Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Friday February 10, 2006

Today’s offering is given in the hope of increasing the old fashioned practice of reading, or as the Bible says, "Study to show thyself approved."

Dear preacher,

One of the things that I find disheartening with leadership is this. One of the things I have heard lately is that when someone says "Oh, I know a good book on this subject" whether the book is on marriage, communication, finances, the Pastor says he has the Bible and doesn't need anything else.

I understand God's word contains everything but why is it not wise to read books from someone of like faith? We can’t all study in depth every single area of the Bible and take for instance the sexual sins, drunkenness, marriage, the covenant issues, the bride of Christ, or any one of these doctrines or issues. It just seems to make sense to me, if someone has compiled the verses FROM God, and put the study into book form then read it - Stop trying to reinvent the wheel.

Or, the other comment is "I don't really do much one-on-one counseling most of my counseling comes from the Bible," I don't know how to answer these things. What do you suggest?

I do believe if Matt 18:15-20 was applied to all situations across the board in marriages and churches the world would be a better place. But I can't do anything about anyone but ME, right!

Dear Sister

Thanks for your comments. I have heard the complaints you mention and hopefully have avoided them. I read constantly with the hope of getting a better understanding of God's word. It's impossible to begin to grasp the truths about family, marriage divorce, money, raising children without a good understanding of the culture of the day in which these truths were penned. For instance, if you don't know a little bit about the culture and practice of the times of Christ how on earth would you ever figure out that a camel going through the eye of the needle referred to a gate in the wall at Jerusalem?

I urge you to read everything you can get your hands on. I use the library as much as possible as it costs nothing, and of course the Internet contains a wealth of info on any subject. I agree with the pastor who understands the value of understanding the setting in which biblical statements are made and then goes with the truth that the Bible is the final authority.

I assure you of my prayers as you sort out the Lord's will for the future, near and long term. And I know He will lead you.

God bless,

Larry

Over the course of a long life and ministry I have been blessed by the books and articles of many men and women. To say I have learned valuable life lessons from their insight into the scriptures and the cultural/historical background is understatement. I often pray for a renaissance of reading in our churches as I honestly believe such will enhance the effectiveness of the church as a whole.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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