Are you Reading Someone Else’s Mail? Dividing The Bible in Context
One of the biggest mistakes Christians make is putting themselves in every bible verse. This falsely assumes the Bible/God doesn’t want to reach unbelievers. He does.
When you read punishment verses, death verses, or verses about God turning away from us, well, you are reading someone else’s mail.
We must learn to read the Bible in context. We must stop trying to fit ourselves into every verse.
Think about it. One minute teachers say God will never leave us, our sins are forgiven, we are the righteousness of Christ, we are justified, holy, and blameless, and then they turn around saying BUT if you sin God will get you.
I oftentimes say that’s like teaching “God forgives your sins…..unless you sin“. It’s double talk. It’s wrong.
The Bible has a lot to say. Sometimes it’s to you. Sometimes to Jewish people denying Jesus and running to law for righteousness, and sometimes it’s to unbelieving Gentiles.
Sure. Read the entire bible. It’s all healthy and good for instruction. Just remember, God has something to say to us all, and you just might be reading someone else’s mail.
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.
