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We often comment on the writings of supposed teachers who engage in Bad Bible Teaching, but today's article is one of the worst. Because the author believes that God does not speak to His people anymore except via the Bible, she filters everything she writes through this preconception. Therefore, almost every Bible verse she cites is incorrectly interpreted.
Careful Bible students would want to set aside their preconceptions and discover what the Bible is actually saying. Since the author does not do that, we will provide that service for her.
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Have you ever heard anyone say they needed a “fresh word” from the Lord?
I pondered recently what would prompt someone to say that.
Perhaps they’re bogged down in Leviticus.
Perhaps the old truths just seem . . . old.
Perhaps they haven’t felt the fervency they used to when reading the Bible.
Perhaps they have questions they can’t find the answer to in the Bible.
Perhaps they haven’t seen God move in life like He did in His Word.
It’s good to ask ourselves these questions and try to figure out where the problem is. I want to encourage us that the Bible is living, active, sharp, piercing, discerning (Hebrews 4:12). (We're only a few sentences in and the author is already askew. Let's quote:
The Bible is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). (The author gets this right, but we're wondering why she doesn't simply quote the verse instead of summarizing it? It's not that long:
We should also note that the verse uses the word "Scripture," which is graphé, writing. 1124 (graphḗ) is used 51 times in the NT – always of holy Scripture, i.e. the inspired, inerrant writings of the Bible... We would have seen this word in Hebrews 4:12 cited above, if it was a verse referring to the Bible.)
Have you ever heard anyone say they needed a “fresh word” from the Lord?
I pondered recently what would prompt someone to say that.
Perhaps they’re bogged down in Leviticus.
Perhaps the old truths just seem . . . old.
Perhaps they haven’t felt the fervency they used to when reading the Bible.
Perhaps they have questions they can’t find the answer to in the Bible.
Perhaps they haven’t seen God move in life like He did in His Word.
It’s good to ask ourselves these questions and try to figure out where the problem is. I want to encourage us that the Bible is living, active, sharp, piercing, discerning (Hebrews 4:12). (We're only a few sentences in and the author is already askew. Let's quote:
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."Word" is lógos, a word, being the expression of a thought; a saying. 3056 /lógos ("word") is preeminently used of Christ (Jn 1:1), expressing the thoughts of the Father through the Spirit.
This is NOT the Bible, it's Jesus.)
The Bible is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). (The author gets this right, but we're wondering why she doesn't simply quote the verse instead of summarizing it? It's not that long:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness...
God has granted to us all things–all things–that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises (2 Peter 1:3-4). (Ohhh. Now we know why she doesn't actually quote the verses.
2Pe. 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
This verse isn't referring to the Bible at all. "His divine power" is what has given us everything we need.)
All of these and other passages show that we don’t need something new and fresh from God. (?? The author draws a conclusion that none of these verses even discuss. In fact, her claim is false. The Bible says,
Lam 3:22-23 ...for His mercies never fail. 23They are new every morning...
Ro. 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
2Co. 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
So far, the author has dropped the ball at almost every point. We hope her presentation improves.)
What He has given us is more than sufficient for our spiritual needs.
Why doesn’t it always feel that way?
Well it could be something as simple as not getting enough sleep. I know what it is to battle drowsiness all through my Bible reading and not get anything out of it. Going to bed earlier or moving devotions to later in the day might help. Doing something active before reading can help wake us up.
Distractions are a problem. I don’t know how many times I have started to pray or read and had to keep bringing my mind back from other thoughts. Sometimes I treat my thoughts like my phone and mentally swipe away all the open tabs. I pray for God’s help and then perhaps read out loud or change my position or location. I keep a notepad nearby to jot down thoughts about things I need to take care of.
Something might be blocking our communication. In any relationship, when something is wrong, our communication isn’t what it should be. If we ask God to search us and show us what is wrong, He will. We can then confess any sin and put away anything that is displeasing to Him. (??? After making a lot of noise about not needing anything more than the Bible, the author suddenly swerves into the idea that something is blocking our communication. Communication is exchanging information. How is it possible to exchange information with God being silent?)
(...) Deleted long tangent...
In New Testament times, people called Gnostics taught that there was a secret, special knowledge that only a few people knew. Though Gnostics are not named in the Bible, the epistles warn against their teachings. (Where in the Bible do we find this information?)
Why doesn’t it always feel that way?
Well it could be something as simple as not getting enough sleep. I know what it is to battle drowsiness all through my Bible reading and not get anything out of it. Going to bed earlier or moving devotions to later in the day might help. Doing something active before reading can help wake us up.
Distractions are a problem. I don’t know how many times I have started to pray or read and had to keep bringing my mind back from other thoughts. Sometimes I treat my thoughts like my phone and mentally swipe away all the open tabs. I pray for God’s help and then perhaps read out loud or change my position or location. I keep a notepad nearby to jot down thoughts about things I need to take care of.
Something might be blocking our communication. In any relationship, when something is wrong, our communication isn’t what it should be. If we ask God to search us and show us what is wrong, He will. We can then confess any sin and put away anything that is displeasing to Him. (??? After making a lot of noise about not needing anything more than the Bible, the author suddenly swerves into the idea that something is blocking our communication. Communication is exchanging information. How is it possible to exchange information with God being silent?)
(...) Deleted long tangent...
In New Testament times, people called Gnostics taught that there was a secret, special knowledge that only a few people knew. Though Gnostics are not named in the Bible, the epistles warn against their teachings. (Where in the Bible do we find this information?)
Mark Howell writes “The proclivity of many Christians is to be constantly on the lookout for some new thing to breathe life into the church. But according to Paul, the answer will not come by finding something new; it will come when the church renews its focus on something old—the Scriptures.” (Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Thessalonians [Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary], p. 238) (Oh. She is able to quote an author but not the Bible.)
If we’re feeling bored, maybe we need to change our routine. Or we may need to pray for God to wake us again to the wonders in His Word. I love the King James word “quicken,” often translated “revive” in other versions. Many verses talk about God’s Word itself quickening us (Psalm 119:25, 50, 93; John 6:63). (imrah, used 19 times in Psalm 119, refers to God’s utterance.
If we’re feeling bored, maybe we need to change our routine. Or we may need to pray for God to wake us again to the wonders in His Word. I love the King James word “quicken,” often translated “revive” in other versions. Many verses talk about God’s Word itself quickening us (Psalm 119:25, 50, 93; John 6:63). (imrah, used 19 times in Psalm 119, refers to God’s utterance.
Regarding John 6:63, we'll simply quote it:
Jn. 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life.
Sigh. Nothing more to say.)
We need to remember, too, that feelings aren’t always the mark of spirituality. Nothing beats those times in the Bible when God speaks to our hearts in a special way (??? We're confused. The author has made a big deal out of the idea that God doesn't speak to us, but He apparently speaks to our hearts. We are beginning to think that this woman is not a competent Bible teacher.)
and we’re encouraged, our hearts are warmed, and we’re ready to face the day with hope and love. But just like any relationship, those warm, close times will come and go. Many of our conversations with loved ones are filled with necessary but mundane everyday details.
Every meal won’t be a Thanksgiving feast. But even the tuna casseroles and peanut butter sandwiches nourish us. Similarly, every time in the Bible won’t bring 4th of July sparks, but every reading benefits us. It’s that faithful everyday adding to and building upon what we know that strengthens us. And that in turn lays the foundation for those special, eye-opening, heart-warming moments.
We’ll always find new insights as we keep reading the Bible. But often what we need is the reminders of what we’ve learned before.
The hymn “How Firm a Foundation” begins with this stanza:
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled? (She can quote a hymn but not the Bible.)
Dan Forrest’s arrangement of this hymn weaves that phrase from the first stanza–“What more can He say?”–between each of the other stanzas that focus on specific passages from the Bible. .
He’s already given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” What more can He say? (With a flourish the author repeats her error. Let's quote the verse again, this time her preferred KJV:
Every meal won’t be a Thanksgiving feast. But even the tuna casseroles and peanut butter sandwiches nourish us. Similarly, every time in the Bible won’t bring 4th of July sparks, but every reading benefits us. It’s that faithful everyday adding to and building upon what we know that strengthens us. And that in turn lays the foundation for those special, eye-opening, heart-warming moments.
We’ll always find new insights as we keep reading the Bible. But often what we need is the reminders of what we’ve learned before.
The hymn “How Firm a Foundation” begins with this stanza:
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled? (She can quote a hymn but not the Bible.)
Dan Forrest’s arrangement of this hymn weaves that phrase from the first stanza–“What more can He say?”–between each of the other stanzas that focus on specific passages from the Bible. .
He’s already given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” What more can He say? (With a flourish the author repeats her error. Let's quote the verse again, this time her preferred KJV:
2Pe. 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue...
Question for the author: Does the verse tell us that God has given us everything and there is nothing else, or does it say that He has given us everything needed for life and godliness?)
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