Wow, this is the last day of January. This year is going by really fast. This week, I would like to talk about “cherry picking” the Bible. “Cherry picking” refers to the act of selectively choosing and interpreting biblical verses or passages to support one’s own beliefs, while disregarding or omitting others that may challenge or contradict those beliefs.
This is a practice commonly employed by individuals or groups seeking to justify their own actions, ideas, or opinions by appealing to the authority of the Bible. However, this approach to understanding scripture can be problematic as it often results in the distortion or misinterpretation and confusion of its true meaning.
One of the dangers of cherry picking the Bible is the propagation of partial truths. By selectively choosing specific verses or passages, individuals can present a distorted view of biblical teachings, neglecting the context, historical background, or overall message of the text. This can lead to a narrow understanding of scripture, where certain themes or ideas are exaggerated while others are ignored.
Here’s an example of “cherry picking”, Recently I received a Christmas Card from a friend. The bible verse in this card said, “And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another,“. My first thought was that’s a great verse for a Christmas Card and maybe I will use it myself.
I found this verse in the Bible in Revelation chapter 11 and verse 10. The whole verse reads’ “And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.“(NKJV). What a difference in meaning. The people on earth were celebrating the killing and death of two of God’s prophets or the two witnesses. This is just the opposite of the true meaning of Christmas.
Even Satan “cherry picks” the Bible. Satan quoted some of God’s words when he temped Eve in the Garden of Edem. Later, Satan quotes God’s words to Jesus has he temps Him in the desert.
The danger of “cherry picking” the Bible is that it undermines the authority and integrity of the scripture itself creating doubt. We need to recognize this is a tactic that the devil uses in spiritual warfare against us.
How many times has someone said to you, “It’s in the Bible, check it out” or ” it’s what the Bible says”. We need to ask the person, “where in the Bible does it say that”? Most of the time they don’t know. Then they say something like this… well I heard the pastor, or leader or someone in the church say it. Now what they are really saying, it is not on the authority of God’s word, but on the authority of a man’s word.
We are responsible for our own salvation, what we believe, how we live, and what we do. Our Pastors, nor church, nor any person are not responsible to get you in to Heaven. When you think about standing in front of God for judgement, do you think God will take the excuse, “Well the pastor or any other person said this”. No… The good news is, we have all the resources we need. That’s the Bible.
In conclusion, “cherry picking” the Bible is a practice that involves selectively choosing and interpreting biblical verses to support one’s own beliefs, while disregarding or omitting others verses that may challenge or contradict those beliefs. It leads to partial truths, allows individuals to hear only what they want to hear, and undermines the authority and integrity of scripture.
If you want to know God’s truths…then seek it and God will reveal it to you. We need to rely on the Bible not on someone else’s words. Matthew 7:7-8 tells us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” This all starts with a relationship with God.
In closing, how is your relationship with God? Maybe you never had a relationship with God, or maybe you have been listening to some of half-truths and have fallen away from God and need to renew your relationship. None of us know how much time we have left on this earth. For some, this may be your last day on earth. Now is the time to get right with God. Please take the time now and pray…tomorrow maybe too late.
Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and arose from the grave. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and in Romans 10:9 tells us, ”that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“
I pray that God will Bless and Keep!!!
Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com or the form below.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
