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Getting More Out Of The Bible

Introduction

#Introduction #Ears To Hear #Purpose And Plans #Tools To Study By #UnderliningReasons

 According to bible scholars the combination of reading, studying the bible and prayer are three spiritual disciplines or behavioral habits that every Christian should develop. Why would God discipline his children with a command to read and study the Bible? Although we can come up with logical reasons to read and study the bible there is an underlining reason common to God and his children for this behavior.

Let's make it clear that reading and studying the law of God is a trained behavior that God has commanded his children to learn and exercise with self-control. Discipline requires a teacher, a person of knowledge and experience who has authority to enforce their directives. Discipline also requires a student, a subordinate, a person to be willing to accept and obey a higher authority. The outcome of God’s discipline is the implementation of a self-controlled conduct often restraining one's emotions, desires, or inclinations relating to governing their life and produces moral or mental condition approved of God. This discipline teaches the thoughts and ways of God to his children. The desired behavior is a lifetime of Holiness, integrity and dignity which gains respect for you as a person.

As God teaches you he cultivates a personal relationship with you and you with him. Love demands and fosters relationships. Without relationships we would be alone in a world filled with other beings who are struggling with loneliness. The Lord’s discipline teaches us how to behave and nurture lasting relationships and in the long run makes life worthwhile and enjoyable.

Every important aspect of our life changed when we first come to know our Lord for we have a new high priest, a new father, a new place to call home and a new Lord of Hosts in addition to becoming involved in a spiritual warfare.  Being born again changed our relationship with God so we must learn the laws God governs his children by. We have been delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son Colossians 1:13.    We also belong to the kingdom of God and are govern by a different body of laws. All because we relinquished our sovereign authority to govern our lives and submitted to God by making Jesus Lord.

God wants his children to mature the way he has trained us to think and act properly. Whether being born again or adopted as sons he has assumed parental authority and will never ask our permission to discipline us in the way we should go. Any citizen who is adopted or becomes naturalized has to learn the laws, history and culture of the land they want to belong to as a citizen. In addition we must submit to the authority of those representing and enforcing the system of laws they govern.

Although reading and studying the bible is the trained behavior of Christians, that behavior shapes our relationship with God and establishes a personal commitment to serve God the father and Jesus as Lord. To further grow your relationship with God you have to establish a means to communicate with God. Faith is the desired method God wants.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

God has commanded all men

God has made a way for mankind to know his law (rules of conduct) and his law is found within his inspired word.

Nearly every book has a specific knowledge designed to educate people how to live and be successful. Education is important as men devour knowledge at the college level to ensure success in life. In the same way the book of law is rules of behavior as much as it is food for thought. Thus the book of God’s law must be digested as if it was needful food.

The mouth is the entrance point to the digestive system but it is also the eyes and ears of the heart. Just as we need to digest food to physically grow and develop we need to digest God’s knowledge to grow and develop our spiritual nature. As Christians the knowledge of God guides our lives with the information found within the wisdom of God.

However knowledge by itself is worthless for knowledge was intended to be understood and applied before it can derive benefit.  Knowledge forms an intelligent picture seen in the mind but to fully understand the whole concept your knowledge has to agree with what you have discovered. When things disagree there is no clarity. Therefore we have to consider every word of God continuously to grasp a clear picture of God’s wisdom. Before anyone applies God’s words to their life must be convinced of its truth.

Truth is often seen in comparing one concept with another in order to see the similarities or differences. Joshua 1:8 is a command where Psalms 1:1-3 is the benefit derived.

The man who seeks godly advice honors God by guiding his life accordingly will flourish throughout his life. He is kept in perfect peace because his delight is in the law of the Lord.

His delight in the law of the Lord is based on trust overtime and therefore meditates day and night due to his experiences. He submits willingly to the precepts of God because give him and preserve his life and wellbeing. 

Application is the next step for you must observe to do according to all that is written therein. Leaving out steps is the primary cause of failure so God demands you do all that is written within the law to guarantee prospering and ultimately have success. Let’s remember that success is not the toys we have accumulated but success in real life is only found in the abundance of eternal life.

Your reasonable service is to be conformed to the pattern described in God’s thoughts and ways. A father brings up his son and daughter according what is right in his eyes thus the saying, like father like son. The transformation of your mind allows you to see things from God’s eyes therefore you are able to prove the perfect will of God and apply them to your life. It’s easy to find fault with those who do things differently so consider that doing the perfect will of God will make you acceptable to God.

The workman who properly dissects the word of truth can prove the good and acceptable will of God. He has transformed his or her mind to know the successes and failures of sin and what God would do in the same situation. In addition he is ready and willing to shun wickedness to honor God.

Knowledge has an advantage to know what to expect and allows us to plan for the future. God inspired word reveals what happens to those who did what was right in their own sight. Those who obey God can make informed decisions with the assurance of succeeding by doing everything written in the book of law. All this is man’s part of working out his or her salvation guided by God.    

The Bible is inspired from the eyes of God and for the same reason the bible speaks of his outlook on life. On the other hand the decision to know God must be ours and what we thirst for. Stimulating the thirst for God comes by tasting the word of God and seeing that it is good. Since God’s word is inspired spending more time in his presence through study will inspire us. 06/17/2015

 

Ears to Hear

Getting More Out Of The Bible

    

#Introduction #Ears To Hear #Purpose And Plans #Tools To Study By #UnderliningReasons

Everyone has a set of ears specifically to hear the sounds of physical things on earth. Even though everyone has ears are you choosing to hear what benefits your life? Just as you can choose what you believe you can choose to hear gossip, slander and cursing. What is worse you can believe deceitful concepts and find yourself paying the consequences.

There are reasons why people don’t listen; some don’t listen because they know more than you do! Your kids for example may listen but do they pay attention to your instructions? And others don’t listen because your wisdom doesn’t pertain to them or they are just plain not interested. Some have listened to the same story so many times that they know it by heart and have better things to do besides listening to that boring story again. Then again your crazy and what your saying is far out or too good to be true.  In other words people have learned to have selective hearing especially when it comes to the radio and TV when there is more than one station to listen to.

We are subject to hear ungodly thoughts but we are also commanded to cast down every thought that promotes itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  Just as Jesus was tempted of the devil so we will be tempted but God has given us a way to escape the consequences of sin. God has given us one truth after another and his promises as a way to demolish the deceptive lies of the devil. 

We have been liken unto sheep with ears attentive to the shepherd. Jesus Said “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” John 10:27.   Yet the words of Jesus are heard by his sheep and not by the world. On the other hand our thoughts are not heard by the world but our thoughts are clearly heard within our mind and to God. God has given us ears of the spirit to hear the words spoken to us by Jesus Christ? The bible says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Hearing God is a natural skill Christians must learn to develop as the din of the world will choke our ability to hear him.  The time we hear the voice of God the most clearly is while we meditate.

Just as Jesus found places to be alone with his father we should do the same. Communicating with your father is extremely important without distractions, guess what your child wants their good night kiss, the dog wants his attention and of all things your wife wants the trash taken out right now!  It’s difficult to have a conversation with God when other people are talking to you or are aggravating you but these distractions demand your attention. Unfortunately they also break your attention and cloud your spiritual ears but getting angry is not beneficial to study or reading the Bible so make every effort to be uninterrupted by other people.

Remember not everyone considers that seeking God is worthwhile to one’s life and won’t respect your desire to seek God. Seldom do we consider the time you make to spend with God is time he devotes to being with you. God dwells within us by faith but his voice can be heard when you make the effort to hear his thoughts. Let’s remind ourselves that

God rewards those who diligently seek him by teaching you all things and reminding you of the words of Christ. In pursuing God meditation is the most effective way to educate you in the ways of God. Meditation brings revelation by setting the mind on a particular topic and through thoughtful attention to truth. Your consideration of God’s word gives you the capacity to discern the true nature of a situation and the ability to grasp the hidden things of God. The wise person will gain knowledge and discernment leading to prudent behavior.

God works in his own time for you will never know when he reveals his insight, answer your questions and excite your thoughts with divine revelation. Whether its waking up with an awesome truth or hearing God speak to you during your study time God will motivate you into action. Hearing from God stimulates you to press forward and grow in Christ.

Listen to the word of God prayerfully; be in a state of continual prayer and were in a conversation with the author of God’s word. Stay alert ready to ask God for his opinion and expect an answer.  You may think communicating with God may be easier said than done but you can with frequency and practice. God is faithful

Renewing your mind is a growth process; Listen to the word of God so to apply it to your lives - knowledge leads to truth – truth turns to belief - belief leads to understanding and your understanding tells you the ways and methods to employ. Consider this; your thoughts plan the deeds you will be judged by. Renewing your mind will change instinctive reactions by forcing you to consider the consequences. In addition giving forethought to the blessings of being told well done, something we all want to hear.

Interruptions come in many forms so read the Bible out loud - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Romans 10:17 .  The combination of hearing the spoken word and hearing Jesus speak the same words within your heart strengthens your faith in God. I’ve heard words in my mind that I safely can say did not originate with my thoughts. Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: 1 John 4:1. Satan deceived Eve, David was incited to take a census of Israel and Jesus was tempted of the devil. Regardless of what you hear in your thoughts test them to know its origin so you won’t fall prey to deception.

Men interpret the bible from their own understanding but listen to what God says as if you were listening to the only truth. Put your knowledge from other sources aside because those sources may disagree with what you learn from God. Put yourself in the God’s shoes and try to see things from his eyes and then weigh that knowledge to know its benefit or its consequences.

Truth is the common ground between God and man. The man who lives by truth lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The lack of knowledge dooms a person to failure and initiates an effort to learn how to do things properly. Knowledge on the other hand is the key to prospering and to having success – the first time around. However we need to understand that success in life in not in accumulating worldly things but in possessing eternal life after we die.

A good listener will hear the emotion within the word picture being expressed. What does the publican’s feeling tell you? Is he in agony and has the tears convinced you that he is sincere? Has he humbled himself before God? What you hear can put you in his shoes?

Remember to keep an open mind and do not jump to conclusions. Think about what is being said and don’t take things out of context. Picture what the speaker is saying and how he is saying it. Ask clarifying questions and ask more questions only to ensure you understand, feel what the speaker is feeling. Remember what isn’t said is as important as what is said. If you don’t know ask!

We choose friends based on trust and that special something in common with us. Christians have trouble making time for God because we allow other things to become more important than the time we spend with God. God has given us the right to govern our lives to reach our goals. Therefore make your highest priority to know God by spending time with him but be available when he calls on us.  Remember, being unable to find time to read the bible demonstrates your priority and desire to love God with all your heart. So make time!

Take heed what ye hear: Anymore a person has to stand over a trash can to sort the mail it becomes obvious that the junk mail wasn’t wanted. Mankind has selective hearing and it’s proven by the radio and TV programs we listen to. It makes you wonder how we determine the priority in what we take to heart.  We go to extremes spending our time for the things we want to do specially for that vacation in Paris, France. Don’t we study the tour books and have tickets, luggage, and passport in hand before going? We also make plans preparing to see the wonders of the world and the enormous structures man has built. Yet Heaven surpasses all the wonders of the earth when time will be no more. Little do we understand that everyone is in the same boat and does what is right in their eyes. When this life is over God will have the last word and it would be in our favor to know decision beforehand. Making time is worth the cost to know God. 06/17/2015

-----Does God know the end from the beginning?

According to this passage God said he had a plan with a known outcome.  The end of his plan according to God was known before the beginning of time because of two things. Every plan has a goal to achieve and God works to make things occur as he planned it. When everything is said and done everything planned has forethought involved with a commitment to achieve its purpose. Every plan has step by step procedures to complete or a series of plans to accomplish the desired outcome or final goal.

Plans have an objective to achieve and they demand forethought to succeed.  Very few Christians know that the town of Nazareth was set on the ridge overlooking the valley of Jezreel where the battle of Armageddon would take place during the end times. I can’t help to think that Jesus went to the cliffs of Nazareth to overlook the valley and ponder how the battle of Armageddon would progress. If he had that reasoning the opportunity to gain insight and the ability to give forethought to how the battle was best fought in advance was within his grasp. Good plans are conceived with forethought and executed accordingly to come out on top with success. God’s plan of salvation has made us aware of the judgment seat of Christ; that we belong to him and without doubt expect to reign with Christ throughout eternity. Because of this idea the Christian considers eternal life a done deal and is working out his salvation with God.

God’s thoughts are refined to excel in love built on a disposition of holiness. Therefore his thoughts are different from the thoughts of the mankind infected with the sin nature.  God’s thoughts also reflect his ways of holiness and integrity with honesty.  God’s plan is a light unto my path and it gives us the knowledge to know what to do at the crossroads where life turns either to the narrow gate or the path to destruction. Ultimately the path God wants us to take is one that encompasses a moral behavior acceptable to God.  In the meantime God’s plan proceeds as planned.  Incorporated within God’s plan is his need to unite mankind into his coming kingdom. On the other side of the coin the Lord says The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Proverbs 16:4

Does God have a planfor mankind?

The day we made a commitment to serve God changes our outlook on life. For the first time in our lives we have the assurance of where we would spend eternity with God. The bible tells us, For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance Romans 11:29.  God will not change his mind but God promised to put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Ezekiel 36:27. In other words God is going to make every effort to ensure your worthiness for eternal life in heaven. You could easily say we are God’s plan in progress!

God desires his children to mature in a stature that he would be proud to say you are his child. The bible is God’s plan to teach his children the suitable way to live, not just for this age but establish the correct behavior appropriate for eternal life. In other words the bible is God’s plan for your eternal life. God’s plan initiates the desire to grow as God’s child and ultimately become a stronger Christian.

Establish a plan to read at regular intervals showing a priority to read the bible daily then commit to taking the first step – setting a specific time frame to being alone with God remembering that we are creatures of habit. However let’s remember that plans are easier to dream up than to implement. Everyone has something desirable they want and that item of desire may not be lawful. 

Remember that all things are not expedient or practical to my Christian walk. The desirable things are easier to dream up and plan than to do; more so when it comes obeying God’s plan. The first step in God’s plan is for you to start reading his word, but that is when Satan steps into your life to give you ten reasons why you have better things to do than consume God’s word. We need to consider that the first step is crucial to the success of any plan for without taking the first step the plan is stopped dead in its tracks.

The first step is to establish a high priority; sometimes putting your boot in your seat. When we compare verse Joshua 1:7&9 we have a command just as crucial as verse 8 as it says be strong and courageous that you will do what God has commanded every child of his to do. It means you have to resist the reasons why you can’t read the bible muster your courage and make time to read God’s word.

This law of God has to be seen from the spiritual point of view; the book itself is not an appetizing desert for the body. Nor will you see anyone walking about with the book of law in their mouth. However the mouth is both the entrance and exit point for what we digest. Putting the book of law in your mouth is in answer to his knocking at the door of your heart. God has prepared a banquet table where delicacies of God’s word abound and where we may dine with him.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Through meditation we open the door to our heart letting Jesus Christ in to dine over the delicacies of truth. God desires that relationship grow because we have become his child who is dearly loved.  As a Father he wants his child to understand life from his viewpoint and wisdom. His desire is to raise his child up in what is right in his eyes in the same way that you teach your children what is right in your eyes. That takes a personal relationship with a holy God who really wants what is best for you. Becoming his child utilizes the will power God has given you and it’s a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

Out of the mouth come of the strangest questions but is the question considered stupid if you don’t know the answer.  Some questions may sound dumb to you but any question merits an answer when you don't know how things work. Can you make an informed decision when you do not know who, what, or how? Knowledge helps you to make sound decisions and when you ask, you expect the truth. Putting the book of Law in your mouth is a simple way of starting the digestion of God’s word and the process of renewing your mind so you may think and act like your heavenly father.

Even then the digestive system has a process of its own. A steer is cut into serving size pieces and the chewing process begins and the steak stays on the tongue until the flavor is absorbed. However chewing on God’s word is how we explain meditating on the word of God. The mind breaks the word of God into little pieces and considers each morsel to absorb the truth. Meditation often compares one passage with another and the similarities and differences will relate another truth that will bless you.

By the same token men and women are spirit beings that need food to grow just as your body demands food to live.  Your spirit lives by the word of God but your body depends on the food grown from the dust of the earth. Remember, God said man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. Deuteronomy 8:3.

Reading the word in a daily routine is a physical activity but taking God’s word to heart or renewing your mind is a spiritual commitment that honors the Lord. Memorizing portions of scripture places the word in our hearts making spiritual food available to begin the digestion process. The sweetness of God’s word is found in thinking about the principles God has given us; it is pondering that brings out the truth of God’s word. Meditation is also the testing grounds where we prove the validity of God’s word and gains our approval that inspires us to do the will of God.

Shut the world out of your mind to open the door and make an effort to listen to what the spirit of God says and have a conversation with Christ. Just as Jesus intentionally got away from his disciples to be with his father we need to do the same. Reading the bible out loud helps you to concentrate blocking out the noise around you. It also helps others know you are reverently reading the Bible and walking with him. Memorizing helps you to study in places when you are away from the Bible. Memorization takes place with repetition and meditation stabilizes the word in your heart. Memorization makes it possible to think about God’s word when there is no bible in sight for recalling the verse is faster than looking it up. Memorizing helps you to understand his precepts and think as God does. One thing that remains memorizing helps you to do God’s commands from the heart.  When it is all said and done - you will be able to approve the commands of God. 

2 Corinthians 13:1 reveals a matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. This a principle commanded by God to ensure that an agreement of facts can be found. One witness tells what he knows and when the second witness agrees you have a corroboration and creditability of facts that has the reliability of truth. Truth demands Corroboration as found in Deuteronomy 19:15, Deuteronomy 17:6, Numbers 35:30, 2 Corinthians 13:1.

Study with anticipation and expectation, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7. Be inquisitive as a little child, ask God questions about everything. Remember no question is a stupid question when you don’t know the answer.

In Proverbs 1:2-7 God lays out a description of what the bible should do for the Saint when we do everything in our power to know God.   

 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:2-7

When it’s all said and done the effort we make to sow God’sword in our heart will reap eternal life. God’s word will form plans for us to perform if we make room in our hearts for his word. We are God’s plan in progress yet God has given us the privilege becoming like him. 06/17/2015

Tools To Study By

Getting More Out Of The Bible

#Introduction #Ears To Hear #Purpose And Plans #Tools To Study By #UnderliningReasons

The best study aid is the one God gave you and it is your mind even when the thoughts and ways of mankind is the biggest fault mankind has.  The fool says there is no God and refuses to seek God or listen to God’s wisdom. To the fool the gospel is downright foolishness so he seeks the very things in the world that God hates. He joyfully takes the path that leads to his destruction only to find the extent of his folly. On the other hand your mind is what God wants to renew to his thoughts and ways.

In this world we make a number of mistakes and learn from them. The thought that God exist has been made plain to mankind so that he is without excuse. The bible is a second witness that confirms the existence of God through his inspired word. However the inspired word is the only instructions for the training of his elect. Through the inspired word of God we learn of the consequences that biblical characters faced due to the decisions they made. There is nothing new under the sun and the ways of mankind has not changed as God is still calling men to repent.  Overall the Bible encourages us to forsake what we see as right in our eyes to seek what is right in God’s eyes to determine the difference between good and evil.

 

Bible

The most essential study aid is the Bible of your choice – all of us are different and understand things in different ways still we explain things from our understanding.  The major differences in bibles come from the manuscript used and the date of translation. The modern translations reflect the language of today and the arrangement of the subject matter, however for the most part the bible of your choice will express the same thoughts as the older versions. What counts is your ability to grasp the words of God and put them into practice. 

Pastor Rick warren of Saddleback Church uses a number of versions to expound the Gospel. He relates that various version express words differently and make the bible comprehendible by ordinary people.  Most Christians have more than one version.

 

Concordance

A Strong’s concordance is a powerful tool and the second most popular tool in the arsenal of study aids. There are three types - The Strong’s concordance searches by the alphabet and the Englishman concordance searches by lexicon number and one keyed to a specific version. The two most popular Concordances are Strong’s concordance and the Englishman’s concordance.

Bibles don't have the room to have a full list of words in it but an Exhaustive Concordance will help you find any word in the Bible. For the most part this book will be use most to study God’s word. Remember that the concordance is keyed to a specific version but your concordance should be keyed to the Bible version you use to study. Ask the clerk at the bookstore if one is in print for the Bible you use. Remember that a single passage does not have enough information to establish a clear doctrine and an Exhaustive Concordance will give references to other passages on the same subject that will add to and clarify what you are studying. Remember This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 Corinthians 13:1. This tool will help you verify and find credibility pertaining to the word of truth and grasp the meaning of words.

The concordance will help you find the trail of words or ideas to other passages whish adds to your knowledge. The concordance is also a magnifying glass that lets you find the clues for a better understanding of what’s in his word. You might say it is what helps you find the needle in the haystack.

 Your desire to know of God will add depth to your knowledge of God and imbed an indelible picture of God's word in your mind. The need to know God’s word in depth shows the love and the interest you have in God including the desire you have to be with him. You become like sheep that follows Christ while hearing the voice of Christ with your heart.

FYI. The Exhaustive Concordance is arranged in brief phraselisted from a to z with key word placed in a phrase and organized in three parts. Every word used in the bible is organized according to its location,

Within a brief phrase, with a assigned lexicon number to the word. Under the heading of Love you will see the following example.

John 13:35   --   if ye have love one to  --    26

First find the word of interest under its heading then look over the phrases that fit your search. For example, on the right of the phrase you will find its location (John 13:35) and on the left of the phrase you will find the number (26) assigned to the word. These numbered words belong to a lexicon related to its original language and define every word as a dictionary would revealing the meaning of the words that are used in the bible.

There are two lexicons in the back of this book but the one you use will depend on the Testament where the search word is located. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Greek. The words of the Bible are numbered according to its language so you can find the word by its number in the correct lexicon.  The Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew lexicon - specializes in the Old Testament words. There are other lexicons.

•          Greek-English Lexicon of the Septuagint.

•          Louw and Nida Greek-English Lexicon

•          Thayers Greek Lexicon

The Greek lexicon associated with Strong’s concordance reads as follows: 

NT:26 ‎a)ga/ph ‎agape (ag-ah'-pay); from NT:25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:

KJV - (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.

 

And Greek Lexicon associated with  Thayer's reads as follows:

NT:26 agapee, agapees, hee,

 

it denotes:

1.         affection, good-will, love, benevolence: John 15:13; Romans 13:10; 1 John 4:18.

a.         Used of the love of men to men;

b.         Used of the love of men toward God:

c.         Used of the love of God toward men:

d.         Used of the love of God toward Christ:

e.         Used of the love of Christ toward men:

2.         plural,

   

agapae, love-feasts, feasts expressing and fostering mutual love which used to be held by Christians before the celebration of the Lord's supper, and at which the poorer Christians mingled with the wealthier and partook in common with the rest of food provided at the expense of the wealthy: Jude 12 (and in 2 Peter 2:13, Lachmann, Tregelles' text; Westcott-Hort's marginal reading)

(Karl Lachmann is particularly noted for his foundational contributions to the field of textual criticism.  – Samuel  Tregelles  is an English biblical scholar, textual critic, and theologian. – The Westcott and Hort text Greek-language version of the New Testament published in 1881 )

 

A Dictionary

Words can soar over your head because an educated person has a larger vocabulary than the average person. Therefore some words can easily muddy the waters and you keeping you from knowing what’s being expressed mainly because you have no clue what the word means.  Dictionaries open your mind to what’s being expressed from words that are foreign to your vocabulary.

For this reason use a dictionary appropriate to the language to the bible you are using. Without understanding what God is saying his words would be like words that go in one ear and out the other without grasping its meaning?  Knowing the meaning of God’s word are spirit and they are life to you as the words God uses can lift your Spirits, light your path by learning the truth. What people may not know is that God has a skill of using words that may seem out of place but accurately express the truth you need to know.

 

A Bible Dictionary

Bible Dictionaries has a wealth of information from scholars that study the life and history of the Holy Land. With the right facts you have a way to look at persons, places, traditions and the beliefs and customs of the Jewish people. It gives you an idea of why, when and how the men of the Bible lived by helping you to better understand the conditions they lived under. Add to these, other visual aids such as maps and charts. With these you can trace the steps of men and see the truth in a number of ways.

 

Other Resources

Commentaries are the thoughts and opinions of men that write about the Bible but when it is all said and done the Bible is the best commentary on the Bible. Some commentaries talk on blocks of scripture and some are by the verse. These can be an aid when you study for they give you additional ideas that you may have overlooked. Other forms of commentaries come in the form of books, radio, TV programs and pastoral sermons. When you see or hear them, remember that the ideas and illustrations you hear are from human beings, so be sure reprove the ideas you hear to know they agree with God’s word. This article is commentary.

Word Expositors such as Vines; tell you how and where a specific word is used in the Bible. This aid does a good job to reveal the intent of the word.  In addition many well-known men of the past have kept notes of their studies. Scofield, Ryrie and Dakes contain three of the well-known notes in the margins of the Bible by that name.  On the other hand there several Bibles are in the Study format some with extra wide margins for your notes. The Open Bible, The Inductive Bible Study, The Application Bible, The NIV Study Bible, Nelson's Chain reference Bible, Ryrie Study Bibles are among the well-known study Bibles. Each has a distinct way to study and have ideas that make them special to their readers.

There is not enough room to talk on each reference book. God has inspired the writing of many such books, but God’s word is the normal source of the ideas in those books. Remember to take note of the ideas and then check them to see if they agree with God’s word.

    Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

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

The Computer

We live in an age when the computer is used as a tool to serve the needs of man. This tool has touched the life of every person on earth and has cut his work load in half. Only man has become a slave to this tool for while man does physical work the computer does the paperwork. Type in file name and the facts are on the screen before you or you can key in a code for the labels to be printed. Like your mind, what you put into it is what comes out of it so it depends on how you use the computer.

The computer is a tool that can be used as a toy to play,music, and games. They can consume time with the entertainment and other enjoyable things and can become like a sponge that can draw you away from God. In short you can make it into a Idol substituting the computer for God. Some of the pages on the Internet contain pornography and are not fit for your child but today the Internet has become the way to do their homework.

Like the TV, do you control what they see or need to look at? The stuff that ruins your life will find a way to be on your hard drive and seen regularly on the television. It is up to you use commonsense to rule how the computer and television set is use to keep your family true to God. The programs you put on these devices will take you from work and end the time that could be a part of your family life. Last of all, you can be a hermit by living your life through the computer. 

A Christian bookstore has a good Bible programs for the computer starting as low as ten dollars and as high as several hundred dollars. Ask the clerk if you cannot find them for it is an easier way to study God’s word. Some allow you to build the Bible, as you wish while others come as a package for roughly about the same cost of the books you need. The computer cuts the time to turn to the right pages but with a click of the mouse you can open doors to a multitude of information that will help you understand what you are studying. The computer cuts time, the paper you use for notes, and errors you had finding the right place.

Today the internet has a large amount of information on it and almost every passage of the bible has commentary about it. In addition a number of noted evangelist preachers and organizations post a wide amount of sermons that are extremely fanatical, appropriate or liberal to the standards of the bible. Even among these men there is disagreement so Prove all things hold on to the good.

 

Time

No one has enough time every day to accomplish the things you have to do. Christians make time to listen to God, by reading the Bible out loud and read it slower than normal to hear every word of truth. Don't skim through the Bible like you surf the Internet but take God’s word to heart. Do not completely trust those who teach God’s word for you can be deceived by how they interpret the bible. Use your time to seek the will of God as you are responsible for your choices.

Time is a tool that every person has, even when you say that you can't find the time to read the Bible. Sounds like a good reason but it in reality the effort you expend tells God the priority you have to know him. Stop and think, if knowing God had a real priority, you would make the time to be with God. Using your time to know God eliminates hearing Christ say that he never knew you.

Time is important to you and for most people there is never enough time for everything you need to do. You make time for things you want to do but that time keeps you away from God.  Remember it is in your power to make time to spend with God. Like your human Father, God does not demand that you spend exactly one hour a day with him. You choose the amount of time to spend with God for you are no different from the rest of God's children. Spend the time you need to work out your own salvation with God with fear and trembling. The time you need with God depends on your current needs that are happening in your life. However, you should make enough time to seek God regularly so govern your time accordingly.

How you spend your time shows God the truth about your Life. Look at this promise. The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. (2 Chronicles 15:2). A Christian is not involved in a religion but a personal relationship with God and can love God with his or her entire being. God has provided these and other study aids to assist you in knowing him.

For the most part people are known for what they have said and what they have done. With the help of God’s spirit your interest in the Bible is God’s plan in progress. Loving God with your entire being creates the desire to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. God is asking that you work out your salvation with him personally nurturing a deep and close knit relationship with the father and Son. 06/17/2015

 

Underlining Reasons

Getting More Out Of The Bible

#Introduction #Ears To Hear #Purpose And Plans #Tools To Study By #UnderliningReasons

Sometimes the underlining reasons for reading and studying the bible are not clearly seen to the human mind. However the truth of what God is commanding us to do through Joshua 1:8 is basic to the human need. Just as men seek a higher education at college in the sciences of life God is giving mankind a higher education in human behavior so we can love one another.

Man needs to grow and mature as a human being.  Just as the flesh needs food to become stronger to survive in the world the word of God strengthens the human spirit he or she may overcome the world.

 God told Joshua to put his word in his mouth and it stands to reason that the mouth is where energize our bodies with food. By the same token the word of God is food for the spirit and the word of God strengthens us to serve the living God. Therefore God has empowered his children to be more than conquers and sons of God.

However the reverence of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge leading to wisdom. Just as a college education provides you with a foundation of knowledge to know how things react to certain substances, God provides you with a foundation of knowledge so you will know how people react to sin.  The bible tells stories of people in the past and their relation to God. Those who did not obey God perished and those who obeyed God prospered and were elevated in stature.

Yet knowledge has no benefit if you do not stay current. Just as technology changes the situations you face in life change. Staying current with God is a choice but it is a choice that enables you to plow through the trials without falling prey to the sin it encourages you to do.  There is also another benefit with staying current with reading and studying God’s word.

The bible tells us in Hebrews 11:6; that without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. In earnestly seeking God you must go near to him to listen to what he says and experience how he honors his promises.

A person’s word whom you love will be remembered long after you forget what they look like. In addition their actions influence the way you live more so when their words and actions agree and continuously give you an advantage. At the same time spending time with God forms a bond of love that will last eternally because of God’s promise.

As Christians we can be as stubborn as mules wanting to do things our way and we become our worst enemy.

Meditating upon his word is repeating his word in your thoughts breaks the heart of stone into dust because of its truth. It is the repeated truth that overwhelms the arguments that bear false witness against the knowledge of God. Meditation makes every thought obedient to Christ because in pondering God’s word we learn the reasons behind God’s commands and are compelled to agree with God due to their veracity.

  The reason why God asks you to meditate on his word is to form a solid foundation from which can make decisions shaping your character and life.  In addition reading and studying specific passages to glean truth God will lead you to other passages where you can gather additional truth.  As you look deeper into any passage you have retained God will add to your knowledge and make you more productive throughout every area of your life.

Making you more productive in your Christian life will spread into every area of your life because of the habits you form by obeying God. In reading his word you gain knowledge and become sound in your thinking. Meditation makes you check the pros and cons of the physical and spiritual world to the point you become prudent. You will form better plans and make fewer careless decisions. 

Joshua became a leader of men because he obeyed God’s command to place the book of law in his mouth. As he neared the end of his life Joshua gave this witness.

His witness became his commitment with this statement

God gave Joshua a plan that changed the way he saw life and was such an influence that it changed him into a man God could accept as his son. The command God gave Joshua will affect your life in like manner.

While this plan may not look promising it has God’s word that by doing everything written in the book of law you will be prosperous and successful. Yet it is your choice to comply to God’s command by faith because he has promised to reward those who earnestly seek him. Seeking God gives you the opportunity to experience his love for you having the knowledge you are going home to live with your heavenly father. August 2015

#Introduction #Ears To Hear #Purpose And Plans #Tools To Study By #UnderliningReasons

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