What Flavor is the Kool-Aid versus The Water of Life

     I remember years ago, late seventies I believe; a cult leader buy the name of Jim Jones. Some of you  remember this person and know the story of "drinking the Kool Aid".

    That is what I want to address today! That is why I titled this "What Flavor is the Kool-Aid versus The Water of Life.

    Paul addresses this situation in 1 Cor. 1:10-13 when he challenges the Corinthian church.

    We used to have a saying when I was active duty; "The more things change the more they stay the same."  Solomon tells us that there is nothing new under the sun. So we find ourselves dealing with the same issues as the church at Corinth.

    We all have our favorite preacher / theologian that for us speaks into our souls and makes everthing just right. 

    Paul addresses this well and tries to explain to the church in Corinth that each one has a different calling or mission if you will.

    When we give credence to man's opinion - philosophy - interpretation we defeat the purpose of God's Word. We are actually reverting back to the dark ages where the so called theologians and leaders would interpret and tell us what the Bible says with their particular slant etc.

    Instead, we should challenge ourselves to be like the Bereans in Acts searching diligently  everyday to see if these so called theologians - pastors - teachers are indeed teaching - interpreting - preaching God's Word and "Not another Gospel".

    One more point ... another saying comes to mind  "You brought this upon yourself!"

    Is it any wonder that our churches are in turmoil?

    WE NEED TO GET BACK IN THE BOOK !

    Blessings

    Pastor Dan

 We are encouraged to be in God's Word everyday; absolutely true. But have you ever wondered if there is such a thing as TOO MUCH?

Now that I have your attention...

In our finite mind we tend to think that more is better.  More money ( who wouldn't want more ) ... more security ... more free time ... and on and on.  So what if I told you that sometimes we tend to over indulge in the good things.  Yes I am referring to our thirst for more knowledge of God's Word.

NOW WAIT JUST A MINUTE you might say.

Let me define and explain what I am referring to...  

We often take time out of our busy day for the reading and meditation of God's Word. Absolutely essential for a intimate personal relationship with an Almighty God through Jesus Christ. But the question jumps off the page; How much is too much?

From my years of walking with Jesus (47) I have found that quality trumps quantity every time!

In my rush to know more I sometimes have left some golden nuggets in the passage. I simply was in a rush to meet a deadline or in my skewed thinking to know more and more, I simply skipped over the deeper meaning and application. 

So how should we approach this problem?

This has worked for me; maybe it will work for you. 

1. Be methodical ... not mechanical      

2. Read God's Word for you not someone else 

3. Limit ( yes limit ) your reading to one to three sources... anymore then that you will miss those nuggets

4. Remember, quality first... quantity will take care of itself

Hope this helps.

A humble servant just like you!

Pastor Dan Andrus