In the realm of Christianity, the reason there are so many diverse views, or denominations for that matter, can usually be traced to one fact: innocent or willfull ignorance of the Word of God.
Entire movements have been built around one or a couple verses of Scripture.
One must always study Scripture in context - what proceeds those verses? what comes after those verses? What does the rest of the Bible teach relative to those verses.
Human traditons often take the place of truth.
God's Word never contradicts itself. It all works together and man can never understand its truths unless he is a true "born-again believer" and taught under the guidance of God the Holy Spirit.
We must be careful to carefully heed 2 Peter 1:20 - "Knowing this first that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation."
One example please: The subject of tongues is mentioned in Scripture in but a few verses and is very specific about how it is to be practiced, and used, and who was to speak in tongues, and it always speaks about known languages. Like me knowing only English but can suddenly understand French without any foreign language education! It had a particular use for a particular time.
We all need to take 2 Timothy 2:15 to heart: "Study to show thyself approved unto God,a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."
Thank you,
Glenn Parker
:tonofbricks: