Jumping right into the fray! :-)

[SkyOverCloudNed]

Greetings all,
Might as well get this show on the road anf just right on into the fray. I'm (now) a retired RVer wintering in Albq and summering on Colorado's Front Range in the 8400' elevation.  Meanwhile, I'm enjoying what I've always wanted to spend more time with, studying the Word of God. Anyway, here's a bit of opening thoughts and what has brought me me here:

I ran into this recently and in searching it o ut found it on your site; and need a little help understanding more of what it means; particularly, with regards to the phrase surrounding the word "(e)specially".

1Ti 4:10, For, for this we both labour and strive, because we have hoped in the living God, Who is the Saviour of all men, specially of the believing.

My preference has always been the (1885-6) version of the KJV (Bullinger's Companion Bible); however, in this case, since this is understandably confusing with regards to what I've always been taught and heard (early SBC background), I have checked other versions as well and am coming back with much the same results.

I tried looking up cross references for clarification and have only come up even more confused with other verses such as:

1Co 15:22, For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (AV)

When I was younger and, like a child, simply believed without question everything i was told and to just accept Jesus and I would be saved and that for all others regardless of whether they never heard the name of Jesus or if they refused His saving grace then all the rest of them are to suffer God's unforgiving and unending wrath burning forever in hell. Somehow that always seemed diametrically opposed to what the nature of God is supposed to be.

Which brings us to the question regarding all the different bibles and all the different versions; how do we know which one is correct, true and perfect and which are not? If there is, indeed, only one that can be truly blessed by The Almighty then what happens to all those other sincere believing Christians that adhere to the wrong bibles and versions? 

Is it possible that if those that are misled and believe the wrong thing(s), because of their submissiveness and sincerity, can they, also, be saved even though they do not believe the same as we? Is it possible that we, instead, are the ones that are being deceived? Is this what is meant by:

Exo 33:19, And Jehovah said, I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

For since God can read what is in a man's heart and know that if that man had known the truth and that he would have then believed and acted in accordance with God's will then would God not save that otherwise unsaved man even though he never even heard the name of Jesus?

Is God god enough to save whom He will beyond just those that hear the Gospel and believe in/on His Son, Jesus Christ for salvation? We are told that Jesus said that all power had been given Him; if this is so then is Jesus capable of saving whom He will or are His hands tied to only what we understand the Scriptures to say? Is it possible there is far more to this than our limited finite minds can grasp? The universe is endless, suppose there are, indeed, other worlds with other folds...?

Is it not also possible since it takes dust and God's breath (spirit) of life to create not only man but every living thing, beasts, fishes, birds, trees, grasses, everything living then are they, in fact, God's manifested witnesses of Himself of everything that ever has, is and ever will transpire and thus all life everywhere being everpresent in situ judgment of all mankind?

Thanks for listening,
Sky

[jabcat]

Welcome Sky.

I appreciate the way you've started off.  Good job.

Please be patient, open, ask God to show you His heart on these matters.  Ask Him to show you.  He'll show you everything that's His will to do right now (I'm still learning :).    "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."  Js. 1:5

There are excellent responses and answers to all the questions you've asked.  Hang on, keep seeking, and God will respond through some of the "especially" believers around here.  :)

(My quick take on that one;  Jesus is the Savior of the world (Jn. 4:42).  Some are given faith to believe in this lifetime (the ecclesia, called out ones - the "especially" believers).  But He's still the Savior of the rest of the world, because the rest will be drawn (helkou, literally "dragged") to Him - each in His own order.  (I Cor 15:23)

Blessings.

[WhiteWings]

 :welcome: :newb: Sky

This was my welcome word. Next post will be my answer to your question.

[WhiteWings]

(1Tim 4:10) For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have hoped in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

Some people twist and turn until they "prove" (e)specially means only. I think that can be easily refuted.

(2Tim 4:13) The cloak, which I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest bring, and the books, especially the parchments.

Does the above verse mean that he must only bring the parchments?
Nope, it's about priority.

The blue words are the same in Greek. Thayer (and Strong) who was no Universalist gave the following defenition to the Greek word.



G3122
μάλιστα
malista
Thayer Definition:
1) especially, chiefly, most of all, above all
Part of Speech: adverbial superlative
A Related Word by Thayer's/Strong's Number: neuter plural of the superlative of an apparently primary adverb mala (very)
Below all verses (I could find) using the word "malista"


(Acts 20:38) Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

(Acts 25:26) Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

(Acts 26:3) Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

(Gal 6:10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

(Phil 4:22) All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

(1Tim 4:10) For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

(1Tim 5:8) But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

(1Tim 5:17) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

(2Tim 4:13) The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

(Titus 1:10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

(Phlm 1:16) Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

(2Pet 2:10) But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

:2c:

[CHB]

kinda like saying, "oh those puppies are so pretty especially the black and white ones."

CHB

[WhiteWings]

Exactly. At worst it means Jesus saves the black/white puppies first. (in fact imo that's exactly what the verse teaches)
Then if He got some time left He starts saving other colors.
Does that mean it's possible Jesus saves only part of the gray and brown puppies?
No. Simply because when Jesus starts saving grey and brown puppies He is acting according to (Father's) plan.
Both Father and Son would fail if they couldn't save the grey and brown puppies as planned.
Humans have the excuse running out of resources (time, money, space) when saving all those puppies.
The divine saving team doesn't have that excuse.....


In this verse: "The cloak, which I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest bring, and the books, especially the parchments."
the person brings back everything he can carry. If not everything can be carried the cloak and/or books will be left behind but most certainly not the parchments.

[shawn]

Great questions!

This is just my opinion so I hope I offend no one...

I don't believe it matters which version of the Bible you study.  I don't believe it matters one bit how much cross referencing you do.  I don't think it matters if you take this academic approach or that academic approach to the study of Scripture.  When I was around 9 years old I had something placed in my heart, and that was this burning people in hell thing forever wasn't correct.  I believe that was placed there by God.  Academics, certain translations, pastoral interpretation, natural logic etc. only suppressed that voice in me for a season. 

Today, it's all about relationship.  My relationship with my Savior is where my confidence lies.  I know my Savior personally.  He has revealed parts of His nature to me.  That effects what I see when I read any translation of the Bible.  I don't always understand what I am reading, and I don't have to.  I give that to God and He reveals the mystery to me in His timing.  I live in that peace of relationship today.  I try not to let my own natural reasoning or the reasoning of any man influence what God is trying to show me.

[rosered]

  Great posts everyone !!!  :icon_flower:

  Shawn , that was just beautifiul  :HeartThrob:  well said  :thumbsup:

[dajomaco]

Well said Shawn

No cutting or pasteing.

A true statement form the best version. 

[jabcat]

Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but just for the record, I believe it matters what we read.  Think about the difference between deception and truth.  We are affected by that, and can affect others.  On the other hand, having a true and close relationship with Jesus is vital, with His Spirit leading, interpreting, cutting through any mistranslations or our own interpretations. 

Balance.

[shawn]

Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but just for the record, I believe it matters what we read.  Think about the difference between deception and truth.  We are affected by that, and can affect others.  On the other hand, having a true and close relationship with Jesus is vital, with His Spirit leading, interpreting, cutting through any mistranslations or our own interpretations. 

Balance.

I agree it matters what we read (meaning we should read the Bible), but is our walk with Christ dependent upon having the proper translation?  Does God leave our salvation and walk with Him up to something that can be easily and innocently "gotten wrong"?  So, if I chose the NKJV or the Message, my relationship with God will be negatively or positively influenced by which one I choose?  I just don't know if I could live in an anxious world like that.  In that world God isn't in control of my salvation, and Christ isn't the perfector of my faith.  In that world, I have to once again "get it right".  Sorry, but I don't get anything right.  I have proven that over and over again.

What God has shown me is that he will use whatever is in front of me to work on me.  If I am reading from NKJV, NIV, or the Message...He is faithful to bless my desire to seek His face.  Isn't that what this is all about?  He honors my desire for relationship by using whatever is in front on me to reveal something about Himself to me.  It could be the laughter of my children, it could be a word from a patient, or *gasp* it could be even the KJV translation of His Holy Scriptures.  I believe He will meet me where I am and honor the desires of my heart.  That is where my faith is...not in reading the "right" translation.

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

[rosered]

I agree the ''proper translation '' helps  with a level of understanding   given ..  its  like teaching a kindrgartener   a new  math solution or language .....    we try   to learn though  experiences and failures and trials and   helping one another   




  If perfect love cast our fear ,, than let us love and trust God more in ''getting His Word '' right
   Its the job of the Holy Spirit to teach us and none of us could fellowship  without patience and  sharing in the work assignments  :icon_flower:

9.2 Corinthians 6:6
by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,
2 Corinthians 6:5-7 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter)
10.Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
Galatians 5:21-23 (in Context) Galatians 5 (Whole Chapter)
11.Ephesians 4:2
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love,
Ephesians 4:1-3 (in Context) Ephesians 4 (Whole Chapter)
12.Colossians 1:11
May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy
Colossians 1:10-12 (in Context) Colossians 1 (Whole Chapter)
13.Colossians 3:12
[ The Christian Life ] Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
  The Christain Holman Bible

  Shawn thats the struggle right there !!  glad you  posted it

the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

an example  went to a little country church  many  years ago  and saw how they stuck together  by one preacher ,  as  many fell away  from it , I included      ,  felt the Lord released me from that

  ''mindset '' the flock scattered  , went back by chance for a benefit as a brother  / still a brother  who believes in Jesus, had a death experience  and come back to tell it ,  he was only 36 with a heart attack     ,          I did not see anything had changed still the same stagnating message  and  little Spiritual growth  in all them years!!!!!  :mshock:  left brokenhearted   again ,  I still pray for them and do not judge them , but want  good things   for all the Body of Christ , but could not sit under that  heavy loads of judgment , without life , it was unbearable .....wish we had a You -Tube video  of it .. you would understand what I am trying so hard to say .............

Sometimes the work of the Holy Spirit is so personal and Spiritual growth comes by letting go of our ideas of what pleases God  , we want to please God always but not sure what God wants from us  always , and let the Spirit  rule and reign freely    the Spirit  within you will let you know whats right and not sitting right within you  as of God or not  [praying for the Spirit of discernment ], it will flow like a river  pure and clean and undefiled ... hard to share what is being done within us  with others .. but you know its not of yourselves  , its the Lords work  ............ praise God   and the GOOD Lord knows how to correct His own   , thats for sure

[WhiteWings]

I don't believe it matters which version of the Bible you study.

Some like the quran translation.

[WhiteWings]

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

Obviously we have a very different view on things.
Quite often I read things on this forum that make the think: Is this guy really a Christian? He spends half his post ridiculing the Bible, explaining it away to promote his own views?

(Gen 3:3) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

[shawn]

I don't believe it matters which version of the Bible you study.

Some like the quran translation.

Your sarcasm is duly noted.  I think that is where people begin to misunderstand my position.  Do we truly believe Jesus Christ is the perfector of our faith?  Or do we need to pick the right church, read the right translation, and listen to the right pastors?  This is a faith issue...not a translation issue.  Do I have faith in me to pick the "right things", or do I have faith in Jesus Christ to use whatever is in front of me to teach me?  When I seek truth, I will seek them from the words of Christ, and his disciples...not Mohammad.  I seek them from God's word.  And I believe no matter which translation I use, God will bless my seeking.  Seek and ye shall find.

[shawn]

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

Obviously we have a very different view on things.
Quite often I read things on this forum that make the think: Is this guy really a Christian? He spends half his post ridiculing the Bible, explaining it away to promote his own views?

(Gen 3:3) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

So, you are questioning my Christianity, and I am ridiculing the Bible?  Not sure where you are getting that, but you are certainly entitled to your opinion.  I would love to know what makes you believe I am ridiculing the Bible?

[rosered]

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

Obviously we have a very different view on things.
Quite often I read things on this forum that make the think: Is this guy really a Christian? He spends half his post ridiculing the Bible, explaining it away to promote his own views?

(Gen 3:3) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

  What makes us a Christian, White wings ???   or more so a ''good Christian '' ? 

  so many ways to Look at a passage in the Bible , and   those  do bear fruit   good or evil to the eater
Pro 18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Pro 15:4 A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.

[rosered]

  Your Not Shawn ,   ridiculing the Bible  at all  , it started  a break with differnt translations

   its the number one ''pick of the litter '' on divisive thows  these days   :mblush:ALL over the place
  the natural mind as well as the natural realm  , are always reasoning , trying to make  some kind of  sense of   why life is  so difficult
  no one has a spiritual mind , lest God give it to them .. and than they have to  try a   communicte with carnal minds with that  stuff !

Do I have a spiritual mind , I sure hope so , but unfortunatly

the cares of this life do choke out the Word of God  at times !!    this life is so hard even on a good day , its tough to just get though it ..      now  i WILL be quiet , said to much already   :mblush:

[WhiteWings]

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

Obviously we have a very different view on things.
Quite often I read things on this forum that make the think: Is this guy really a Christian? He spends half his post ridiculing the Bible, explaining it away to promote his own views?

(Gen 3:3) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

So, you are questioning my Christianity, and I am ridiculing the Bible?  Not sure where you are getting that, but you are certainly entitled to your opinion.  I would love to know what makes you believe I am ridiculing the Bible?

That's simple to answer Shawn.
For me a verse has a both a carnal and spiritual component.
If someone says "I don't understand it" that fine with me . Nothing wrong with being honest about that.
But if some literal discussion is going on; for example about the meaning of a certain word and somebody start to promote a spiritaul application I have no problem with that. But if that same person starts to look down (right expression?) of the litearal stuff then my thoughts are that person is ridiculing the claiming it's inferior to his of spiritual take on that verse.

Note: I have zero spiritual insight but I'm not in the slightest way traying say the spiritual components doesn't exist.

[rosered]

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

Obviously we have a very different view on things.
Quite often I read things on this forum that make the think: Is this guy really a Christian? He spends half his post ridiculing the Bible, explaining it away to promote his own views?

(Gen 3:3) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

So, you are questioning my Christianity, and I am ridiculing the Bible?  Not sure where you are getting that, but you are certainly entitled to your opinion.  I would love to know what makes you believe I am ridiculing the Bible?

That's simple to answer Shawn.
For me a verse has a both a carnal and spiritual component.
If someone says "I don't understand it" that fine with me . Nothing wrong with being honest about that.
But if some literal discussion is going on; for example about the meaning of a certain word and somebody start to promote a spiritaul application I have no problem with that. But if that same person starts to look down (right expression?) of the litearal stuff then my thoughts are that person is ridiculing the claiming it's inferior to his of spiritual take on that verse.

Note: I have zero spiritual insight but I'm not in the slightest way traying say the spiritual components doesn't exist.

I get that ................. I think you are more spiritual than you  let on WW  :icon_flower:

[shawn]

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

Obviously we have a very different view on things.
Quite often I read things on this forum that make the think: Is this guy really a Christian? He spends half his post ridiculing the Bible, explaining it away to promote his own views?

(Gen 3:3) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

So, you are questioning my Christianity, and I am ridiculing the Bible?  Not sure where you are getting that, but you are certainly entitled to your opinion.  I would love to know what makes you believe I am ridiculing the Bible?

That's simple to answer Shawn.
For me a verse has a both a carnal and spiritual component.
If someone says "I don't understand it" that fine with me . Nothing wrong with being honest about that.
But if some literal discussion is going on; for example about the meaning of a certain word and somebody start to promote a spiritaul application I have no problem with that. But if that same person starts to look down (right expression?) of the litearal stuff then my thoughts are that person is ridiculing the claiming it's inferior to his of spiritual take on that verse.

Note: I have zero spiritual insight but I'm not in the slightest way traying say the spiritual components doesn't exist.

Simple, yet you avoided the question.  Are you questioning my Christianity and are you saying I am "ridiculing" the Bible?

[WhiteWings]

What makes us a Christian, White wings ???   or more so a "good Christian " ?

A lot of things Rosey.
I guess part of the ultimate aim is to see a many spiritual levels.
It's just that I don't believe someone has trustworthy spiritual inside if s/he seems allmost scared of literal verses. As if they are infectious.
The written word is the Foundation of Christianity. Foundations are "ugly" but strong and useful. The spiritual house build on it is beautiful I guess.
Would you like to live in a beautiful house without a foundation? Wouldn't you be scared it falls down at the first breeze?

[WhiteWings]

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

Obviously we have a very different view on things.
Quite often I read things on this forum that make the think: Is this guy really a Christian? He spends half his post ridiculing the Bible, explaining it away to promote his own views?

(Gen 3:3) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

So, you are questioning my Christianity, and I am ridiculing the Bible?  Not sure where you are getting that, but you are certainly entitled to your opinion.  I would love to know what makes you believe I am ridiculing the Bible?

That's simple to answer Shawn.
For me a verse has a both a carnal and spiritual component.
If someone says "I don't understand it" that fine with me . Nothing wrong with being honest about that.
But if some literal discussion is going on; for example about the meaning of a certain word and somebody start to promote a spiritaul application I have no problem with that. But if that same person starts to look down (right expression?) of the litearal stuff then my thoughts are that person is ridiculing the claiming it's inferior to his of spiritual take on that verse.

Note: I have zero spiritual insight but I'm not in the slightest way traying say the spiritual components doesn't exist.

Simple, yet you avoided the question.  Are you questioning my Christianity and are you saying I am "ridiculing" the Bible?

I didn't avoid the question. I just gave extra background. But I'll give a direct answer.
When you made your very first post on this forum you were more Christian than today because you reject the written words more and more.
That's my  :2c:

[shawn]

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

Obviously we have a very different view on things.
Quite often I read things on this forum that make the think: Is this guy really a Christian? He spends half his post ridiculing the Bible, explaining it away to promote his own views?

(Gen 3:3) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

So, you are questioning my Christianity, and I am ridiculing the Bible?  Not sure where you are getting that, but you are certainly entitled to your opinion.  I would love to know what makes you believe I am ridiculing the Bible?

That's simple to answer Shawn.
For me a verse has a both a carnal and spiritual component.
If someone says "I don't understand it" that fine with me . Nothing wrong with being honest about that.
But if some literal discussion is going on; for example about the meaning of a certain word and somebody start to promote a spiritaul application I have no problem with that. But if that same person starts to look down (right expression?) of the litearal stuff then my thoughts are that person is ridiculing the claiming it's inferior to his of spiritual take on that verse.

Note: I have zero spiritual insight but I'm not in the slightest way traying say the spiritual components doesn't exist.

Of course there is a literal/natural element to the Bible.  The question is about the value of applying natural to the spiritual.  The value is that it brings death to many things within us.  When we try to work God out with our natural minds, and reason out the Bible with natural thinking it births something, and it destroys something.  It destroys us using our own minds and understanding as a god.  It destroys the idol of the mind.  It also births true faith.  It indeed has a purpose and a plan.  If you look at the Bible as just another literary work, and want to use reason to evaluate it...I highly encourage you to do so.  Faith starts somewhere.

But, what I ask is you not dump your own baggage onto me...issues you have with yourself and with another member here who will remain nameless.  That isn't my deal.  Your comments towards me were unwarranted.

[shawn]

PS-sometimes the word balance is merely us trying to ride the fence of the natural and the spiritual.  I don't want balance if it means using my natural mind to reason out God.

Obviously we have a very different view on things.
Quite often I read things on this forum that make the think: Is this guy really a Christian? He spends half his post ridiculing the Bible, explaining it away to promote his own views?

(Gen 3:3) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

So, you are questioning my Christianity, and I am ridiculing the Bible?  Not sure where you are getting that, but you are certainly entitled to your opinion.  I would love to know what makes you believe I am ridiculing the Bible?

That's simple to answer Shawn.
For me a verse has a both a carnal and spiritual component.
If someone says "I don't understand it" that fine with me . Nothing wrong with being honest about that.
But if some literal discussion is going on; for example about the meaning of a certain word and somebody start to promote a spiritaul application I have no problem with that. But if that same person starts to look down (right expression?) of the litearal stuff then my thoughts are that person is ridiculing the claiming it's inferior to his of spiritual take on that verse.

Note: I have zero spiritual insight but I'm not in the slightest way traying say the spiritual components doesn't exist.

Simple, yet you avoided the question.  Are you questioning my Christianity and are you saying I am "ridiculing" the Bible?

I didn't avoid the question. I just gave extra background. But I'll give a direct answer.
When you made your very first post on this forum you were more Christian than today because you reject the written words more and more.
That's my  :2c:

And like all opinions, I don't internalize them.  I have a confidence in my relationship in Christ.  But, if you define Christianity by using the natural mind to reason out God, then you are right I am less Christian now then when I came here.