Throughout my years , I’ve delved deeply into hermeneutics, the science of biblical interpretation. In my view, no subject is more crucial for anyone seeking to understand the Scriptures. Hermeneutics is the key to unlocking the true meaning of the Bible, yet many believers are unaware of the “lens” through which they interpret it.

In this article, we’ll explore eight common approaches to interpreting Scripture.

1. Through the lens of truth from the Holy Spirit

Jesus promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth, a promise reaffirmed by Saint John the Apostle (John 14:26; 1 John 2:27). This assurance, however, comes with a profound responsibility: the task of discerning, with the Spirit’s help, what the Word of God is truly conveying both individually and to the Church as a whole. This journey is not quick; it requires years of study and careful distinction between personal assumptions, cultural influences, and the Spirit’s divine insight.

2. Interpreting through the lens of culture

A widespread tendency is to interpret Scripture through the lens of contemporary cultural values, placing the Bible on par with the prevailing ethos of society. When this happens, people often approach Scripture primarily as a means to extract lessons that align with their cultural context. This approach, in my view, significantly diminishes the transformative power and divine intent of the Scriptures, reducing them to mere anthropological artifacts, literary works that are treated no differently than other texts esteemed by society’s intellectual elite.

3. The lens of truth for culture

This approach to interpretation focuses on using Scripture primarily for apologetics—to speak truth to contemporary culture. While there is undeniable value in this, it can fall short of Scripture’s deeper purpose: the pursuit of knowing God intimately and understanding His ways (2 Peter 3:18). The Bible certainly provides a comprehensive worldview that offers eternal principles relevant to politics, law, education, science, music, art, and culture. However, it is far more than a handbook for shaping societal norms, ideologies, or policies.

The ultimate aim of Scripture is not merely to inform nations’ governance but to transform individuals’ hearts. This should be the ultimate aim of all biblical interpretation, guiding us beyond cultural engagement to a life centered on communion with our Creator.

4. Through the lens of culture for faith

Many believers inadvertently read the Scriptures through the lens of their cultural values, interpreting biblical passages through frameworks like the American value system rather than through a purely biblical lens. While this is common, particularly among Christians in the USA, it’s essential to recognize that this approach is not unique to any nation. Christians worldwide often view the Bible through the lens of their own national cultures, whether African, Asian, Latin American, or otherwise.

Despite these cultural filters, God’s Word remains powerful enough to reach and transform lives, ministering to people even within the constraints of their cultural, emotional, mental, and historical contexts. However, as we grow in our faith, moving beyond these national frameworks becomes crucial. We must strive to read the Scriptures through a truly biblical lens, ensuring we do not impose our national values or worldview upon the sacred text.

5. Through the lens of a doctrine

Many Christians approach the Bible with a preconceived doctrinal bias, already committed to proving a particular theological framework before they even open the Scriptures. This mindset can severely limit one’s understanding of the text. For instance, a hyper-Calvinist might interpret every passage through the lens of God’s sovereignty, often downplaying or ignoring human responsibility. Conversely, an Arminian might focus so heavily on human free will that they overlook the significance of divine sovereignty.

To interpret the Bible accurately, we must resist the urge to impose our doctrinal assumptions onto the text. Instead, we should let the Scriptures speak for themselves, allowing their content to unfold naturally in the way and order they were written. Only then can we grasp the full depth and truth of God’s Word, free from the constraints of our own theological biases.

6. Through the lens of inward mystical truth

Some Christians, particularly those with a hyper-mystical bent, tend to overlook the literal, historical, and grammatical meaning of Scripture, choosing instead to interpret it solely through the lens of allegory and mysticism. For them, the plain text is merely a surface layer, obscuring what they believe to be a more profound, hidden spiritual meaning that the Holy Spirit reveals only to a select few.

While it is true that the Holy Spirit illuminates and reveals profound insights within the Scriptures, we must be cautious not to veer into subjective interpretations that disregard the fundamental principles of biblical hermeneutics.

To fully grasp its meaning, we must honor the text as it is written, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us within sound interpretive practices. Only then can we avoid the pitfalls of mysticism that distort the Word of God and remain anchored in the truth it seeks to convey.

7. Through the lens of political activism

Over the past several decades, I’ve encountered books by so-called public theologians on the far left and popular preachers on the far right. Despite their opposing views, they share a troubling commonality: both engage in “proof-texting,” cherry-picking Scripture to support their political agendas while disregarding fundamental principles of biblical interpretation.

When the gospel is manipulated to serve political ends, it becomes entangled with the flawed and often corrupt systems of human governance that overshadow the message of Christ’s Kingdom, which transcends any earthly political framework.

8. Through the lens of moral principles

Many believers approach the Bible primarily as a devotional tool, seeking principles for business, leadership, purpose, and moral living. While the Scriptures indeed offer profound wisdom for these areas, reducing them to a mere guidebook for personal success is to miss their true essence.

The Bible is far more than a collection of practical tips; It is the living Word of God, revealing the all-consuming presence of a God who desires to engage with us. Through its pages, we are invited into a transformative encounter with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

To read the Scriptures for anything less than this is to view them through a human-centered lens, risking losing the Christ-centered focus at the heart of the sacred text. The ultimate purpose of the Bible is not just to enhance our lives but to draw us into a deeper relationship with the living God, where His grace and truth continually transform us.
Sources:Christian Post

http://theendtimeradio.com

കുട്ടികളെ സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയ ഉപയോ​ഗത്തിൽ നിന്ന് വിലക്കാനാെരുങ്ങി സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയ. പ്രായ പരിധി നിശ്ചയിക്കുമെന്ന് ഓസ്‌ട്രേലിയൻപ്രധാനമന്ത്രി പറഞ്ഞു. 14-16 ഇടയിലാകും പ്രായ പരിധി നിശ്ചയിക്കുകയെന്നും ഓസ്‌ട്രേലിയൻ പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി ആൻ്റണി ആൽബനീസ് പറഞ്ഞു. ഇൻസ്റ്റ​ഗ്രാം ടിക് ടോക്ക്, ഫെയ്സ്ബുക്ക് തുടങ്ങിയവ ഉപയോ​ഗിക്കുന്നതിനാണ്(ലോ​ഗിൻ) പരിധി നിശ്ചയിക്കുക. 16 വയസിന് താഴെയുള്ളവരെ വിലക്കുന്നതിനാകും മുൻ​ഗണനയെന്നും അ​ദ്ദേഹം പറഞ്ഞു. നിയമം ഈ വർഷം അവതരിപ്പിച്ചേക്കും. സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയ കുട്ടികളിൽ ചെലുത്തുന്ന സ്വാധീനത്തെ ഒരു വിപത്തെന്നാണ് അദ്ദേഹം വിശേഷിപ്പിച്ചത്. അതേസമയം പ്രതിപക്ഷ നേതാവ് പീറ്റർ നീക്കത്തിന് പിന്തുണ അറിയിച്ചിരുന്നു.

പ്രായപരിധി പരിശോധിക്കുന്നതിനുള്ള ട്രയലുകൾ വരും മാസങ്ങളിൽ തന്നെ ആരംഭിക്കും. കുട്ടികളുടെ ശാരീരികവും മാനസികവുമായ ആരോഗ്യത്തെ പ്രതികൂലമായി ബാധിക്കുന്നുവെന്ന ആശങ്കയാണ് വിലക്ക് നീക്കത്തിന് പിന്നിൽ. ഫ്രാൻസും ചൈനയും അടക്കമുള്ള രാജ്യങ്ങൾ കുട്ടികളുടെ സോഷ്യൽ മീഡ‍ിയ ഉപയോ​ഗം നിയന്ത്രിക്കുന്ന നിയമങ്ങൾ പാസാക്കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. അതേസമയം സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയയിലെ പ്രായപരിധി പരിശോധന വിലക്ക് നീക്കത്തെ എത്രത്തോളം പിന്തുണയ്‌ക്കുന്നത് ആണെന്ന ആശങ്ക വിദ​ഗ്ധർ ഉയർത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. പരിശോധനകൾ മറികടക്കാൻ നിലവിൽ വിവിധ എളുപ്പ വഴികളുണ്ടെന്നും അവർ ചൂണ്ടിക്കാട്ടുന്നു.
Sources:globalindiannews

http://theendtimeradio.com

God consists of Three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Father sent His only Son to be our redeemer, and the Holy Spirit enables us to believe in Jesus and empowers us to follow Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The Holy Spirit dwells within the body and soul of every believer. The Apostle Paul wrote to believers in Corinth: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Regardless of your spiritual condition today, here are 7 reasons you need the Holy Spirit:

1. The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin. Without a conviction of sin, you would never come to Christ to be cleansed of your sins

Jesus said, “When the Holy Spirit comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). When the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost, a great conviction of sin came upon the people while Peter was preaching to them. “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?'” (Acts 2:37). They were ready to receive the Gospel because they had come under the conviction of their sin.

2. The Holy Spirit breathes into man’s soul bringing him to repentance and faith in Christ. Prior to conversion, you remain spiritually dead

“No one cay say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4-6).

3. The Holy Spirit changes people from the inside out and produces good fruit within God’s children

The supernatural fruit of the Holy Spirit is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22). As we learn to say “no” to temptation and to the sinful desires of our old nature, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is continually produced within us. Reflect upon those 9 qualities listed above and picture what your life would look like if you lived under the control of the Holy Spirit hour by hour. The Third Person of the Trinity is transforming lives around the world today, and He can bring about the same transformation within you!

4. The Holy Spirit teaches believers the truth

Jesus said, “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). Jesus also said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Holy Spirit breathed God’s Word into existence, and He will teach you the meaning of Scripture as you prayerfully study the Bible and meditate upon it.

5. The Holy Spirit is a deposit and a believer’s seal of salvation

The Apostle Paul wrote, “God anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the Word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14).

6. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to spread the Gospel

Jesus told His followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Peter and John were filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and said, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Paul wrote, “When I preach the Gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach” (1 Corinthians 9:16). The Holy Spirit has been motivating and empowering Christians to spread the Gospel for the past 2000 years.

7. The Holy Spirit enables believers to discern God’s will

Whenever you are prayerfully contemplating a major decision, the Holy Spirit can help you make a wise decision. The Holy Spirit leads God’s people and enables us to understand things from the Lord’s perspective. God’s Word declares, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

Do you trust yourself to make correct decisions, or do you trust God to guide you? The Bible provides wise instruction: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

These seven reasons are rooted in the truthfulness of God’s Word. If you have not yet done so, it is critical that you repent of your sins and ask Jesus to forgive you. And then ask the Lord every day to fill you with the Holy Spirit as you saturate your mind with Scripture. You will be glad you did.
Sources:Christian Post

http://theendtimeradio.com