Words & Meanings

John MacArthur is currently broadcasting his series on the study of the Bible and interpretation of it. And while it's emphasis could very much apply to pastors specifically and the preaching of the Word, I received it differently as I listened.

For when it comes to church staff and leadership, as they have their hands on the pulse of the congregation and to some degree the community, MacArthur's insight and wisdom on the matter was struck me as profound, yet simple. It was also relevant, as in recent years, culture has become obsessed with definitions and the redefining of things; whether to fit their narrative or support their agenda or belief or whatever.

Sadly, this is nothing new, even in the church. For longer than anyone cares to admit, church history is replete with both leadership and congregation approaching situations and circumstance with meanings and applications of Scripture that span the range of "not quite accurate" to severely taken out of context to "that's not what that means at all."

MacArthur asks this question, which I thought drove the point home nicely.

"Once you say something in the Bible is an allegory, that is, it is only a symbol of reality, you have just made it impossible to know what that reality is. Because if that reality can not be discerned through the normal understanding of language, how can it be discerned?"


I saw all that to say, that much of the trouble of preaching, teaching, counsel and wisdom within the church that leads to bigger problems than what is first posed, stems from the misunderstanding and misapplication of the Word of God.

Thus, and again, I'm standing first in line, we would do well to be become better students of God's Word. For in our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, it is how His character, will and purpose is revealed. If we don't know it, we miss it and thus, miss out.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that both church leaders and parishioners would be greater students of the Word, both hearers and doers. May God help us to better understand the context of the Scriptures on their merit, as well as the impact it makes as we apply it to the context of today. Pray that church leaders would continue to seek the face of God, especially as they lead and advise. Pray for strength to pursue our understanding; that the Holy Spirit would illuminate hearts and minds as the Word is made alive to us, for indeed it is a living and active Word. May we handle with care, for indeed it is a two-edged sword.

For Thy Word is truth
In a world changing at speeds
For which we can't keep track,
May we hold tightly to God
Through the revelation of His love letter to all humanity.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC