Fellow Doves:

Let me affirm Tom Gaston's post of 5/27/2004.  Most Christians take the whole
Bible to have primary meaning to each of us.  This causes more problems than
most people realize.

I hold an earned Th.D., M.A., and M.Div.  I mention this to validate my
knowledge of the Biblical languages.  All too often, our English translations fail
to communicate the best understanding or meaning of the text.  I learned years
ago that we are denied a great deal by our reliance on the English
translations.  While few can afford the time or expense of learning Greek and Hebrew, we
ought to be aware of what Tom referred to as "Context."

There are many principles of interpretation, perhaps as many as twenty-five,
however, none are so relevant as is that of "Context."  In reading the text,
always ask the question:  "To whom is this passage addressed to?"  The primary
reading is either addressed to the Jews, Gentiles, or believers.  This is not
to say that there is not something for each of us to learn or benefit by,
rather we get derailed when we assume that something addressed to the Jews first
is primarily for us.  It is the cause that so many denominations, sects, and
cults have arisen.

Example:  The Unpardonable Sin.  No believer can commit it.  It was for those
that were physically present at Jesus entry into the scenario described.
Only those that were physically present when Jesus addressed His message to the
religious leaders of the day were able to commit this sin.

I spend much of my ministry time correcting misunderstandings that people
have concerning Scripture as a result of their not understanding the matter of
"Context."
I must add, that for the better part of the last sixty years+, seminaries
have long dropped the requirement of their students to take Greek and Hebrew.
These subjects were abandoned from the curriculum in order to squeeze in other
courses like church management, psychology, small group leadership, etc.etc.
This is not a criticism, strictly a statement of fact.  We live in an
informational world and a pastor is rarely hired for his knowledge of Scripture, mostly
because he smiles all the time, tells good stories, jokes, and is of a
certain age.

To you that are a serious student of God's Word, always and I repeat, always,
remember "CONTEXT."  Ask yourself the five "W's" - Who, What, When, Where,
and Why and you will rarely be led astray.

God Bless and hope to meet you all at the Marriage Supper,

Pastor Bob Reid