In recent decades, many people within church have been moving from 'what the Bible says in its original context' to 'what the Bible means for/to me.' Now, within many settings and contexts, believers want to know how they are to live for God and apply the biblical messages - we have seen this throughout the Bible. But today, the focus is so much on the personal meaning that it's excluding the original message. The emphasis on learning what the biblical writers wrote; to whom; and the circumstances surrounding their messages is almost non-existent.

Isn't it important to know the original intent of each book in the Bible?!

Many people feel it is important...and are learning and studying the Bible. But I'm not talking about learning and studying a few scattered scriptures here and there to cover a topic on 'how to receive more blessings.' I'm speaking about learning and studying Bible as it is written. We cannot negate this area of biblical education among the saints.

Let me provide an example:

How many people heard a preacher say, I'm blessed in the city, and blessed in the field; I'm blessed going in, and blessing going out...I'm the head and not the tail...

Now, let's look at the scriptures this statements refer to:

Deuteronomy 28:3-6 (KJV) - Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

Deuteronomy 28:13 (KJV) - And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

Some people don't even know these scriptures are in the Bible! While we make these proclamations of blessings, it will be important to read the ENTIRE chapter (for this message, specifically v. 1-2 and 15-68 ):

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (KJV) - And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

Hmmm...let's continue with verse 15-18 (but review the rest of the chapter...)

Deuteronomy 28:15-18 (KJV) - But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

God wrote these instructions as part of His covenant with the people of Israel who were about to enter the Promised Land...not Leroy and Becky in church today.

Every scripture in the Bible isn't 'fair game' to apply to your personal life - check the context first! With scriptures like the ones above (when studied in their proper context), we'll understand the historical nature of each scriptural setting. If we fail to undertake such 'precautions,' we may end up as people unable to rightfully divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). As Paul explained to a young Timothy, all Scripture is used for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). It is used to outline the historical record of God's interaction with the world, His people, and the redemption of the world through Jesus Christ.

On a personal note: One of the best resources I have found (as a 'solution' for this problem) within my own studies is The Outline Bible by Harold L. Willmington. As the title indicates, The Outline Bible provides an outline of each book of the Bible - verse by verse. It does not contain any personal notes, references, or interpretations - just what the Bible says and what it means! It has been a great compliment for my personal studies.

As this entry also applies to Spiritual Combatants, we will take greater strides to ensure our messages do not reflect the sentiments written above. As our purpose is to re-establish truth by being a drink offering to the world, we too must be cognizant of the messages we provide to you.

May the Lord richly bless your endeavors to learn His Word. God bless.