With the abundance of study resources available to us today, a lot of people seem to think it’s enough to just read or listen to what others have to say about the Bible. Maybe they believe they are being diligent in their Bible studies when they read a lot of books and commentaries, listen to various preachers on the radio or on TV, or search the internet in search of truth. Naturally, they are very careful to only listen to “reputable” teachers who have done enough studying and research to know what they're talking about. Unfortunately, many of these “reputable” Bible scholars are leading people astray and don’t even realize it themselves. They really believe what they’re teaching so they can be very convincing.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." I John 4:1
People are always asking why there is so much disagreeing in the Christian faith and this is one of the reasons. All it takes is one person who thinks he has discovered a unique truth about God’s word, and it isn’t long before he’s out preaching about it. As more and more people hear this new “truth” and begin agreeing with it, it isn’t long before a new doctrine and another new denomination is born. There are so many different denominations and doctrines in the world today, it’s no wonder there is so much disagreeing among Christians. The Bible says “the gate is straight and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few there are that find it,” (Matthew 7:14) so naturally, each one wants to believe they are one of the few who have found it. Sadly, by following a person instead of God, they are going through “the wide gate and traveling the broad way, that leads to destruction.” (Matthew 7:13)
"Don't give heed to fables and commandments of men that turn from the truth." Titus 1:14
Although most people, who inadvertently end up following a person rather than God, are sincerely seeking the truth, there are others who latch onto a particular person’s doctrine mainly because what they preach sounds a lot more appealing than what the Bible actually says. They don’t want to hear anything that might convict them, so they look for preachers who say what they want to hear. It’s amazing how verses of the Bible can be sugar-coated to excuse sins that people don’t want to acknowledge. Today, there are as many doctrines and denominations as there is candy in a candy store, and people can just take their pick. It’s not hard to find one that fits any particular lifestyle.
"In the last days people will not endure sound doctrine, but following their own lusts will find many teachers...they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall turn to fables." II Timothy 4:3-4
The many interpretations of man are confusing, and are really only as good as whomever they might appeal to. If people are honest they will admit this is the primary reason why they choose certain denominations or doctrines over others, because it fits what they want to believe. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, gives the truth, whether it sounds appealing to us or not.
Paul said to the church at Corinth: "My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power, that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." II Corinthians 2:4-5
Having a thirst for knowledge is natural for Christians, and sometimes it can actually be helpful to hear someone else’s point of view, but this should only be done by someone who is mature in the Word and is capable of discerning truth from fable. There’s only one way to acquire this ability, and that’s to spend a lot of time in the scriptures, allowing the Holy Spirit to give the proper understanding. We must study to show ourselves approved, meaning it’s a personal endeavor to gain understanding so we can rightly divide the Word of Truth, and be better able to discern.
"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." II Timothy 2:15
As wonderful as it may seem to have the abundance of study resources we have available to us today, it makes sense to be cautious and go first to the most trusted source of truth. The Bible is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, because it was written by the inspiration of God.” (II Timothy 3:16)
"If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater." I John 5:9
Here's a thought....
ReplyDeleteIs it possible Gods' word was misinterprted/missused by people in the Old Testament?
He is said to have commanded nonforgiveness(1 Samuel 15:1-3),mass murder, stoning...even for...strange things like not crying out when raped 0.o{Deuteronomy 23:22-24},destruction, and He is said to be responsible for bears ripping apart children for calling Elisha bald.(2 Kings 2:23-24)
If the Apostles misunderstood Jesus when He was speaking to their face, is it possible that those guided by God, or The Holy Spirit might have misinterpreted/twisted his words?
Maybe the blood-thirsty 1st century men mixed or passed their own words with/as Gods'?
A common answer is God was only seen through a fearful societys's perspective, and Jesus corrected that perspective.
I know whatever God did was for the best,and I shouldn't question him, so I won't. :)
I didn't mean to come off sounding so opposing to Gods' Truth... :(
ReplyDeleteIt's just... I read all the bad stuff that He is written in the Bible to have commanded, and it hurts a bit.
God is loving,forgiving,merciful,and just.
He taught us to love each other,not to "punish" if we also have sinned before, and to be sympathetic.
The things I mentioned from the Old Testament don't sound "of God" to me.
I trust Him and His intentions, and I know what he does is always for the best, though it might not make sense to us humans.:)
By the way, I just the other day got what your corner banner was refering to!
~Goodnight~ ^.^
There's a lot of things God did in the Old Testament that seem to make Him look like an unloving and even cruel God at times. I understand completely how you feel, because it's hard for me to read those things myself.
ReplyDeleteBut, I don't believe anything in the Bible has been misrepresented, because that would mean #1 that it's not the true word of God, and #2 that God is not powerful enough to make sure what's in it is what He wants for man to know and learn for all time.
I've talked to many Christians who say things like, "This word was misinterpreted or that word is wrong...etc. etc." It doesn't matter. Even if a word was interpreted wrong here and there, (which I'm not saying it was) God's overall message to His children stands clear and true, regardless. People get too stuck on words sometimes, and so many times miss the whole meaning of what God wants them to learn.
As far as the horrible punishments He dished out, I know our understanding is not His understanding, and some things are just too high for us to understand. But, I trust Him enough not to question what He does because I know He has His reasons for everything, and I know He is fair and just.
What I do know is, things got so bad in the Old Testament days God finally turned His back on His people. He gave them chance after chance after chance, but they still turned on Him and went their own evil way. He warned them over and over, but they just wouldn't listen to Him. I'm sure it hurt Him immensely to finally have to draw the line, but He just cannot tolerate evil.
He continues to warn us to this day, but the world is once again ignoring Him and becoming evil, just as it did back then. (The Bible says in the last days it's going to be just like in the days of Noah.) In those days the world had become so evil God just couldn't let it go on any more. He was going to destroy the whole earth with a flood, but decided to give man yet another chance, because He does sincerely love us.
We just don't learn. The world is once again becoming more and more evil, like in the days of Noah, and He has still been giving us chance after chance. He has warned us time and time again, that there is going to be a time of terrible tribulation and punishment, even worse than the things you're talking about in the Old Testament, if we don't turn from our evil ways. Yet man still continues to ignore Him.
When I look at it all in this way, it's a little easier for me to understand why it seems He is cruel at times. But, what I really see is how incredibly patient He has been, throughout time, towards a world who rejects His love constantly. To me, that kind of patience shows a depth of love that none of us can ever even imagine. :o)