Seeking... TRUTH

All of my life I have gone to church, I have listened to what I believed was sound doctrine, I have studied the Word as best I knew how, and I would debate to the ends of the earth that I knew that I knew that I knew exactly what each passage of scripture meant. I have always been taught a version of the passage from 2 Timothy 2:15 which reads, "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” most of you are probably familiar with the jest of the scripture that I heard quite a bit... "Study to show yourself approved!” No one was wrong in telling me to do this, the thing that I am beginning to realize however, is that I wasn’t sure exactly how to do that or what to do with the knowledge that I gained.

My new search for truth began in October of last year. A very dear friend of mine was hit with a tragedy that left everyone around her in shock, deep grief, and doubt. Not doubt in God, but rather in doctrine. I began to look for truth, not man made beliefs or summaries from the Word of God but truth.

I have been learning over the past several months that if you really want to understand the Bible you have to remember that the Bible wasn't written to the American public... it was written in a very different time, in a very different culture. Someone I greatly respect has told me that you should ask three questions when you read a passage of scripture: 1) what did it mean for the people then? 2) What does it mean to people now? 3) What does it speak to me personally? Much thought and prayer should go into studying the Bible and discerning what God is saying to you. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that the Bible isn't true or that it is in anyway obselete... my purpose in writing any of this is to say that I'm learning that I have to study to show myself approved so that I won't be ashamed and so that I can correctly explain the Word of truth.

I am embarrassed and ashamed to say that I haven't studied God's word enough to answer a lot of questions that are asked... I have come to realize that most of what I think I know are things that I have been taught, some which are true; but some which are not. I have decided to study and pray to find truth and answers. I encourage you to do the same, don't just take someone's word for it... dig into God's word, humble yourself in prayer and find the truth.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart" Jeremiah 29:13

Random Thought for the Day: I wanted to share some pictures from our family date to the Bainbridge boat basin this weekend. We had a great time with our precious blessing!