by John S Foster

Created on: June 18, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

Is the Bible outdated and irrelevant?

The other day I had a spirited talk with a man who is generally an Atheist. The funny thing about him was that he knew nothing about the Bible or God, except what others had told him. He would argue about science and the proof that science produces in most cases, and this is mostly because this man has read up on these things, has studied it in school and has a general interest in it. Yet with no personal study or time taken to know the things of God, he wants to argue the non-existence of God. He would make statements like Why would God put an apple tree in the middle of a forest? or How do you make another man out of someone's rib? and check this one If Jesus didn't die from getting a whipping, how could he die from getting three holes poked in him? Wow! As Jesus said, Lord forgive them for they no not what they do.

I generally have nothing against this man, he has the right to believe what he wants, but as the conversation went on, he wanted me to explain some things to him and I tried to explain simple general things, that he generally blew off. I knew that because of his pessimism and general unbelief and obvious disrespect towards God, it was a waste of time.

No disrespect to anyone reading this but in Matthew 7 and 6 it says: Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.
And that is what this man was doing.
First, one has to believe in God. With out that there is no basis for a conversation. Moreover, if one has never picked up a Bible or read anything about God, how can one argue against Him?
There is nothing wrong with science. Most science proves the things of God. Even in mathematics, God is proven. They call it intelligent design.
Now finally to the question. Is the Bible irrelevant or outdated? Consider this passage from Hebrews 4 and 12, I could have used many others, but this one will do.
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
This passage concerns the Bible, or the Word of God, and is timeless. It is relevant for all times, all peoples and for all situations, you see, once we get past all the fake religious stuff, Historical stuff, scientific stuff, and self-righteousness. What God wants from us is a personal relationship. A one on one. Like best friends, real friends. Like Husband and Wife. Like Parent and child. In addition, God wants to bless us with all He can give. However, we must first seek Him. Unfortunately, this is what holds people up. We would rather live by our own righteousness instead of the greater power of God's righteousness, Who can do all things. I can go on and on with that part, but I will leave that for another time, unless of course you think it is irrelevant or outdated.

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