dcc7252 wrote:I was an engineer before salvation and I still think like an engineer to this day (25 years later). I think a problem I have been having is trying to work out my salvation my way and not God's. But how do you do that? I am very black & white. Logic rules! How can I learn and understand and grow closer to God the only way I know? As an engineer, I have worked with technical manuals when troubleshooting. And even the manuals will typically give other suggestions if the first one doesn't fix the problem. Either way it's pretty black & white and it typically makes sense. But growing in my faith is a challenge like no other that I've faced. HELP!!
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
rightly dividing G3718 orqotomew orthotomeo or-thot-om-eh'-o
from a compound of orqoV - orthos 3717 and the base of tomwteroV - tomoteros 5114, to make a straight cut, i.e. (figuratively)
to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message):--rightly divide. Strongs
How does one rightly divide/dissect the word? You keep subject, Object, and 4 W's as in Why, when, where, who .
2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
shun vain/empty babblings of Men and listen to what GOD says.
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Test things out, does it line up with what the WORD says?
It also helps to have a good "study bible." Or just use a plain King James so you then can take the scriptures back to the original languges using a Strongs Exhaustive Concordance.
This one is a good online one.
http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebibl ... index2.htm
You are saved by believing on HIM.
Jhn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
believeth 4100 pisteuw pisteuo pist-yoo'-o
from pistiV - pistis 4102;
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.
And how does one believe ie get faith? Rom 10:17 So then
faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.