Misguided Conclusions

[Guest]

The proof-text approach to Scripture can lead to misguided conclusions. You probably

have heard the story of the man who adopted such an approach to seek the will of God in a major

decision of his life. Unwilling to engage in the painstaking effort of studying the Bible in its

historical and grammatical context as the basis for drawing valid applications for his situation, he

decided to close his eyes, open his Bible at random, prayerfully put his finger down, and get

guidance from whatever verse his finger landed on. His first try came up with "Judas went out

and hanged himself" (Matt 27:5). Finding these words unhelpful, he tried again and this time got

"Go, and do thou likewise" (Luke 10:37). In desperation he tried one more time. The text he

found was: "That thou doest, do quickly" (John 13:27).

[Twilight]

An apt lesson...

Mark