The preacher stepped on my toes with their sermon. I don’t like it,” some have said.  My response is don’t be angry at the messenger. Take it up with the one who sent the message. In fact, I strongly encourage you to bring your Bible to church and follow along while someone is teaching a biblical message. Then, go home and study the word of God for yourself.  First, pray and ask God to give you understanding and wisdom. The Holy Spirit will reveal truth. Then, get a concordance, a Bible dictionary, a Hebrew-Greek lexicon, and a notebook. Sit down with your Bible and prayerfully study the word of God. Many methods of study are on the internet or in books and show how to study the Word. A few are the PRECEPT, the ACTS, and the SOAP methods.

OFFENDED BY GOD

I think people have a misunderstanding of what the Bible is and its purpose. Apostle Paul admonishes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”  In addition, Jesus – who is the living Word, offended many people by what he said and did.  In John 6:61 & 63 Jesus asks, “Does this offend you?  The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”  Like a parent that loves their children unconditionally, God has established rules and commandments for our safety, healthy relationships, and for our good.  Similarly, like children who think they know more than their parents but have a lot to learn, we adults sometimes think we know more than God about how we should live. However, the Creator of the Universe really does know what is best for us.  Romans 9:20a states, “But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?”

PRAY THIS PRAYER:
“Lord you are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power.  For you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.  I acknowledge that you made me.  I didn’t make you.  Forgive me for being offended by a scripture I didn’t like, or a sermon given by your servant you sent to correct me.  Help me to realize that your laws are not burdensome, but are for my benefit.  Forgive me for not spending time with you by reading and studying your Word.   Please give me understanding as I study your Word.  I have ears to hear what your Holy Spirit speaks.  In Jesus’ name – Amen.”