Enoch wrote:
> Yes, I love to discuss the Bible.  Remember to keep an open mind, and
> do not let your hearts be hardend, ( not implying that any of you
are,
> but it is always good to remember this).  Loren, please list some
> sources for Revelation, I would like that.  I believe that Henry M.
> Morris has some good opinions, he states that the two wittnessness
> could be Enoch, and Elijiah.

I like Henry.  Have not talked to him for years but sweet old man.  But
his field of study is not theology.  Don't get me wrong, I don't to be
a snob about it.  He has good explainations for his interpretations,
but he does not claim to be a theologian extrodinare.  His degrees are
in hydrology and the such which aid him in his ICR activities.

> Mainly just because they are the only two
> people in the Bible that did not have to experiance death.

Who knows for sure?  Again, Dan 12:9.  Remember, John the Baptist was
noted by Christ Himself as being "Elijiah."  It could be literally
interpreted or it could be interpreted via typification, as with JB's
office of hearlding the first advent.

> And to answer the Seekers question, I think that Bible was
> intentionally written in a way that such it would be hard to read.

No, it wasn't written that it was hard to understand or to believe.  It
is the unbelieving individual themselves who are blinded to, for
instance, the gospel's simplicity.  The gospel message is to simply
believe and receive.  The gospel is irreducible.  Therefore, all that
is left to confound its message to to add to it.  And much has been
added, whether it be "infused righteousness" or works or church
membership or a host of things.  But the message is very simple.  But
that does not detract from the infinite depth of the Scriptures for
they are a "living Word."

> Only for the born again believer would things only make sense.

And once regeneration takes place, then much that was, not hard to
understand, but impossible for him to accept, is opened to him.  But
some of the wisdom of scripture is like gold, it requires sweat equity
to mine it out.

>I
> belive that we revieve the wisdom and understanding from the Holy
> Spirit when we choose to read the Bible and pray.  The Bible is
written
> for the believers, but supposed to be confusing to the unbelivers.
> That is my opinions anyway, and I do feel bad for my spelling, I am
the
> worst speller in this part of the U.S.
>
What you say is true.  However, one must take into account the 2000 yrs
that has flowed under the proverbial bridge since its writting.
Culture has changed much.  To interpret what was then written with a
20th Century mindset often produces false conclusions.  There is also
the aspect of its Hebrew nature.  Much of the bible was written by and
to Jews.  So to understand the context of what is written, to have a
good grasp on Hebraic custom and culture will greatly aid the reader in
understand the true point the writer was seeking to make.

I think one of the most misunderstood things in the NT gospels is the
simple word, "disciple."   Perhaps in your church hallway you have read
a notice something like , "Discipleship Training Classes,  every Wed
night, 6:30 - 9:00 PM,  March 1st thru April 20th,"  or some such
thing.  The problem with this is that to be a "disciple" in the context
of the NT meant something very much different.  If you live in NY, or
in Chicago, or Phenoix or somewhere where there is a large Jewish
community, perhaps you have seen a Rabbi and his students.  His
students are "disciples" of that particular rabbi, and the eat, sleep
and dream what this rabbi says and does, not for one night a week for 6
weeks, but for 12-30 yrs!  It is usually by the age 12 that a
separation of "sheep and goats" occur.  That is, those who truly have a
gift for knowing what the rabbi is teaching, the Torah, are gifted by
allowing to continue in their study.  Those who, often the most basic
test is being able to quote the Torah from memory, show a talent for
understanding the scriptures, then go on in their studies.  The
farthest most point one can reach is a "rabbi with authority."  We know
of perhaps a dozen so rabbi's just prior to and during Christ's life
time, including Paul's rabbi.  Christ was a "rabbi with authority" of a
special means.  To be a "rwa" the individual had to have two other
"rwa" lay hands on him and declare that they deem him worthy of it.  In
Christ's case, this took place at His baptism when John the Baptist and
the Father from heaven declare His authority.  Even unbelieving Jews
acknowledge this.

sorry, just got to typing.......

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