I have been a student of the bible for over 50 years. I still don't feel I have fully discovered all that God has revealed to us through His Holy Spirit concerning all the wonder of His creation and desire for us to be obedient to His will. Some organizations list over 40,000 different denominations of Christian believers in Christ. I believe that is an accounting of all the schisms in the different major denominations but more and more non-denominational congregations continue to spring up.
When involved in a discussion with someone, I frequently hear: "In my opinion" or "that's your opinion". This brings to mind the "great deception" of "the deceiver", to make us think it is all about "me". This leads us to think that the bible and it's individual letters or books were written to me and for me. I try to read each scripture with the the approach of: Who is writing? To whom is this written? When was this written? Under what conditions or environment was this written? What is it's purpose, for me or for the person(s) to whom it is written, application? Is it applicable to me today? Is it relevant to me? Is it written in a direct mode or is it symbolic of deeper meaning using language as a art to create a scene or action in our minds.
This involves reading all 66 books and getting to know them. Do prior writings using words, phrases, concepts and commands give meaning to later writings. Think of the prophets, they knew that what they were writing was to have a fulfillment in their time but had a deeper, symbolic meaning. Jesus taught this when He tells us that He is the fulfillment of the Law.
I pray that God opens hour hearts and our minds to the truth contained within His holy word.
When involved in a discussion with someone, I frequently hear: "In my opinion" or "that's your opinion". This brings to mind the "great deception" of "the deceiver", to make us think it is all about "me". This leads us to think that the bible and it's individual letters or books were written to me and for me. I try to read each scripture with the the approach of: Who is writing? To whom is this written? When was this written? Under what conditions or environment was this written? What is it's purpose, for me or for the person(s) to whom it is written, application? Is it applicable to me today? Is it relevant to me? Is it written in a direct mode or is it symbolic of deeper meaning using language as a art to create a scene or action in our minds.
This involves reading all 66 books and getting to know them. Do prior writings using words, phrases, concepts and commands give meaning to later writings. Think of the prophets, they knew that what they were writing was to have a fulfillment in their time but had a deeper, symbolic meaning. Jesus taught this when He tells us that He is the fulfillment of the Law.
I pray that God opens hour hearts and our minds to the truth contained within His holy word.
