Christian Living

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Biblical ignorance has been a weakness of Christians from generation to generation. The average Christian spends more time watching television than studying God’s Word. I wonder how many would be willing to admit that they do not even open their Bibles on a daily basis. I wonder how many feel that being spoon fed the Word on Sundays is a good substitute for reading the Word themselves. I wonder how many read Christian authors as a substitute for their own Bible study? I am convinced that a great number of Christians are Biblically illiterate. What they know is framed by what they have heard. They have trusted their lives to God’s “spokesmen” without the benefit of Biblical verification. We must never give a “carte blanche” endorsement to any minister without a “trust, but verify” stipulation. Pastors are to guide their sheep into Truth. They must encourage their followers to search out the Word themselves. They must never be a substitute for personal Bible study. Pastors need to help their congregants to understand the Bible.

One day, some Pharisees came to Jesus and asked Him if it was lawful for a man to put away his wife. Jesus simply said, “What did Moses command you?” He was actually asking them what they thought the Word said on the subject. (Mark 10:3) Pastors are too quick to give an answer to those that are searching for understanding. They need to help the questioners search the Scriptures themselves. Pastors are not to be the “answer man,” but a guide to the answer. They will share revealed Truth as God directs, but they are never to be the substitute for people studying the Word themselves. On another occasion, Jesus was questioned by a Lawyer about how to acquire eternal life. Jesus responded by asking him what was his understanding of the Scripture. (Luke 10:26) I wonder how many Pastors use the same approach when questioned by those whom they lead.

Because of lack of Biblical understanding, some Christians seem confused as to the ministry of Jesus. Jesus seems to be the center of the Believer’s attention. Everything is around Him. Even our prayers are addressed to Him. If we would only look at the Scripture and see what Jesus’ ministry was all about, we would be able to see that everything pointed to God. Jesus came with a purpose of reconciling fallen man to God. Yet we continue to focus on Jesus’ earthly ministry. The cross becomes the focus of our commitment. What was the purpose of the Cross? TO BRING MAN BACK TO GOD! The way to God has been opened, yet we tend to dwell on Jesus instead of God. When is the last time we set our affections upon God? When is the last time we raised our voices in praise and adoration to Him? I am not minimizing Jesus’ Holiness and Divinity, but maximizing God’s Character and Sovereignty. IF IT WERE NOT FOR GOD’S LOVE, WE WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN HIS SON!

The Bible tells us that the only way of coming to the knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ is by being drawn to Jesus by God Himself. For God to do that, we must learn about God. (John 6:44, 45) When we come to the place of understanding God’s purpose for man, the door/Jesus (John 10:9) will be opened and a whole new life awaits our arrival. It is through Jesus’ shed blood that we experience a blood transfusion, where it is no longer “me” that lives, but Christ in me. (Galatians 2:20) Jesus then brings us into a living relationship with God. (John 14:6) Jesus consciousness without God consciousness lays a foundation that will shift with our emotional climate. Jesus came with a mandate from God: that man would be able to be reconciled to God through the provisions Jesus would provide. Jesus was not to be the focal point of man’s affections, but the physical evidence of God’s love for man.

Can we not grasp the reality that the recurring theme of the Bible is man’s reunion with his Creator! Jesus made the way, now it is up to us to fulfill God’s desire that no one will perish. (II Peter 3:9) By accepting Jesus’ finished work, our relationship with God becomes personal and everlasting. We must understand God so we can stand on the promises of His Son. It is only when God is presented that we will see His great love and accept His hand of reconciliation which He offered, and offers, through the life of Jesus Christ. Let us learn to study the Scriptures, not as a historical compilation of books and letters, but as a guide book to an abundant and eternal life. The Bible is God’s abridged book of His love and outreach to His creations!

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