Misunderstanding Scripture

I have heard a specific verse being quoted a lot lately.  I have also heard some teaching on that scripture that just doesn't jive with the actual meaning.  The key in interpreting scripture is "context".  A common mistake in reading and interpreting scripture is reading just one verse and making it say what we want.  The beauty in scripture is that it was written in harmony over a few thousand years; meaning it does not contradict itself. 

Another important aspect of understanding what your reading is understand the literal translation from the Greek and Hebrew.  The Old Testament was originally penned in Hebrew, but was translated into Greek between 285-247 b.c.  When we look in context at scripture and with the aid of the original meanings, we have a more accurate understanding of the meaning and how it applies to "me".

For instance the words used in Isaiah 53:5 are often misunderstood by most. Often because the teacher is teaching out of context.  Many people quote "by His stripes we are healed" to mean physical healing. When in truth, based on the Greek and Hebrew words used, the word "healing" in this particular verse would better be rendered "forgiven".  Isaiah 53 in Context is a prophecy about the Messiah and the suffering He would endure to bring man into a reconciled relationship to God. 

As a teacher and preacher of the Word, I take great lengths to be as accurate as possible, because those who teach are held accountable for what they teach.  I want to teach truth, but I am imperfect and may do the very thing I am trying not to do. If I do teach something wrong or out of context, I want to be made aware of the wrong.  In my desire to declare truth, I would be irresponsible if I did not show how this kind of misunderstanding can lead people astray.

My challenge in all of this is, to bring about a revolution in Bible reading and understanding.  Don't just hear what people are teaching and believe what they are saying.  We need to be like the Bereans, who Paul declared were "more noble" than the rest because they listened intently and then went and studied the scriptures for themselves to make sure the teaching was the truth.  There are many deceiving spirits out there who want nothing more than for us to misinterpret and misunderstand scripture.  There are a lot of false teachers out there disguised as "sheep", but in truth they are "ravenous wolves".  I think there is a litmus test for knowing who is a false teacher and who is not is.  Are they teaching "feel good" messages or are they teaching the "truth in love"?  If a message is hard to hear because it "steps on our toes", there is a good chance it is truth.  The opposite can also be true.  If the message makes us "feel good" or spends to much time on the physicality of man instead of the glory of God, chances are it is false teaching.

This may be a hard read for some who have fallen for the misinterpretation.  Please understand, my desire in all of this is to "declare truth" and that is all.  I would love to talk further about this, if you want give me a shout, ja4slovenia@gmail.com.

The Truth in Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of man-kinds most elusive traits.  We desperately want to be forgiven, but have the most difficult time forgiving others.  As Christians this is such a vital aspect of our life.  Jesus said to forgive others because you have been forgiven. 

I think what we struggle with is, that we think "what they did to me is much worse than anything I have done to someone".  Yet we forget all that we have done to God.  More than any other we have offended God and thumbed our nose at His commandments.  If any one has a right to be unforgiving it's God.  Yet "while were still sinners, Christ died for us"; this is what forgiveness is all about.  Forgiveness means we lay down our pride and feelings, to bring the other person back into fellowship.  Jesus laid down His very life so that we can be made right God.

It doesn't matter what hurt you may feel or what was done to you, forgive as you've been forgiven.  Forgive with out bias, without regret, but with a heart of gratitude toward God for his grace and mercy in forgiving you.

Pay It Forward!

Yesterday seemed to be the day to discuss service and how it relates to Christianity.  The Sunday morning message was about being ready to serve.  Then at small group we got on the discussion again.  

There is a sweet little family in our church, a mom and three precious girls, and they just don't have a lot.  What they don't have in physical things they make up for in love and service.  Our Life Group has adopted this family as our own little project.  We decided last night at the end of group we were going to show up and cut the grass, weed-eat and clean up.  I brought my kids along to help.  I want them to learn now to serve others.  

God used this time to teach my kids a lesson.  First, you don't have to have "stuff" to be happy.  All we really need is Jesus and each other.  Second, true Christianity, true faith is played out in "good works".  The best way for us to show Christ to others is to serve others.  The best way for us to prove Christ is in our service to others.

There is nothing more pleasing to God than when we step out of our comfort zone and and our selfishness, and begin to mirror Christ.  The entire ministry of Christ was engulfed in service to others, and we are to be "imitators of Christ".  On your Journey this week seek out ways to serve one another, and if some one serves you, pay it forward!