The Bible says...

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. - 1 Timothy 6:3-4a

There has been a lot of talk about how certain political leaders are using the bible incorrectly to justify their actions. Recently, a leader quoted Romans 13 to justify the government's right to enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigrants. Was the leader right to quote Scripture? Did the leader apply Scripture properly? In my opinion, in this case, the leader misinterpreted God's Word and applied it incorrectly. This leader is not alone in applying Scripture for personal gain. Many do this, whether they are leaders or not. In my ministry experience, I have talked to many Christians who justified their sin using Scripture. They universally say, "The Bible says __________." Often when we have to justify our actions using Scripture, we are most likely covering up sin. In our Scripture reading plan, we will be reading through the Book of Romans and First Corinthians. In these theologically rich letters, the Apostle Paul not only teaches us about the nature of God, but also rebukes sin -- sin that culture is trying to justify not only then, but also today in the twenty-first century. As we read these letters, let us ask the Holy Spirit to teach us and reveal any sin that we might be struggling from. Let us not brush off the prompting of the Holy Spirit by thinking, "This does not apply to me. It was written to the first century believers. We live in a totally different context." May God continue to bless you and mold you as you read through the Word of God.