Follow God, not humans

Romans 3:3-4 NLT

True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? [4] Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about Him, "You will be proved right in what You say, and You will win Your case in court."

There has been a great furore regarding the sermon given by the acting bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the Washington National Cathedral in the USA.

She quoted the words of Jesus, but how and in which context were these quotes used?

Of course Jesus is compassionate to those caught up in wrong and confused lifestyles. He was known as the friend of sinners.

However His mission was to free us from the chains that bind us and set us on the right path - not to leave us in our lost state.

Great care must be exercised when using God's Word - so that we don't twist it around for our own nefarious purposes.

Remember how Satan quoted Scripture when tempting Jesus? Yet Jesus responded with another Scripture, correctly interpreting the Spirit of the Word.

The Pharisees collided with Jesus in this very way:

John 8:43-44 NLT

(Jesus said) Why can't you understand what I am saying? It's because you can't even hear Me! [44] For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

When we stray away from The Truth as revealed in the Bible we become exposed to the devil's deceptions.

We are encouraged to search the Scriptures asking for the Holy Spirit's help to understand the true meaning.

Take care not to follow any human, even if they wear a religious garment and stand in "authority", if they stray outside of Scriptural guidelines.

2 Timothy 2:15-16 NLT

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of Truth. [16] Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behaviour.