Return to Oraclesofgod.org

Return to "The Shepherd's Chapel and Dr. Arnold Murray" Main Page

How Can I Study the Bible if I Need Assistance? Does God Not Want Me to be Able to Understand?

Recommended: Line By Line Bible Studies With Paul Stringini

The Question/Comment:

My Response:  edits in maroon and in ( ), as in: (this is an example of an edit)

----- Original Message -----

From: reborn@oraclesofgod.org

To: 

Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 2:51 PM

Subject: Re:

 

Hi XXXXXXXXXX,

 

"How can I study the bible if I need assistance?"

 

Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? 

 

That is a common problem, it seems that God has ordained that understanding be conveyed from one man to another.  We can see it all throughout the bible,  instead of personally instructing all the people of Israel about how he felt, God ordained prophets to do so.  Now that we have the Holy Ghost available, this has somewhat changed, but still, God does not reveal everything to each person individually, but some to one, and more to another.  I need my brother and my brother needs me.

 

I think that is part of Dr. Murray's problem, he has stated numerous times that he is a "loner," and that right there tells me something.  In Christ we are supposed to be a body supplying each other's needs.  Any part that separates itself from the rest shrivels up and dies.  Dr. Murray does not have another person who nourishes him. (Ok, maybe he has a close circle of friends, but who really adds to Dr. Murray? I know this is a bit of an insinuation, take it or leave it for what it is)  In my church the Pastor  is nourished by others, he cannot be a "loner," he receives counsel from elders and others who are skilled in the handling of the word.

 

The idea of a "loner" is contrary to Christian teaching.  So the answer to your question is that you need to give and take.  You have to seek understanding on your own and also share and partake in the understanding of others.  That is the best way to grow.  Simply receiving from a man who does not himself receive much from others in any meaningful way will not take you far.  I, of course recommend the teachings of my church (which in many ways are similar to SC)  beginning with the foundation http://spiritoftruthchurch.org/foundation/index.html  I am willing to give my best answer to anyone who asks as well.

 

"lots of things Murray says/said seem reasonable to me,"

 

Lot's of things everyone says should seem reasonable, the problem is that the more truth that you surround a lie with the more plausible the lie becomes.  That is what Jesus was talking about when he said beware the leaven of the Pharisee and Sadducees,  those sects were not just a pack of liars, a lot of what they said was true, but because of the principle of leaven, it was all a lie, because a little leaven leavens the whole thing.  I.e. a little lie makes the whole thing false.

 

"Does God not want me to be able to understand? "

 

Good question, very insightful, perhaps not, but whatever the case, you have to follow the understanding he has given you, whatever it is, or whatever it changes to.  I may be the deceived one, but I believe I have the truth,  If I believe I have the truth then it does not make sense for me to fail to follow that which I seem to have been given of God, because if I am not deceived and what I have been given is not falsehood,  it would be far worse for me if I failed  to follow that which I believed to be the truth. I hope you understand that. 

 

God is the revealer of himself, it has been my experience that this understanding does not come from any textbook or from any one man, but that God reveals himself to me through his word and through men, both good and evil.  There was a time in my life not so long ago when I was very ignorant of certain aspects of the nature of God, but then in the process of time the day came when those things were finally revealed to me, through much tears and prayer.  God is to be feared, he does not owe any of as a living, but he is a rewarder of those who seek him diligently.  You do not have to be super smart or have a special gift, just keep seeking him and in the process of time all things will be revealed to you.

 

I think you are more discerning than you are crediting;  I was also an avid follower and spreader of Dr. Murray's teachings. It is all about the process of time.  Just keep your loyalty centered on Christ. 

 

If I can be of any further assistance, you need only ask,

 

Sincerely,

Paul Stringini

Emailer's Response:

----- Original Message -----

From: 

To: reborn@oraclesofgod.org

Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 5:26 PM

Subject: Re:

 

I can't tell you how surprised and pleased I was to receive an answer.  I went through a rather rough week.  Finally, I came to the conclusion that I believe in God and Jesus Christ.  I believe what I can understand about the Bible and God has answered many prayers for me, especially in this last summer.  He has sent miracles into my life and above all else, I believe because I choose to do so.  I cant bring myself to return to the SC, so I will hobble along and get what I can on my own and from my little church of 6 people!  Thanks again so very, very much.  God Bless You.  XXXXXXXX

Return to "The Shepherd's Chapel and Dr. Arnold Murray" Main Page

Return to Oraclesofgod.org