<blockquote><b>Quoting Lady GooGoo™:</b>" I see what you're saying, but I also don't believe it would be in there if it wasn't meant to be. Everything happens for a reason. If it wasn't supposed to be In there... it wouldn't be."</blockquote>



I believe that God secured the integrity of the Bible. If He didn't, it would all just be a guessing game. I take the, "if you can't trust some of it, you can't trust ANY of it", mindset.

Quoting ~Julie Blue Eyes~:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Lady GooGoo™:</b>" I see what you're saying, but I also ... [snip!] ... didn't, it would all just be a guessing game. I take the, "if you can't trust some of it, you can't trust ANY of it", mindset."

Which is why I am in a quandary and rely mostly on my personal experiences and have asked God to show me directly.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Fat-and-Happy:</b>" Are human beings not capable of disregarding God's wishes? I think that it is perfectly plausible that ... [snip!] ... in there to test my faith and that if I was truly his I wouldn't see those discrepancies. I don't accept that explanation."</blockquote>



True, there are different perceptions within the Bible itself, however, no different than a trial is held and multiple witnesses are called to testify, small details are changed/added to/taken away from.

I don't feel that these types of discrepancies negate the SALVATION MESSAGE of the Bible in any way. If a three witnesses in a trial said, verbatim, exactly the same thing, you would think they had been coached beforehand. You would think they were in cahoots, in order to either defend or bury the person on trial. The human element is vital in that it makes sense that one person won't remember things exactly the way another person will. Still, the story is basically the same.

I love the human element of the Bible. It makes it even more believable, to me. It eliminates me wondering if it was "scripted".

Quoting Lady GooGoo™:" As I've said before, I don't know everything, obviously. As far as things being one way in one chapter ... [snip!] ... what I feel God wants me to do and walk in the truth as best as I know how for now. It's not going to shake my faith. "

I know what you are saying and I completely understand. I personally came to a point where I could not suppress those questions because I had to filter through the things I had learned from certain leaders of a church and determine what was real and what wasn't. I'm not questioning the sovereignty of God, just the fallibility of man.  

<blockquote><b>Quoting ~Julie Blue Eyes~:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting Fat-and-Happy:</b>" Are human beings not capable of disregarding ... [snip!] ... the human element of the Bible. It makes it even more believable, to me. It eliminates me wondering if it was "scripted"."</blockquote>




Yes!!!
It's 3 different perspectives.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Fat-and-Happy:</b>" Which is why I am in a quandary and rely mostly on my personal experiences and have asked God to show me directly."</blockquote>



For what it is worth, I believe that He will. You seem like a sweet, sincerely seeking woman and God PROMISES that if you seek, you WILL find what you are seeking.

I sincerely wish you well. You have a sweet spirit about you.

Quoting Fat-and-Happy:" I know what you are saying and I completely understand. I personally came to a point where I could not ... [snip!] ... church and determine what was real and what wasn't. I'm not questioning the sovereignty of God, just the fallibility of man.  "

This.

I do believe this is the most civil debate I've ever participated in, lol. I've really enjoyed this and everyone in here.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Lady GooGoo™:</b>" I do believe this is the most civil debate I've ever participated in, lol. I've really enjoyed this and everyone in here."</blockquote>



Ditto. I was just thinking the same thing. The other ladies involved in the debate are overall, very nice people.

Quoting ~Julie Blue Eyes~:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Fat-and-Happy:</b>" Which is why I am in a quandary and rely ... [snip!] ... PROMISES that if you seek, you WILL find what you are seeking. I sincerely wish you well. You have a sweet spirit about you."

Thank you  

I apologize to any who may be LGTBQ, but I would not. The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod does not condone same-sex marriage or parenting.

Quoting Lady GooGoo™:" I do believe this is the most civil debate I've ever participated in, lol. I've really enjoyed this and everyone in here."

For me, personally, I always try to look at the world through the eyes of the person who I am having a discussion with. That way I can understand the viewpoint even if I don't agree with it.  

Quoting jellybean93:" I apologize to any who may be LGTBQ, but I would not. The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod does not condone same-sex marriage or parenting."

Would you consider any religious couple that did not share you exact views? Just curious.

To adopt my child, I'd be looking for a married, committed, loving, healthy,devoted man and woman with good to great resources.

Quoting Fat-and-Happy:" Would you consider any religious couple that did not share you exact views? Just curious."

No. I mean, I want any child that I give birth to to be a LCMS Lutheran. It's really important to me.