Apologetics Ministry # 1

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ:

It has come to my attention in the last couple of years a great error. We have learned as young to accept our pastor's view or interpretation of everything; so much to the point that if we are confronted with something contrary to what we have been taught, our first reaction might be: " Well, let me ask my pastor.” Truly there is nothing wrong with asking your pastor's opinion on anything, however it is with the cry of the Reformers we stand " Sola Scriptura" that is Scripture alone. The Scriptures is our final authority! Not what our pastor has said or declared from the pulpit for thirty years. It is our duty to see if its so. The Bible tells us in I Thessalonians 5 to test all things. We do not want to be thrown around with any doctrine. That was Paul's desire to those whom he wrote that they would not be deceived, but ready to defend the true faith (Philippians 1:17).

What is the error? I believe the error lies in "tradition." There is much danger in tradition! Why? 1) Because it can keep us from seeing the truthfulness of Sacred Scriptures. 2) Because Christianity is not based on tradition, but on the reliability of God'sWord and 3) because tradition is not our teacher, the Spirit is!

One of our great fears is to accept something that you know is Scriptural, but being afraid of the consequences of that truth. Let me comfort you by saying that sometimes the Bible is allogical (that is there is no finite way of understanding) but it is not illogical. It is difficult but not unfathomable! So, with that in mind continue to study God's Word with fervency and never give up. God will reward your efforts!

Tips in Bible Study: Never make a case for something without first analyzing the context. As my College professor says: " A text without a context is a pretext." You get the point! All Scripture is to be looked at from a contextual standpoint. Keep that in mind and your understanding of Scripture will increase greatly.

May God richly bless you.

In His service: Uri Brito
Phil.1:21