where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (Full Version)

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drussell52 -> where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/4/2008 11:07:51 AM)

Yesterday during our adult forum discussion it came out that a couple people do not go to the Bible as their primary source for direction and information, but generally rely on "the learned" for their interpretation and understanding of matters scriptural. I recently read that 8% of evangelical Christians in North America are reported to have a Biblical World view and the figure is about 4% for main line Christians. Where do you generally go for Spiritual counsel: your Bible, books/articles by others, or communication resources like Fox news, CNN, BBC, etc. Drussell52



GrahamCracker -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/4/2008 6:34:35 PM)

Are you referring to life style choice applications from scripture? Sometimes, I go to my pastor but not necessarily because I think he knows more about the Bible than I do. But I do think he knows more about practical life issues than I do. My former pastor who is now a missionary is one whose opinion on life issues that I respect. While they are less than five years older than I am, they matured earlier than I did.

I am certainly more naive than a lot of people I know. Somehow, I missed recognizing the skillful ways in which people can lie to me. I am a little slow on the uptake there.



URForgiven -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/4/2008 8:02:32 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: drussell52

Where do you go usually for Spiritual direction?


It is not 'where' do I go, it is to whom do I go? And then the answer becomes obvious, I go to Jesus Christ.

He gives me spiritual direction through the indwelling Holy Spirit. And the Spirit of God will use absolutely anything and everything to bring me into an ever closer relationship with Jesus.

Primarily through His Word, by illuminating my mind to truth. Through prayer. But also through others, and what others have written under the same illuminating Spirit of God.

Peace



MrFribbles -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/4/2008 11:55:47 PM)

I think it's a healthy thing to find fellow Christians whose opinions we trust, and not go off on our own to find biblical truth.
Yes, we need to read Scripture on our own, and we should reach our own conclusions about it, but we should also be open to the wisdom of others, and allow them to keep us accountable. Just because we're Christians doesn't mean we're always right.
So, personally, I primarily get it from Scripture, but when I seek specific insight, I ask two of my former professors from Bible College.



FurGodWurLivin -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/5/2008 2:56:15 AM)

For spiritual direction? I usually go to God. God may direct me to something applicable in the Bible, but He might tell me something specific outright as well. Whatever the case, God is usually the most reliable source of information.

Adam



drussell52 -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/5/2008 8:58:27 AM)

Perhaps in fairness I should say a little more about my question. My church denomination is considering a social statement produced by a task force to determine how to handle issues related to the whole spectrum of human sexuality, ranging from same gender commitments to child and spouse abuse, to whatever falls in that whole arena. Some in our adult group feel that it is totally fine with them if the administration works this out amongst themselves, then come back and tell us at the congregational level what policy will be. So in a sense their faith is being determined by someone judged to be more learned than themself. If in part, the 16th century reformation was about getting the Scriptures into people's hands, faith comes by hearing/reading God's word, aren't some reverting back to a pre 16th 17th century mentality by assuming a let someone else determine for me what I should believe. Aren't we as 21st century believers minimizing the use of Scripture if we use either equally, or more so, the counsel of others and prayer to get direction? When in my 20s I prayed for a wife and thought I heard God one day tell me who to date; a friend gently pointed out that perhaps I wanted to date this girl so was coming up with the answer in my own head and not getting it from prayer. I think Ron had something there.. Not trying to put anyone down, but better understand where this mindset comes from that puts other ways of hearing from God on the same level as Scripture. You got me somewhat informed and hope you'll say more. Thanks.. Drussell52



URForgiven -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/5/2008 9:28:17 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: drussell52

Perhaps in fairness I should say a little more about my question. My church denomination is considering a social statement produced by a task force to determine how to handle issues related to the whole spectrum of human sexuality, ranging from same gender commitments to child and spouse abuse, to whatever falls in that whole arena. Some in our adult group feel that it is totally fine with them if the administration works this out amongst themselves, then come back and tell us at the congregational level what policy will be. So in a sense their faith is being determined by someone judged to be more learned than themself. If in part, the 16th century reformation was about getting the Scriptures into people's hands, faith comes by hearing/reading God's word, aren't some reverting back to a pre 16th 17th century mentality by assuming a let someone else determine for me what I should believe. Aren't we as 21st century believers minimizing the use of Scripture if we use either equally, or more so, the counsel of others and prayer to get direction? When in my 20s I prayed for a wife and thought I heard God one day tell me who to date; a friend gently pointed out that perhaps I wanted to date this girl so was coming up with the answer in my own head and not getting it from prayer. I think Ron had something there.. Not trying to put anyone down, but better understand where this mindset comes from that puts other ways of hearing from God on the same level as Scripture. You got me somewhat informed and hope you'll say more. Thanks.. Drussell52


This is an issue all the denominations are struggling with right now. At some point they all will have to come up with a statement. Unless you are RC, these statements are not considered infallible, but are a guideline for those who seek to know the beliefs of the organization.

I know what you are saying. Everyone has very strong feelings on this issue. I know where I stand, and I do not require a denominational statement to tell me what to believe. But, I would absolutely consider such a statement in my decision as to attend or join that denomination.

I firmly believe that most, if not all, mainline denominations are in the process of self destructing. And I believe they are because they have gone beyond the written Word and have chosen to decide Truth for themselves. When an organized church is no longer the beacon of truth, it simply serves no one but themselves, and they certainly are no longer serving God. IMHO.

Peace



HisCovenant -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/6/2008 7:10:20 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: drussell52
Aren't we as 21st century believers minimizing the use of Scripture if we use either equally, or more so, the counsel of others and prayer to get direction?


I think depending on counsel over the Bible is happening because most believers I know IRL don't read their Bible's a lot, read short & out of context verses mostly, and rarely read without someone interpreting it for them (in a sermon, a devotional, a study.) We call doing this "Bible Study." So we've started out by not looking to God but looking to what others say about God. When I invite other Christians to come to a study where we study an entire book in context, I'm told they don't have time or that is too advanced for them. They prefer "studying" by being led.

I know I sound like all teachings are bad things, and I don't mean to say that. Certainly, we are to teach each other, preach, and exhort verbally and in writing. What's bad about teaching is that in this day and age when we can see exactly what God said for ourselves, we would rather gossip about Him amongst ourselves. That sets up an environment for putting what others say on par with scripture. We've already put their interpretations up there... why not get their counsel?

Like URForgiven, I don't think Christians base their faith on denominational statements. There are a couple of things our church states that I believe are wrong. I may mature to the point of understanding that I am the one who is wrong. That happens all the time!! [8D] I also know others in different denominations who disagree with other different practices or beliefs in their denomination. They don't take their faith from the denomination because they aren't questioning certain things. It's only when the Spirit moves and they question something that I see them look to elders, pastors, and denominational statements to help them understand.



austinmark -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/6/2008 10:01:39 PM)

Hmm...1st and foremost, I go to straight to my NASB and let Scripture be my compass, if I was still not sure of what "direction" to go, I would then go back to basics, so to speak.

I read through and go over my Foundations: The Heidelberg Catechism and The Westminister Standards,Larger Catechism.



rcjames -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/7/2008 9:10:38 AM)

quote:

where do you go usually for Spiritual direction?


The New Testament.


Thanks
RC



drussell52 -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/11/2008 10:12:15 PM)

Z
quote:

ORIGINAL: austinmark

Hmm...1st and foremost, I go to straight to my NASB and let Scripture be my compass, if I was still not sure of what "direction" to go, I would then go back to basics, so to speak.

I read through and go over my Foundations: The Heidelberg Catechism and The Westminister Standards,Larger Catechism.
AustinMark, Zippy, and Ur, I would love to fly you in for church some Sunday when this topic comes up in our adult class...:) I was sent a PM by a member here who directed me to a couple other sites, and think URforgiven has something when asserting the denominations are on a course of self destruction. See for example: solid-ground.ca or virtueonline.org which have ongoing commentary concerning traditionalist and revisionist theology. I like the NASB too, grew up on the old ASV and glad that's still on line! Thanks everyone for your comments on this. Finally as a result of being strongly encouraged to do my own diggin in The Word, I tend to do Christian radio less these days. The blessing has been to discover things that can't be taken away.. They can though be shared.. See you folks around here again, blessings to each! Drussell



Liveloved -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/11/2008 10:45:44 PM)

quote:

Yesterday during our adult forum discussion it came out that a couple people do not go to the Bible as their primary source for direction and information, but generally rely on "the learned" for their interpretation and understanding of matters scriptural. I recently read that 8% of evangelical Christians in North America are reported to have a Biblical World view and the figure is about 4% for main line Christians. Where do you generally go for Spiritual counsel: your Bible, books/articles by others, or communication resources like Fox news, CNN, BBC, etc. Drussell52


A biblical world view comes from knowing God. Knowing Him isn't borne out of occasional or sporadic communication. It is borne out of an ongoing, living, vital relationship that has continued for many years. He does the forming and gives you a spiritual mind that sees and thinks as He does. Certainly scripture and learning from others who know Him is an integral part of our development.



LCannon -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/11/2008 10:46:07 PM)

My primary outside source is the Holy Scriptures either Holy Spirit will prompt for a specific obedience and confirm by study or from my study, life experience or opportunity for obedience the HS will confirm His Word. My personal study resource is NASB but I was weaned on KJV. A great help is JV McGee's 'Thru the Bible' series, CH Spurgeon, Elisabeth Elliot, Charles Stanley, the Wesley brothers, George Mueller among others.



Doghouse -> RE: where do you go usually for Spiritual direction? (8/12/2008 6:38:38 AM)

My Church - which was established and authorized to instruct me as to how I am to deal with the Internet, stem cell research, and X-Box 360...



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