"Look, I need that book... I grew up with it. I know it's power. If you read it then so do you... I don't have the right words to help them, but the book does... If we have that book ... Imagine how different, how righteous this whole world could be ... people would truly understand why they're here and what they're doing and they wouldn't need any of the uglier motivations..."~ Carnegie, from the movie The Book of Eli
arguing for surrender of a Bible
"It's not [just a] book! It's a weapon! A weapon aimed right at the hearts and minds of the weak and the desperate. It will give us control of them... we have to have it. People will come from all over, they'll do exactly what I tell them if the words are from the book."~ Carnegie, explaining to his thugs
the true motive for obtaining a Bible
Two-Edged Sword, Part I
"And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: "I know your works ... And you hold fast to My name ... But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam ..."
~ Revelation 2:12-14 (NKJV)
The Pergamos church contained both people who lived by the Word of God, and those who used God's Word as a means for their own profit, as Balaam did.
The above quotes are from the post-apocalyptic movie The Book of Eli. Jesus warned that false teachers would dwell amid His flock as wolves in sheep's clothing, and would do so convincingly.
Paul likewise warned:
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money ... having a form of godliness but denying its power... always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Full context: 2 Timothy 3:1-7 (NKJV)
Christians need not avoid the church or eye all teachers suspiciously. If each of us intimately learns, lives, and loves the Bible, we will be able to weigh teachings against God's Word with firsthand knowledge.
I've mentioned this recently in a comment, and will say again: Don't believe what I say because I said it. Measure my every word against Scripture.
Don't follow me—please join me in following Jesus.
I appreciate hearing from you. Questions welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Images are from the movie "The Book of Eli," © 2010 Alcon Entertainment
So true, Anne. We learn firsthand and we must listen to what we've learned. We can easily dismiss because we like personality or we have history, but what does the scripture teach? That has to be our guide. Great reminder. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAmen, well said sis. I gladly join you in following Jesus.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Did you like the movie?
ReplyDeleteI'm always pleased you want your words to match w/ Scripture. We dealt with an unusual situation at our church. You highlight some verses I thought of at the time.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Certainly there is a need for discernment and like you said we should align others words with the Word.
ReplyDeleteSo timely! I was just telling my husband that I objected to a recent sermon title: "Follow Me As I Follow Christ." I used almost exactly the same words as you have in your post when I told him the message should actually be "Come With Me As We Follow Christ." He thought I was being too nitpicky, but to me, there is a *huge* difference in the attitude and assumptions behind these two sentences.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice. You're a great compass to Jesus, by the way.
ReplyDeleteJason ~
ReplyDeleteI sometimes write posts and forget to include Scripture, like on casual Saturdays. I want even the casual writings to have a foundation of Scripture.
Denise ~
ReplyDeleteI'm happier for you being at my side. For sure. :D
Natasa ~
ReplyDeleteThe movie had some huge credibility gaps. The violence was certainly gratuitous. Yet I couldn't help but like a movie centered on the power of God's Word. I cried at the ending, which I won't spoil.
Wendy ~
ReplyDeleteI'm always delighted to have His affirmation of what I write. (Yours too. :D)
Patty ~
ReplyDeleteWhen the Bible becomes irrelevant to a message being preached, the message is worse than irrelevant.
Rosslyn ~
ReplyDeleteI likewise have a spouse who thinks I nitpick over words. But words do have power. There's a mighty big difference between "lightning" and "lightning bug"; between a "wise man" and a "wise guy."
I appreciate your ... appreciation. LOL!
T ~
ReplyDeleteThanks. I just keep looking up, even when I'm laid out flat.
"Measure my every word against Scripture."
ReplyDeleteAmen.
Snady ~
ReplyDeleteIf you ever, ever find me fail to match Scripture, you have my hearty invitation to challenge me. I really do want to be accountable.