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Yeah that's kinda what I was getting at. As I read it, complete is complete. Now, if we didn't have everything we need from scripture, fine, let's talk about a code of faith or confession or whatever you want to call it. But if scripture is God's word, and God cannot lie (also scripture), and scripture says that it is able to make a man of God complete (and all the other stuff it mentioned) ,AND in v15 says what it says (which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.)..... To me thats all there is to it? Isn't that saying that man needs the word (whether they hear it or read it) to be saved?

I know this is a bit of a thread hijack, but if we can't agree that the source of authority is scripture, I'm not sure how a man-made add-on to scripture is going to make anything any better.

Paul didnt have a bible either. He was decades into this new dispensation. He went somewhere for three years right after Jesus revealed himself to paul and learned of God. But there definitely was no bible, as we know it, at that time. No, i believe God himself revealed to Paul his plan and Pauls part in the plan. I really dont think anyone can show me any place in the bible where it says we are on a different plan than Paul was. Personally, i believe we are just as able to communicate with God one on one as Abraham and Enoch was, but for the hardness of yalls hearts, i will turn to Paul. Did God not reveal himself and his plan to Paul without the benefit of a bible?

Paul was called to be an Apostle which is much different than our calling.....

I see and agree with your observations Jwalker. But as for Paul's knowledge of the "bible" or the word of God of their time, the O.T. - there was probably no one more educated on those scriptures. Also, as God used him to pen the New Testament which was probably the most significant thing Paul accomplished and that's saying a lot ,

The point I guess I'm making is that they all work together. The Father, The Word ( Christ ) , and the Spirit. When we think of Christ as God's witness or revelation of Himself to mankind - both through the written Word and the living Word it makes more sense. At least to me it does.

Paul didn't have the NT. But Paul definitely knew & studied the OT... and the OT is as much "Bible" as the NT is/was. Both point to Christ.

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
- Luke 24:35

In some specific ways , yes. In other ways, no. Paul's writings as an Apostle contained direct biblical calls for obedience , structure of the church, and many other things that by his calling, affects our calling.

You are correct and all Pauls reading and studying of the word of God had him out persecuting christians and believing he was doing the right thing, because reading and understanding Gods word does not mean you know him. But God did reveal himself to Paul, didnt he?

You made my point in a clearer fashion....God called Paul to use as an instrument to write 13 or 14 books of the NT depending on different opinions of who wrote the book of Hebrews....Paul's writings fall under "All scripture is given by inspiration of God....." so it must impact or influence our lives. My point was Paul being called as as Apostle carries much more authority than any of us possess.

Understand, from my time on here, I have no doubt that you are a sincere Believer. I can't help but notice that most of what you state is rarely followed by any Bible verses. What we believe must match what the Bible reveals through scripture.

Luke 24:27 - "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."

John 5:39 - "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,"

When Paul was a Pharisee, he knew God's word but didn't understand it. But when he finally received God's Spirit.....can you imagine how everything he had in those memory banks finally came to life ? God's plan was/ / is perfect.

Mark, have you also noticed how much arguing there is when people start posting scripture? I promise you i compare my life to the bible constantly, and i always try to base my opinions on bible. I believe everyone should do that. However men rarely agree on the interpretation of scripture. I know what the word says. I know what the spirit has showed me. I am a man and i deal with this dadgum flesh every day. So sometimes i fail

I dont have to imagine. I realize im not worth the dust off Pauls sandals but my calling is just as important to my life and those around me as Pauls calling was to him. Pauls job was much bigger than mine but i have a job just like him. All of us do, if we know the Lord.

Great to see so many other brothers in Christ! May God bless each of you abundantly!

Obsession

What translation are you currently reading? That may be a part of the trouble

Some translations are easier to read, but I am quite leery of The Message translation. I have seen a few places where meaning of original scriptures were changed and that is not ok

"“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father." John 14:12

I'm wondering what the "greater things" that we would do...after all, what is greater than raising one from the dead? Been wondering about this one for many years. Since we have the biblical heavy weight guys on here, good time to find out! Thanks. Saved and Blessed!

Guys I really am appreciative of all the info but more than ever I feel as though I am well short of being a worthy child of God. You guys have so much knowledge of Gods word and I feel like i am just lost....I pray daily and I know he has answered and I im just looking to grow my relationship. I try to read the Bible but find it difficult. I know he will forgive me for it. Thank you for your knowledge.

Knowing that you fall short and relying on his grace and mercy to overlook those shortcomings. Sounds like you have more knowledge than you realize.

You do realize that Paul believed Judaism (following the Law of Moses) was still in effect... correct? And that the Law of Moses WAS meant to obey for a period of time? Paul wasn't privy to New Testament Scripture at the time - all he had was the Old Testament, which only foretold Jesus' coming.

During the infancy of the church, no "New Testament Scripture" existed. In the book of Acts, people were directly given messages through prophets and teachers (i.e. see list in Ephesians 4:11)... that was part of the Spirit's work during that time (see 1 Corinthians 12 and 14). There would come a time, however, when Christians wouldn't need to be given messages in that way any longer because the complete revealed will of God had been recorded. Ephesians 4:11ff and 1 Corinthians 13:8ff both speak about that time ending. Without Scripture today, all we'd have to guide us would be the thoughts/opinions of men... and that's always going to be prone to error.

You do realize Paul came along about 35yrs after Jesus left right? 35yrs.where exactly in the bible is that last part you were talking about? Some of yall act like you dont believe in having a relationship with God at all
As if you cannot hear from the Lord, except reading the bible. In other words, youre leaving out the spirit. His spirit lives inside of us, but we can only be with him by reading the bible? Thats just odd.

The Bible Project has some good overview/summary videos on each book. I like to watch them before and after I finish a book lately.