The sale of books and materials pertaining to understanding scripture has become a multi-million dollar industry.In addition,countless television and radio "ministries" generate millions of dollars in income proclaiming their particular interpretation of the Christian faith.Writers,teachers and theologians make careers out of telling us what the Bible says and means.Consider, that a United Nations census found that there are twenty thousand plus Protestant denominations and sects existing in the world today.The majority of these groups have a variety of different beliefs and doctrines.The logical question that arises after reading the above is,is understanding the Bible so difficult that we need someone to explain it to us? The answer is,of course not.I would add that I'm not condemning every study aid ever written.A Bible commentary and dictionary are valuable tools in understanding the social,political and religious situation of the times.What we must not forget,is that what has become the Bible,was originally written for people who had considerably less education than any of us.Differences in doctrine between the major Christian faiths were once minimal,now they are considerable.Is this progress?Is this what comes from giving credence to those who say they know what we don't know,or that they know what we cannot discern?
You wouldn't ask a stranger to investigate and arrange for the purchase of your new home,so why would you entrust what is ultimately your relationship with Jesus to someone else? A sincere prayer that He will open your heart and mind,as well as patience and persistance are all that is needed to understand the Bible.
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