Tag: Scripture

Christian

Can I Understand the Bible?

Cindy Dawson

In my adult Sunday School class recently, someone made a statement that completely took me off guard. I said, “That’s not right.” The person informed me that what I believed was a theory that many theologians disagreed with. It made me feel like because I had not studied all the theological viewpoints, I couldn’t possibly know what was right on this subject.

So the next day, I spent several hours researching the topic. The consequence of this “debate” caused me to question my ability to understand the Bible.

Theologians debate Biblical truths. Theologians often disagree. How can we know which theories are right and which ones are wrong? After all, theologians are a lot smarter than me and they can’t even agree.

That lead me to my next question. If I haven’t been to seminary, can I understand the Bible correctly? What if I haven’t studied the theological theories which have guided denominations for years? I was challenged by these questions and left a bit shaken.

I thought, I don’t think the Bible says that the common person needs someone to interpret the Bible for them. In fact, it says just the opposite.

Jesus said that we need the Holy Spirit to understand the Bible.

Jesus said, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:12

“The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26: 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16 (emphasis mine)

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

“Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2: 12

This doesn’t mean that everything is easy to understand. Not at all!

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV

“Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” 2 Timothy 2:7 ESV

“Now, to say that we can understand everything in the Bible is not to suggest that we will understand everything immediately and fully. We won’t — and certainly not the first (or second or even tenth) time through. God can give us understanding in every passage without giving us understanding of every part of a passage. He also often chooses to give understanding, not immediately, but over years or even decades. As we keep reading (and living), familiar verses will emerge with new or deeper meaning and relevance. Some questions will be answered slowly. So don’t expect to understand everything now, but expect to understand something now — and then more tomorrow.” Marshall Segal President of Desiring God

(P.S. Coming up, we will look at How to study the Bible the right way.)

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Quote of the Week, 8/20/25

Cindy Dawson

“The Scripture does not call you to be looking for esoteric experiences. The Scripture calls you to discipline and study in the Word of God.” Dr. Tony Wood, Pastor, Mission Bible Church

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

The Greek word translated study is spoudazo. It means: to give diligence, labor, study (Strong’s).

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

Does God’s Word Change with Culture?

Cindy Dawson

Should we interpret the Bible in terms of our culture? Do God’s Words mean something different today than when they were written? We must look to the Word of God itself for the answers. What does God’s Word reveal?

Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 (emphasis mine)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16 (emphasis mine)

There may be verses that we want to interpret in a way that is more acceptable to our culture, but my advice is to put those verses on the list, Verses I Don’t Understand Yet, because God says,

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

In his article on Postmodernism Christian Movements, Bruce Cooper describes Progressive Christianity as: “a contemporary Christian movement that seeks to reinterpret traditional Christian beliefs and practices in light of modern perspectives and societal changes.”

But God says, “I the Lord do not change.” Malachi 3:6

To twist the meaning of Scripture to suit ourselves will only dull our Sword and contribute to our own demise! In effect, we shoot ourselves in the foot!

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8

If we don’t prepare ourselves by reading the Word daily, we will be like a soldier going into battle who doesn’t know the intelligence report or the battle plans! Jesus explained it this way:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-27 (emphasis mine)

Notice that in verse 24, Jesus said, “Therefore”. That means that the “house built on sand” analogy does not stand alone, but is referring to the preceding verses, which say,

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23

Pause and reflect on that for a moment!

We live in a time of great deception. Our culture believes in things that shock the senses! It is becoming increasingly difficult to speak the truth because we don’t want to be called a hater or be hated. Jesus said,

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” John 15:18-20 NIV

During our current times and in light of current events, those verses take on greater meaning than ever before in our lifetime.

It is remarkable that the Bible, written 2,000 years ago, is so pertinent to the world today and all its problems!

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

In His Love, Cindy

Before you go, please see my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Friday’s Verse, 11/22/24

Cindy Dawson

“But Jesus answered and said to them, ‘You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.’” Matthew 22:29 NASB Read full chapter

Jesus corrected misunderstandings about Scripture, not to shame but to lead others to the truth. He exemplified a balance of correction and compassion, aiming to bring enlightenment rather than condemnation. (Bruce Cooper, from Defending Christianity: A Biblical Mandate Rooted in Truth and Love)

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog  

Christian

Prayer Power!

Cindy Dawson

I like to copy the Scriptures I pray into my journal. These verses strengthen my faith. I will list some of those verses, but you can add verses that are specific to your prayer needs. Keep them handy (or better yet, memorize them!)

After fasting forty days and forty nights, he (Jesus) was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4: 2-4 NIV

“Take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 NIV

Verses for Prayer

FIRST FORGIVE:

“I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NIV

GOD’S PROMISE:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:7-8a NIV

GOD’S PEACE:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

IN FAITH:

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us …” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

FOR SAFETY:

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 NIV

FOR STRENGTH:

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE:

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Ephesians 8:28 NASB

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NIV

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16 NIV

FOR GUIDANCE:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

“The Lord will guide you always;
    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
    and will strengthen your frame.” Isaiah 58:11a

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

FOR ANOTHER’S SALVATION:

” … if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,  and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil …” 2 Timothy 2:25-26 NASB

“One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Acts 16:14 NIV

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV

Prayer is our declaration of dependence on God.”

Dr. David Jeremiah

See how many Scriptures you can add to your prayer journal. Your faith will soar!

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog  

Christian

Quote of the Week, 2/14/24

Cindy Dawson

Knowledge of God’s Word can help us to discern whether or not our desires come from the Holy Spirit. We must test our inclinations against Scripture—the Holy Spirit will never prod us to do anything contrary to God’s Word. If it conflicts with the Bible, then it is not from the Holy Spirit and should be ignored.

GotQuestions.org

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Pray for Israel

Photo by madeleine ragsdale on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog  

Christian

What Does God Say About the Bible?

Cindy Dawson

Should we interpret the Bible in terms of our culture? Do God’s Words mean something different today than when they were written? We must look to the Word of God itself for the answers. What does God’s Word reveal?

Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 (emphasis mine)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16 (emphasis mine)

There may be verses that we want to interpret in a way that is more acceptable to our culture, but my advice is to put those verses on the list, Verses I Don’t Understand Yet, because God says,

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

In his article on Postmodernism Christian Movements, Bruce Cooper describes Progressive Christianity as: “a contemporary Christian movement that seeks to reinterpret traditional Christian beliefs and practices in light of modern perspectives and societal changes.”

But God says, “I the Lord do not change.” Malachi 3:6

To twist the meaning of Scripture to suit ourselves will only dull our Sword and contribute to our own demise! In effect, we shoot ourselves in the foot!

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8

If we don’t prepare ourselves by reading the Word daily, we will be like a soldier going into battle who doesn’t know the intelligence report or the battle plans! Jesus explained it this way:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-27 (emphasis mine)

Notice that in verse 24 Jesus said, “Therefore”. That means that the “house built on sand” analogy does not stand alone, but is in reference to the preceding verses which say,

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23

Pause and reflect on that for a moment!

We live in a time of great deception. Our culture believes things that shock the senses! It is becoming increasingly difficult to speak the truth because we don’t want to be called a hater or be hated. Jesus said,

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” John 15:18-20 NIV

During our current times and in light of current events, those verses take on greater meaning than ever before in our lifetime.

How amazing that the Bible, written 2,000 years ago, is so pertinent to the world today and all its problems!

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

More Scripture About God’s Word:

In His Love, Cindy

Sources: Reasoned Cases for Christ, Postmodernism

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

All Scripture is from the NIV unless noted otherwise.

PRAY FOR ISRAEL

RealChristianWomen.blog  

Christian, God

Quote of the Week, 2/8/23

Cindy Dawson

The less familiar we are with the Scriptures, the more vulnerable we become to deception, especially if it is packaged in half-truths.”

STEVE MILLER, Foreshadows, 12 Megaclues That Jesus’ Return Is Nearer Than Ever

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

“many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” Matthew 24:11 NIV (emphasis mine) Read full chapter

I highly recommend Steve Miller’s excellent book. You can order it here.

Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog  

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Christian, God

Sunday’s Memory Verse, 1/22/23

Cindy Dawson

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV (emphasis mine)

Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog  

Christian

Tuesday’s Verse, 8/30/22

Cindy Dawson

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NIV Read full chapter

With Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? Check out my page Who Is Jesus?

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

realchristianwomen.blog