“Sci-fi-zation” of scriptures

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Hebrews 4:2 KJV)

As we continue our Reading Through the Bible in One Year (RTB-1) program here at our ministry, I have been continually cautioning us against the pitfalls of the outward reading or studying of the Word of God without any effect on our lives and hearts. God’s Word can be made ineffective or impotent in our lives as noted above. There are many reasons, but I will discuss one which I have termed “sci-fi-zation” of scriptures.

Sci-fi is the abbreviation of science fiction, which describes movies that use science in a fictional, speculative and imaginative way to appeal to our senses and imagination. The events are often not real or yet possible. When we watch these movies, we know these things are not real.

Sadly enough, this attitude is very pervasive amongst us believers in our approach to the scriptures. I cannot tell you how many times I have “caught myself” reading the events of the scripture and unconsciously just brushing over them as “scripture” without any sense of their realities. It is possible to read the Bible and see the events that occur there as almost fictional and not applicable to our world. The more familiar you are with the Bible and the more you read it, the more you are at risk of this “sci-fi-zation”.

I have taught before on the meaning of believing and repeatedly stressed that many of us Christians do not truly believe what is in the Bible. We often hear and read the events and distance ourselves from their realities. Do not let this happen to you. Never read the scriptures casually or distance yourself from the realities of the supernatural events recorded in it.

MEDITATE

Is the Bible real to you or it still seems to be an issue of “those days”?

APPLY THE WORD

As you go through RTB-1 or study the Bible, guard your heart against “sci-fi-zation”. Ensure you understand what you are reading and accept it as truth.