What I Believe

“This is what I believe.”
“This is how I feel.”

Have you been in a conversation with a person about religion or church and had them state one of the above? Have you made one of these comments yourself? I cringe any time I hear either. Why? It does not matter what I believe. It especially does not matter what I feel. What matters is what the Bible says.

True, you can get the Bible to say almost anything you want it to say. That is an easy task. Do a word search using any of the modern Bible software programs. Lift the verse out of context. I am always careful to read the context of a verse before choosing to use it in my writing because the Bible warns against those who manipulate what the Bible says. Beware, Satan is very good at such manipulation and is thrilled when he gets us to wrongly use the Word of God.

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder.” James 2:19 NIV

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 NIV

Never, never, never try to discern Bible truths from verses taken out of context. Always read verses in the context of the verses around it, the chapters before and after it, the book in which it is found, and the whole Bible. Learn a little bit about literary techniques employed. Check out Bible maps. Study the history of God’s chosen people. Then you will begin to appreciate the literalness of the message in God’s Holy Word. The best way to understand a biblical truth is to read. Yes, read. You cannot learn what is in the Bible by just attending church although that will probably help. YOU MUST READ THE BIBLE if you want to know what it really says.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them — bringing swift destruction on themselves… In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up…” 2 Peter 2:1, 3a NIV

When someone tells me she feels that ___ is right, I just want to slap her to shock her out of her stupor. Feelings are soooo fickle. They are up and down—all over the place. It is absolutely idiotic to base one’s life on feelings. Life is a roller coaster of emotions. When ones bases religious practices on unstable feelings, it is nonsensical.

“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” 1 Timothy 6:3-5 NIV

So it is imperative that we base our spiritual faith in the God of the Bible not the god of our feelings or verses taken out of context.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

Lord, reveal your truth to me as I study your word.