriptures everyday for a couple of weeks and with an open mind. I think you will find that you read the same thing and it will mean something different to you each time depending on things that are happening to you. And I will add. Only God can write like that. think about it.

Answer 8

Hooray for urging the same idea as Paul the Apostle. Question everything.

However, I'd push it one step further...the KJV (ugh), the ESV, the NASB, etc...all English translation. Go to the sources hebrew or aramaic, etc...the actual translations vary incredibly compared to the English versions.

Answer 9

In 20 years of reading the Bible, I've yet to find a problem. When your doctrine is based on the Bible in the first place that's to be expected I would imagine. :)

Answer 10

Why don't you try Jesus because without Him you will Never be able to understand God's Word or see it as Truth. Right now you are captive, in chains to lies and blinders cover your eyes so that you remain in spiritual darkness. But my eyes see Truth as it is revealed in Scripture because I am free and my blinders were removed when I said yes to Jesus, as all other true Christians. So give Him a try so you too can break free. You will indeed be glad you did!