Do we read the Bible or the summary of others? Do we live what the Bible says or we live what others tell us to live? 

Hebrews 12: 14-17

“Be at peace with all men. Live a holy life. No one will see the Lord without having that kind of life. See that no one misses God’s loving-favor. Do not let wrong thoughts about others get started among you. If you do, many people will be turned to a life of sin. None of you should fall into sex sins or forget God like Esau did. He had a right to get all Isaac had because he was the oldest son. But for one plate of food he sold this right to his brother. You know that later he would have received everything. But he did not get it even when he asked for it with tears. It was too late to make right the wrong he had done.”

Would we be able to put our lives in the care of someone we do not know? Would we be able to let someone control our affairs and still more, a crucial issue in our lives?

We religiously attend our meetings in the church, we only open the Bible on Sundays (others do not), we just stay with what the pastor, the evangelist, or the brother who heads the meeting is saying ... Now, do we expect this will be enough for our lives during the week?

"At once the Christians sent Paul and Silas away at night to the city of Berea. When they got there, they went to the Jewish place of worship. These Jews were more willing to understand than those in the city of Thessalonica. They were very glad to hear the Word of God, and they looked into the Holy Writings to see if those things were true." (Acts 17: 10-11)

While it is true that we are to gather together (Hebrews 10:25), but it is also true that it is our duty to search the Scriptures! (Joshua 1: 8-10)
"O, how I love Your Law! It is what I think about all through the day. Your Word makes me wiser than those who hate me, for it is always with me. I have better understanding than all my teachers because I think about Your Law. I have a better understanding than those who are old because I obey Your Word. I have kept my feet from every sinful way so that I may keep Your Word. I have not turned away from Your Law, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet is Your Word to my taste! It is sweeter than honey to my mouth! I get understanding from Your Law and so I hate every false way." (Psalm 119: 97-104)
It is well to hear the Word of God, since faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), it is well to receive a counsel since in the multitude of counselors there is wisdom (Proverbs 11:14), however, should this delete our fellowship with God ?!
In David's time there were also prophets (1 Samuel 16, 2 Samuel 12) and David listened to them, yet most of the Psalms express how David poured out his heart before God! ... "O God, You are my God. I will look for You with all my heart and strength. My soul is thirsty for You. My flesh is weak wanting You in a dry and tired land where there is no water. So I have seen You in the holy place. And I have seen Your power and Your shining-greatness." (Psalm 63: 1-2).
What are our Psalms?
David did not yearn religion but relationship!
Do we have a relationship with God?
"So give yourselves to God. Stand against the devil and he will run away from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. ... "(James 4: 7-8a)
Do we want a relationship with God every Sunday or a daily relationship with God?
Do we want to read the Bible first hand or do we want leftovers from what others have read?
Do we live according to the Lord's guidance or do we want to live as others tell us to live?

It's a good thing following the good example of someone, but following the example of the Lord will always be better! (Psalms 119: 105)
What do we say?
Do we read the Bible or the summary of others? Do we live what the Bible says or we live what others tell us to live?



God bless you and have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!

Roldan Ortiz Molinares