@AwakenEdge: I love your insight here. What you've said is so important. We cannot get hung up on interpretations. The important thing is that we read God's Word, study it, and apply it to our lives. While the styles may differ a little, God never changes. Nor do the truths in it.

You're so right. As we pray before we read the Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to interpret to us what it says, we do come away with what God wants us to take from it.

I am particularly happy that you mentioned we can't always rely on a person telling us what the Bible means. That can very much be misleading. Even Jesus warned people to test the spirits. He told us to be disciples and spread his Word throughout the world. However, He also warned people of false prophets and teachers. There are many who claim to be followers of Christ, yet they are not teaching the truths of the Bible. I am not as much concerned about WHO is teaching the Word of God, as much as I am WHAT they are teaching about the Word of God. That is the key. Jesus said many would come in His name, but would be false prophets and teachers. This is why I always say....it is not what you or I say, but what God says, that counts. In other words, we are to teach God's words, not ours, so many will come to the knowledge of Jesus as the Savior of the world, but our teachings better match up exactly with what His Word says, and Jesus mentions this in His Word. He said, "If any come in My name, teaching any other gospel, believe them not." This is why I make sure my words reflect only His teachings, not what I think. Jesus is the one who knows the way and is the final authority. So I speak only according to His teachings and what He wants the world to know, strictly according to His Word. Followers of Christ are His eyes, His ears, and His spiritual mouth in this world, to spread the good news. Spiritual teachers of God's Word, shall be held accountable for what they teach, so it is a serious responsibility. "Be ye doers of the Word, not just hearers only.", he said. There are many ways to serve Christ. Not all have the same spiritual gifts, the Bible tells us. Some are called to be preachers, some teachers, some encouragers, some prophets, some writers. There are many other ways to serve Christ. I thank God for the true followers who stick to His truths, and even more so, the ones who practice daily what they claim to believe, and are good examples. I've seen some on here that profess to be a follower of Christ, yet I cringe at what comes out of their mouth and what they do!! A poor example is the most damaging to His cause.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and spiritual insights on these topics. They are most welcome and encouraged. ❤

@ImagineThat: Thank you so much. I use to teach Sunday school but have got so discouraged in the past and present with people in my church or just mayb christians in general. So much gossiping and judgmental people, it sadens me sometimes. I just don't undrtstand how people who follow Christ teachings can treat other people with such disdain and zero compassion. I do not pretend to know everything about the Bible but if I am not mistaken Jesus gave us 2 commands love God with all our hearts and love thy neighbor as ourselves. I do not see that happening as often as it should. I am not perfect I to fall short but I really try my best to treat others the way I want to be treated. I am just very confused on what is going on around me and being used in the name of Christianity.

I'm glad to hear someone else feels the same as I do. It's a shame and so discouraging when Christians do not live as they are supposed live. The Bible says in the last days, many will fall away from Christ. You must be IN Christ in order to fall away, so sadly, this speaks of Christians. It does make me wonder if they were in Christ in the first place, when they act unlovingly. Like you, it really hurts when I see people gossiping and being judgmental.

Yes, none of us are perfect, for sure. We make mistakes like anyone else. We're no better. God loves us all the same. @AwakenEdge:

@ImagineThat: Please, continue to share these thoughts. It demonstrates that you care.👍🏻

@Maverick1962: I truly appreciate that. And yes, I genuinely do care.

@ImagineThat: I know this about you, my friend.

We were meant to feel. Sometimes life hurts, but that's the only way we learn and grow.