I have a fondness for word games,
especially on the computer. Two of my current
favorites are Bookworm, which is a word search
game. You look for hidden words and must keep
certain tiles from reaching the bottom of the
game or the library burns up.
The other is Text Twist. You get six
letters and must find all the words, including
the six letter word within two minutes. As
long as you find the six letter word before
time runs out, you get more letters every two
minutes.
Both games remind me of one player versions
of Scrabble. I'm also a Scrabble fan, albeit
not a very good player. Boggle is another I
enjoy playing now and again.
I enjoy crossword puzzles as well, when I
have time to sit and think about them. The
word games in Reader's Digest can be a good
way to kill a few minutes at a doctor's
office.
In the right time and place, word games can
be a lot of fun. They can also be very
dangerous.
I'm thinking of the word games that some
Bible teachers use to make Scripture say what
they want it to say, not what is really
intended. With a little work, you can come up
with some Scripture to support almost anything
you like. A classic example is the statement
"there is no God."
If you choose your texts carefully, these
very words appear fifteen times in the NIV
text ( For those who must know, you will find
those words in: Deuteronomy 32:39; 2 Samuel
7:22; 1 Kings 8:23; 2 Kings 1:3,6,16; 5:15, 1
Chronicles 17:20; 2 Chronicles 6:14; Psalm
14:1; 53:1, Isaiah 44:6; 45:4,21, 1
Corinthians 8:4). Used in proper context, they
mean anything but the fact that there isn't a
God
Scripture warns that false teachings and
wrong doctrines will occur.
But there were also false prophets
among the people, just as there will be
false teachers among you. They will secretly
introduce destructive heresies, even denying
the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing
swift destruction on themselves. Many will
follow their shameful ways and will bring
the way of truth into disrepute. In their
greed these teachers will exploit you with
stories they have made up. Their
condemnation has long been hanging over
them, and their destruction has not been
sleeping. 2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV
How do you avoid these teachers? Whenever
you hear or read Bible teaching (including
Gleanings), make sure you compare it to the
rest of Scripture to make sure the message is
properly interpreted.
Now the Bereans were of more noble
character than the Thessalonians, for they
received the message with great eagerness
and examined the Scriptures every day to see
if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 NIV
When you read the Word, ask Holy Spirit for
insight. He will help show you the truth.
Until next times, may the only word games
you fall for be those of the recreational
kind.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)!
Kevin
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