John, I have been pondering your treatise concerning the role of Scripture to transform lives. No doubt that is one role. But what about the use of Scriptures to guard against error? Does it have that role in your mind?
Following are two passages that I would like for you to explain their meaning: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Titus 1:9-11 (9) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. >From my perspective, it tells me that Scripture should be used to rebuke and correct others. It seems to me that some on the list, perhaps you included, despise this use, believing that it drives people away from God. Please do not think that I am trying to proof text here. That is an often abused allegation when passages are brought up. I am truly desiring to understand the message you hear being conveyed to you when you read these passages. When I read them, they instruct me as a man of God to use the Scriptures to exhort and convince GAINSAYERS. There are other passages that could be considered as well, but here is one that seems to be consonant with the idea that disputes among us should be expected, not shunned as something indicative of a defect in us. 1 Corinthians 11:18-19 (18) For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. (19) For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
