"These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the scripture daily to find out whether these things were so." Acts 17:11
It's been two weeks since the last post, and I apologize for that. My family and I were finally able to get away for some relaxation, and I didn't have the internet. It was actually quite wonderful. Although I did miss all of you. (Cue the obligatory "Awwwwe...")
As I've pointed out in previous posts, I have noticed a great deal of argument amongst believers over theology and the like. Not that it hasn't been happening consistently for the last 2000 years, since Christ's death and resurrection, but this seems different than the typical doctrinal banter that has existed almost as long as the church. Now let me be honest (I might have mentioned this before); I like to argue. A good old-fashioned debate is kind-of exciting to me, especially with regard to religion. And like every other human on the planet, I "know" I'm right. On theology, philosophy, or even good 'ole politics, I'm right and your wrong, unless you feel similar to me, and then I'm right and you're almost right. (I know that's not necessarily a good thing, but I am human, after all.)
I, like most people, get most of my theology from pastors and teachers that I trust. I do read my Bible, as all believers should, but it's pretty easy for my mind to link the scriptures that I read with what a good teacher has said. Since many of us trust different teachers, and those teachers probably differ a bit on interpretation of certain scripture, we end up with differing theology. This is the reason for the existence of multiple denominations of the church across the globe. I would argue (here I go again) that this blind faith in a trusted teacher or preacher is actually the wrong approach.
Don't get me wrong. It is very important to have teachers and preachers that you trust are consulting the Father and His Word to formulate a message or idea. After all, God does in fact call people to the pulpit to lead His Church. But how can you really know if a teacher has consulted the Bible? How can you know that the quoted scripture is true?
Go find out what God really has to say about it. We have the Word, in literally hundreds of English translations, and over 500 other languages around the world. You do have to be cautious of translation, especially in English, but that's a different discussion altogether. The point is, go find out for yourself. Even the leaders of the first church, the guys who penned most of the New Testament, said that the people of Berea had a better approach because they received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). They were saying, "Don't trust it just because we said it, go see what God says about it" (My paraphrase).
I, personally, have not found a single topic in my life that God's Word doesn't address in some way or another. He has given us all the answers. So my challenge to myself and all of you is to find out what God says. Listen to the teachers, listen to God's voice, but even when you're having trouble hearing Him, you have His Words right in front of you. It is our road map for the path through this life directly to Him. Don't blindly trust me in my ramblings. I'm a man, just trying to do the best by my God. God has given us His truth in our language. What does He say?
Father, thank You for Your Word. That I don't have to worry about false teachers or false doctrine, because instead of following blindly, You have given us the road map necessary to follow You. And help me to follow Your Words, that I will not become a false teacher and lead other's astray. I only desire to lead people straight to You. Praise You in Jesus' name, Amen.
It's been two weeks since the last post, and I apologize for that. My family and I were finally able to get away for some relaxation, and I didn't have the internet. It was actually quite wonderful. Although I did miss all of you. (Cue the obligatory "Awwwwe...")
As I've pointed out in previous posts, I have noticed a great deal of argument amongst believers over theology and the like. Not that it hasn't been happening consistently for the last 2000 years, since Christ's death and resurrection, but this seems different than the typical doctrinal banter that has existed almost as long as the church. Now let me be honest (I might have mentioned this before); I like to argue. A good old-fashioned debate is kind-of exciting to me, especially with regard to religion. And like every other human on the planet, I "know" I'm right. On theology, philosophy, or even good 'ole politics, I'm right and your wrong, unless you feel similar to me, and then I'm right and you're almost right. (I know that's not necessarily a good thing, but I am human, after all.)
I, like most people, get most of my theology from pastors and teachers that I trust. I do read my Bible, as all believers should, but it's pretty easy for my mind to link the scriptures that I read with what a good teacher has said. Since many of us trust different teachers, and those teachers probably differ a bit on interpretation of certain scripture, we end up with differing theology. This is the reason for the existence of multiple denominations of the church across the globe. I would argue (here I go again) that this blind faith in a trusted teacher or preacher is actually the wrong approach.
Don't get me wrong. It is very important to have teachers and preachers that you trust are consulting the Father and His Word to formulate a message or idea. After all, God does in fact call people to the pulpit to lead His Church. But how can you really know if a teacher has consulted the Bible? How can you know that the quoted scripture is true?
Go find out what God really has to say about it. We have the Word, in literally hundreds of English translations, and over 500 other languages around the world. You do have to be cautious of translation, especially in English, but that's a different discussion altogether. The point is, go find out for yourself. Even the leaders of the first church, the guys who penned most of the New Testament, said that the people of Berea had a better approach because they received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). They were saying, "Don't trust it just because we said it, go see what God says about it" (My paraphrase).
I, personally, have not found a single topic in my life that God's Word doesn't address in some way or another. He has given us all the answers. So my challenge to myself and all of you is to find out what God says. Listen to the teachers, listen to God's voice, but even when you're having trouble hearing Him, you have His Words right in front of you. It is our road map for the path through this life directly to Him. Don't blindly trust me in my ramblings. I'm a man, just trying to do the best by my God. God has given us His truth in our language. What does He say?
Father, thank You for Your Word. That I don't have to worry about false teachers or false doctrine, because instead of following blindly, You have given us the road map necessary to follow You. And help me to follow Your Words, that I will not become a false teacher and lead other's astray. I only desire to lead people straight to You. Praise You in Jesus' name, Amen.
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