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TWELVE WAYS PEOPLE MISUNDERSTAND
THE BIBLE
TWELVE PROBLEMS
UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE by Debbie Anderson
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Understanding the definition of words in the Bible
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Understanding the real problem
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Understanding how to put scriptures together
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Understanding context and ancient languages
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Understanding integrity—no adding or subtracting
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Understanding the story about the tree in the garden
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Understanding covenant or agreement
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Understanding time
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Understanding patterns and symbols
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Understanding not everything in the Bible is God telling you to do that
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God’s will does not have to be “specifically” in the Bible
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Your personal interpretation of the Bible is not necessarily the Holy Words of God.
TWELVE PROBLEMS
UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE
(EXPLAINED)
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l. Understanding the definition of words in the Bible
We have a serious problem with definitions. We either have no definition, or our definition is inadequate. We need to define words, phrases, symbols, and ideas. Examples include sin, relationship, love, good, positive, and many more. What does “put God first” mean?
2. Understanding the real problem
You cannot fix a problem if you don’t know what the real problem is. What went wrong in the Garden of Eden? Is the Bible about sin or love?
3. Understanding how to put scriptures together
Putting scriptures together changes the understanding of those scriptures
4. Understanding context
Context refers to what is going on around the scripture. The entire Bible is also the context. We also need to understand what people from long ago were really trying to say. Their thinking might be different from ours.
5. Understanding integrity
No adding or subtracting allowed (Rev. 22). If it’s not in there, it’s not in there and tell the whole story.
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6. Understanding the story about the tree in the garden
Interestingly, God warned Adam and Eve about the tree, not the Devil.
7. Understanding covenant or agreement
Which covenant are you talking about?
8. Understanding time
God’s idea about time is not like ours.
9.Understanding patterns and symbols
First, you must find them, then know what they mean.
10.Understand that not everything in the Bible is God telling you to do that
Not everything applies to the reader.
11. God’s will does not have to be “specifically” in the Bible but should agree with it.
12. Your personal interpretation of the Bible is not necessarily the Holy Words of God.
ALSO -- Looking at the oldest copy of the text is more reliable.
THE BIBLICAL PROCESS
THE BIBLICAL PROCESS by Debbie Anderson
What is the Biblical Process?
You've heard of the scientific process. We all learned that in school. It is a series of steps to find the truth.
The Biblical Process is similar, but adds the idea of a living God, and includes His input when searching for truth and solutions to problems.
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THE BIBLICAL PROCESS
1. Clearly identify the question or problem. Make sure you define your words and phrases.
2. Collect all the information or facts. No adding or subtracting. Let everyone speak.
3. Seek the wisdom of God. Use both the Written Word and the Rhema Word (ask, wait, and listen for an answer.) Again, no adding or subtracting. Use all relevant information.
4. Have a discussion. Use, discernment, not judgement. Separate principalities and powers. Apply the
Words of God.
5. Build a solution based on all your findings.
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THE CHURCH
IS OUT OF ORDER
THE CHURCH IS OUT OF ORDER by Debbie Anderson
Many people say, “We need order in the church.”
What does that mean?
Is God’s idea of “order in the church” different from ours? And what should be the highest order in the church? I asked several people this question. Here are some of their answers: 1. The Bible 2. The head pastor 3. Jesus 4. Whoever God puts in charge 5. God
Some of these answers are correct but misunderstood. The church has modeled itself after Constantine and the Roman Empire. The church is often organized or operates like a small business with one man in charge.
But is this God’s order? Do we need to change it?
If we are going to have unity in the church today, then we will need to agree on some critical ideas, and this is one of them. What should be the highest order in the church?
Of course, Jesus is the answer. But when we say it like that, we leave out something important. The highest order in the church should be “our relationship with Jesus Christ.” The first answer only renames something. The second answer states our part in it.
Should people respect those in the church who are in authority? Yes, of course. We can follow those in authority over us as long as it does not interfere with the highest order, and that is your relationship with the Master.
We need to put the church back in order. Let’s put our relationship with Jesus Christ in first place, always.
CHANGING
THE CULTURE OF THE CHURCH
CHANGING THE CULTURE OF THE CHURCH BY Debbie Anderson
We are hearing a lot these days about the need to change the culture of the church. What does that mean? What do we need to change? Here are several ideas or suggestions explaining how we can change the culture of the church. See if you can list some of your own ideas.
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We need a better understanding of the following;
1.The difference between judgment and discernment
2.There is a difference between sharing your thoughts and seeking God for an answer. We need both, but we must be able to tell the difference.
3.There are differences between spiritual, emotional, and feelings that come from the flesh. The Bible doesn’t tell us to ignore all of our feelings, if you read the rest of the book.
4.We need a better understanding of relationships and how to communicate.
5.We need a better understanding of the Bible with good definitions and accurate translations.
6.We need a better understanding of character and integrity.
7. We need a better understanding of how people get wounded in the church and how to help those people heal.
Here are a few more suggestions;
1.Let’s take the veil off Matthew 22:37-40. We need to understand what it means to “Put God First.” Also, if we treated people the way we want to be treated, people would be running back to the church.
2.We need community centers where people can come together and take special classes or get help with problems and disagreements.
3.Let’s deal with the performance monster and make Jesus more important than the worship music.
4.We could establish the Democracy of Prophecy. Let everyone prophesy one at a time and then evaluate what is said.
5.Let’s give more space to God. We could add more silent time to events where we can ask God questions and then wait for an answer
6.We could restore order in the church. The highest order in the church should be our relationship with Jesus. We also need Biblical definitions of leadership instead of the world’s definition.
7.Sex isn’t the only sin in the Bible. Let’s replace our obsession with sex with a clear and complete understanding of sin and boundaries.
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