Good morning Church!
I have never been one to change my mind often. Usually, when my mind is made up, it’s made up. That works, sometimes. If I go to a restaurant to eat, I already know what I’m going to order. The waitresses at our Waffle House make jokes about it. I will sometimes, but not often, make a “game-time” decision about what I’m going to eat. Most all of my decisions are treated with the same dogged determination, because I have already thought them through, starting with Plan A and ending somewhere in the middle of the alphabet. Some decisions, however, blow up in my face. I don’t like to change my mind, because I think I’m right. And I am. Most of the time. Well, some of the time. But don’t make me go any lower than that! But I’m here to tell you where I have changed my mind many times, and more times than I care to admit… the Bible. It started when I simply asked questions like…
If a woman has to remain silent in the assembly, how can she sing? Why are the rules different in Bible Study and assembly? What does it mean “so there will be no gatherings when I come?” Do we have to do all “5 acts of worship” in every assembly? Did Paul really write the book of Hebrews? What do you mean there are no song leaders in the Bible? You mean Paul didn’t “preach” until midnight? Why can’t we fellowship congregations that don’t believe the same way we do? And these questions are just the tip of the iceberg. Good heavens, the number of things I have changed my mind on since I was a young Christian when I knew everything is mind-blowing! But hey, don’t take my word for it. Do your own study. I have encouraged folks to do your own research. I don’t even mind if you do and then come up with a different conclusion. If the Apostle Paul can be fact-checked (Acts 17:11), who am I? And if we still disagree, we still love each other and call each other brothers and sisters. And be open to the fact that you, or I may be wrong, and then be open enough to change your mind. Even Apollos had to be re-taught in Acts 18 by Priscilla and Aquila. When we study to show ourselves approved to God instead of studying to approve ourselves right, the Bible takes on a whole new life. So read. Study. If needed, change your mind. Just don’t ask me to change my Waffle House order. It won’t be pretty.
In Him,
Brother Bob
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