Any Christian who is not familiar with Holy Scripture is a blank slate open to any deception or false teaching that might come along. God does not want us to remain ignorant but has given us through His Holy Spirit (Who is totally tuned to the mind of the Father) a book detailing everything that is important to us from the beginning of creation to the eternal state when Jesus presents the kingdom to His Father so that He may be “all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:28). The Bible is that book. He did not simply give us this book just for clergy to read and study or that we as individuals could read and come to a private interpretation, but He sent the very author of the book to indwell each one of us to “lead us into all truth” and “tell us of things to come.” (John 16:13). The apostle Paul tells Timothy: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2Timothy 3:16). Paul also told Timothy: “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” (2Timothy 2:15).
In this modern age as we approach the last days leading to Jesus’s second coming, we have no excuse to remain biblically illiterate. The teaching ministries and research tools that we have at our disposal boggle the mind. Just imagine for a moment that you spend at least as much time in God’s Word as you do at news sites, sporting events, entertainment sites, and, of course, social media, combined. In just a short time you would become a giant in the faith. You would be growing ever closer to living like our example- Jesus. You would be growing ever more capable of knowing the Fathers’ will in every situation you find yourself in. You would be growing ever more capable of discerning the “still small” voice of the Holy Spirit within you. You would be ever more able to powerfully share your faith with your family, friends, and anyone who crosses your path. And, most importantly, you yourself would be totally transformed by the renewing of your mind. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and perfect and acceptable and perfect will of God.”(Romans 12:2).
It’s time that those who believe that we have a Savior in Jesus individually take the necessary steps to move on to maturity and Scriptural wisdom. All Christians. Every. Last. One. Do not rely exclusively on others to interpret scripture for you. You have the ultimate responsibility.
If you’re not sure about how to study the scriptures, please read the article I’ve permanently linked to below entitled “Hermeneutics”. It will describe some guidelines necessary for objective bible study methods. Also, be sure to read through the entire Bible at least once per year.
The Apostle Paul prayed for us: “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” (Ephesians 1:17-19).
Great things and astounding revelations await you!
Maranatha, Jim