What is Truth:
I have always heard growing up that there are two things you don’t talk about, politics and religion. Obviously, the reason for this is that there are so many differing views on both politics and religion that it is sure to end up as an argument. A similar mentality can be seen in church and among Christians today. They feel it much easier to avoid certain topics to avoid the argument and maintain friendships. While I don’t usually get into political issues, especially on the mission field, I believe that issues of doctrine are on a completely different plane. One of the questions that I often get on the mission field is with so many religions how can someone know that they are the only ones that are right. Many will even say that they prefer to believe in nothing because they can’t know who is right. I would like to share a few things that we have taught our people that can help each of us know that what we believe is right.
I. The Bible is our Sole Authority:
If we do not take the Bible as our sole authority then what each person believes can be just as right as the other. When we say that the Bible is our authority it means that what we believe and do is based only on what the Bible says. This is especially important on the mission field because they will ask why they can’t follow their traditions from before and we tell them that it has to be in the Bible.
The next problem we face is that many say that we can all read the same Bible yet come up with different interpretations and therefore have differing beliefs. This is why it is important to understand these two main principles to interpret the Bible.
II. Compare Scripture with Scripture:
The Bible says that all scripture is given by inspiration and therefore we must believe that no scripture will contradict any other scripture. This is why when we have many verses that show us our salvation is eternal and secure that when we find a vague verse that seems to teach otherwise we first stick to the majority. So when we find one of these verses we turn to the next principle to understand it.
III. Every Verse in it’s Context:
A verse with no context is nothing but a pretext. We must take into consideration everything from the book itself and author to the very words that were written. We must not use any verse before studying the verses before and after to make sure we understand what is being discussed. So on the mission field we help people know what the truth is by realizing and practicing these three principles in their lives.
News From Bolivia:
This past week marked a historic event in Bolivia’s history. For the past ten years or so we have had a socialist president that has close ties to Venezuela and their philosophy of government. One of the key strategies that they use is to change the constitution to allow the president to run for office as many times as they want. This past week they had a referendum to decide if that would stand and the people said no. So the president will not be able to run again after this term but will have to step down. This will allow for someone else to become president and keep there from being a dictatorship that could even hinder the work of the churches there.
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray for Bolivia and the decision that they made for a new president.
2. Pray for for someone to come to Bolivia and help with schooling and the ministry.
3. Pray for our Bible College classes that will be starting soon.
4. Pray for the construction of our new church building and the needs they have. Recommended