Do You Find the Bible Offensive?

When you contemplate this question, what comes to mind?

Nowadays, it seems people are so easily offended and have become more outspoken about their likes and dislikes and the Bible is no exception to that criticism.

I find it interesting that some people believe parts of the Bible, but they don't believe all of it. I'm curious how they determine which parts of the Bible to believe and wonder which books in the Bible are offensive to them or is it simply because the Bible goes against their preferred lifestyle?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV says:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

The Bible doesn't say some of the Scripture is God-breathed, it says all of it is. So, this is our first indication that we can believe what the Bible says and that it is in fact, God's Truth.

Pastor Ron Carpenter shared that people don't like the Bible because they are offended by it, then he quickly stated that he is offended by it on a daily basis. I began wondering why a Pastor would say such a thing. Then I realized it's because God's Word goes against our sinful nature and what our flesh desires. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and when we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts through His word, we will feel convicted when our words and actions do not align with God's will.

1 John 1:8-9 NIV

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Hebrews 10:26 NIV

"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left."

If we are truly honest with ourselves, we want to live life on our terms, don't we? Who wouldn't right?! We want to plan out our own future, we want to sleep in, eat unhealthy foods, and some may want to watch movies or TV series that are inappropriate. And yet the Bible contradicts this way of thinking and living. Jesus asked his disciples to deny themselves and the Bible tells us to do the same.

Matthew 16:24 NIV

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

So, what does it mean to take up your cross?

It means, to show complete and utter submission, to the point of giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions and even life if necessary. It means you are willing to endure whatever may come when conforming to Christ's way of living. It means we put to the death the thoughts and actions that are not pleasing to God. It means that we remember that our body is a temple where the Lord resides, and we honor our body by taking care of it.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

"Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body."

How Do We Surrender to God?

• Admit we need Gods guidance daily. Psalm 32:8

• Ask in faith for His direction. Isaiah 30:21

• Listen for God's response. Proverbs 22:17

• Trust God completely. Proverbs 3:5-6

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

God's instructions in the book of Titus shows us how to be obedient and live godly lives. I encourage you to read those 3 chapters along with Deuteronomy chapter 5 which gives us the 10 Commandments to live by as well.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 NIV

"So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will posses."

Friends, we need to remember that being offended is a choice. If any of us find that we are easily offended by the Bible than that is an indication that we are living worldly.

Our challenge is to ask God to strengthen us and speak to our hearts so that we can walk closer with Him as we begin relying on His Truth, in His Word.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime