Skip to main content

Reading the Bible



The Bible is our only source on which to base our beliefs.  In order to have a correct interpretation of what the Bible is saying to us we need to read around the passage we are looking at to give us the context in which our passage is set.  I have heard it said that there was a lady who liked to open her Bible each day at random to have a text for the day.  One day she came across this verse;”And Judas went out and hung himself.” She thought this was not very helpful so tried again to find a random verse. This time the verse was, ”go and do thou likewise.” I hope she learnt from this that picking random verses is not a good idea.  No we need to know what comes before our verse and what goes after it. A favourite verse for many people is Jeremiah 29:11” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” That is a lovely verse and many people find it comforting.  If we belong to Jesus it applies to us.  But look at the context.  Jeremiah was talking to people who were just about to go into exile.  They were facing hard times and it would be many years before this prophecy would be fulfilled.  It wasn't a cozy, instant answer for them, they would have to hold on to this promise of a future for them, for a very long time, while they went through the bad days. So always check the context of your reading.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why do many disasters happen?

I have written in previous posts about disasters. In the case of Concorde, decisions by people, plus other factors were directly to blame for the event.  In the case of the Penlee disaster it may have been avoided if someone had made a better choice in the time beforehand and as a consequence brave men and the ship's crew and the captain and his family died. 9/11 was certainly the result of wicked men committing a terrorist act, but even in this there was heroism notably by another Cornish man, Rick Rescorla who helped many to safety and left it too late to help himself.  In situations like this we see what the human spirit is capable of both good and evil. What of disasters that come on people because of the earth restless movement of tectonic plates.  Often people live near volcanoes because the land is rich and fertile and they have the chance of a better life there when the volcano is resting.  We cannot blame them for that but sometimes people become complacent...
Post a Comment
Read more

Grey and gloomy

That's how it was in Devon today. But I had a good day. First short mat bowling which I love. It takes your mind off anything that is worrying you too. Then a lunch at the chapel for which a donation is given. This goes to missionary work. Then I had a nap. Next I got fired up to continue writing my sermon for June 21st. It just came so easily. They are usually the best. I'm a beginner so I like to keep well ahead with my sermon writing. My sermon for June 14th was originally written for June 7th, then there was a change of plan. The one for the 21st just needs prayers added now. Probably they are better added nearer the date.
Post a Comment
Read more

Always wanting something new

Every time I take a few days off from my blog my ratings slump.  Very rarely do people go back into my old posts and read again.  This is a typical attitude of the human heart, always wanting something different.  At this time of year we should not be greedily wondering want new thing we will be getting for Christmas.  Instead we should be looking at the old, old story, which is ever new of a baby who amazingly was God incarnate, God's gift to those who will put there trust in this one who was to grow up to give His life for His people.  Set aside the controversy over whether December 25th is the actual date of His birth.(Shepherds do not keep their sheep out at night in Israel in December.) and set aside time to think about the fact that He did come and ponder if He came to set you free and if your answer is ,"Yes," He will make you free indeed.
Post a Comment
Read more