Misuse of Ps. 46:10   Introduction You’ve heard the old phrase, “Take time to stop and smell the roses.” This means that in life, sometimes we get so busy with our day-to-day activity that we don’t stop and appreciate the little things in life. We take for granted the landscape that is before us. If we don’t stop, once in a while, and admire the beauty of God’s creation, we might miss these opportunities when they are no longer available. In Psalm 46:10, the psalmist writes, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (NKJV) Is this the same sentiment as “stop and smell the roses”? Let’s see in this article.   Out of Context People today take this verse and use only the first part; Be still, and know that I am God , and plaster it all over things like mugs, T-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. It’s to give us the “warm fuzzy” feelings that God want us to remember Him in our busy day-to-day lives. In ...

  Misuse of Col. 3:17   Introduction In Colossians 3:17 the apostle Paul wrote, And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. What exactly did he mean by “whatever you do…”? This article will look at what man says versus what the bible says.   Out of Context Taking this statement of Paul’s, at face value, could easily open the flood gates for all kinds of activity. One of the warning signs that people are a denominational fueled individual is when they call for information about your congregation, one of the first questions asked is, “What programs do you offer?” The idea of programs includes activities for children, singles night, couples’ activities, various ‘anonymous’ programs, rehab, soup kitchens, etc. But it doesn’t stop there; pancake breakfasts, car washes, Church softball teams, casino night, etc. In addition to all of this, people look at their God-given talents as reason t...

  Misuse of Phil. 4:13   Introduction In Philippians 4:13, the apostle Paul writes; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. What did Paul mean when he wrote, “I can do all things?” A lot of people in the religious world cling to this verse as if it’s a lifesaver and that, even when times are tough, this verse will remind them that nothing is too hard.   Out of Context Many people think that they can accomplish anything if God (or Christ) is on their side. For example: Slam dunk a basketball, make the winning play in baseball, bench press more weights than one should, or win the lottery. Given that the last one is a form of gambling, God is not going to approve of that; nor will He take credit if you should win. If this is the case, then what does it mean?   In Context The first thing you need to know is that Paul wrote this letter from prison. Like Ephesians and Colossians, Philippians is what is known as a Prison Epistle . Secondly,...