Posted on 01/23/2004 5:57:00 AM PST by drstevej
Understanding the historical setting of a scripture is critical; however, in a "preaching" situation any scripture must go through a transvaluation process to be relevant to us today. John was speaking to a particular group, not us. Today, the Holy Spirit speaks to us, calling us to follow Jesus, and a clergy or other person may use a scripture to reflect that present activity of God in a particular situation if it reflects the activity of God now. Clergy regularly do this - it is called preaching!
I certainly agree. Have you ever taken a look at the footnote sections of the Heidelberg Catechism? Many of the Q&As are exactly that. I am not saying this is the case with all Q&As; but certainly more than a few.
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