Introduction
The decision to follow Christ radically changed my life. Among the things that “became new”, was a love and great desire to know Him. Recognizing the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit as my teacher, I quickly learned how exciting the study of His Word can be.
It wasn’t long before I was hosting bible studies a few nights a week. Gathering with others who shared a desire for deeper intimacy with God was powerful, greatly impacted my life.
For those who attended, there were a couple of “rules.”
1st Rule – “We can’t be afraid of the truth.”
While that may sound like a strange thing to say, it didn’t take long to realize how uncomfortable the truth can make someone feel. Those in attendance represented a number of Christian denominations, and some of what was being shared was in direct opposition to what they’d been taught. Embracing the truth sometimes means having to admit what you’ve believed in the past, perhaps all your life, was in error.
And that’s not easy to do.
We would always go where the “evidence” leads, even if that contradicted the traditions of men.
2nd Rule – “You not only have the right, but the responsibility to speak up if you think I am in error.”
I would never intentionally lead others down the wrong path, but I am also not infallible. (Thank you Captain Obvious) If I had missed the mark, they had a responsibility to speak up.
But there was also a condition.
I did my best to provide a Scriptural basis for what I was sharing, and if someone believed I was wrong, they were required to do the same. I wasn’t interested in “my church says”, “my Pastor says”, or “I’ve always believed” unless there was Scripture supporting their argument.
We should never be afraid of pursuing Truth, even when it leads where we prefer not to go. Jesus tells us that small is the gate, and narrow is the road that leads to life. (Matt 7:13-14) We are not called to co-exist, we are called to stand on the Truth of His Word. And be forewarned, you will be persecuted for doing so. But blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. (Matt 5:10)
Welcome to Faithful Wounds, where I pray you will be blessed, encouraged, and dare I say, wounded?
Dan