I do have a hard time comprehending the bible.... maybe thats why I'm a bit discouraged from reading it on my own...

"6The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

Can you explain this passage more clearly please?

I'd be happy to chat via pm about any questions or topics you have. The bible can indeed be intimidating to understand, especially if you're picking up some older translations the KJV to start. We can keep this thread for your original question.

edit: Heading to bed now though

This post was edited by Durance Of Love on May 8 2011 10:37pm

How would dating a non Christian pull the Christian away / delay the path that God intended he or she to be on? Wouldn't it be the decision of God anyways?

Does God not decide everything?

No, God does not decide our decisions for us. We all were given free-will. God may already know what decisions we are going to make, but that doesn't mean he has made them for us. Much the same as a parent can often predict the behavior of their children, it doesn't mean the children didn't have a choice to make that decision.

My understanding of your question is that being unequally yoked with an unbeliever in a relationship is dangerous, because naturally in a relationship two people are becoming one. It's really easy for one to lead the other down the wrong path, either intentionally or not. The Old Testament has many examples of this, and I think part of why this statement was made was because of many of the OT mandates to not inter-marry with the other nations that did not believe in God (which of course, was often not listened to, much the same as the other directives issues). My understanding is that this would be just another form of sin or possibly an iniquity, and more of "good advice" rather than a commandment.

All of this is even more important if the relationship gets more serious towards marriage or having children.

At the end of the day, Durance Of Love gave you a lot of good ideas on how you can further pursue the relationship with your ex-girlfriend further, if you're interested in making it work out. As I think was already stated on this topic, being a Christian isn't a weekend event, it's a life-long journey and process. Everybody travels at different speeds, so you can't really compare two people in that regard, as we all have our own issues that we're working on and struggling with continually, each day.

I am definitely interested in making it work out, that is why I am seeking more understanding of the bible. I know everybody goes at their own pace. However I feel that I am going at a very slow pace... I know I am really interested into learning more about it, but I think the difficulty of comprehending God's words is a bit discouraging...
Makes me feel inadequate?

Definitely try and get involved in some stuff with your church, such as any bible studies or things like that. Also, a good first goal is simply reading the bible in it's entirety with some sort of study plan. There are many of them out there, geared for different time completion periods (such as within a year, etc)

You're more than welcome to ask questions here, of course, but if you really want to get involved, you have to get involved! Reading and understanding the bible is only part of it, living and applying it to your life is another big part. Like it has been stated here before, these things are a life-long process.

Wise words.

I would like to.. but its really intimidating going into a bible study or anything like that as somebody that knows barely anything... Especially joining it alone. I'd like to gain knowledge amongst people or a place where I am comfortable...

You can try some online study guides. Group studies will be your best choice, and generally speaking you can just show up and (introduce yourself..) listen, without really having to talk or contribute until you feel comfortable. You may have questions, and if you don't want to ask someone there, you can always write them down, and come home and ask them here instead.

Perhaps this is one of the issues your ex- had, she wants you to be confident in yourself with Christianity, and not feel intimidated. This might help you shed some light on an area you can focus on and work at. Ultimately, until you have a more in-depth conversation with her, we are only speculating of course, but either way, if this is something you truly want, then keep moving forward!

Can you suggest any online study guides? When you talk about group studies, I'm thinking of fellowship... Unless I'm mistaken.

Over the summer I signed up to join a Christian softball league where I hope I can learn more. After every game there is a devo. Hopefully that'll be a good start??
Suggestions / advice / comments?