Mr. Harris

I'd like to start a trend here, of maybe someone posting their favorite verses and then possibly sharing what they think of those verses with the rest of us.

I believe that this sharing is one of the most important parts of the christian faith, not to have someone stand before you and translate for you, but for you to stand (or sit as the case may be) with your brothers and sisters and compare thoughts and speak about what you think of what you have read. In my heart that is the true spirit of the church, it has nothing to do with a building, or a place, but in exactly what I've talked about.

So please, share your favorite group of versus and share with us what you think. If you want to discuss what someone things about a verse, feel free to post and share what you think of the verse as well.

The point here isn't to come up with the most popular interpretation, but to see things from all points of view if possible, or to gain an aspect of approaching or thinking about a thing that does not come naturally to you when you read it.

I'll start, with the next reply.

Mr. Harris

Mr. Harris

Ecclesiastes 5:18, 5:19, 5:20

5:18-Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

5:19-Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of god.

5:20-For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

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While Ecclesiastes is generally considered the story of King Solomon's life as he looks back on how he lived it, this part of the verse stands out to me most of all.

To me, God is saying that it is alright to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and he wants you to eat and drink and be happy for the things you have earned. More importantly it is reminding you that while doing these things, it is most important to not forget the source of all your successes, and that the successes in this life are swift and fleeting, and it would be shortsighted indeed to mistake them or abuse them and endanger the eternal goal.

Mr. Harris

Londie

I have tons of favorite verses, but I'll start with one that has been a great help to me many times, especially as of late.

Phillippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."


Pretty much self explanatory me thinks.

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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

LFJC

I've always been fond of ther verses that contatain:

"Judge not lest ye be judged"

And

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

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"Fossils came to exist during the flood. So did oil and all that. Dinosaurs lived with man, and were called dragons until the 1800s" <--Fanatical Theory ,2008

Mr. Harris

I think there's more to that one than what you posted, no paraphrasing verses, post the whole thing.



Mr. Harris

Londie

Matthew 7:1

"Judge not, that ye be not judged."

One of the most used and also, ironically, one of most misinterpreted/misused versed in the Bible.


Webster’s Dictionary says to judge means "to discern, to distinguish, to form an opinion, to compare facts or ideas, and perceive their agreement or disagreement, and thus to distinguish truth from falsehood." so in essence saying something good about someone like Londie is a good person is judging just like if someone would say LFJC is a liar and a bad person.

IMO the verse is thrown around too loosely. Honestly, if no one judged anyone else - can you imagine the kind of world we'd live in? Personally, if I see someone doing something sinful/immoral/etc. no, I'm not going to think very highly of them until they admit their mistakes and strive to improve, not repeat them.

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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Ultimaomega

Essentially, that verse is talking about judging in the sense of saying someone is going to Hell for doing something. For example, say I steal something. If I were to be told that I would go to Hell for doing that, that would be someone judging me, because they do not know what God may do in my life later, or what He's done already.

EaglesWings

Excellent statement regarding Matthew 7:1, UltimaOmega. I would also like to add verse 7:2 to the discussion, since the #1 rule of Bible interpretation is context.

This passage at the start of Matthew 7 is specifically dealing with hypocrisy, in this case, applying double standards. If you read the rest of Matthew 7, you will see that there are two statements that would require some kind of value judgment (7:6, pearls before swine, and 7:16-17, by their fruit you will recognize them).


Now, for my favorite Bible verse:

Isaiah 40:31

This verse has been great encouragement to me when I'm feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, because it reminds me that when I'm in line with God's will and relying on His power, He will give me what I need to accomplish what is needful.

Eric

Agreed, and very nice comment.

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Ultimaomega

Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favourites, as well. I have a picture with it on my dorm room desk.