What You Heard in Church Might Be Wrong!
An Appeal for Thoughtful, Insightful, and Spirit-Led Bible Study
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When was the last time you were joyful or excited about a discovery you made in the Word of God?
When we declare that the Bible is the Word of God, we affirm that it is one means of His communication with us. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,” Another translation for this phrase might be “All scripture is breathed by God.” It’s God whispering in your ear! Does it get any better than that? For that reason, you should expect to be aroused emotionally when you read the Bible. Who wouldn’t get excited when God whispers a pearl of wisdom into their ear?
Most Christians read the Bible. Some read it perfunctorily, without giving real thought to what implications the text has for them, their life, and for their beliefs. Sometimes (not always) the read-the-Bible-in-a-year programs devolve into this. Others read the Bible devotionally, drinking in the effect of that day’s scripture upon their inner being. Some strive to memorize scripture: book, chapter, and verse. It is all Bible study. You already do some, most, or all of these things.
This book is an effort to encourage you, as you read the Bible, to read critically (analytically; using good judgment). Look for hidden meaning; compare this with other passages on the same topic; sometimes challenge what you have been told a certain passage means if the text seems to say something contrary or different. And don’t just skip over a verse if it seems not to make sense. Don’t always consider only the familiar, but sometimes tackle the difficult. Think about it. Pray about it. Decide for yourself under the leadership of God. If it is His word, then listen for His voice. Listen for Him to whisper in your ear. I believe He will.
It is my prayer that, by means of this little book, each reader will be challenged to logically and seriously consider a broader spectrum of possibilities when studying their Bible. And, anytime you hear the voice of God whispering in your ear during this process, feel free to rejoice!
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About the Book
The issues in this book are not issues you will hear much about in church. For many, they are firmly settled. But are they? The observation of the author is that many Christians are content to allow all biblical interpretation to be done for them and to accept what they are told. Most Christians study the Bible, but look only for the familiar and accepted interpretations. Don’t be afraid to look for the unexpected as you read. This work encourages the reader to decide for themselves on a select number of issues for which different interpretations may be possible. Bible study is so much more rewarding if we learn to think carefully of the text that we read. It is my prayer that God will open new vistas to the reader as He speaks to them through His holy word. Bible study can be a lot of fun.
About the Author
As a child of about ten, the author made a conscious decision to give his life to the Lord. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marines. He was stationed on Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, where he met his future wife.
After discharge, and working in an underground gold mine, the padre (his underground nickname) felt called into ministry, so he struck out for college. He earned a B.A. in Religion and a Master of Divinity. Ten years in pastoral ministry was followed by forty in Developmental Disabilities, most conspicuously serving disabled children, birth to three.
Now retired, his spare time is engaged in writing. This present work has grown one piece at a time, year after year, scripture by scripture. As it did, his desire to help Christians to be more inquisitive about God’s sacred word grew, resulting in this book.