How can I know if I am truly discerning the Bible properly?
Obviously, the "burning in the bosom" experience is not enough proof. Is there some other type of “spiritual” experience needed to confirm that it is the Holy Spirit working?
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Asked October 02 2013
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Vincent Mercado
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For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
John Moyo
I have found that watching bible movies has deeply enhanced my understanding of scripture and the bible. I have watched bible DVDs on my laptop from Genesis to Revelation and think seeing bible characters in action seems to achieve, at least for me, a more profound attraction towards God than reading the bible or other print material. I never seem to get enough of St Paul. I watch his videos over and over and every time I get the same thrill I got the first time.
kennith burkett
How do we rightly divide the word of truth? This is what you are asking. First pray! Then study! Then pray some more! Honestly, this is what I've learned from a life long study of the word of God. My advice is to first ask God to show you his truths, and he will do it. Not all at once, it does not work that way, so if anyone tells you different maybe you need to listen to someone else, because they just know enough to be dangerous.
When you're studying you need to put everthing in the right perspective: when, where, from whom, to whom, & the subject in its context. Be open to other people's views. This is something that you're not going to be able to get it all on your own. And about the time that you think you've got it, God will show you a different or deeper truth.
I have studied the Bible for 39, almost 40 years, and God showed me something new today. So my advice is STUDY! PRAY! STUDY! & PRAY some more!
James Kraft
The basis of all New Testament preaching was Christ and Him crucified. We need to remember this with all new converts as everyone comes from different backgrounds and bring some baggage into the Christian life. I am guilty of being dogmatic about some things that are not important. We all need to grow and will never know it all in this life. I am a learner of Him still.
Jack Gutknecht
Vincent, is this accurate? Where Did "Burning in the Bosom" Come From?The specific phrase and concept originate in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints scripture, specifically Doctrine and Covenants 9:8, where Joseph Smith told Oliver Cowdery that a feeling of a "burning" in the chest confirms truth. While Latter-day Saints connect this to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:32 ("Did not our hearts burn within us?"), mainstream biblical Christianity interprets that verse as a retrospective realization after Christ explained the scriptures, not a physical or emotional test used to validate private revelations or new scripture.