The Ballestero Blog

Why Doesn’t That Scripture Work For You?

Those of us who knew ‘Tucker’, never heard what his first name was. We just called him by his last name, Tucker. The group of us that were ‘40’ something, never failed to enjoy his oddball humor. Tucker was maybe 55 or 60 and a local folk hero of sorts.

He was just an old bachelor who didn’t seem to be blessed with many social graces. No one ever saw him chatting with the ladies, or even the men very much, for that matter. Tucker was a loner. We usually only got to see him when we visited a friend’s church anniversary service.

His clothing probably never received many compliments. His thick-framed glasses always sat askance on his nose. The lopsided glasses attracted our attention. We were fascinated. How could anyone be comfortable with their glasses sitting whomper-jawed on their face? It never bothered Tucker.

To complicate the matter, he held his mouth kind of funny when he talked. It looked like he was talking out of the side of his mouth. He never talked fast. He drug out his words in a near monotone voice. Whenever he testified in church, we gave him our full attention.

Tucker always sat on the front row.  When he stood to testify, he stood with an open Bible, just in case he needed to read a Scripture.

His testimonies were often memorable. One of my favorites was, “I thank the Lord that I’ve been saved five-fourths of my life.”

One night, Tucker stood and waited his turn. When he was called on, he took his time and read a verse from his big Bible.

Isa. 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

He stressed the ‘run and not be weary’ part with his voice. With all eyes on him, Tucker slowly laid the Bible down and took off running. Well, kind of lumbering really. He ran laps around the church. He ran long enough that the organ started to play a chorus. The people sang along.

After what seemed like 12 laps or so, Tucker crumbled on the floor in front of the pulpit completely out of breath. His chest was heaving, his face was red and he didn’t move for a minute. When Tucker finally struggled to his feet, the organ and the singing stopped.

Tucker continued with his testimony. He looked at the congregation, shrugged his shoulders, he then turned toward the preacher, and while holding his arms out in a sign of failure, said: “That Scripture don’t work for me!”

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Bro. Tucker may not be the only one who feels like there is a scripture doesn’t work for them. If so, then that begs the question: Why doesn’t that scripture work for you?

• Could it be because you didn’t read it right?
• Could it be because you misinterpreted the verse?
• Could it be because you misapplied the scripture?

To explain my point, let’s look at a few verses:

She Offended Me and the Bible says nothing is supposed to offend them…

Psa. 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Someone might say, “I don’t understand this verse. I am very offended by what she said to me.

That scripture doesn’t work for me”

Please read the verse in its entire context. It is talking about God’s Word. The Law. If you LOVE His Law… Then NOTHING in the LAW will offend you. People may always offend you if you let them. Jesus even said that offenses will come. But, if the Word of God offends you then you are not really in love with the Law. That scripture will work for you.

Lay Hands Suddenly On No Man

1 Tim. 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

So, do you hesitate around the altar and resist praying for someone because of this verse? Well, you shouldn’t because it has nothing to do with praying for seekers in the altar. The verse is dealing with ordaining ministers and sending them out to preach. The Elders are warned to be careful laying hands on just anyone and ordaining them to preach. That may be why that scripture wasn’t working for you, you just took a verse out of context and made it mean something else.

Your Baptism Scripture Doesn’t Work For You?

Jesus gave His Disciples orders on how to baptize all believers:

Matt. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

The reason your baptism scripture isn’t working for you, may be because you didn’t fully obey the command. The command was just repeated, and not obey. They baptized you without saying what the name was. Jesus is the name.

Your sins are not washed away unless the Name of Jesus is said over you in baptism! That is why Peter said what he did on the Day of Pentecost when he quoted and fulfilled the last words of Jesus to His Disciples.

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Act 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

That’s why the New Testament ONLY baptized in Jesus Name!

Jerusalem:

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Samaria:

Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Household of Cornelius:

Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Ephesus:

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Baptism ONLY works if the minister pronounced the Name of Jesus over you when you were baptized!

I can help you find a church that will baptize you the Bible way. In Jesus Name!

In Conclusion:

ALL Scripture Will Work For You!

Just believe it, obey it, and see.

2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: