My Purpose In Writing...

I think that in order to understand what a person writes, you have to understand where they are writing from. That is to say, what is their frame of mind when they are creating the text. A person can read a passage and think, "Okay, I think I understand that." However, I believe that it isn't until we actually read the Scriptures in the tense and time they were created, that we can find what God is really sharing with us. I think there are foundational "reading" principles that are unique to the Bible as well.

First, I hear people say all the time, especially about the book of 'Revelation', that you need to unlock the "secret" meaning behind the words, or "I can't pull the meanings from the Scriptures." That couldn't be further from the truth. God has given His Word to us that we may grow and learn from it. Why would it be something that you have to decode? I mention the book of 'Revelation' because most people consider it to be a book of mysterious prophecy...do we stop to think of what the title means...to reveal?

Which leads me to my second principle: When I read a passage, I take the time to find out what was going on when it was written, who it was written to and why it was written. The only mysteries that have to be unlocked, per-se, are the historical facts surrounding the writings. Once you learn the historical facts, then the text becomes alive and pertanent. Remember, these books were documents that recorded historical facts, chronological events and some were quite simply letters to people or people groups, so they have specific relevance to those who received them. The specific structure of the books, word usage and terminology all played a personal and vital role in their communications. Take a simple name for example. Today, we use them as personal identifiers or tags. However, in biblical times, you became your name. You personified your name. That's why sometimes in the Bible we see that God would change peoples' names; like after a covenant was made with them.

Lastly, I believe that the Bible is as relevant today as it was for the people in it. Although it is very unlikely that we would see a Roman army hunting us down; we can take away valuable lessons from their recordings of the people who did experience the event. God's Word is living, not dead. Not something that existed for a time and the time has now passed. In Hebrews 4:12 we read: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." That's the power of God's Word!

So, as I write down some of my thoughts on this "blog" thing, I hope you gain some of that same insight. I hope to provide as much background information on my posts as possible so you know where I am coming from. I really enjoy sharing what God puts on my heart, especially through a wonderful medium like this. I also look forward to any comments you may have regarding my posts. Thanks Josh, God Bless!

Together in Christ, Todd