BIBLE BLOOPERS

            While the Bible has no bloopers, of course, the way we visualize the written Word might. For example, when Joseph’s eleven brothers came to him, we picture Benjamin as a youth because he was the youngest. However, shortly thereafter, all 70 members of Jacob’s family moved to Egypt, and the name list includes Benjamin’s ten sons (Genesis 46:21).

            Another Bible story picture that may need a re-take is Samson. If he had a Mr. Universe physique, the Philistines and Delilah would not have wondered about the source of his strength. Perhaps Samson had an average or even puny body build, and thus his strength was a conundrum.

            And don’t get me started on the narratives about Jesus’s birth. Show me the verses that mention a donkey, an inn-keeper, a stable, or wise men worshipping at a manger. Nor does the Bible say that the wise men followed the star from their homeland all the way to Israel. If that were true, it would have led them to Bethlehem, not Jerusalem. They did follow the star in Matthew 2:9─10, but only for about six miles. Yes, our Christmas carol lyrics contain several bloopers.

            In my opinion, the greatest hotbed for bloopers shows up in Christian devotionals, which commonly take a verse or phrase and make it say something inspiring. Writers and speakers should not start with a great application and make the biblical text support that thought, lest bloopers result. Rather, we must observe the text in context—by asking what God was saying to the original audience. Someone has correctly observed that the Bible was written for us but not necessarily to us. Good study results in unforced interpretation, which will then determine relevant applications.

            Consider these verses we often pull out of context:

            Psalm 46:10 has nothing to do with so-called listening prayer or God speaking to our hearts. Instead, God is telling the nations to “be still and know” that He is God. He wants them to cease striving (warring) and let Him have His way.

            In the beloved verse, Jeremiah 29:11, God is speaking to the Israelite exiles. We cannot personalize verse 11 unless we also claim verse 10—that we will return to our homeland after 70 years. Yes, we are constantly on God’s mind, but a better verse for that concept is Psalm 40:5.

            For Ephesians 2:1, being “dead in trespasses and sins,” I’ve heard popular speakers cross reference John 11 to talk about a corpse. They are trying to prove that regeneration precedes faith, and that even faith is a gift, not a response. Yet in Ephesians 2:2, that dead condition results in walking! Let Ephesians interpret Ephesians. “Dead in sins” is explained in 2:2─13 and 4:17─19. It means separated from God because of sin.

            Does 2 Corinthians 5:17 mean that believers will exhibit godly behaviors because they are “a new creature,” or is “a new creation” a better translation? We answer this by observing that the theme of 2 Corinthians 5:14─20 is our ministry of reconciliation. Now that we are “in Christ,” we have a new perspective on all of creation. Our old way of perceiving things according to the flesh (vs. 16) has passed away. A new outlook has come. Thus we now discern that unbelievers need to be reconciled to God, and we are His ambassadors in that process.

            Perhaps you like to evangelize using Romans 10:9─10 to facilitate a response that people must both believe with their hearts and confess with their mouths. While many people have no doubt believed Jesus’ promise of eternal life and trusted in Him by a misapplication of these verses, in context they concern national Israel being saved (delivered) when they call on the Lord. We must not ignore the Old Testament quotes in Romans 10. They reveal the meaning.

            Whenever the word salvation/saved appears in Scripture (seven times in Romans 9-11) always ask: “Saved from what?” (Hint: it usually does NOT mean from Hell.) Also, study the phrases, “calling on the name of the Lord” and “confess” the Lord Jesus, throughout Scripture to see if this is done by believers or unbelievers. (Rene A. Lόpez explains six views of this passage in his outstanding book, Romans Unlocked. Also see Charles Bing’s excellent book, Grace, Salvation & Discipleship: How to Understand Some Difficult Bible Passages, pp.153-157.)

            Finally, consider Philippians 4:13 where doing “all things” through Christ refers to learning contentment, not running a marathon!

            I am not a scholar, and many Bible passages baffle me. But I am a learner who tries to study a verse in context before offering wisdom on how it relates to us. Sometimes I look at my early published devotionals and blush at the bloopers they contain. Was I purveying God’s intended truth or my imposed concepts?

            Hopefully this article will help you avoid bloopers as you study and teach the biblical text contextually.

Marcia Hornok is Ken’s lucky wife, proud mother of six, and happy grandma of 11. Her gift book of 82 practical devotionals, Fruit of the Spirit: Inspiration for Women from Galatians 5:22─23 is out of print but available as an ebook on Amazon.

What is Dead Faith?

What is the theme of the book of James? Is it that genuine (living) faith produces good works or the other way around--that a believer’s good works keep his/her faith alive? Does James 2 address genuine faith or active faith?

Although many Bible teachers acknowledge that James was written to believers (note reoccurring references to them as “brethren”), those respected teachers illogically go on to say that the purpose of the book was for readers to discern (by their works) whether or not they were “true” believers. This contradicts. If James was writing to believers, he assumed they were believers, and he was not telling them to question that. Rather than addressing their eternal destiny faith, James was writing about their Christian living faith.

For example, he stated that a believer's [walk by] faith is dead if not accompanied by works. James was referring to having a dead faith (as a believer) not to being dead in sins (unbeliever). Indeed, Ephesians had not yet been written, so James did not cross reference Ephesians 2:1 and neither should we! The dead faith of James 2:17 is illustrated by saying that a body without the spirit is dead. Does that mean it has never been alive? No, it means it has been alive but has died. The subject is not dead unbelievers but dead faith (of believers.)

James exhorted believers to keep their faith alive through the various practices he gave throughout the book. The readers needed this encouragement to stay faithful in Christian living because they were scattered and suffering, not because he suspected they might not be "true" believers. As a Christian, I need that exhortation as well.

Thus the five uses of words related to "salvation" (sozo) in James refer not to having eternal destiny salvation (eternal life) but to the present aspect of salvation—my everyday Christian life, ie. sanctification. What do my good works as a Christian “save” me from? From sinful living (1:21), from uselessness (2:14), from God's chastisement (4:12), from sickness (5:15), and from death due to wandering from the truth (5:20). Yes, it is possible for believers to wander from the truth, but this does not mean they were never believers. It means they were believers whose faith had died due to inactivity.

Faith without works is dead, because good works keep a believer’s faith alive. In my Christian living, if I stop producing righteousness, my faith (trust) in God will die. But as I practice the various things written in James, I will enjoy active, living faith that is profitable (2:14-17), not only to myself but also to those who are helped by my good works.

For more on James 2 click here.

God is a Rewarder

Human nature craves recognition and rewards. We Christians wonder what difference our lives have made; what might we deserve as a result of walking by faith and serving God.

Our biblical relatives, some of whom are listed in Hebrews 11, were approved by God because of their faith (vss. 2,5,16,39). The chapter clearly indicates their eternal reward (vss. 13-16, 26, 39-40). God is a rewarder. We draw near to Him because we believe that He is (real) and that He rewards us who diligently seek Him (vs. 6). Does this include earthly rewards as well?

The chapter lists some results of those who lived by faith. They “conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength after being weak, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead raised to life again.” So far so good. But the list continues. “Some men were tortured, not accepting release,…and others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated…They wandered in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground” (vss. 33-38).

Such was the reward of walking by faith and thus pleasing God. Some had their loved ones brought back to life; some watched their loved ones tortured to death.

Living by faith can lead to totally opposite outcomes in this life. Faith does not guarantee earthly credentials, credits, or kudos. These “heroes of faith” believed God’s promises even though they never came to pass in their lifetimes (vs. 39). They concentrated on pleasing God, not on being “successful” or effective (vs. 5-6). They endured whatever came their way and remained faithful to the end because their eyes were set on the invisible, eternal reward of a “heavenly city” whose architect and builder is God (vs. 10).

Too often, I have expected temporal perks for living right, serving God, and enduring trials. I have measured my success (and that of others) by visible, countable results. Instead, I need to live for eternity and God’s approval there, not for earth and human affirmation here. God looks for my usefulness, not my effectiveness. And I can only be useful when I’m dependent on Him, abiding in His fellowship (John 15:5).

Even though God does bless and reward us in this life, I must not expect that or set my hopes on it. To do so will cause arrogance (over what I have) or anger (over what I don’t have.) My motive for pleasing God cannot be what I will get out of it. I live by faith, not to gain God’s favor, but because I have God’s favor. I endure to the end, not to get what I want, but to give God what He deserves.

Walking by faith means trusting God with the results as He and I labor together. I plant and/or water; He gives (or does not give) the increase (I Corinthians 3:7-9). I should concentrate on my responsibility, not His.

Someday, when faith becomes sight, I will bow before Him, utterly unworthy of His promised rewards.

All biblical quotes are from the Christian Standard Bible (Holman Publishers).

Q & A Re: God's Promises

            Question: What is the best promise in the Bible?

            Answer: Jesus’ promise of eternal life to everyone who believes. He provided eternal life (salvation) when He paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross and rising again. When we simply believe that is true, it means we have trusted in Jesus, and nothing else, to take care of our eternal destiny.

            Question: What then is the best promise for believers? As we live the Christian life with its various sorrows and joys, what is the most encouraging promise to keep in mind?

            Answer: Let me start by disallowing some promises many Christians misunderstand.

            I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). This is not a paramount promise, because that verse in context refers to learning contentment. While it does apply to living the way God wants, it does not mean Christ strengthens me to run a marathon or pass up dessert.

            God won’t give us more than we can bear but will provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). That verse does not apply to trials, but to temptations. Yes, these two words have the same Greek root, but the context determines which is meant. We always have a way of escape from temptations—just say no—but not so with trials. In fact Paul said he had trials beyond his ability to endure, so that he even despaired of life (2 Corinthians 1:8-9. He gives the reason as well—God was teaching Him dependence instead of self-reliance. God does at times give us more than we can bear so we will rely on Him more.

            God knows the plans He has for you—plans to prosper not harm you and to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Yes, this is a great promise, but not for you! Have you heard the maxim that all the Bible was written FOR us, but not all was written TO us? Jeremiah 29 promised a prosperous future to the exiled Israelites after their 70 years of captivity was completed (vs. 10). We cannot claim verse 11 for ourselves, unless we also claim verses 10 through 14---that God will take all of us from various nations and carry us back to Israel after 70 years.

            Question: So what is the best promise for Christians today?

            Answer: The same promise He has given to His people from Genesis on—“I will be with you.” First made to Ishmael (yes, Ishmael—Abram’s son by his second wife Hagar) in Gen. 21:20, and then said about each of the patriarchs. The cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, as well as the Tabernacle were visible reminders that God was with His people. The psalms are filled with statements about God’s presence. Best of all, God Himself took on flesh and dwelled (tabernacled) on earth (John 1:14). Immanuel: “God WITH us.”

            Thus, right before Jesus was raptured to heaven, He gave the best promise possible: Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

            Hebrews 13:5-6 expresses it best: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

            Resurrection Treasures by Dr. William McCarrell tells about "David Livingston, weary from 16 years of African service, including 27 attacks of African fever, with one arm hanging helpless because of the bite of a lion, when honored with a degree by the University of Glasgow, said, 'Shall I tell you what supported me through all these years among a people whose language I could not understand and whose attitude toward me was uncertain and often hostile? It was, Lo, A am with you always, even unto the end of the age.'"

            If Jesus never leaves me, what can any kind of adversity do to me? If Jesus never forsakes me, He will be sufficient for all my needs. He is with me always—in this life and the next. That’s a promise I can live with, and die with.

  

Should I listen for God's voice?

In Amazon’s search box, if you enter “Hearing God’s Voice,” you will see a plethora of books on the subject of receiving present-day revelations from God, although, of course, no author calls it that. They call it “God spoke to my heart,” “I received a word from the Lord,” or “God whispered to me.” What is this but present-day revelations? And this is exactly how Joseph Smith started Mormonism—a revelation while he was praying! 

Many Christian authors and speakers today advocate that God will speak to us like He did to the prophets Samuel and Elijah and Ezekiel. If so, then Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, and the Bible was incomplete in 1830, because Smith claimed he had a vision and heard God’s voice speak to him. 

Maybe my resistance to this comes from living in Utah, where Mormons determine what God wants by a feeling they get in their “bosom.” But don’t some born again Christians do the same thing? 

“If you want to hear God speak—read the Bible. If you want to hear God’s voice, read the Bible aloud!” (Justin Peters). Yes, the voice you hear will be your own, but you won’t be tempted to sinful pride in telling others that you received “a special word from the Lord.” 

Our minds are the vehicle for praying—talking to God. Often during prayer we receive insights for our problems. We may attribute this to God speaking to us, but God speaks to us through His Word, whether that comes from reading the Bible, recalling Scriptures, hearing it taught or sung, etc. But prayer is not a two-way conversation with God. I realize that God may use extraordinary means to communicate where His written word is not available, but that is not part of the normal Christian walk with Christ. 

Think about this—incredible and surprising and inspiring things pop into the minds of everyone—believers and unbelievers, even atheists, because that is how God made us. God has given us brains with the ability to figure things out, solve problems, evaluate, create, categorize, remember and recall, and much more. 

However, in times of extreme duress, it seems that God may do something special to meet our emotional needs. I’ve experienced it too, but it does not contradict anything in the Bible, and it does not foretell the future. Therefore, I always thank God for insights I receive and decisions that turn out good results, because “all things are from Him and through Him and to Him.” But I prefer to see “all things” not as special personal divine revelations, but as the abilities and circumstances and relationships He gives me, as well as Scriptural insights that come from studying His Word in context. 

For excellent help regarding this topic, please visit www.str.org, and in the search box type “Hearing God’s Voice” or “Does God Speak Today.” Read the articles that interest you there.