Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

February 25
Thursday


IMAGINE THAT!

READ:
2 Peter 1:16-21
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Be diligent to present
yourself approved
to God,...rightly
dividing the Word of
truth. __2 Timothy 2:15
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My friends and I were anticipating a contemplative time looking at a collection of artwork about the prodigal son who returned home to a forgiving father (Luke 15). When we arrived at the information table, we noticed the brochures, books, and a sign pointing to the artwork.

Also on the table was a dinner plate with bread, a napkin, and a glass. Each of us privately pondered what the significance of the plate could be. We wondered if it represented communion fellowship between the prodigal son and his father when he returned home. But as we examined it more closely, we realized simultaneously: Someone had left a dirty plate on the display table. And it wasn't bread, but leftover cookie bars! Our imaginations had been wrong.

We had a good laugh, but then it made me think about how sometimes we imagine more than what's really there while reading the Bible. Rather than assuming that our speculation is correct, however, we need to be sure our interpretation fits with the whole of Scripture. Peter said that "no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20). As we depend on the Spirit's instruction, a careful study of the context, and the wisdom of respected bible teachers, we'll avoid seeing things in the Word that aren't really there. __Anne Cetas
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``````````````````We must correctly hear God's Word,`````````````
````````````````````````Or we will be misled;```````````````````
``````````````We must give careful thought and prayer`````````````
`````````````````To what the Author said. __Hess`````````````````
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A text out of context is often a dangerous pretext.

**********Today's Bible Reading __ 2 Peter 1:16-21***************

16 For we did not follow
cunningly devised fables
when we made known to
you the power and coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but were eyewitnesses of
His majesty. 17 For He
received from God the
Father honor and glory
when such a voice came to
Him from the Excellent
Glory: "This is My beloved
Son, in whom I am well
pleased." 18 And we heard
this voice which came from
heaven when we were with
Him on the holy mountain.

19 And so we have the
prophetic word confirmed,
which you do well to heed
as a light that shines in a
dark place, until the day
dawns and the morning star
rises in our hearts;

20 knowing this first, that no
prophecy of Scripture is of
any private interpretation,

21 for prophecy never came
by the will of man, but holy
men of God spoke as they
were moved by the Holy
Spirit.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Together with 2 Timothy 3:16, today's passage explains how the
Scriptures came to us. At the transfiguration (vv.16-18), God
affirmed Jesus as His beloved Son (Matt. 17:5). All of Scripture
points toward Jesus (Luke 24:27,44; John 1:45; 5:39). What the
prophets wrote was not the product of the authors' own ideas or
human understanding (2 Peter 1:20). To ensure the accuracy of
what was written, the human authors were moved or superintended
by the Holy Spirit, the divine Author (v.21). Thus, Peter affirmed
the authority of the Scriptures, and we would do well to pay close
attention what the authors wrote (v.19). __SIM KAY TEE