#biblicalvalues

Paul vs. Jesus: Why It MattersMany Christians believe they know Jesus, but in reality, much of their theology is based on the teachings of Paul rather than the words of Jesus Himself. While Paul’s letters shape much of Christian doctrine, his writings are not the same as the direct teachings of Christ. So how can it be that many people claim to follow Jesus but primarily quote Paul? And does it…

The Meek Inherit the Earth: Biblical Meekness and Its Relevance in Social Justice.

Matthew 5:5 states, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (NIV). This beatitude highlights the value of meekness in God’s kingdom, a concept that resonates deeply with modern DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and social justice movements. In biblical terms, meekness is not weakness, but rather strength under control. Moses, for example, is described as “the meekest man on…

Tonight  was my favorite study of the week "Living Room Study" I should start sharing the links to the videos of these studies because they are amazing. ( http://www.livingroomstudy.org/ )The format is simple.All of us reading a chapter a day and meeting up every 7th day to discuss that day's chapter. So basically we are trekking through the Bible one chapter at a time. I think this is much more fruitful than a forever series of topical messages or staying in Ephesians for years. We need to know the Word in it's entirety ya know? That is crucial for application, context and understanding.

On to my point. Tonight he went over something that I have been thinking about on and off for days. We were in chapter Matthew 15.. Copy and paste from BibleGateway in 3...2....1 

"The Tradition of the Elders

15 Then Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem to Jesus and asked, 2 “Why do Your disciple sbreak the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat!”[a]

3 He answered them, “And why do you break God’s commandment because of your tradition? 4 For God said:[b]

Honor your father and your mother;[c] and, The one who speaks evil of father or mother must be put to death.[d]

5 But you say, ‘Whoever tells his father or mother, “Whatever benefit you might have received from me is a gift committed to the temple”— 6 he does not have to honor his father.’[e] In this way, you have revoked God’s word[f] because of your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said:

8 These people[g] honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of

men.”[h]"

THIS!

We are still doing this,folks! I doubt many people are going around calling themselves "pharisees", but that's what's going on when  people take the doctrine's of men and filter the Word of God through these men. Commentaries and books have their place, but filter them through the Bible not the other way around. Don't trust everything John Piper, John MacArthur, Chuck Smith, Rick Warren, James MacDonald,  Tim Keller, Ravi Zacharias,or insert favorite theologian  has to say. I'm sure these men don't like the idea of people seeking their words over the Word. However it is much easier to just trust that these men are seeking the Lord like we should be than submitting our own lives to that quest. We are always stinking lazy in some aspect of our life. Whether it be general physical laziness (me), laziness in spreading the gospel (ezekiel 33:1-6) or just general spiritual laziness.