I like to tell stories, I like to link real life with the Bible in ways that help people think about the Lord, but when it comes down to it, there is one thing I think we all need more than books- Christian or not, stories, other’s thoughts, sermons and teachings, and fellowship. We need to know the Word of God, the Bible.
The time is getting short. There are many out there that speak obvious lies. They are usually easy to detect. But there are many claiming Christianity that are changing, twisting, wrongly interpreting, and ignoring important things from the Word. How will we know if we do not read and study the Word on our own?
I encourage all of us today, not just to read the Word, but to study it in depth using the Word to help us interpret properly (not just some man’s thoughts on what it means). We need to hide the Word in our hearts (Ps. 119:11). Otherwise, how will we know if a man is accurate or not? Just because ‘he’ is a respected pastor/ preacher/ speaker/ author/ professor/ t.v. or radio persona/ Bible study writer/ etc, does not mean ‘he’ is always right. We must know our Word to ensure what we are hearing is accurate so that we do not become deceived. We must use discernment and that will come by knowing the Word (Heb. ).
2Tm. 3:
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (v.13)
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (v.14)
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (v.15)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (v.16)
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished (fully equipped) unto all good works. (v.17)
We need to know the Word inside and out. Nothing will prepare us more for what is to come than the Word. The Bereans were highly thought of by the author of Acts. Note how the Jewish synagogue goers there didn’t automatically believe everything they heard even though it came from Paul and Silas- two well known, accepted teachers of good repute:
These people were more receptive than those in Thessalonica. They were very willing to receive the message, and every day they carefully examined the Scriptures to see if those things were so.
Acts ISV
So that, “…no man deceive you by any means...” (2Th. 2:3),
we all need to carefully examine all that we hear and read.