DOES GOD MEAN WHAT HE SAYS!

The Authority of Scripture
Many in the church today question or debate the authority of Scripture. They offer the fact that there are so many and varied interpretations as proof that the Bible does not speak clearly and is therefore not reliable as a guide to life or standard to follow!

Rather than "proving" that the Bible is not clear, it exposes the flaws of those who interpret it!

Understanding the Bible has more to do with the heart of the interpreter than with his or her intelligence! Often the simplest among us correctly interpret the Bible while the gifted and highly intelligent misinterpret it!

At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes."
Matthew 11:25 (emphasis added)

Pay close attention to what Jesus is saying! "You - the Father have hidden..." It is God Himself who has hidden truths from the "wise and prudent" and it is God who reveals truths to babes! Those with great intelligence often arrogantly assume that if something were true, they would be able to understand it. Yet Jesus reveals that the revelation of God and understanding of the things of God comes only through Him!

Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight!
Matthew 11:26

The Bible is clear - but we may not be able to understand it!

God wants to speak to us! He wants to make His will known to us! But many things can block our understanding of His Words to us!

Rebellion - Often we don't really want to understand the Bible because we do not really want to obey what it says. Claiming it is vague or open to many interpretations is often used as an excuse to avoid its clear meaning.

Worldview - If we approach the Bible with a predetermined mindset, we will not be open to interpretations which disrupt or undermine that mindset!

Lifestyle - Our lifestyles can also be idols which keep us from correctly interpreting an applying God's Word!

Culture - It is often far easier to flow with culture than to follow the clear teachings of the Bible!

Human Love - If we accept what the Bible clearly teaches, it may cause a rift between those family members, loved ones or friends who reject God and His Word. Choosing the love of man over God's Word is a definite roadblock!

Tradition - Those who are brought up in a certain tradition often find it hard to look at Scripture objectively!

Comfort - Correct interpretation of the Bible challenges our comfort zones. We may "back off" of true interpretation in order to continue in what makes us comfortable!

Ignorance - Honestly not knowing the Scriptures makes the unclear to us. We all ave to start somewhere so that is fine - for a while. Eventually, we must choose whether we want to remain ignorant or take the time to become enlightened!

Lack of Study - Really delving into Scripture can be plain old-fashioned hard work! Many want to avoid the effort and choose to read Christian books or devotionals instead of studying and meditating on God's Word! Extra-biblical materials can be useful tools but cannot take the place of the pure Word of God!

These can also be dangerous because, if we are not personally familiar with the Bible, we can be led astray by the imaginations of man!

Make no mistake about it - the Bible does speak clearly! an may falter but if God intended us to obey what the Bible says, we must be able to understand it!

It starts with an attitude of laying everything on the altar before God - having a willingness for God to burn up all that may be blocking our understanding of His Word.

Then we must intentionally study and meditate on God's Word personally. Sermons, books, devotionals may be a great adjunct but should not be the main source of hearing from God!

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Matthew 24:35

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW GOD PERSONALLY - FOLLOW THIS LINK...
THE 4 SPIRITUAL LAWS

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TEN BASIC STEPS TO CHRISTIAN MATURITY