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cozyk
Apr 28, 2009, 03:57 PM
This is something I have been wondering for awhile. Supposedly, the bible was written by men who were "inspired" by God. Much of it is supposed to be God's word.

SO, was that all God had to say? No one else has been inspired by God to write additional books for over 2000 years? Seems like God would want to convey more direction or wisdom, or support during this long stretch of time. Maybe even have a blog. Why did God stop inspiring?

mudweiser
Apr 28, 2009, 04:04 PM
Good topic Cozy.

I think once he finished the book of revelations he ended it there because well what else is there to cover?

I remember somewhere in the bible it says something amongst the lines of "what is happening has already happened before- history is repetitive"

Which means you can always go back to the bible to find answers to today's problems.

Just a thought.

Sarah

revdrgade
Apr 28, 2009, 09:58 PM
God tells us ( by one of His inspired writers) that His ways are not ours. I've found that to be so true, so often in my life. So, I just rest in the fact that He always works things for good in my life even though I don't always know "Why?" He is doing or allowing at the time.

He does have His reasons for not having any more "scripture" inspired. He had His reasons for stopping them from being written for hundreds of years between the writings of the Old Testament and the New. He knows why, we don't.

Maybe He will have some more written just before the Last Day. Maybe so, but He indicates, in what has already given(written), that we have sufficient for gaining salvation and having an abundant life in Christ.

Revelations are still being given among His people today. I get them, but they are not things that I'm told to write or add to scripture. Others get revelations from God and though they may write books on these revelations they they know enough not equate them with scripture.

So, it isn't that God has stopped talking to those of us who have become His children any more. He is still talking to us through the already written word and revealing the meaning by the same Spirit Who moved the "holy men of God" to write the words.

Eph 3:2-13

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
NIV

arcura
Apr 28, 2009, 10:47 PM
cozyk,
I do believe that God has NOT stopped inspiring people.
I know that because He has inspired me from time to time.
I pray for inspiration and it helps me a lot.
There are many works that have been written by the apostles and the apostles of the apostles after the last book of the bible were written that were inspired, They are called written tradition and they exist and have been used for centuries.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

mum45
Apr 28, 2009, 11:14 PM
cozy,
I think the Bible is the most well known Book, I consider it that. I also believe that people are inspired as much or as little as they desire to be! My life was turned completely around when I threw my hands up in the air and proclaimed to God that he was in charge from that moment on! There are books upon books written by both men and women inspired by what God has done in their lives or about their belief in God! May I recommend a couple. One is "In the Grip of Grace" by Max Lucado, and another is actually a fiction book "The Shack" by William P. Young. They are both wonderful reads, but yet totally different types.

If you have children, you know you love them unconditionally. God's love is unconditional, and we are His children. No matter what we do, He still loves us. We are not perfect, we judge, we all sin in so many different ways, but He is perfect, and He ALWAYS forgives! We just have to ask for it, and its given! I am never that good at being a parent, friend, or wife. I tend to get angry, hold grudges sometimes, and even after someone says "I'm sorry" tend to stay a little miffed!

Anyway, I guess I could go on, but I really urge you to check out the great books by Lucado. That one in particular is one of my favorites. The Shack is a good one if you enjoy reading mystery books, too. Sorry to have ran on so much!

arcura
Apr 28, 2009, 11:27 PM
mum45,
Thanks for sharing that.
Fred

mum45
Apr 29, 2009, 12:01 AM
I do have a question, though. Did your question actually mean why has there not been anything like the Bible written, inspired by God? If that was what you meant, then my answer was way off what your original intent was, and I do apologize. I guess if that was your question, then my opinion would be that we have to choose to live by faith. I can't tell you where it was written or even IF its written in the Bible that that's it... But I guess that would be my answer to that type of question. Just good old fashioned blind faith! Anyway, hoping I haven't gotten things too screwey!

mum45
Apr 29, 2009, 12:07 AM
I meant written since the Bible has been written originally. Think I need to go to bed, couldn't edit, posted too fast. My sincere apologies. Will be more careful!

cozyk
Apr 29, 2009, 04:40 AM
I meant written since the Bible has been written originally. Think I need to go to bed, couldn't edit, posted too fast. My sincere apologies. Will be more careful!

No need for apologies. I really appreciate your input. I did mean, why nothing had been added to the bible SINCE the last sentence in the last book. I know people still get inspired. I'm inspired by some revelation almost daily. I don't get the urge to tack in onto the existing bible though. I just take that bit of new found knowledge and try to apply it in my life.

It just sounds unbelievable to me that no one has attempted to add more to this collection of books known as the bible in 2000 plus years.

Unknown008
Apr 29, 2009, 07:39 AM
Yup, that's a good question cozyk.. It think that everything that needed to be told to people in general was said and that nothing had to be added to it. It someone really had some inspiration, that person would have shared it with someone else one way or another.

classyT
Apr 29, 2009, 09:34 AM
Cozyk,

What else would you like him to say? Let's recap what He already INSPIRED. Man is a sinner... he got the boot from the garden. God made a promise right there to redeem man back. In the meantime God gave the Law of Moses which no man could keep perfectly ( until Jesus) Jesus came was born, lived a sinless life, died on the cross with all of the sin of mankind on him and rose again. Then the Church area has begun.. and God gave John the book of Revelation to let us see what the future holds. Ok that is a REALLy fast recap.. but you get my drift.

Here is MY question to you. What do you want him to say MORE? You reject almost everything that the Bible already says. I don't get it? You even told me that if you want to know about God that maybe the bible wasn't the best place for some people. I paraphrased your words there.

I believe God has said all HE has to say for now. There will come a time when Jesus Christ will come back to rule and reign for 1000 years according to the Bible. Until then, and Maybe it is just me but heck why don't you work on the inspiration HE already gave you? The B I B L E.

those are my thoughts. You were dying to know them. :)

JoeCanada76
Apr 29, 2009, 09:38 AM
There are many other writings and books , etc... That is inspired by God. Just because certain writings or books and other writers to not get acknowelged by the church does not make it any less inspired in my own opinion.

cozyk
Apr 29, 2009, 10:55 AM
Cozyk,



[QUOTE] You reject almost everything that the Bible already says. I don't get it? You even told me that if you want to know about God that maybe the bible wasn't the best place for some people. I paraphrased your words there.

It's not that I reject it as much as I don't think it matters. It does not matter what it says, because I would be living good and moral life anyway. Not out of fear of hell but because of respect to what is right and good. To reject it means I disagree with all it has to say. That is not my position. Some of it, like the stories of Jesus and how he conducted himself is good to know. A great example for everyone. On the other hand, I find it difficult to read, difficult to understand, and much of it boring or irrelevant. Who cares who bore who?



I believe God has said all HE has to say for now. There will come a time when Jesus Christ will come back to rule and reign for 1000 years according to the Bible. Until then, and Maybe it is just me but heck why don't you work on the inspiration HE already gave you? The B I B L E.


What happens after the 1000 years? Did he say that? Did he say when that 1000 years will start? Will the entire planet of people stop in their tracks, world leaders will step down? Give me a pragmatic realist answer of how this coming will be. Maybe that could be another book in the bible.

Unknown008
Apr 29, 2009, 11:15 AM
Yup the said that in Revelations 20:4,

Then I saw thrones and seated on them were those who had been given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. These had not worshiped the beast or his image and had refused to receive his mark on their forehead or hand. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

According to rev 20:3, after that

The angel then threw him into the abyss and locked and sealed it so that he could not deceive the nations until the one thousand years were finished.

speechlesstx
Apr 29, 2009, 01:07 PM
That's a pretty bold assumption to think you would live a good and moral life anyway. How did you know what was good and moral, just born with it naturally or did someone help shape your values?

JoeCanada76
Apr 29, 2009, 01:17 PM
The values are within each of our spirit. Our spirit knows what is right and wrong. It is up to us to decide whether to listen our own inner being which is part of God, or rebel. At the same time we are always learning and always growing. It is life long experience. We need to open ourselves up to God, and get him to guide us. He is within us...

speechlesstx
Apr 29, 2009, 01:36 PM
That sounds really nice, but I'm afraid there's more evidence that our values are shaped by outside influences than there is that our values are within us. Actually, I wonder if there is ANY evidence that the values are within us.

cozyk
Apr 29, 2009, 02:12 PM
That's a pretty bold assumption to think you would live a good and moral life anyway. How did you know what was good and moral, just born with it naturally or did someone help shape your values?

All the above. Plus, it's not bold, it's natural. Are you telling me that you would not be able to do it without instruction?

speechlesstx
Apr 29, 2009, 02:35 PM
All the above. Plus, it's not bold, it's natural. Are you telling me that you would not be able to do it without instruction?

If you were born with it there would be no need for instruction, so how can it be "all of the above?" Let me ask, who doesn't grow up without instruction one way or another?

cozyk
Apr 29, 2009, 02:59 PM
If you were born with it there would be no need for instruction, so how can it be "all of the above?" Let me ask, who doesn't grow up without instruction one way or another?

You said...

That's a pretty bold assumption to think you would live a good and moral life anyway. How did you know what was good and moral, just born with it naturally or did someone help shape your values?

I said all of the above because I believe you are born innocent. As life goes on, I know I was shaped by what I saw, learned and felt. Shoot for the greater good in every situation. If it felt bad, I knew it wasn't what I should be doing. Like right now, I shouldn't be judging you to be a hard a$$ christian with an attitude. I should rise above that. No one told me it was wrong. It just doesn't settle right in my spirit.

I never said that there were people that grow up without instruction one way or another. Remember, I said all the above. I do believe you come to a point in your life where you have established your own moral compass and don't need instruction for each event that comes along. Now, are you going to answer the question I put to you.

speechlesstx
Apr 29, 2009, 03:20 PM
I said all of the above because I believe you are born innocent.

OK so far.


As life goes on, I know I was shaped by what I saw, learned and felt.

But what you were taught had nothing to do with it or were you taught nothing and learned it all on your own?


Shoot for the greater good in every situation. If it felt bad, I knew it wasn't what I should be doing.

But why did it feel bad?


Like right now, I shouldn't be judging you to be a hard a$$ christian with an attitude. I should rise above that. No one told me it was wrong. It just doesn't settle right in my spirit.

I don't really have an attitude other than I don't get why people complicate things so much. To me it's pretty simple, we may be born innocent but our values are shaped by outside influences. I think we're even born with a sense of God, but nobody goes without their values being shaped by others one way or another. That's why I say it's a bold assumption to think we would do right anyway, just because.


I never said that there were people that grow up without instruction one way or another. Remember, I said all the above. I do believe you come to a point in your life where you have established your own moral compass and don't need instruction for each event that comes along. Now, are you going to answer the question I put to you.


The answer to your question is I don't know. I can't say if I could be good naturally because I had parents that instilled values in me. I don't think it's a question that can be answered any other way.

classyT
Apr 29, 2009, 05:14 PM
All the above. Plus, it's not bold, it's natural. Are you telling me that you would not be able to do it without instruction?

Oh man Coz,

You are a better woman than me. It does not come natural to me at all. I KNOW me... on the outside... a darling angel... lol... not so much on the inside.


To answer your question, yes the Lord will come back according to many scriptures to rule and reign. He will come back right after the 7 year tribulation period and the Bible says if he didn't that no flesh would be left. He will set up His EARTHLY kingdom in Jerusalem for 1000 year. During this time Satan is bound in the bottomless pit. The Bible records that the earth will go back kind of like in the garden of eden. The Lion will lay with the lamb, kids will play with deadly snakes. He will no doubt appoint rulers over countries but make no mistake he will be in control. He will have ALL power. There will be no wars, famines... you get the point. But after 1000 years there will be many that go along with Jesus because they HAVE to, not because they want it.. satan is let out, he gathers up a revolt He doesn't win. God will destroy the heavens and the earth and this ushers in the Great White Throne Judgement where everu man who is NOT written in the lambs book of life will give an account of their works... not going to be a good day. So there is your view in a nutshell.

classyT
Apr 29, 2009, 05:25 PM
The values are within each of our spirit. Our spirit knows what is right and wrong. It is up to us to decide whether to listen our own inner being which is part of God, or rebel. At the same time we are always learning and always growing. It is life long experience. We need to open ourselves up to God, and get him to guide us. He is within us...



the only part I have a problem with is that GOD IS NOT within all of us. We are not born with HIS spirit, that comes only by accepting Jesus as our savior. We ARE born with a conscience but when we refuse to even listen to it the Bible says it becomes seared. Being morally good is great... but it isn't good enough for the LORD. He sent his ONLY SON to die and we are ARROGANT to think we can bypass that with our own goodness.

The bible says that ALL of OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS are as filthy rags. Come on! No matter how moral and good and upright we are... it ain't cutting it. But the good news is God fixed the problem.

One last thought.. we may be born innocent but we are still born a sinner by nature. That sin nature is the total opposite of God. Is it our fault we are born like that?. Nope. Blame ADAM but... again God fixed the problem.

speechlesstx
Apr 29, 2009, 06:06 PM
not gonna be a good day.

Well, for some. ;)

classyT
Apr 29, 2009, 07:21 PM
Well, for some. ;)

Speech,

In the words of my 16 yr old son... FO SHO! Scary times. Can you imagine being called up?:eek: Why oh why won't people listen?

arcura
Apr 29, 2009, 07:29 PM
mum45 ,
No need for an apology.
There were and still are inspired writings after the bible.
But the main Holy Scripture are our basic guide.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

lighterrr
Apr 29, 2009, 11:41 PM
I don't think god has stopped inspiring, I believe we as human beings have failed to reach the level of enlightenment the authors of the bible reached, I mean men and women today spiritually are @ a infants level of maturity while Biblical figures such as abraham, moses, jesus are what I would called spiritually enlightened giants.
Let's face it folks we don't have many enoch, or elijah's running round planet earth. What we do have are pastors preaching a bible that they themselves don't fully understand, no wonder so many people loss sight of God's awesome glory.

arcura
Apr 30, 2009, 08:23 PM
lighterrr,
Don't forget Christ's apostles.
They were trained and enlightened by Jesus and received the Holy Spirit from Him.
Fred

lighterrr
Apr 30, 2009, 08:51 PM
lighterrr,
Don't forget Christ's apostles.
They were trained and enlightened by Jesus and received the Holy Spirit from Him.
Fred

arcura yes you are right, that I why I said the writers of the old and new testament. Just like jesus showed the disciples the way to get to God, we are to use his way of life to tap into the light of God within us.:)

arcura
Apr 30, 2009, 09:28 PM
lighterrr
Agreed!!
Fred

Maggie 3
Apr 30, 2009, 10:42 PM
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,
Piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and joints and marrow, and is a discerner
Of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
The bible is complete and it is still inspiring. It imparts stenght, and gives direction for our
Lives: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
The Holy Spirt will guide us into all truth. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the writers of the Scriptures will guide us in following Jesus, who is "the way, the truth, and the life".
John 14:6--
He, (Holy Spirit) will speak what He hears. The Holy Spirit knows the mind of God. He has access the havenly scene, and He will translate God's message to us. He also knows what
The devil is planning for us. If we learn to listen, He will whisper to us. "Watch out,
be careful." Be still and know that I Am, God. When we give ourself totally to God,
Who love us beyond words, will not keep any good thing from us and give us His
Holy Spirit to guide us to understand and into all truth. That is inspiring.

Maggie 3

arcura
Apr 30, 2009, 11:29 PM
Maggie 3.
Well said ad presented.
Yes I believe that Holy Scripture and God still do inspire people.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

inthebox
May 1, 2009, 03:59 AM
This is something I have been wondering for awhile. Supposedly, the bible was written by men who were "inspired" by God. Much of it is supposed to be God's word.

SO, was that all God had to say? No one else has been inspired by God to write additional books for over 2000 years? Seems like God would want to convey more direction or wisdom, or support during this long stretch of time. Maybe even have a blog. Why did God stop inspiring?

Look, I can't even live the life that He talks about in the bible. Probably figured that - I'll tell these folks they are not perfect, but that 's okay because I sent Jesus to tke care of that. And love each other... what more is there to say?:)

I think every time we pray - well that is better than tweeting - and the Bible is His blog that we can always read. ;)




G&P

arcura
May 1, 2009, 12:15 PM
inthebox ,
Good point.
Thanks
Fred

homesell
May 7, 2009, 01:46 AM
The Bible says that in the past God spoke to us through the prophets but in these last days has given us his Son.
Jesus is the summation of all that God has told us. He is the WORD of God made flesh.

arcura
May 7, 2009, 09:21 PM
homesell,
Yes, that is true.
Jesus is the walking talking word of God.
Fred

I Newton
Jan 8, 2010, 05:36 AM
Cozy asked:
> SO, was that all God had to say? No one else has been inspired by God to write additional books for over 2000 years?

That is all we need.
The Bible begins with the creation of the universe and the history of man and what God requires of us, how to survive, how to treat others and ends with what is going to happen when Christ returns.
It is complete, from beginning to Revelation, there is no more needed.

1Corinthians 4:6 I have applied all this to myself and Apol'los for your benefit, brethren, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.

So we do not need any more than the scriptures.

1John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.

If we needed anything else it would have been written down.

1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

You MUST put their teachings to the test

1Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

Hence we have numerous different Christian religions.

2Thessalonians 3:14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.

That's pretty clear.

2Timothy 3:15 from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

A child can understand the scripture.
It is not so mysterious after all.
AND the scriptures can make you wise for salvation.
We do not need anything else.

Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily [to find out] whether these things were so.

We too should follow their lead.

Acts 17:2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Jesus and the apostles reasoned from the scripture, not tradition or man's philosophy, but scripture.

Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

That's pretty clear.
Would a false teacher declare it is different? Would not be much of a false teacher now would he?
The false teacher will obviously try to deceive by saying his teachings conform to the teachings of Christ.

John 5:47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

Cannot be any plainer.

Revelation 22:18-19 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add [fn] to him the plagues that are written in this book;

You would want to be pretty careful

2Peter 2:1,3 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you… And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed … By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words

Matthew 15:2-9 "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? …
He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?.
Thus you have made the commandment [fn] of God of no effect by your tradition….
And in vain they worship Me, Teaching [as] doctrines the commandments of men.'

Romans 16:18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus [fn] Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

And it still goes on today.

arcura
Jan 9, 2010, 12:27 AM
I believe that God has not stopped inspiring people.
There are many works and activities out there that indicate that tio me.
I believe that God has inspired me several times and in answer to my prayers for inspiration.
The works of the early Church fathers are considered by over a billion people to be inspired. They are called Tradition (that's with an upper case "T") and accepted as such by several denominations and are important to Church teaching
Of the Bible.
Peace abnd kindness,
Fred

cozyk
Jan 9, 2010, 01:48 AM
I believe that God has not stopped inspiring people.
There are many works and activities out there that indicate that tio me.
I believe that God has inspired me several times and in answer to my prayers for inspiration.
The works of the early Church fathers are considered by over a billion people to be inspired. They are called Tradition (that's with an upper case "T") and accepted as such by several denominations and are important to Church teaching
of the Bible.
Peace abnd kindness,
Fred
I guess what I am asking is, why hasn't the bible expanded. It's
Been the same number of books for so long.

I Newton
Jan 9, 2010, 01:55 AM
As I said in my post.

There is nothing more we need.

The Bible starts with the beginning of the universe and ends when Jesus returns as King.

We do not need anything more.

Why would there be a need for more?

TUT317
Jan 9, 2010, 02:49 AM
I guess what i am asking is, why hasn't the bible expanded. It's
been the same number of books for so long.

Hello Cozyk,

I think Fred has summed up things pretty well when he says that God still inspires people. I also think Fred's explanation of tradition is pretty close to the mark.

We need to appreciate that the bible was written in a completely different time to our own. Now this may sound a bit terse but is is very significant.

Today we live in a very complex society with competing theories of knowledge. To put this another way, we live in a society which is as complex as it is critical.

Anyone who comes forward and claims that they can legitimately add to the Bible would be treated with great scepticism, and rightly so. After all, there have been a lot of false profits in modern times.

The sad thing is that everyone is rejected. This is regardless of whether they are genuine or not.

I hope this goes someway to answering your question. I might add that it is a very good question, but very difficult to answer in a few lines.

chocodrip
Jan 29, 2010, 11:04 AM
Please read Ellen.G.White's 'The Desire of Ages". Her books are considered to be the lesser light leading to the Greater Light (Bible)