2nd Edition, Revised Material
Take The Bible To Heart
Its easy to see the difference in Christians, those who follow the bible at face value, and people who take the Bible to heart and contemplate it.
One great example is this verse in Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Only Two Paths To God
A person interpreting the Bible literally can express that verse by simply attending Sunday church sessions and donating time to church projects.
A person contemplating the verse above will see it as an exercise in faith, which can only be expressed by remembering God when going through daily activities while knowing, and this is the key, that God is present with them in that invoking His presence.
A record-low 20% of Americans now say the Bible is the literal word of God, down from 24% the last time the question was asked in 2017, and half of what it was at its high points in 1980 and 1984. Meanwhile, a new high of 29% say the Bible is a collection of "fables, legends, history and moral precepts recorded by man." This marks the first time significantly more Americans have viewed the Bible as not divinely inspired than as the literal word of God. The largest percentage, 49%, chose the middle alternative, roughly in line with where it has been in previous years.
Only Two Paths To God
Whatever or whoever you believe God to be, there are only two paths. One is a personal experience built on your inner faith. The second path is a literal, dogmatic approach where you are following the words and beliefs of someone you perceive to know more than you about your relationship with God.
In a personal experience, you are invoking God’s presence as a spiritual practice that can be done by anyone, regardless of religious affiliation. It involves calling upon the power of God to be present in one’s life, often through prayer or remembrance.
As a literal Christian, one follows the teachings of Jesus Christ as described in the Bible which includes basing one's faith around the scripture interpretation along with the teachings of people being listened to.
Invoking God’s presence is the most powerful method of connecting with the divine. It's an intimate and tangible experience within and can be done by anyone, regardless of religious beliefs. It is a way of asking for God’s guidance and protection in one’s life. It is a way of opening oneself up to the divine and asking, then recognizing, the help and guidance being offered.
This personal power you develop by claiming a spiritual relationship with God is a game changer that places life on an irrefutable track of enrichment.
Donald L. O'Dell
September 29, 2023