#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” — Acts 17:11 (NLT)
Ever felt confused by what someone says about the Bible? With so many interpretations out there, it’s easy to be misled. But how do we know what’s true?
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
Scripture warns us that even well-meaning individuals can misinterpret the Bible, leading to harmful consequences. Here are some examples:
- Jehovah’s Witnesses and Blood Transfusions: The Watchtower Society has misinterpreted verses like Leviticus 17:11-12, leading to the tragic refusal of life-saving transfusions. As William Lane Craig notes, “The context of these verses is about the pagan practice of eating blood, not medical procedures.”
- Larry Parker’s Tragedy: Influenced by a teacher’s out-of-context teaching on faith, Larry Parker stopped giving his son insulin, resulting in the boy’s death. J. Warner Wallace reminds us, “Taking Scripture out of context can have dire consequences. We must always understand passages in light of their surrounding text and the whole of Scripture.”
- Jong Mal Ron Movement: Misinterpreting end-time prophecies led to unnecessary abortions, showing how distorted doctrine can cause harm. Hank Hanegraaff warns, “Prophecies are not to be taken literally without understanding their broader scriptural context.”
Scripture calls us to be like the Bereans, who examined the teachings against the Scriptures. As Paul Copan emphasizes, “Bereans remind us that we are not to accept teachings blindly but to test them against God’s Word.”
Encouragement & Application:
Remember, your faith isn’t about following every new doctrine or interpretation. Instead, it’s about seeking truth and understanding through the lens of Scripture. Here are some practical steps:
- Read the Bible Regularly: Familiarity with Scripture helps you discern truth from error.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your pastor or a trusted mentor for clarification on confusing teachings.
- Engage with a Faith Community: Join a group where you can discuss and study the Bible together.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you apply the Berean approach to your own faith journey?
- What steps can you take to guard against deceptive teachings?
Prayer:
Father, help us to be diligent in studying Your Word. Guide us in understanding Your truth and protect us from those who would lead us astray. Give us discernment to recognize Your voice above all others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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