I hold the view that Christianity is a 'people oriented faith': as in, "Love thy neighbor as thyself" and "If you have done this to the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me". New Christians begin on 'the milk of the word', that is to say, baptism, confession, salvation, etc. At some point, the practising Christian is weaned from the milk and is fed on the meat of the word: as in, "Give them their meat in due season". I'm curious what your opinions are as to what the 'meat' is. If you have no opinion on that, then what, to you, is the most meaningful tenet of the Christian faith?
The most meaningful thing in Christianity is Jesus, or Lord and Savior who saved us from falling into hell. The meat is the central meaning, meaning love and thanksgiving. I think...
KJV Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. KJV Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
It probably refers to spiritual nourishment. Knowledge of God, something like that. Also, the word 'meat' in the Biblical context doesn't necessarily mean meat, but food in general.
Meat is the knowledge that you gain from the world. Biblical knowledge is milk from a God nipple- Jesus. You know how milk from a mom comes from meat already processed by the mom and prepared for a baby, although later the baby will be developed enough to eat meat? I know people who drink milk and eat meat. If a hot mom asked me if I wanted to suckle, I would for the sheer joy of it. As a child I was not into eating meat- I thought it was sorta gross- prefered other things. Nothing wrong with that, I grew up and now I love a good steak, hamburger, or whatever- I like to eat meat almost every day. Some people are lactose intolerant (I am a tiny bit, I can drink milk, but if I drink to much I will probably get gas), so they need an enzyme so they do not become uncomfortable from drinking milk.
Obviously it means vegatarians are going to hell. Just kidding. Hey mr.Herring, where exactly in the bible is that quote from?
mr.NaykidApe, that quote may be found in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, chapters 5 & 6. Jesus also says in Luke 12:42 "who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over His household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?" Thanks for asking.
basically, i think we are like onions. When we get saved, some things are gone instantly from our lives that would hinder our walk. But we're still a work in progress. So God just keeps peeling off the layers...
What a great idea for a thread, Daniel Herring! The most meaningful tenet of the Christian faith, I have to agree, is Christ Himself. The fact that He paid the price for me, and the fact that He left me great philosophies to live by has been a priceless gift in my life. As for the difference between milk and meat, I've always thought like this... Milk is given to children and babies, so the "milk" of the Word is what is given to the newly saved. It gives gentle nourishment and comfort... It's lessons of G-d's love for us, comfort in His strength. The book of John (exemplifying Christ's love), the book of Hebrews (proof of Christ as the promised Messiah) and the Genesis creation story (showing that even though we are flawed, G-d planned to make a way for us to be with Him)... After the new Christian has confidence and security that the "milk" has given to them, the "meat" of the Word is what gives them strength and endurance. The "meat" shows us how to live, how to lead, and how to win others for our cause. This is Exodus and Deuteronomy (for the origin of the Law, which Christ came to triumph over), Acts of the Apostles (for knowledge of how a Christian is supposed to act and witness), etc. Now this is just how I see it, I'm no authority... But it makes sense to me.
Okay, so maybe not 'ALL' of you. Why is an opinion only an onion? BTW, I just had onions on my burgers. Moonjava's scenario, though Shrek-like, made more sense.
For opposing all evil, of course, silly. For you must fight, be brave, against all evil... Never fall, nor even lag behind... If you would win for G-d and the right, Just keep on the firing line!!! O, I had another thought on the milk vs. meat idea. The reason we have to "ingest the meat of the Word" is so we get confidence and solid knowledge to adequtely talk with others about the L-rd. Essentially, if we just suckle the "milk" forever, we aren't challenging ourselves to fight the good fight, or "keep on the firing line". That is the Great Commission, after all - to win souls for Christ.
whereas meat is for grown ups...this is why Jesus spoke in Parables...some things were meant to be understood by everyone and some things were not...some people, as witnessed on this very board are not mature enough to handle the real 'heavy' stuff of prophecy...the meat of the Word of GOd is beyond faith and salvation...it's the rest of the mystery of God...ie: earth ages/aeons...dinosaurs...vehicles...dimensions...6th day creation of men and women vs. adam and eve...serpent seed/kenites etc...all of which are in the Word of God but not understood by the child/beginner who only know the 'milk' or faith and salvation that Jesus died on the cross and his shed blood covers sins upon repentence etc...a good portion of meat for anyone is to read the book of Enoch...though Enoch is left out of the cannonized bible, Enoch is quoted in Jude and Hebrews which are both included in the cannonized bible...it's my opinion that Enoch was left out because it gives too much knowledge and understanding to 'regular' folks which ultimately costs the churches control of minds and wallets...
Very insightful! You're the only other person I know who understands that parables, by their nature, are to be fully understood by only a few, and to be understood on many different levels, at that. Interesting view on Enoch as well. Good post.
Yeah, you've gotta fight against me though, and I am here to win souls for God, not that uppity Christ character. I'm willing to bet my side wins.
