Read this first!

Let me first say that this blog is not for the faint of heart. This blog is not meant to attack anybody. My idea behind starting it is simply to express my thoughts through words. Writing is the easiest mechanism for me to explain and figure out what is happening in my head. You have been warned if you have come across this blog and decide to read what it's all about.

Not too long ago, I got frustrated with myself. I realized that most of what I believed was only due to what I've been taught growing up in church or at home. Don't misunderstand me, I learned some extremely important things; but my understanding of those different subjects were only due to someone else saying so. I got in a rut of simply trusting any body's words instead of depending on the Word of God for answers. Finally, I had an eye opening moment. I acknowledged that if someone asked me why I believe what I believe, my only answer was, "someone told me." I wasn't living by the verse, "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." (1 Peter 3:15) So I took the step needed. I got out my bible, listed a whole bunch of topics and began to do some heavy bible studying. 

I should also address the fact that studying the Bible in the manner I was was not intended to doubt scripture or the important spiritual leaders in my life. I am beyond thankful for their wisdom in my life. What studying was meant to do for me was to turn my answers from someone told me to GOD tells us. The Bible was, is, and will always be the most important guide book for life. Above and beyond man's word. Again, don't misunderstand and take this as an excuse not to read christian books , listen to pod casts or other messages, or even go to church and listen to your pastor. Someone once explained it to me like this: instead of using sermons, christian books, or man's words as the glasses to view scripture, we should use the Word of God as the glasses to view other material. This includes mine! 

Scripture shows how important Scripture is.

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:8

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

I don't think I have to say much more beyond God's own words. I'll deepen this point at some point later: studying God's Word is not a magic trick and you will not be overwhelmed by new insight. Studying God's Word will make you more confident in knowing what you believe and why you believe it.