Optional Scriptures

I think we can set aside the view that some of Paul's writings were not inspired. Every word was chosen by God. So the issue really is, are we supposed to apply these views as if God intended them as commands and instructions, rather than as an illustration, which may or may not have applicability to us in our culture.

As a minimalist, I try to discern what is the "least" God is telling us, and so to avoid neglecting His entire message.

God wants us to dress in a manner that nurtures a spiritual mindset, not in a worldly way that brings the lusts of the flesh to mind.

Study the passages where Paul indicates his preference, and see if you can boil it down to a timeless principle applicable to us today.

 

All of the Bible is inspired even all of Paul's words. Extremists liberals hat Paul's writings and continually work to minimize them.

 

I have seen catholics attack IIPeter as not scripture. And IIPeter never actually claims to be inspired I think it's scripture because Paul knew the sex of the voice of Balaam's ass. I cannot find Balaam mentioned in the Apocrypha, or any other tradition, so I have to assume there was no other way for Paul to know this.

To deny the inspiration of the Epistles is certainly not a part of any Baptist faith, and a church who teaches such could not possibly be considered by any serious Baptist to be one of us. Varied as we be.

 

On a side note about Balaam, I cannot read Numbers 22:33 without cracking up.

 

I erred typing "Paul" instead of "Peter". Too many P's.

 

God was speaking in and through the experiences and viewpoints of david unto us...