After we hear things over and over, we begin to accept them as truth. Later we may find out that it was not really true after all. We tend to think of this in the case of gossip.
Have you ever thought about what the media tells you over and over again? Is it always true? Have you ever thought about false prophets saying the same thing over and over again? Many people believe those things are true.
Have you ever stopped to consider how easy we can be fooled by assuming certain people are bringing us truth because of the authority they hold?
Years ago religious leaders could get away with telling people whatever they wanted because Bibles were hard to come by. Even now religious and political leaders can often get away with it because people do not open their Bibles and check them. News flash – owning and Bible a reading it aren’t the same thing!
What if you are reading your Bible, but you are concerned about having the correct understanding of the verses? Pray before you start to read. Then, short of relying on a really good commentary, you can find a Bible that has the passages separated. Read the entire passage to be sure that you have the verse in full context.
It is also helpful to understand how the books of the Bible fit together. One example is to know that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the Gospels and they all cover the same time frame. They are, however, sometimes written to different audiences and in some cases from a little different perspective. When you read an account in one, you may find it helpful to try to read it in another. Often one of the Gospels will bring out a different detail that will give more perspective or a deeper understanding of an event.
In the Old Testament, First and Second Chronicles cover the same time period as Second Samuel, First & Second Kings. The difference is religious history versus political history. When you know that there are overlaps and the focus is different the books begin to take on a whole new perspective. The overlaps become more meaningful, and the different perspectives serve to add clarity.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
It is very important to note that all scripture is given by inspiration of God. It is all true. It is all in agreement. There are no contradictions from passage to passage. If you find what you are reading seems to contradict another part of scripture, pray for God to show you where you have not understood because God does not contradict Himself.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4:11
Today’s challenge is to check the passages of scripture that you lean on for comfort. See if there is a different meaning or even a deeper meaning than what you have been shown. You may find God speaking love to you through scripture more than you even imagined.