"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures." {2 Peter 3:16} Some use this passage to try to convince people that the Bible is too difficult to understand. They try to sell the theory that only a special select few have the ability to understand God's word. They are wrong on both counts. Peter said some things are "hard to understand," not "impossible to understand."

Last month we looked at some of the Bible passages that people have trouble understanding. We asked different writers to examine particular Bible statements and examine them in context to explain their meanings. This month, we conclude this series by examining three other Bible passages with which people have difficulty .

It's a wonderful time to be alive! The Bible is more accessible than it has been at any other time in man's history. Anyone can access the internet and download a free copy of the Bible or read it free online. The Bible has been translated into over 1500 different languages, and it is the most sought-after book in the world. I'm told that there is an average of two Bibles in every home in our own country. Over the past 150 years, since records have been kept, the Bible has been the number-one selling book in the world. Yet, as remarkable as these facts are, the Bible is, at the same time, the most misunderstood and misrepresented book in the world. What has happened to cause this?

Individual failure to examine the text. "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." {Acts 17:11} Too many allow others to examine the text for them and tell them what the Bible says. Why would a person take such a great risk with his own soul? If you were going to invest your hard-earned money in a retirement plan, you would carefully examine and research the financial investment company before placing your money in its hands. Your soul is your most valuable possession-isn't it worth the effort required to be sure of the facts you've accepted as true?

Unfortunately, men and women are just too busy and unconcerned to do their homework in the spiritual arena, and they trust others to do it for them. This is also true of members of the Lord's church. Some, instead of "rightly dividing the word" for themselves, trust their favorite preachers to do it for them. Open your mind and open your Bible-your soul is at stake!