You know what's toast lads? Taking everything literally from the bible. If you were to follow everything in the bible down to the last letter, you would live a miserable life. Is that what you want? You guys who claim the bible is Gods word and you must abide by it, your life will turn to misery, by the time you get to 70 years of age, you'll look back and say, " I made a huge mistake".
@themickey You are really funny. Really, really funny, sometimes. That would all make sense and you'd be right and I'd be in trouble if having material possessions was the same as idolizing them. They aren't the same thing. Re: your first quote, one can love God with all their heart and still enjoy material blessings. For example, the Israelites were going to a land, given to them by God that was "flowing with milk and honey" which I'm pretty sure symbolizes physical blessings promised to them, and these were the same group of people that the SHEMA was given to. So, apparently God does not have a problem with people who love Him with all their heart and yet receive physical blessings as well. Re: your second quote, once again, the emphasis is on serving. You can't put money first before God and still be loving God with all your heart. But it isn't saying to do away with money, or never save money,, etc. Re: your next few quotes, idolatry, "god is their stomach," "the love of money,"ask....spend it on your pleasures" and "friendship with the world is hatred toward God." All of those things are right and good and none of them have anything to do with being a trader and making money. It would apply, however, to someone who is a trader and has made a lot of money and yet does not love and honor and obey God foremost!!!
It's actually impossible to believe the bible, in whole, so long as there is confusion about what is literal, and what is in need of the interpretation of the reader. For example, a parable. Are parables anything that you can believe? No. The most you can do is believe your own interpretation of a parable. In one confusing scenario, an entire book of the bible might be a parable, for example, the Song Of Solomon. Or, at least that's what we've been told so that it does not appear to be the lascivious, lustful mating call that it actually is. Another example, the parable of the Prodigal Son. Is it true? Can i "believe" it? No, because a parable, by nature, is neither true nor false. In a best case scenario, the author of a parable is an authentic teacher who knows the truth, AND, your interpretation is lucky enough to match the intended meaning of the author. For example, in a debate with an Abrahamic-Judeo-book-faith-Christian, i pointed out that the parable of the prodigal son is actually Jesus own claim on the genesis of our current experience, and how it ends. So it is a story about the beginning and the ending of this world, contrary to Jewish traditions long since committed to parchment, and promulgated by the latest generation of Jews, our Judeo-Christians. In fact, it is Jesus own story (history as the "alpha and omega"), as well as our own. Of course, the committed Christian denied that, and instead interpreted the parable to speak of the Jewish nation, which went astray, and will some day come back to real Jewishness. So, same parable, two very different interpretations. Question is, exactly how much of the bible is parable? How many of the parables are authored by authentic teachers who knew the truth? And how many of those can you interpret correctly, as intended? While the percentage ratio of parables-to-literal is in dispute, no one can honestly say they believe the bible. It is always a belief in either their own ego, or in an authentic interpreter, such as Christ. Mary Baker Eddy (founder of Christian Science) is testament that the bible can be interpreted radically differently than the current popular mainstream. Whether she is correct is another story, but her interpretation is probably better than most.
You mean love the church and love the bible foremost? Also love your minister's preaching and every word which comes out of his mouth.
Nope. Love God first. Loving God reflects itself in loving the Bible and other believers. Sigh. You always equate a relationship with God with idolizing the Bible or the church or a pastor. Those things are good things but are not the relationship with God.
I do love God (creation). Love wildlife including humans although some humans behave less than wildlife. Where we part, you believe the path to God/Creation is via the bible, while I respect the bible inasmuch it speaks some truth, it is but a handbook written by flawed humans in a bygone era, a historical document partially accurate but also full of flaws and misconceptions. Following the bible alone will lead down the path of frustration and deception. The bible encourages cultism and seeking truth 'outside'. Even preachers cant keep their own cock in their pants, what does that say about being influenced by 'Goodness/Godness'.
The Bible is a compilation of many different authors. They all bear witness to the same God. If there is a witness in a court of law claiming that they have observed something, it is normal to examine the character of the witness to determine the trustworthiness of the testimony, and it is also normal to try to find substantiating evidence apart from the witness to add to the reliability of the witness (like a picture that verifies the witness was at the right place at the right time, etc.). With the Bible you have both. The authors knew God to be a God of righteousness and a Judge and that false testimony would be judged by God. That didn't keep some false prophets from falsely prophesying in those times, but there was a test given by God and that test was that if even one time the false prophets prophesied and it was wrong, then that prophet was not of God. That is a high standard. The prophecies in Scripture came true or have yet to come true, but none were false prophecies. There is a lot of substantiating evidence as well. Patterns of Evidence: Exodus is just one example.
@themickey Do you think it is very difficult for Christians to love God? I feel like you think God is harsh task master and that loving Him first require a lot of effort and discipline. Your version of what it means to be a Christian is reminding me of trading. If a trader messes up too badly, he or she is done for. The money is lost forever. The market does not forgive financial debts. Is this kind of how you think it is to be a Christian?