@Michael Mishkin I agree. and many leaders have pressured people to give out of guilt, twisting the scriptures and/or promises of blessing... this has led to many being hurt and disillusioned with the faith.
I am not suggesting that the Ethiopian Bible should be considered scripture, but it definitely can be historically valuable, and I would love to hear each of your inputs on this video: https://youtu.be/L1cbNZ4pS8c?si=ED9-8PvmLzZKrHK3
Jesus was more than a good moral teacher; He pointed to himself as the source of spiritual nourishment. Q: Could a mere human teacher make such statements about himself? Check out the other "I Am" statements of Jesus in John's gospel: 8:12, 8:58, 915, 10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 13:13, 15:1, 18:37 He does not give us the option of simply admiring Him; you must conclude that either He is mad or He is Lord!
Here's an example of a seeker who humbly puts God first, thus finding Him and finding great joy. Q. What are some principles of seeking God that you see here? Take note that the Ethiopian Eunuch was: a busy man, a man who needed a disciples help to seek God, a man who used the bible as his guide to finding God, a man who was eager to be baptized. Q. Are you willing to seek God by studying the Bible with me (through these posts) and on your own?
Probably not a coincidence, but I just got done recording a podcast on Acts 8. You are asking great questions, Jamie. It's amazing to think of the balance between God's sovereignty and his humility in allowing us to partner with Him in advancing the Kingdom.
Finding God is like finding a great treasure or a valuable pearl. Q: Is it a joy for you to sacrifice everything in exchange for God's grace? Q: Do you feel like really understand and believe the trade off?