Other days I have a couple of issues poking at me.
A friend of mine was discussing Lordship Salvation... and I didn't follow it. I just believe in Jesus, pray, and read my Bible. I can do that alone or among others. I don't make it complicated.
At the bottom of the thread, which had gone on for a while, a woman was proclaiming she had 2 degrees and could not figuure out the Bible for herself. She had to be taught how to understand and interpret the Bible for herself.
I don't often feel the Holy Spirit making a lot of noise in my life, generally directives to shut up, be nice, and pray. Upon reading that I had alarm bells going off in my soul.
I have always felt that God honors a simple faith. Every cult I have encountered (ones perverting the Bible) have always said "Oh, you need someone to help you understand this."
I quoted James 1:5 at a JW, not long ago. She had never heard the verse:
James 1:5
New King James Version (NKJV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
So, why do I need help? Isn't it clear God will instruct me, Himself? Of course I go to church. My pastor teaches from the Bible but he doesn't add or take anything away.
Years ago, I was given a Bible. The commentary takes up more space than the actual Bible. The commentary, to phrase it differently, outweighs the Bible. I don't credit those teachings, especially after some online research, so I have shelved it.
Do I hate commentary? No. I read a Chronological Daily Bible, and a Daily Bible, every day. They have a minor amount of commentary vs. Scripture. They clearly present it as their opinions and not the WORD OF THE LORD. I wouldn't mind a NKJV Life Application Bible, but if you're going to spend that on me I'd rather have Handout Bibles.
I have always felt it's best to run, if someone is putting their interpretation of Scripture, over scripture. Even the KJV gang - I don't hand them out. If you want a Bible, I have a Holman Christian Standard Bible. I have a Children's Bible. I have a Spanish Bible. I have a NKJV Bible. They are free, which one would you like? Usually they take one home and read it.
For the ones who object, I tell them "Go to the Dollar Store and buy me some, and I'll hand them out for you." That always shuts them up. I only had to do that once or twice. One time I told the guy I would hand out MY Bibles on MY corner. He could hand out HIS Bibles on THAT corner.
I never saw him again.
I believe God cherishes a simple faith; someone who believes, simply, trusting in God to direct them and lead them through life.
Psalm 19:7
So, why do I need help? Isn't it clear God will instruct me, Himself? Of course I go to church. My pastor teaches from the Bible but he doesn't add or take anything away.
Years ago, I was given a Bible. The commentary takes up more space than the actual Bible. The commentary, to phrase it differently, outweighs the Bible. I don't credit those teachings, especially after some online research, so I have shelved it.
Do I hate commentary? No. I read a Chronological Daily Bible, and a Daily Bible, every day. They have a minor amount of commentary vs. Scripture. They clearly present it as their opinions and not the WORD OF THE LORD. I wouldn't mind a NKJV Life Application Bible, but if you're going to spend that on me I'd rather have Handout Bibles.
I have always felt it's best to run, if someone is putting their interpretation of Scripture, over scripture. Even the KJV gang - I don't hand them out. If you want a Bible, I have a Holman Christian Standard Bible. I have a Children's Bible. I have a Spanish Bible. I have a NKJV Bible. They are free, which one would you like? Usually they take one home and read it.
For the ones who object, I tell them "Go to the Dollar Store and buy me some, and I'll hand them out for you." That always shuts them up. I only had to do that once or twice. One time I told the guy I would hand out MY Bibles on MY corner. He could hand out HIS Bibles on THAT corner.
I never saw him again.
I believe God cherishes a simple faith; someone who believes, simply, trusting in God to direct them and lead them through life.
Psalm 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple
Psalm 116:6
The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.
Psalm 119:130
The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
It seems pretty clear to me.
I used to wonder why I never got into the debates over what I always saw as insignificant details; but God has led me to understand that my faith is a valuable gem, I should guard it.
I will.
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