Saltum Ad Conclusiones

Are you one of those people who read a passage, and when stumbling upon a specific sentence you immediately go off on a tangent about that simple spread of words and stick to a theme that was not even being spoken about it the first place?

Or.

Are you one of those people who read the whole thing, and then read it again, and then decide what the author was trying to communicate with their words?  I admit sometimes I am the former, I'll hear or read something and jump to defense or disagreements without knowing all of the details.  Especially when I'm in a group...it's the follow-the-leader sort of mentality.  However, I am mostly the latter.  I read the whole regale, and if I see something that might be incorrect according to my understanding on the subject, I read it again to make sure that was the purpose of the post.  While I am not suggesting everyone agree with all people in the scheme of things, I do believe different opinions help shape a matter into a purposeful teaching tool for someone who needs it.

I prefer to read the diverse opinion on life in general.  It gets boring to read comments that support and agree with the whole article all the time.  What I don't like, is when someone reads what I have written and completely misses the point I was trying to make.  That tells me something.  Either I failed to communicate my thoughts properly, which is entirely possible and most likely what happened, or someone has their mind made up about who I am and what I stand for before they even get through the first sentence.  Again, that is something that I am partially to blame for....I am harsh when what should be shared is kindness, and I tell the truth regardless of who might be bowled over in the process.  Obviously I need to take a class in Social Engagement and Tact.

And this is where I hope to get my point across.  When we read the Bible, Holy Scriptures preserved for God's people for their benefit and growth while on this earth, do we as readers take pieces here and there and put them together to make our life easier, and meaningful?  Do we only read with a partial belief in mind?  Do we view repentance as something that is done on our own terms?  Do we jump to conclusions about a matter we thought we had dealt with long ago?  It seems to me that generation after generation since the beginning of time has confused the Word of God.  I myself have been guilty of this.  I think it always pertinent to study the Bible with a mind empty of all former understandings, and truly humble oneself under the Authority of what God has created for the benefit of the Elect.  I implore you dear reader to take your personal walk with Christ seriously, but let go of your individuality.  God is not supportive nor tolerant of autonomy.  Yes you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who has restored your relationship to God the Father with His shed blood, and you should be eager to devour His Word daily and trust that God will cultivate His Fruit in you as time goes by.

But.

You must believe that the body of Christ is extremely vital in your Christian walk, otherwise, left to your own devices you are like a reed, tossed to and fro, with no foundational guidance from those whom God has called to teach you practically speaking.  I will go into the differences between a parent that teaches about The Lord, and a Pastor whom God has called, so stay tuned.
If you take the time to read something, would it not be beneficial to ask questions of the composer to clarify what you think he/she is communicating?  Questioning someone is the best way to learn, or else we tend to fall into a mindless groupology, and let another lead the way without full understanding ourselves.

Heaven is not a place full of people who walk around without knowing one another, who hold to different theological views, who's very hearts desires are met in a worldly way.

No.
 

Heaven is made up of a people, united together through Christ Jesus, with one goal in mind.

To be obedient servants to God, The Creator Of Heaven And Earth.