Be wary.
Be on guard.
Be careful.

If a teacher or a preacher or a writer (myself included) does not clearly communicate that the words of the Bible are sufficient, and adds, “I think . . .”, then it becomes a matter of following the person, not the Word of God.

Did you ever hear Billy Graham say, “I think” ?
NO

Did you ever hear Billy Graham say, “The Bible says, . . . ?
YES, OVER AND OVER ! ! !

There is power in the Word of God, when used as is.
The Bible does need any sharpening or modifications, or protection, to be effective in the war with evil.

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Examples (illustrating the risk of triggering perennial debates, and missing the point):

● Teaching on end times is riddled with teachers mentioning other interpretations (seemingly to appear open and fair, but intended to sway listeners), then dominating the rest of the session by what they think and convey as fact.

● Likewise, a ready answer to every question and every issue, unresolved, with conclusions the listeners accept because they follow this person, rather than search for themselves.

–

Why ?
How come ?

Because Americans are so busy, they save time by picking a teacher and taking his ‘I think’ as the gospel truth (which may or may not be The Gospel Truth).

The execution of the mass murderer at Ft. Hood.

The execution by firing squad.

The public execution.

Guaranteed instant death.

Guaranteed no messed or botched execution.

Public Crime = Public Execution.

Justice for all to see.

Deterrent to crime—punishment for all to see (whether they watch live or not).

Valid—Biblical execution—by government:

“Submit to all human authority, as those sent by God to punish those who do evil, and praise those who do right.”

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Missing part, missing ingredient, also Biblical—swift punishment.

“When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.”

Laborious delays in justice = injustice.

Trial/Re-trial by jury of public opinion.

Trial/Re-trial by jury of prolonged
news media.

Never-ending discussions of every un-imaginable question takes public focus and awareness away from justice for a crime.

REPEAT:
Missing part, the missing ingredient, also Biblical—swift punishment.

“When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.”