The Letters! What does it mean to me?

Looking for what the Bible passage meant then adds to our understanding of how we might apply it now.   Ultimately, we want to see WHY this passage matters to me and HOW I should be living my life.

Here's what we are suggesting!  Simply stated, read, reread and ask a lot of questions.   Begin by asking these questions:

• Who was this letter written to?
• What was going on in their world?
• What question, concern or problem was the letter (or epistle) trying to address?
• What was the central idea or theme the writer was trying to convey? Remember, always read the passage in the context of the rest of the letter!
• How does this letter's content fit within the context of the whole of scripture?
• What personal applications can I make from this passage of scripture?

More specifically, we need to ask if can we read the letters of the New Testament and apply them without consideration to context and cultural norms?  Some would say we should, but in reality very few if anyone actually does.

Here are two examples to consider.

Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 1 Corinthians 11:14-15

Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 1Timothy 5:23

Is this a mandate for all men to have short hair and all women to have long hair?  Should we stop drinking only water and begin drinking wine?

Here's the point!

• Read with an understanding that their world and context is both similar and different than ours.
• Acknowledge we all read into the text based on faith heritage, cultural norms, church history, and own bias.    
• Read with an eye for the heart and desire of God and His purposes. 
• Take a few minutes to ask yourself, what do I understand this to mean and where did this understanding originate?
• Be kind and considerate of those who differ in their application of specific passages.