The Bible, the whole Bible...

The Bible, the whole Bible...

I see it every day, so-called Christians who use the Bible to support what they have already decided is right. They are not using the Bible to make their decisions or guide their lives, instead they use the Lord's Word to justify and rationalize their actions and decisions.

There are many who accept the Old Testament punishments as the only way:

Exodus 21:23-25.

But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life,

eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

But they fail to accept the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:

Matthew 5:38-45.

"You have heard that it was said, `Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

But I [Jesus Christ] tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

"You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

In the New Testament there are many such passages that directly contradict elements of the Old Testament, yet too many who call themselves Christian see only the Old Testament. They are not Christians, they do not really believe, they only play at being Christians for the benefit of others. They only read the Bible to justify what they want to do. They do not read the Bible in any effort to learn what to do.

What would Jesus do? Well they do not care!

If you are going to study and follow the Word of the Lord, you must read and study the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, so help you God!

Amen.