Over the years, I’ve seen so many people argue Biblical standpoints from emotional, societal and “my preacher said” viewpoints. I don’t know how many times someone, trying to justify themselves, asked me a question, and, when I give them a straight forward, biblical answer, say “well, Pastor so-and-so said” or “that’s <insert offended societal label>” or “well, that’s just your interpretation.” Progressive Christianity, deconstruction, and outright heresies stem from such mindsets. I am speaking as an ordained minister: I’d rather you follow Scripture than follow me. I want you to test me, and what I say and do against Scripture. I’m only worthy of being followed only as I follow Christ in a worthy manner.
Loved ones, our opinions do not matter. Peter proved this point in the House of Cornelius, when he, a jew, entered the house of a gentle, and the same Spirit that descended on them at Pentecost, came upon all the gentiles present. The word of God matters, not our opinions, proclivities, societal norms, preachers, or anything else. In the beginning, the serpent got Adam and Eve to question the word of God, and he is still doing the same thing today! So set aside your feelings. Set aside your thoughts. Set aside societal norms. Look to the word of God, not your heart, which is wicked and can’t be trusted. Follow God’s word, even if every social construct you’ve been raised in says otherwise. God will never steer you wrong, even as society is constantly changing around you.
Psalm 119:89-128
Lamedh ל
Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Mem מ
Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Nun נ
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.
Samekh ס
I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.
Ayin ע
I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me. My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken. Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.
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