The Holy Scriptures were not meant to be studied for the purpose of mere understanding. It might help to think of the Scripture as instructions. This hits a lot closer to the mark.
It’s possible to spend all of your time doing nothing but trying to understand all of the teachings (believe me). But I think it’s a lot better way to spend our time and demonstrate our faith by taking a teaching and putting that teaching into practice.
There are different types of teachings in the Bible, positive and negative, but both are intended to produce a different way of thinking for the purpose of producing a different way of behaving.
By negative teaching, I mean there are commandments in the Bible regarding the things that followers of Jesus are NOT to do. Too many people get caught up in the NOT doing and forget that we are not only known by what we don’t do. In doing so, these people make following Jesus look like nothing more than not doing things. And let me tell you – people want to do things.
By positive teaching, I mean there are commandments in the Bible regarding the things that followers of Jesus are to DO. It is in the doing that we find the greatest joys of following Jesus and realize the greatest personal fulfillments.
As we continue to examine many of the passages that divide, please understand that it is not my intention to create more divisions or arguments, but instead to help us all better understand why we believe what we believe so that we can live out faith in word and deed.
Romans 16:22-26 tells us, Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;
As we unpack the mysteries of the faith, let us never forget the purpose of doing so – so that the Scriptures will lead you and I to obedience of faith!
Much love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
