I believe young Christians will repeat scripture by what they have heard not because of self study. When I was young many Christians would tell me unsubstantiated words from God. They made it sound prophetically correct. I was taught by my pastor that whatever he told us he encouraged us to search the scriptures to validate what he was teaching. The words therefore and hereto we were to read around the scripture to why it was therefore and the hereto so we would not misquote scripture. That has stuck with me for at least 50 years. Our words can become stumbling blocks while God’s true words can help a new follower stay on the path God is given them. I have had those who come to me and misquote scripture and I just try to point them to what God’s word says. I ran across a lady at a grocery store who was handing out Watchtower papers. I didn’t stand arguing points with her. I had walked away when Jesus urged we to look for her again and tell her this one thing. He’s alive. I only recall once when I did use scripture toward someone and I got called on it. I was young then but I understand to listen more and talk less. These scriptures I use more often now.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
II Timothy 2:15 NKJV
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Hebrews 5:14 NKJV
I take this to mean some only want cake and some are into the beef.
I agree with you, we are living in times of apostasy, that is, abandonment of the word of God! Many are rejecting the fundamental and immutable truths of the Bible to follow erroneous and false teachings, where faith is not in the Creator but in the creature.
Nowadays, there are so many words, they are words of peace, war, love, motivation, self-help, protest... And they act with such intensity in society, causing a frenzy and confusion of communications and interpretations.
But the scriptures do not change, they are the ones that give rise to faith, that nourish and regenerate it. Sensitizes hearts, that converts them to God and His logic, which is so different from ours.
More than ever, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand what the Word of God tells us.
There are false teachers all around us, and as we grow in spiritual maturity, we learn to recognize them even more. Even like you said, we all make mistakes and have most likely mis-quoted scripture whether intentionally or unintentionally at one time or another. I've experienced a few in my lifetime. When I heard one Sunday School teacher at a former church whom I felt misinterpreted scripture, I respectfully spoke up and stated I disagreed and explained why. I did not debate, but carefully explained why.
I'm currently in a 7-week Bible Study myself on discerning and hearing the voice of God. Before I watched today's prayer walk, I read today's Bible Study. It was called "Nothing But The Truth." The Truth is God's infallible Word and not our feelings or our interpretation of His Word. Quite a bit of what you shared today was mentioned in today's lesson. I love how God works.
Romans 3:4 was shared in today's lesson and it states: "Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: 'So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.'"
I believe it to mean - God cannot and will never lie, and His Word is the Truth and reveals the true character of God. He remains faithful even when we slip because His judgments are justified and His covenant (promise) is unbreakable. Even when we misinterpret His Word intentionally or unintentionally, if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we will be forgiven, we must repent and ask for His forgiveness.
For myself, when I share anything I do my best not to misquote or misinterpret scripture. I am of the flesh and can do it. If I ever do, I hope someone would respectfully let me know. I am a firm believer that God's Word should be taken as the infallible Truth, and I agree with what you say; study it, and let the Holy Spirit guide you as to whom, what, where, when, and how to say or what to share. But first to do that, we must seek God first and let Him reveal what we do and say. If we humble and surrender ourselves to seek Him first, that is the key to knowing and discerning His will. At least it is for me.
Thank you again Donny for another thought provoking prayer walk encouraging all of us to seek Him first. Continued prayers and blessings for you my friend!
I agree with you Anne, we all make mistakes at some point in interpreting the scriptures!
Both new followers of Jesus and people who have been in the gospel for a long time have difficulty understanding the scriptures, but God knows our hearts and is merciful in forgiving us when we make these mistakes.
The Bible is not a simple book, it is the word of God and has incalculable spiritual value. It is the same Word, so old and so new, that continues to resonate with the same effectiveness to illuminate the lives of all those who take the time to meditate and listen to what God tells us.
The question is to what extent is the Word of God a priority in our lives and to what extent is it the guiding source of our lives?
“The word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword; It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart” Hebrews 4:12
I think this has been one of your most serious prayer walks, Donny. We are instructed not to add or subtract from God's Word and I am afraid most people do not take that seriously. I am very glad that you do, Donny. Thank you for another great prayer walk.
Thank you Donny for what you do and just know that I am praying for you always cause you are such a blessing to me it's funny that you talked about this cause in church Sunday I heard what i thought was true was said that I was wrong but like you said I am going to read and see what the Bible says 🙏🙏 Thank you again for what you do cause it has helped me Alot🙏🙏
When I saw you last month, I mentioned that I have taught inductive Bible study for over 20 years. It's a method that helps us as individuals to accurately observe, interpret and apply God's Word. One of the main tenants of the method is the importance of context. When we study, we need to be sure that we understand the surrounding verses, the book that it sits in and the whole counsel of God's Word on a topic. I have heard great Bible teachers use a verse to make their point without examining everything else God said about that. It's easy to do, especially when we also see movies, read extra Biblical books, or have discussions where liberties are taken with the accuracy of Scripture.
I'm so glad you mentioned not using Scripture as a weapon. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy also talks about correcting gently. How many people have been turned away from the love of Christ because of feeling condemnation from believers based on a verse taken out of context? We're also told in Romans 10:17 that "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God". I sure don't want to mess up speaking God's words when someone is depending on it for their salvation. However, there's a lot of Scripture to know and we will all mess it up at times. Making sure to correct what we have misspoken is important as you said.
I could go on and on but all this to say, as believers and ambassadors for Christ, we need to be in the Word as a way of life, not only for our own benefit, but so that we can spread the good news to others in the way God would want it shared. It's a big responsibility, but such an important one. Thanks for addressing this topic in your walk today. I love your friend's beautiful property!
I'm not an expert in the inductive Bible study method, but I like to apply one of its foundations "observation" in which it directs me to the question: What did this scripture mean? This helps me focus on the text, and what I should look for in it, this way I get away from simply reading, but this is not easy, it needs discipline and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
I like Stanley Horton's definition that the Bible “is a divine-human book in which every word is, at the same time, divine and human.” So, sometimes, I read some books letting myself be carried away by the poetry that exists in the word of God!
The step of observation really opens up Scripture, doesn't it? I like that definition of divine and human - God's words through people's hands. There's nothing else like it, that's for sure!
Good evening Donny. I’m in 1 corinthians. I don’t quote the Bible because I’m still learning the Bible and I’m trying hard to become even closer to Jesus. If I talk about the Bible it is only to my mom. I can’t count how many times my mom or my dad have read the Bible from cover to cover. I don’t have really any one to quote the Bible to, to be honest. Though I do agree if someone comes to me and I’m truly not sure if it’s correct I’ll look it up but so far I have not quoted the Bible to anyone.
Donny, thank you SO much. I also thought Jesus dropped the cross (I grew up Catholic until my early 20’s) I also went to the Bible to check it out and in Matthew, Mark, and Luke mentioned Simon taking the cross only John 19:17 it says “He bearing his cross went forth into a place......No mention of Simon. But did not say He dropped his cross either. So thank you so much for your prayer walk today God IS WITH YOU!
I believe young Christians will repeat scripture by what they have heard not because of self study. When I was young many Christians would tell me unsubstantiated words from God. They made it sound prophetically correct. I was taught by my pastor that whatever he told us he encouraged us to search the scriptures to validate what he was teaching. The words therefore and hereto we were to read around the scripture to why it was therefore and the hereto so we would not misquote scripture. That has stuck with me for at least 50 years. Our words can become stumbling blocks while God’s true words can help a new follower stay on the path God is given them. I have had those who come to me and misquote scripture and I just try to point them to what God’s word says. I ran across a lady at a grocery store who was handing out Watchtower papers. I didn’t stand arguing points with her. I had walked away when Jesus urged we to look for her again and tell her this one thing. He’s alive. I only recall once when I did use scripture toward someone and I got called on it. I was young then but I understand to listen more and talk less. These scriptures I use more often now.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
II Timothy 2:15 NKJV
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Hebrews 5:14 NKJV
I take this to mean some only want cake and some are into the beef.
Thank you, friend.
I agree with you, we are living in times of apostasy, that is, abandonment of the word of God! Many are rejecting the fundamental and immutable truths of the Bible to follow erroneous and false teachings, where faith is not in the Creator but in the creature.
Nowadays, there are so many words, they are words of peace, war, love, motivation, self-help, protest... And they act with such intensity in society, causing a frenzy and confusion of communications and interpretations.
But the scriptures do not change, they are the ones that give rise to faith, that nourish and regenerate it. Sensitizes hearts, that converts them to God and His logic, which is so different from ours.
More than ever, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand what the Word of God tells us.
People may be worshiping the wrong things but following anything as an idol is never going to find God in them.
There are false teachers all around us, and as we grow in spiritual maturity, we learn to recognize them even more. Even like you said, we all make mistakes and have most likely mis-quoted scripture whether intentionally or unintentionally at one time or another. I've experienced a few in my lifetime. When I heard one Sunday School teacher at a former church whom I felt misinterpreted scripture, I respectfully spoke up and stated I disagreed and explained why. I did not debate, but carefully explained why.
I'm currently in a 7-week Bible Study myself on discerning and hearing the voice of God. Before I watched today's prayer walk, I read today's Bible Study. It was called "Nothing But The Truth." The Truth is God's infallible Word and not our feelings or our interpretation of His Word. Quite a bit of what you shared today was mentioned in today's lesson. I love how God works.
Romans 3:4 was shared in today's lesson and it states: "Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: 'So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.'"
I believe it to mean - God cannot and will never lie, and His Word is the Truth and reveals the true character of God. He remains faithful even when we slip because His judgments are justified and His covenant (promise) is unbreakable. Even when we misinterpret His Word intentionally or unintentionally, if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we will be forgiven, we must repent and ask for His forgiveness.
For myself, when I share anything I do my best not to misquote or misinterpret scripture. I am of the flesh and can do it. If I ever do, I hope someone would respectfully let me know. I am a firm believer that God's Word should be taken as the infallible Truth, and I agree with what you say; study it, and let the Holy Spirit guide you as to whom, what, where, when, and how to say or what to share. But first to do that, we must seek God first and let Him reveal what we do and say. If we humble and surrender ourselves to seek Him first, that is the key to knowing and discerning His will. At least it is for me.
Thank you again Donny for another thought provoking prayer walk encouraging all of us to seek Him first. Continued prayers and blessings for you my friend!
I agree with you Anne, we all make mistakes at some point in interpreting the scriptures!
Both new followers of Jesus and people who have been in the gospel for a long time have difficulty understanding the scriptures, but God knows our hearts and is merciful in forgiving us when we make these mistakes.
The Bible is not a simple book, it is the word of God and has incalculable spiritual value. It is the same Word, so old and so new, that continues to resonate with the same effectiveness to illuminate the lives of all those who take the time to meditate and listen to what God tells us.
The question is to what extent is the Word of God a priority in our lives and to what extent is it the guiding source of our lives?
“The word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword; It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart” Hebrews 4:12
I think this has been one of your most serious prayer walks, Donny. We are instructed not to add or subtract from God's Word and I am afraid most people do not take that seriously. I am very glad that you do, Donny. Thank you for another great prayer walk.
Thank you Donny for what you do and just know that I am praying for you always cause you are such a blessing to me it's funny that you talked about this cause in church Sunday I heard what i thought was true was said that I was wrong but like you said I am going to read and see what the Bible says 🙏🙏 Thank you again for what you do cause it has helped me Alot🙏🙏
you are welcome Robin. Thank you for your prayers.
When I saw you last month, I mentioned that I have taught inductive Bible study for over 20 years. It's a method that helps us as individuals to accurately observe, interpret and apply God's Word. One of the main tenants of the method is the importance of context. When we study, we need to be sure that we understand the surrounding verses, the book that it sits in and the whole counsel of God's Word on a topic. I have heard great Bible teachers use a verse to make their point without examining everything else God said about that. It's easy to do, especially when we also see movies, read extra Biblical books, or have discussions where liberties are taken with the accuracy of Scripture.
I'm so glad you mentioned not using Scripture as a weapon. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy also talks about correcting gently. How many people have been turned away from the love of Christ because of feeling condemnation from believers based on a verse taken out of context? We're also told in Romans 10:17 that "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God". I sure don't want to mess up speaking God's words when someone is depending on it for their salvation. However, there's a lot of Scripture to know and we will all mess it up at times. Making sure to correct what we have misspoken is important as you said.
I could go on and on but all this to say, as believers and ambassadors for Christ, we need to be in the Word as a way of life, not only for our own benefit, but so that we can spread the good news to others in the way God would want it shared. It's a big responsibility, but such an important one. Thanks for addressing this topic in your walk today. I love your friend's beautiful property!
Thank you for sharing the scripture... "equipped for every GOOD work" stood out to me.
I'm not an expert in the inductive Bible study method, but I like to apply one of its foundations "observation" in which it directs me to the question: What did this scripture mean? This helps me focus on the text, and what I should look for in it, this way I get away from simply reading, but this is not easy, it needs discipline and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
I like Stanley Horton's definition that the Bible “is a divine-human book in which every word is, at the same time, divine and human.” So, sometimes, I read some books letting myself be carried away by the poetry that exists in the word of God!
The step of observation really opens up Scripture, doesn't it? I like that definition of divine and human - God's words through people's hands. There's nothing else like it, that's for sure!
Good evening Donny. I’m in 1 corinthians. I don’t quote the Bible because I’m still learning the Bible and I’m trying hard to become even closer to Jesus. If I talk about the Bible it is only to my mom. I can’t count how many times my mom or my dad have read the Bible from cover to cover. I don’t have really any one to quote the Bible to, to be honest. Though I do agree if someone comes to me and I’m truly not sure if it’s correct I’ll look it up but so far I have not quoted the Bible to anyone.
Donny, thank you SO much. I also thought Jesus dropped the cross (I grew up Catholic until my early 20’s) I also went to the Bible to check it out and in Matthew, Mark, and Luke mentioned Simon taking the cross only John 19:17 it says “He bearing his cross went forth into a place......No mention of Simon. But did not say He dropped his cross either. So thank you so much for your prayer walk today God IS WITH YOU!