My Big Problem

MY BIG PROBLEM

 

I confess to having a problem that seems to be getting bigger every day, since I started to spend more time studying the Bible several years ago. It has to do with certain well known Bible teachers teaching doctrines that according to my new understanding of scripture are not true. I used to believe and teach these same doctrines for years, but since changing the way I have been approaching scripture lately, God has been showing me a different way of understanding certain passages. I had been taught they meant certain things by my leaders, but once I started using a "Face Value" method of understanding scripture, and laying aside what I had been told, the scriptures suddenly came alive to me! I have been given more "illumination" on certain well known scriptures by the Holy Spirit, that changes the meaning all together. And my problem centers around the area of "why do these experienced teachers" still keep spreading the same old lies to their hearers? This is the basis of my problem!

 

All I did was to realize that the same Holy Spirit who inspired the authors of scripture, (2 Tim 3:16-17), is the same Holy Spirit that indwells me as a simple follower of Jesus, and I could just ask Him to show me what He had in mind when He told them what words to use. It is a very simple process, and the results have been surprising, giving me a completely different understanding of passages that I thought I knew what they meant. Then I have to be bold enough to make public this new understanding, which often comes against the doctrines of "long standing" in our churches! This can result in you being considered a "rebel" or perhaps a "heretic", or worse. Everyone desires to be well thought of by their peers, and I am no exception, so it is still hard to dispute the doctrines that have been accepted, and taught, in our church circles for years, without being challenged. This is also part of my problem, and I will have to settle it with the Holy Spirit as to what to do with the new things He is showing me. So I would ask you to remember me in prayer, that I might have humility and wisdom as I try to introduce some of the results of this new "illumination" that God has been bringing to me   that are quite a bit different from what we have been taught. I certainly do not consider myself any sort of an expert on Bible interpretation, but simply a follower of Jesus, trying to walk in such a way that my life, and my actions might please the Father. I believe this should be the goal of all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer                              Revised 30/11/15       

Our Comprehensive Equipment

OUR COMPREHENSIVE EQUIPMENT

 

This rather different expression showed up in the devotional article in ODB today Jan 1, 2015, and caught my attention. It was listed as a quote from

J. B.Phillips who wrote a version of the NT. The author David McCasland was quoting from (2 Tim 3:1-5, 10-17), apparently from this translation. This is a very interesting passage of scripture, that we should all be aware of, especially verses 16-17, "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work". NLT This is part of Paul's instructions to his young assistant Timothy, and certainly contains important information for all of us today who are followers of Jesus. Many people want to know at the start of a new year, what we will hold to? Will it be better or worse than last year? Only God knows what the future holds, but He has given some things to look for in His Word. And this passage gives us some insight as to what lies ahead of us this year.

 

Take time to read this whole chapter carefully and see what Paul told Timothy to expect. Paul warns of the things we can expect to happen in these last days, but we can know what he tells in (1 Cor 10:13) which is encouraging "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful; He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure". NLT This truth applies to any and all situations that may come your way in the future. Our author states "as the spiritual darkness of our world grows deeper, the light of Christ shines more brightly through all those who know and love Him. Jesus is our joy and hope—today, tomorrow, and forever". This is certainly a true scriptural truth that we can depend on, and share freely with others. Our author then includes this prayer "Heavenly Father, the trouble in this world can divert our eyes from You. Thank You for Your Word that helps us stay focused. May we find our delight in Your love and share it with others today". Then he ends his article with these words "The powers of evil around you are no match for the power of Jesus within you". To this I add my AMEN!!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer                                         01/01/15