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I was reading my Bible, and I ran across a verse that troubled me particularly, because it seemed to be a contradiction: Mat 24:34 ~ "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." (NIV) For a little context, this verse comes immediately after Jesus describes the end times. This obviously bothers me, because, well, I'm pretty sure everyone who was alive 2000 years ago is dead, and I have heard no mention of Jesus' second coming. So what is this verse really saying?

I read this article in an attempt to find a satisfying answer to that question, and the best answers I found are ones that assume mistranslations, which doesn't quite satisfy me. So what do you think?

But more importantly, I think this disturbance is just an instance of a larger faith problem that I've been trying to deal with lately, which I'm just now realizing probably merits this thread a position in the prayer forum. See, I've been reading through Matthew, and I've been coming across a lot of verses like 17:20 and 21:21 that say pretty much the same thing: with just a little faith, you can do anything. Well, this leads me to believe that I have absolutely no faith. I doubt absolutely everything, even things like Jesus' resurrection which are vital to the whole Christian belief system. I mean, everything I have to hold onto comes from stories in an old book. Why can't I just read the Bible and say, "Yes! I believe that!" What am I missing? And the thing is, it's a downward spiral. I mean, when I ask for something and don't get it, it weakens my faith even more. I've been praying a lot about this lately, but I haven't received a lot of comfort, or faith, or love. Meanwhile, I'm becoming more and more disconnected from my church, and more and more concerned with earthly matters.

So, I'm looking for some prayer. God knows I don't expect it to do much good, because it never seems to, but I sure hope this reaches someone with faith stronger than mine who can help me. Anyway, It's late, and I'm tired, and I'm going to bed now. Thanks for your input/prayer/interest.

Ah, yes, that verse.  It's one of those verses I had (and still have) trouble with.  Also look at Mark 13 and Luke 21.  I've spoken with pastors and elders on this, and some who look to the original Greek, and I've gotten different answers.  I like the explanation just given by the Prof, but I've also had it explained that the part that was to happen was the destruction of Jerusalem, and that happened in 70 (this works especially with Luke 21).

In the end though, this is one of those cases that I think will continue to puzzle us.  Have you read Revelation?  Fascinating book, but not even close to the 'interpretations'.  I like to believe some of them, but you know what?  No one knows.

And I think that's fine, because if we knew everything, that would make us God.  Remember how the serpent tempted Eve, by saying that she would know everything and be as God if she ate the fruit?  I think that God was intentionally vague or confusing, and it has a purpose.  Remember that he makes the wisdom of the world foolish, and makes the wise look silly.  I certainly wouldn't have any problem believing if I was given an easy to read roadmap for the future and I saw the events occur.  If I cannot doubt, then my faith would be meaningless.  But that's just my take.

For your crisis of faith, God allows us to go through those, and He'll give you an opening to come out better for it.  Pray and find something you can do to 'recharge' and find the truth you're looking for.  I've been feeling a call to go back and be a counselor for a youth camp, and that's where I've seen the work of the Holy Spirit with my own eyes.  There will be an opportunity given to you to find the truth and come out stronger.

Having doubts about your faith is a good thing. It means your faith really matters to you.

When you really start to read the Bible and think about your faith, you will find conflicts and inconsistencies. In my opinion, you need to accept these things as inconsistencies and conflicts without resolution before you can have authentic faith. If you try to make it "fit" when it really doesn't, you're not having "faith," you're just being naive.

Spoiler (hover to show)

No Santa Claus doesn't kill the spirit of Christmas.

In Romans, the Bible tells us one way to gain faith: Hearing the Word of God - specifically the Good News about Christ.  Do you spend any amount of time listening to the radio?  Talk radio, secular music stations, even Christian music stations?  If so, I recommend replacing most of that time with listening to the New Testament on CD or other audio device.  If you can, listen to it daily.  Feed your faith as often as you feed your face.    It will probably do the job.  I'm praying that whatever steps you take, your faith will grow.

Actually, I spend very little time listening to anything, and the sound on my computer doesn't work right now, and I don't have an iPod or a CD player or any Bible CD's, so I'm not sure how I could get that going. Even if I could, I think I have a pretty good idea what my reaction would be: "I've heard all this before." I read my Bible every night and listen to sermons just about every week, but it's been a very long time since I've actually learned anything new, or even re-heard anything that really changed the way I live. I'll think about this some more, though.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and input, and especially prayer. I'm going to take some time to mull over all this.

If you want to talk, send me a PM and we can get coffee sometime.

I always compare two things: the direction my life and emotional state is going when I am and am not living as though everything in the Bible were true. For this reason, you could convince me beyond a shadow of a doubt that one merely ceases to exist upon death and I wouldn't change my lifestyle. Whether or not it's true, it's better. It helps that it also happens to be true.

God is ok with honest doubt, so ask him what it means.  I also think the Word makes more sense with the Holy Sprit, remember you don't bring the fire to the Word the Word brings the fire to you.