200 words or less - Context

I believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God. A book, in its original languages, that allows us to see the very heart of our Lord. It is a story from beginning to end (chapter and verse numbers were added much, much later). It is an intertwined adventure, full of love, mysteries, action and life-saving truth.

Unfortunately, I have seen this most ancient, celebrated collection of words abused by very well-meaning people. Like any literary work, these Biblical authors, both human and divine, had intentions in their writings. They wrote to specific audiences at specific times under specific circumstances. Now don’t get me wrong, there are truths that are timeless and I believe the Bible speaks these truths clearly. But we must not take individual verses or passages without their context and frame them into a meaning that was never intended.

1 Corinthians 13 is about proper use of spiritual gifts — not about romance.
Revelation 3:16 is about being a useful Christian — not about becoming a believer.

Read things in their context, we do not need to force our misaligned truths into places where they don’t actually fit. The Bible can defend itself from even the most scrutinizing critics.