The
logos vrs
rhema word debate has been going on a long time I have my opinion and others have their's and in the end we will probably all find that none of us were completely right. So my opinion is not worth anything more than anyone else's and if I have projected that I will repent and apologize.
Logos and
rhema are very similar Greek words with similar meanings. Context is very important along with grammatical structure in the interpretation process. Both words have been used to express God's Word, God's word(s) and the scriptures. Strong's Greek dictionary gives us a short and basic definition of each word while some others like the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Thayer's Greek- English Lexicon give a more specific and lengthier definition. While there are some, maybe even here at TJ who can speak and understand Koine Greek, Jiggyfly is not one of them, so I am dependent to some extent on those who do.
But I like things simple, so I usually employ some very simple things to help me interpret scriptures.
1) Does it fit with Father's character if it does not then I am misinterpreting it. I mainly use Corinthians 13:4-8 and my own experiences with Father in this process.
2) Father's will and plan, which a brief summation is found in Colossians 1:18-20, 3:11, Philippians 2:6-10.
3) Confirmation from HolySpirit.
With all that said the thing I should have posted in my last post was addressing your statement here.
The Bible isn’t just an instruction manual or a list of rules to follow. It lives and works its life into us. It has hidden and mysterious power to change our life. This book has wrestled with me; this book has slapped me around. This book has comforted me; this book has overwhelmed my heart with the joy of heaven itself. This book has healed me; this book has wounded me. This book has smiled on me; this book has frowned on me. This book has wept with me, and it has sung joyfully with me; it shouts to me, whispers to me, and preaches to me. The idea that a preacher lends life to God’s Word is wrong; the only thing a preacher has to give to the word is a voice. Like a seed, the word of God has a hidden and mysterious power.
In reality if scripture could do all that you have said it does to you then Jesus died in vain. Jesus is the Living Word of God not the bible and it is very dangerous, spiritually, to give way to this idea. The scriptures record a very similar account of some people who shared this same idea.
John 5:31-47
31 “If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. 32 But someone else is also testifying about me, and I can assure you that everything he says about me is true. 33 In fact, you sent messengers to listen to John the Baptist, and he preached the truth. 34 But the best testimony about me is not from a man, though I have reminded you about John’s testimony so you might be saved. 35 John shone brightly for a while, and you benefited and rejoiced. 36 But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. They have been assigned to me by the Father, and they testify that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father himself has also testified about me. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, 38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you.
39 “You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me so that I can give you this eternal life.
41 “Your approval or disapproval means nothing to me, 42 because I know you don’t have God’s love within you. 43 For I have come to you representing my Father, and you refuse to welcome me, even though you readily accept others who represent only themselves. 44 No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from God alone.
45 “Yet it is not I who will accuse you of this before the Father. Moses will accuse you! Yes, Moses, on whom you set your hopes. 46 But if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me because he wrote about me. 47 And since you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?
