And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:10-11
Christianity isn’t a to-do list. Neither is it a to-don’t list. It’s a relationship with the Messiah, Jesus Christ. But, like all relationships, it requires effort on your part. So, you go to church every Sunday. That’s great. In fact, Hebrews 10 specifically tells us to make a priority out of meeting with other believers. Being part of the Body of Christ, the Church, is an important part of your relationship with Jesus. And so is reading the Word.
In today’s verse, we see the Jews in Berea eagerly listening to Paul and Silas as they share the good news of salvation. But the Berean Jews don’t stop there. The Bereans fact check everything Paul and Silas have said about Jesus by holding it up against the prophecies of the Messiah written in the Hebrew scriptures.
Likewise, it’s fantastic to go to church, meet together with other believers, and hear an uplifting sermon. But, was the sermon you just heard biblical? Do you have a plum line to hold up against Pastor Joe’s message this morning, or is your pastor your highest authority? We have to remember that the coming of Christ did away with the old covenant, and with it, went the priesthood.
Revelation 1:6 says Jesus has made us kings and priests unto God. So, you have the same title as Pastor Joe. It’s a level playing field. The flip side of that is that while you have the same authority as Pastor Joe, you also have the same responsibility. No longer can we say, “All that Bible stuff is Pastor Joe’s job.” It’s your job to know the Bible inside and out. You don’t need any fancy commentaries nor a degree from the seminary, although some may feel called to such things*. You just need the discipline to get up and study the Bible for yourself daily. Pray that God will open your eyes and give you understanding. There’s no better commentary on the Bible than the Bible itself, and there’s no better teacher than God. Quoting from Isaiah, Jesus said in John 6, “And they shall be all taught of God.”
Once you’ve developed the discipline of daily Bible reading, you’ll be like the Berean Jews who were able to uphold what they’d been told by Paul and Silas against the truth of God’s Holy Word.
*As a caveat against commentaries and seminaries, if you feel God is calling you to such things, I implore you to spend a couple of years reading and studying the Bible on your own first, so you’ll be able to discern between the wheat and the chaff in that arena. Many well-intended Christians have been led astray by bad doctrine and unbiblical teachings from commentaries and seminaries to which they dedicated much time and energy, in hopes of pleasing God.
Jesus said, “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul?” Prepper translation: “What good will it do you to survive the coming economic collapse, nuclear war, or even a zombie apocalypse if you don’t know you will go to heaven when you die.” A recent study found that 10 out of 10 people die! On that day we will meet our Maker. It only makes sense to be prepared for that day. Click here to learn more about knowing GOD.
Have a blessed day and happy prepping!
Mark
