2 Timothy 3:16 English Standard Version (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Scripture is not ambiguous. At least it is not if our understanding of scripture is brought to us by the Spirit of Truth, God Himself.

2 Peter 2:1-3 English Standard Version

False Prophets and Teachers

¹ But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. ² And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. ³ And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

The definition of ambiguous is open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning. We must recognize the difference between interpretations and false heresies. Translations from ancient languages and dialects are difficult and not all scholars use the same interpretations. Most of us are not linguists and rely heavily upon trained professionals to decipher the old manuscripts.

This is why sound doctrine needs to be present in our bible studies. Those who study alone without the aid of a sounding board are in danger of imperfect understanding. Teachers and leaders of bible studies need to have been examined by church elders before they are allowed to influence the minds of those who are just now beginning to seek God.

Men will come into a church and immediately seek to be allowed to teach others. They will at times be insistent in their desire to lead. This is a red flag that others should recognize.

According to 1^st Corinthians 13:5 Love does not insist on having its own way.

Psalm 66:16 English Standard Version (ESV) Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

While seeking scriptures that talk about being an effective witness, this passage came into focus. As was related yesterday, what God has done in us is our most effective witness. Missing from that comment was the identification of our audience. Who are we telling about these God encounters?

First thing identified in this psalm is a willing audience. No one should be forced to hear our witness. Second to that there is a fearful consideration or respect for God. The audience might not know God intimately but should at least acknowledge that there is a God to seek.

Third and most important perhaps is this is a personal witness of what God has done in our lives. That does not mean everyone has to have the same experience. We should never insist that others wait on the Lord according to our needs. BY that I mean we all have a need to hear from God in a way that we know that it is God and that we can accept without being driven away screaming.

Exodus 20:18 English Standard Version (ESV) Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off.

We must choose our words wisely so as not to scare people off. God is drawing them closer with loving kindness. We must not do or say anything in our witness to disturb that peace.

There is a time and place for our stronger witness when we come together with others of strong faith and sound doctrine. Our witness to those seeking God needs to be surrounded by sound doctrine.