In the end, how one reads and applies scripture is very personal and different, just as every believers relationship wit God is personal and different. God speaks to his people in many different ways, even through His word. The Key is that we let His Spirit be our guide, no matter the method of study or application.

Peace Brother

And how do I know that what is on my heart is actually the Holy Spirit or just my flesh? Is it a ‘burning in the bosom, warm fuzzy, angels singing, what?

You could say that I expressed what WAS on my heart and was within bounds. If everybody is sharing what is ‘on their heart’ then no one should be offended. But if what is on my heart seems to conflict with or contradict what is on your heart, whose heart is right? They can’t both be the Holy Spirit if they clash! We are both equally convinced we are being ‘led by the Holy Spirit’! Who makes the decision call? My guess would be – let scripture decide. We get back to what it SAYS and go from there. So that’s my approach to Bible study. Expressing that however, was somehow hurtful and condemning and brought the accusation I was trying to play God.

All that being said, if I had really understood the rules, I probably wouldn’t have jumped into the sandbox.

So thanks for clarifying the rules! It explains a lot, believe me.

2 Peter 1:20-21… Peter is talking in context of how the disciples were to interpret the scripture of the Prophets. There in interpretation, just like the words or writings of the prophets, were inspired by the Holy spirit.

Once we as believers in Christ receive the gift of the Holy Spirit we become disciples of Christ. Protectors of the word. If devoted to that protection, we will not speak or write what the Holy Spirit does not ordain.

God’s word is written in many layers, and styles. It can be used for every aspect of life. From theological matters to personal practical application. I know of no scripture that says that we can not share as believers and disciples how we use the Bible for practical application. “As Iron Sharpens Iron, so one Man sharpens another”

Peter in 20-21 is reminding us to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we look for how Scripture related to our life either by practical application or in theological issues.

I completely agree with you if we limit our study to personal insight or surface reading we miss a bunch.

I organized this Blogged Bible Study in a way that the state purpose is: Read the Chapter and write whatever God places on your heart. Let him be your guide.

In that context we are sharing what God leads us to share. In line with 20-21

Hope this helps explain why we are doing what we are…

I guess I have to reply over here. I was explaining how I have approached bible study. It sounded like Deb had said, using ‘again’ as if she was reminding me that the blogging bible was more about individual insights and opinions. Her words were VERY clear in that respect. I even suggested I was possibly in error in my interpretation of scripture that says it’s not about ‘private interpretations’. How much nicer could I be? And I get a personal accusation that I am acting like God? That is absurd.

I never expected anyone to be ‘prophets’, so that answer remark makes absolutely no sense. It seems like if I say anything that might be a little deeper than the wading pool, I am calling folks stupid or playing God. That too is absurd.

I have seen a lot of nice little personal insights that were sometimes WAY off base from the original text, things I have never read in any authoritative commentary, but they sure go a long way to helping folks pat each other on the back and ‘ooh, aah’ over each other’s profound eisegetical insights.

What is really sad is that when anyone, anywhere restricts their Bible study to personal insights, they miss out on so much God has to say right out of the text.

Oh, well…….

Man this is so true with me! It’s easy to feel faithless. I have always thought of wine as a trivial thing, but as you point out, in the eyes of the doting father, it was a HUGE deal. I wonder if the father ever found out the truth behind his new wine?

Joe- Simple is sometimes the best way.

Isn’t that still true with us? God moves in some small way in our life and yet we are still overwhelmed with His glory and love!

Good job Carl.