One only has to visit a local Christian bookstore or go on line to see the myriad of spirituality that is available. To think that all books or authors are the same is naive. Just because it is part of the merchandise doesn't mean that is biblically sound.
There is no substitute for taking time to immerse one's self into God's Word. In Psalm 119:11, we read, "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee." God's Word not man's words. I do appreciate the many resources we have to assist us in growing in our relationship with Christ. However, THERE IS NO SHORT CUTS, NO CLIFF NOTES FOR ACTUALLY READING AND APPLYING GOD'S WORD INTO OUR HEARTS AND MINDS. Oh yes, that does include our MINDS.
Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2, "I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." We're to renew our minds, not remove our minds.
A challenge I give to myself as well as to each of you is, am I spending time studying the Bible precept upon precept, line upon line or am I opting for the pop Christian bestseller or reading books about the Bible? There is a huge difference. God's Word must have priority over and above secondary sources and resources which could possibly take away or diminish His Word. Please understand. I am not opposed to commentaries or books that compliment biblical teaching. I enjoy excellent books that challenge me to draw closer to Christ. The key is where do you and I go first?
In the Amplified Bible, we read this from 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no case to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth." It does not read, trying to lessen the meaning of the Bible to make it more palatable for today's seeker-sensitive culture." No indeed.
Let's read further in 2 Timothy in chapter 3, verses 14-17 from the Amplified Bible as well.
- 12 Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].
- 13 But wicked men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and leading astray others and being deceived and led astray themselves.
- 14 But as for you, continue to hold to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced, knowing from whom you learned [them],
- 15 And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].
- 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),
- 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In today's culture, there is a trend even in evangelical churches to lessen what the Bible actually teaches. Some are even trying to rewrite Paul's writings as well. We are to come to God's Word without our presuppositions and agenda and allow it to correct us. When we try to add or subtract, we have heresy, false teaching and deception. Not any of us are immune from that reality. Culture has changed, but Christ does not!
Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages.) Hebrews 13:8.
At the close of the book of the Revelation, we reading these sobering words in chapter 22, verses 14-21:
- 14 Blessed (happy and to be envied) are those who cleanse their garments, that they may have the authority and right to [approach] the tree of life and to enter through the gates into the city. [Ge 2:9; 3:22,24.]
- 15[But] without are the dogs and those who practice sorceries (magic arts) and impurity [the lewd, adulterers] and the murderers and idolaters and everyone who loves and deals in falsehood (untruth, error, deception, cheating).
- 16 I, Jesus, have sent My messenger (angel) to you to witness and to give you assurance of these things for the churches (assemblies). I am the Root (the Source) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and brilliant Morning Star. [Isa 11:1,10.]
- 17 The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, the true Christians) say, Come! And let him who is listening say, Come! And let everyone come who is thirsty [who is painfully conscious of his need of those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, and strengthened]; and whoever [earnestly] desires to do it, let him come, take, appropriate, and drink the water of Life without cost. [Isa 55:1.]
- 18 I [personally solemnly] warn everyone who listens to the statements of the prophecy [the predictions and the consolations and admonitions pertaining to them] in this book: If anyone shall add anything to them, God will add and lay upon him the plagues (the afflictions and the calamities) that are recorded and described in this book.
- 19 And if anyone cancels or takes away from the statements of the book of this prophecy [these predictions relating to Christ's kingdom and its speedy triumph, together with the consolations and admonitions or warnings pertaining to them], God will cancel and take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the city of holiness (purity and hallowedness), which are described and promised in this book.
- 20 He Who gives this warning and affirms and testifies to these things says, Yes (it is true). [Surely] I am coming quickly (swiftly, speedily). Amen (so let it be)! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!
- 21 The grace (blessing and favor) of the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with all the saints (God's holy people, those set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively His). Amen (so let it be)!
I choose to stand upon the Solid Rock Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior in His truth, not man's interpretation or a remix of the TRUTH. The role of the Holy Spirit in my life and yours is to interpret God's truth in us and to us. (1 Corinthians 2:13)
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