1 Corinthians 8:2 English Standard Version

If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.

1 Corinthians 8:2 King James Version

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

1 Corinthians 8:2 Living Bible

If anyone thinks he knows all the answers, he is just showing his ignorance.

In your opinion, which version satisfies your understanding?

Here are the three basic rules of opinions: imagination, rational thought, ego. Proof is not required to have an opinion. Facts can be merely data points collected and analyzed to satisfy a specific opinion that has already been formed.

If we are going to sit down and share the gospel with the lost we need to understand one basic rule. Don’t let our ego get in the way.

Listen to their opinion and ask the most basic questions, like; “How did you come to that conclusion?”

Do not question their sincerity which places them on the defensive. Ask them to self-reflect.

I asked a Muslim friend why he became a Muslim. His answer was honest and heartfelt. “I love and respect my father.” He left me no room to explore his opinion because that would have only attacked his father which would alienate him and close off access.

This is a common approach in religious beliefs. They are based on relationships.

If we are to have a close personal relationship with God then His opinion is the only one that matters.

Here is my opinion. God will make Himself known to you in a way that you cannot deny Him.

That is an opinion because it satisfies me and I don’t get to choose what satisfies anyone else.

To think otherwise is just ego.

This is a good read to follow after yesterday’s offering.

Psalm 61 English Standard Version

Lead Me to the Rock

1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

8 So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.

Please believe me when I say this sincerely.

If you have not placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you have no idea what it feels like to be in the midst of the fight against our common enemy. Look at verse 3 again and ask yourselves earnestly; where do you stand?

There is a good reason they call him The Antichrist. We come up against those that follow him in this world every day. They are antichrists, no capitalization required. In almost every case they have no idea who they represent. In believing his lies they have no knowledge of the truth.

John 3:19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 12:35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.”

Verse PS 61:2 states “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” When we stand on that Rock we bask in the light of truth. We live above the fray.