"Getting a Grip on the Bible"

 

Written by Dr. Tom Sexton

Deuteronomy 6:6-7, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up."

Every child of GOD should have a working knowledge of the Bible.

Why Do We Need a Grip on the Bible ?

The Bible says in Daniel 11:32b, "The people that do know their GOD shall be strong and do exploits." Compare this verse with Hosea 4:6a, "MY people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. . ." So why do we need a grip on the Bible ?

For assurance of our salvation. The Bible says in II Timothy 3:15, "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS."

To keep our heart and life clean. The question is, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way ? by taking heed thereto according to THY WORD." (Psalm 119:9). As we spend time in the Bible, GOD's WORD will search our hearts.

To have direction for our life. Psalm 119:105, "THY WORD is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." GOD has a path for every life. GOD's WORD will show us the path. ". . .HE marketh all my paths." (Job 33:11b).

To make right decisions in our life. Psalm 119:95b, ". . .I will consider THY testimonies." We should consider GOD's WORD before making life changing decisions. These are just a few reasons why we need to know GOD's WORD. What we do with the Bible will determine what the LORD does with us.

How Can We Get a Grip on the Bible ?

II Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth." There are five methods by which we can get a firm grip on GOD's WORD.

HEAR It:

Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of GOD." We hear the WORD of GOD as it is preached and taught. There is a blessing for hearing the WORD. "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the WORDs of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." (Revelation 1:3). We forget 90% of what we hear. We encourage every Christian to take notes when the Bible is being taught. We will retain more of what we write than what we only hear.

READ It:

Revelation 1:3, "Blessed is he that readeth. . ."  I Timothy 4:13, "Till I come, give attendance to reading." We should have a schedule to read the WORD of GOD. As we read, GOD speaks to our hearts. We should mark verses that speak to us or verses that help us. We remember more of what we read than what we hear.

STUDY It:

II Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth." When we study the Bible, we are searching GOD's WORD. Acts 17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the WORD with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." When studying the Bible,we can study people, events, subjects, promises, doctrines, and the list could go one. The more methods we use to study the Bible the more we glean from it.

MEMORIZE It:

Psalm 119:11, "THY WORD have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against THEE." As we put the WORD of GOD to memory, we are hiding it in our hearts. Make a list of verses you want to put to memory and start working on memorizing them.

MEDITATE On It:

Joshua 1:8, "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." This is the most powerful method of getting a grip on GOD's WORD. GOD promises success to those who meditate on HIS WORD, also see Psalm 1:1-6. It is while we meditate on the WORD that the HOLY SPIRIT teaches us the truth of GOD's WORD.

I John 2:27, "But the anointing which ye have received of HIM abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in HIM." This truly is the most powerful of all the methods of getting a grip on the Bible. This is when GOD opens our hearts and minds of understanding to HIS WORD.

The LORD can bring to remembrance what we have hid in our hearts. The Bible says, "But the COMFORTER, which is the HOLY GHOST, WHOM the FATHER will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26). GOD said when HIS people could not remember that, ". . .HE remembered for them. . ." (Psalm 106:45).

When we pray for people who have hid the WORD of GOD in their hearts, the HOLY SPIRIT can awaken the verses that ". . .liveth and abideth for ever. . ." (I Peter 1:23), the verses that are ". . . a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12).

Below is a bit of imagery to represent how hard it is to get a grip on the Bible with only one or two of the above methods of study:

1.  The little finger represents hearing GOD's WORD. If all we do is hear the WORD, we will not be able to hold the WORD (Bible).

2.  The ring finger represents reading GOD's WORD. We can hold the WORD better with two fingers but still will not have much of a grip.

3.  The middle finger represents studying GOD's WORD. We get a better grip when we include this method, but it does not take much to pull the Bible out of our hand.

4.  The index finger (the trigger finger) represents memorizing the WORD of GOD. This method gives us more of a grip, but we still cannot hold onto it.

5.  The thumb represents meditating on GOD's WORD. This method strengthens all the others, and we have a good grip on GOD's WORD when we use them all !

So let us follow through with all of the wonderful methods of Bible Study and we will have a good grip on GOD's WORD.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

WordToTheWorld@aol.com      www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Burning Hell"

 

     GOD has prepared a place of eternal punishment for all those who reject HIM. It is called Hell, and it is a place of everlasting fire. The Bible, GOD's Holy WORD, states in Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the nations that forget GOD." "He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." (John 3:36).

     Hell was originally prepared for the Devil and his angels. The Bible says in Matthew 25:41, ". . .Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels:" However, if you reject GOD's SON, JESUS CHRIST, and the payment HE has made for you, you will spend eternity in Hell !

     Should you reject GOD and go to Hell, you will never again be bothered by a Christian giving you a Gospel tract. Nor will you have to worry about anyone knocking on your door and inviting you to church again. However, you will remember every sermon you ever heard, every Gospel tract that you rejected, and every kind word from a Christian friend pleading with you to be saved.

     The Bible tells the story of a man who went to Hell. It says, ". . .the rich man also died, and was buried; And in Hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." (Luke 16:22-25). Should you reject GOD and the opportunities HE has given you to trust HIM, you too will one day be like the rich man that you just read about. You will be crying and begging for one drop of water to cool your scorched tongue, but it will be too late !

     My Friend, please don't let anyone convince you that when you die it will all be over. The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" GOD says judgment will follow your death. Now is the time to get ready to meet HIM, because your Judgment Day could be today !

     JESUS asked this question in Matthew 23:33: ". . .how can ye escape the damnation of Hell ?" The answer is so simple, and it is found in GOD's Holy WORD. To escape Hell, you must first realize that you are a sinner, and that you deserve Hell because of your sin. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a).

     Secondly, you must realize that JESUS CHRIST, GOD's only SON, paid sin's penalty, that you deserve, in full. The Bible states in Romans 5:8, "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a, 3-4). JESUS CHRIST left Heaven and came into this sin cursed world of sorrow. Just think, HE left the streets of gold and the rejoicing of angels to come to this Earth and be crucified, so you could escape the burning Hell. John 3:16 says, "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life."

     There is nothing that you can do to earn this gift of everlasting life. The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9).

     Finally, you must ask JESUS CHRIST to save you. Romans 10:9, 13 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."

     If you would like to receive GOD's free gift of salvation and be saved from the burning Hell, pray this simple prayer and receive CHRIST today:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for you always. In JESUS name I pray, AMEN.

     Please do not reject GOD. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). The Bible gives you this final warning: "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15). Let GOD write your name in the LAMB's Book of Life. Trust HIM today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"What Wisdom Will Do; If. . .Then"

 

Proverbs 1:7-9 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother; for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck." 

Proverbs 2:1-6 "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of GOD. For the LORD giveth wisdom, out of HIS mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

     Wisdom is the ability to live life skillfully; it is the right use of knowledge. Godly wisdom provides the direction to life a righteous life in an ungodly world. In the book of Proverbs, through Solomon, the LORD gives HIS people detailed instructions concerning how to deal successfully with the practical affairs of everyday life. This book stresses GOD honoring life relationships (family, social, economic, civic, ethical, etc.), basing them squarely upon the believer's primary relationship -- with GOD.

     Proverbs, though it may not seem so at first glance, tells a story. It is the picture of a young man starting out in life. His first lesson is in the first chapter, with a follow-up in chapter nine -- "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (v.7); "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10 pictured above). The central theme of Proverbs is the "fear of the LORD." This "fear" entails a reverent belief and confident trust in GOD and in the "beginning" (the essential, crucial, basic part) of the wisdom that is then discussed at length in the whole book.

     "Wisdom" is the instructor that teaches believers in the school of life. She [Wisdom] will protect her students (Proverbs 2:8), direct her students (Proverbs 3:5-6 pictured above), and perfect her students (Proverbs 4:18, 20-27), continually encouraging them to search for her as something precious and noting that the SOURCE of wisdom is GOD HIMSELF. When one seeks for wisdom, the LORD will reward that pursuit with the obtaining of it (James 1:5 pictured above). In contrast to the bleak darkness of evil, divine light will stream across the highway of the righteous. Look to GOD for wisdom -- it will protect, direct, and perfect you as a learner of the WORD.

     Solomon makes two significant statements in Proverbs concerning knowledge and wisdom. In Proverbs 1:7, pictured above, he writes that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" and in Proverbs 9:10, also pictured above, that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Knowledge and Wisdom -- these are two essential elements that a child of the heavenly FATHER must learn; he needs to apply GOD's truth for the direction of his life. King Solomon, of course, was teaching his own son in the way of knowledge and wisdom so that he might be established in the way he should go. We would do well to "fear" [reverence] the LORD and likewise profit from this instruction of a father to his son.

     In the first six verses of Proverbs chapter two, we find the word "if" used three times in Solomon's instructions to his son: "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee" (v.1); he continues in verse tree: "If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding"; in verse four: "If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures." Those are all conditional statements: If we fulfill the conditions stated, then GOD will fulfill what HE promises in verses five and six. Here is the outcome: "Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of GOD. For the LORD giveth wisdom out of HIS mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (vv.5-6). Solomon says next: "HE [GOD] layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: HE is a buckler (personal shield) to them that walk uprightly" (v.7). What a blessed truth ! Today, pursue the wisdom and knowledge of GOD as you meditate upon HIS WORD, for HIS promises are sure. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Religion or Salvation ? What is the Difference ?"

 

1st.Peter 3:14-22 "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the LORD GOD in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in CHRIST. For it is better, if the will of GOD be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the SPIRIT: by which also HE went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of GOD waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward GOD.) by the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST: WHO is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of GOD; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto HIM."

     The Bible declares that "CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the JUST (the RIGHTEOUS ONE) for the unjust (the unrighteous ones), that HE might bring us to GOD" (v.18). Herein lies the great difference between religion and salvation. Religion is man trying to bring himself to GOD (by human effort, by sacraments, by good works, by following various rituals, by trying to measure up to certain moral standards, etc.). Salvation is wholly different. GOD knew that man, on his own, could never measure up to what GOD's righteousness requires, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). Therefore, salvation is CHRIST bringing us (sinful, helpless, hopeless, and depraved men and women) to GOD on the basis of what HE did for us on the cross. Salvation can never be earned by performing certain religious deeds: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us" (Titus 3:5). It is not our doing (Romans 3:20 pictured above), but it is CHRIST's "done" (John 19:30 pictured below).

     The following illustration shows the folly of a religious man trying to work his way to Heaven. Consider two men seeking to go from New York to London. One man trusts his own efforts and jumping into the ocean, attempts to swim all the way to London. No matter how good a swimmer he is, he will perish. The other man gets on a ship and allows it to do all the work. The man of faith trusts CHRIST to do all the work in order that he might be brought to GOD. "I do not work my soul to save, that my LORD hath done. But I would work like any slave for love of GOD's dear SON !" GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Through Us"

 

2nd.Corinthians 5:14-21 "For the love of CHRIST constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that HE died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea though we have known CHRIST after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we HIM no more. Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And all things are of GOD, WHO hath reconciled us to HIMSELF by JESUS CHRIST, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that GOD was in CHRIST reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST's stead, be ye reconciled to GOD. For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin; that we might be the righteousness of GOD in HIM."

     Every believer is an ambassador for CHRIST, representing HIM in this dark world. The SAVIOR wants to speak to lost men and women through us "As though GOD did beseech you by us" (v.20). GOD is beseeching the unsaved, but HE is doing so through us. The LORD wants to speak through us in a very passionate and heartfelt way. Second Corinthians 5:20 contains two words that describe how GOD reaches out to men through us. Paul uses the verb "beseech" and then the synonym "pray." Both words carry the meaning of "implore, beg, urge, entreat, plead." If CHRIST were speaking to the unsaved, HE would be imploring, urging, and pleading with them, yet HE wants us to do this on HIS behalf. Through us GOD wants people to know that HE is "not willing that any should perish" (2nd.Peter 3:9 pictured above). Through us GOD wants the world to know how much HE desires for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1st.Timothy 2:4). As we share the Gospel, do we convey the compassionate heart of the LORD for sinners ? Do we do so through tear-dimmed eyes ? We could simply give the objective facts of the Gospel: "My Friend, if you believe in CHRIST crucified and risen for you, you will have eternal life. If you reject HIM you will perish." This is very true, but where is the urging ? Where is the pleading ? "My Friend, I urge you to trust CHRIST and be saved. Your eternal destiny is at stake. I plead with you that you might come to CHRIST. HE is your only hope for this life and the next." Show that you deeply care about his or her soul. Convey the urgency and importance of being saved and how much you long for him or her to be reconciled to the LORD. The compassionate GOD wants to speak through you ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"So GREAT Salvation !"

 

Hebrews 2:3 "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard HIM;"

     Some may wonder, "Why did GOD permit sin to enter the world in the first place ?" Suggested answers range from: "HE could not have prevented it" (this answer limits HIS power) to "Sin is a necessary way to the greatest good" (this answer limits HIS goodness). These responses stem from fallen man's logic and do not adequately help us in our understanding and walk with the LORD. Frankly, with regard to many questions, we do not find easy answers as to why GOD did or did not do some things (Deuteronomy 29:29). Yet, we know without a doubt that whatever GOD's reasons are for what HE does, HE is right and completely just in all things (Genesis 18:25 pictured above; Job 40:1-2).

     In pondering the above question, one should consider some of the reasons why GOD created the world in the first place: for HIS own glory (Isaiah 43:7 pictured above), to demonstrate HIS glory to all (Psalm 19:1), and for HIS OWN pleasure (Revelation 4:11). HIS will is for all creation to worship and honor HIM (Revelation 5:8-14) -- not as mere robots but out of a heartfelt desire, an earnest compulsion to do so as the result of HIS glorious redemption. We are sinners saved by GOD's infinite grace (Luke 7:47; Ephesians 2:7), and that fact should stir us to praise HIM. Scripture tells us that Heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents and is saved (Luke 15:7). Salvation is a wonderful, amazing reality that many believers do not adequately grasp or appreciate. Sin no longer has the authority to reign over us; we are now free from its dominion and control (Romans 6:1-14). Therefore, "no condemnation" (Romans 8:1) ought to be the words that resonate with our every thought and action as we focus upon our salvation -- which is truly "so GREAT" !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Sword of the SPIRIT - Part 7 of 7"

 

Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD;"

     The "sword of the SPIRIT" is "the WORD of GOD" -- the Bible. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2nd. Timothy 3:16). The word "inspiration" in this verse means "GOD breathed," signifying that the words came directly from the LORD (1st.Peter 1:11-12; 2nd.Peter 1:20-21 pictured above). Despite the clarity of 2nd.Timothy 3:16, so many deny its truth, including some who claim to be Christians. Why do people reject the Scriptures ? Is it because its doctrines are challenging ? Or is it that the Bible rebukes and convicts the reader as his sin is revealed ? Or is it because the WORD dares to communicate a way of living ("instruction in righteousness") that is contrary to man's ways ? May we never allow these excuses to keep us from believing and obeying GOD's WORD.

     We know that the follower of the LORD should regularly read and learn the Bible: "Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth" (2nd.Timothy 2:15). We need to hide its WORDs in our heart (Psalm 119:11 pictured above) and meditate on them (think about how we can "flesh out" Scripture's lessons in our life, Psalm 119:15 pictured above). But beyond just reading and thinking upon the WORD of GOD, it is vital that we obey it: "But be ye doers of the WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22). Like a sword, the Scriptures "cut" -- they separate the saint, who humbly follows the Bible's commands, from sin. Just as a soldier who merely carries a sword and does not know how to use it, so is the child of GOD who has the WORD but does not submit himself to its divinely revealed truth. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation