Disciples Project Bible Studies

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THE CONTRADICTIONS OF PAUL

Part 2

With Responses to Arguments

As stated in part 1 of the Contradictions of Paul; in 2010 my eyes were opened regarding Paul, the supposed “apostle to the Gentiles.” At that time, I began to see how Paul’s words do not agree with the teachings of Jesus Christ. And the revelations did not stop there. Now, it is clear to me that the teachings of Paul are responsible for the vast majority of variances in the Christian religious system.

I must admit, since there are excellent websites that address the various discrepancies and contradictions in Paul’s writings; I put part 2 of the Contradictions of Paul on the backburner. However, after being lambasted for my position on Paul and presented with a list of judgments why my views on Paul are from the enemy, who has turned me from the truth; I now believe it is important, and hopefully beneficial, that I respond to their arguments.

In addition, this study will also include a few additional contradictions. However, this doesn’t come close to being an exhaustive list.

If you have not read The Contradictions of Paul - Part 1, the study addresses the following:

Paul and Obvious Discrepancies on His Damascus Road Experience

Was Paul chosen, by Christ, to be His Apostle?

Did Paul proclaim the same gospel as Christ?

Paul and the Cross

Paul and Circumcision

Paul’s teachings on things sacrificed to idols.

Before you begin Part 2, please pray and ask the Lord to guide you and reveal His truth to you. It might also be helpful if you grab your favorite Bible translation and compare what is written in your own Bible against what is presented here.

Finally, as I present The Contradictions of Paul - Part 2, I ask that you consider (without prejudice, preconceived opinions, or what you’ve been taught over the years) the following:

Could the contradictory passages in Paul’s epistles be a result of

Individuals taking verses out of context?
Paul’s writing style causing many to misconstrue his words?
Biblical translation errors (words added or deleted)?
Paul dismissing the teachings of the chosen Apostles of Christ?
Paul relying on his pharisaical knowledge to make up for his lack of knowledge concerning Christ?
Paul being deceived by a false Jesus (Satan, the prince of the power of the air) resulting in unreliable teachings?
Paul willfully or knowingly being deceptive?

It’s worth considering that if just one of the above seven is true, an individual who is earnestly seeking to follow Christ, by way of Paul, may end up on the wrong path.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. ¹⁴Becausenarrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14, NKJV)

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‘COME, FOLLOW ME’

In American, and I will venture to say in other cultures as well, there are souls who attend church to seek the Lord, to search for truth and find their purpose. On the other hand, there are those who go to church just to get out of the house; some who “joined the church” for the music or the sermons, some for fellowship, and others to look for a spouse or casual relationship. Still others because they were told it’s the right thing to do.

Of course there are also some “church members,” who having proved faithful to “church leadership” – by supporting the church in tithes and offerings, and working tirelessly in various “church ministries” – are elevated to coveted positions like deacon, elder, or a seat on the board of trustees. Others continue to forge ahead as Sunday school teachers, ushers, or singers in the church choir.

There are families who have attended the same church, week after week, for multiple generations. They have been sitting in the same pews for years and everyone knows them. In contrast, there are the Easter/Christmas church goers - that’s the only time they attend. There are also those whose morals and ethics match lockstep with our society’s decaying values – however they faithfully attend church services.

There are folks who turn to the church for refuge and others who found they need refuge from the church. The latter group leaves, crushed and dismayed, and are often soon forgotten.

There are individuals whose only affiliation with a church was on the day they were “christened” as an infant or baptized as a young child. There are also those who came up during altar call, “joined the church” and were never heard from again. Still others who have never set foot in a church but have said the sinner’s prayer or asked Jesus into their hearts. Many of them have never opened a Bible and really have no desire to do so.

Oh, and let us not forget the multitude of church leaders who range from those who sincerely believe they have been called to their vocation to those who are just in it for the money.

Chances are, some of the above mentioned individuals may not really believe in the God of the Holy Bible, but they hedge their bet just in case He exists and the Holy Bible proves to be true - especially the scary stuff like the lake of fire.

By ever changing church standards, all of the above are considered “Christians” – but are they? From the above descriptions, can we easily define what it means to be a “Christian”? Can we honestly conclude that someone is a “Christian” based on church titles, positions, contributions and attendance? If not, what standard should we use?

I believe there are extremely troubling and perilous days ahead for those in western cultures who say they are “Christians.” Many Middle Eastern followers of Christ have already laid down their lives for their beliefs. And now in the United States of America – the land of the free and the home of the brave – persecution against Christians is starting to intensify. If we are to stand as Christians, in this hour, it is important that we understand what it truly means to be a Christian. Of course, there are some who do. However, it is important for each of us to prayerfully and honestly gauge our allegiance and commitment to our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ based on the standard proclaimed in the Word of God and by the Word of God – the Holy Bible and Jesus Christ. Everything, and everyone else, may prove to be sinking sand.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE

I suspect that in many congregations today the word "repent" is seldom heard. I also suspect that in these congregations vital Biblical instructions have been rendered void. Chances are, denominational ethics have supplanted them. I suppose many have concluded that it does not take all that to be "saved". After all, God loves us. He sent Jesus to save us from our sins. Now we are free to do pretty much as we please. After all, all we need is a sinner's prayer; a march down to the front of the church during altar call or maybe just an ask Jesus into your heart, find a good church home to attend and then you are good to go. Sound about right?

However, just saying you believe in Jesus is not some magic pill that will get you an automatic ticket to heaven. Do we honestly think our Holy God wants a horde of disobedient, have it our way “Christians” trashing and defiling His kingdom? Do we really think this type of individual could live in the presence of our Holy God who is said to be a “consuming fire (Exodus 24:17; Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29)?

Yes, in this day of supposed enlightenment, there are still congregational leaders that preach holiness and adherence to the Word of God. However, when it comes to the congregants and a few of these same leaders; morality is faltering and many are falling away from the faith once delivered.

What in the world is going on!

Do you suppose it is one thing to put on our church face and attend services every week and quite another to obey the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, even if they wanted to, many claim it’s just too hard. In fact, it’s just not doable. “After all,” I have heard many say, “God knows I’m not perfect.” Therefore, it seems only reasonable that we hold to the claim that Jesus did it all for us. This way we are free and clear of all liability. However, it is written that Jesus said the following:

Matthew 5:43-48

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectorsdo so? ⁴⁸Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Why would Jesus instruct us to be “perfect” if it is impossible for us to do so?

Have we overlooked something? Are there Biblical instructions that will truly result in a new you? Instructions, that if adhered to, will transform you into one who “wills to do His will” (John 7:16-17)? Moreover, if Christ and His apostles did leave us important instructions, would you be willing to follow them – if you have not already done so?

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IS JESUS CHRIST GOD

It is my opinion that one of the most conflicting Christian creeds involves the deity of Jesus Christ. Some denominations teach Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Others teach that Jesus Christ is the one and only God. Still others seem to teach a little bit of both. I have even heard Jesus referred to as an “avatar.”

There are also those, like the Muslims, who believe God could not possibly have a son. In their opinion, Jesus Christ was simply a good man who is accepted as a prophet and teacher.

So, what does the Bible have to say on this extremely important subject?

This study will attempt to address the following questions:

1. Is Jesus Christ God?

2. Did Jesus claim to be the Most High God?

3. Is Jesus the Son of God?

4. What did Jesus mean by “I and My Father are one?”

5. Is Jesus both the Father and the Son?

For those of us who are searching for answers, this study is only a beginning. It is far from exhaustive. Without a doubt, there is much more awaiting the individual who is willing to pray, study and wait on the Lord for answers.

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