*See Part 1 here

A few years ago, I became aware of a tragic occurrence that took place at a congregation led by a friend. My friend decided to start teaching from the book of Beginnings (Genesis), in order to understand the fullness of the Scriptures. Sadly, some of the members of this congregation were angry over the fact that they would be “forced” into reading and studying the “old testament”. In fact, as a result, they left the fellowship!

Why is it tragic, one may ask?

In a recent teaching I gave about the importance of reading the entirety of God’s Word, I read a letter that I had received to illustrate an important point. The letter said:

“Dear Moran,

I want you to know that you are a fool, and that you are really making me angry. I really don’t like you and don’t want you to be a part of my life.”

When I looked at the faces of the people in the audience, I saw that they were shocked! I then read them the “real” letter in its entirety:

“Dear Moran,

I wanted you to know of a situation that happened to me today at school. I saw to kids arguing and one of them told the other “I want you to know that you are a fool and that you are really making me angry”. I really don’t like when things like this happen and it made me sad. I want you to know that I really appreciate you, and all of the things and values I have learned from you. I don’t want anything to happen to our friendship and want you to be part of my life.”

They understood the point I was making: When one chooses to read only part of a letter, one will get a complete different picture of the intended meaning, and will come to a totally different conclusion than the person who read the entire letter.

My brothers and sisters, there is no difference when it comes to God’s Word. Sadly, many people today are being led astray in many areas of their spiritual life and walk with God, simply because they don’t read the entire Scripture that God gave us.

When we don’t read the Word, we can be led astray in a moment. The Word specifically warns us against false teachers, which means that there are many false teachings out there. How would you know to recognize them, unless you know the truth? How would you know the truth unless you take the time to read God’s Word?

The Word is one of our greatest treasures; through it, God gives us every tool we need to live abundant and victorious lives, while combating our enemy, who seeks our total destruction. Let me encourage you to read it, to know it, and to live it.

Shabbat Shalom,

Moran