 | The Freedom Tower is out. |
March 28, 2009
Hmmm........................
March 16, 2009
Bible in One Year (Pros and Cons)
The Bible is not a single document. It is a collection of documents, with a central theme, all and each Inspired by God's Holy Spirit.
In order to Understand and remember/internalize these one must read each as a separate document.
Chapters and verses are artificial bookmarks added to the scriptures 1000 or more years after the origins of the documents. (Psalms is the exception)
Chapter and verse numbers assist our study by providing us a simple way to refer to portions of Scripture, but are otherwise meaningless. In many cases Chapters actually break up concepts in the wrong places; and verses almost always chop up paragraphs, and often even splitting sentences.
I personally prefer a Bible that displays the text in normal paragraphs, adding in the verse numbers in small print.
That being said; I believe daily Bible study should stick to one book at a time (few of them are very long).
Some books need to be read in chronological order: Luke & Acts is a good example.
Some books parallel one another:
In order to Understand and remember/internalize these one must read each as a separate document.
Chapters and verses are artificial bookmarks added to the scriptures 1000 or more years after the origins of the documents. (Psalms is the exception)
Chapter and verse numbers assist our study by providing us a simple way to refer to portions of Scripture, but are otherwise meaningless. In many cases Chapters actually break up concepts in the wrong places; and verses almost always chop up paragraphs, and often even splitting sentences.
I personally prefer a Bible that displays the text in normal paragraphs, adding in the verse numbers in small print.
That being said; I believe daily Bible study should stick to one book at a time (few of them are very long).
Some books need to be read in chronological order: Luke & Acts is a good example.
Some books parallel one another:
the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark Luke & John in the New Testament;
in the Old Testament 1st & 2nd Chronicles (starting in 1st Chronicles 10) parallels: 1st & 2nd Samuel, 1st & 2nd Kings (BTW: The Jewish tradition names these 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Kings).
Each of the Non-Chronological books was written during or about the time frame covered by the Chronological books (2 exceptions). For example; many of Paul's letters to the various Churches were written during his various mission trips recorded in Acts, the rest were written from Rome, after his arrival recorded in Acts Chapter 28. In the Old Testament the various books of the Prophets were mostly written during the time frame of the chronology starting with 1st Kings.
Needless to say, I'm all for reading the entire Bible in One Year, or any other reasonable time frame. This concept offers a certain discipline to the reader.
For Bible in One Year plans that present the scriptures in a rational order look here: BlueLetterBible.org/ (Notice the options on the lower half of the page)
Of course there are other ways to study scripture; Word studies and subject studies are two examples.
I once had a copy of the Old Testament that showed a supposed date for the events and references in every Chapter.
There are also various charts that illustrate these relationships:
BibleStudy.org
BibleLights.com
BibleDiagrams.com
It is possible, using the Genealogies and various scriptural references to the passage of time to place the Fall of Adam and Eve at about 4000 years before the advent of our Lord.
I know there are documents tracing this. If you find one before I post it here, please send me a note: Pastor@MarkElliott.org.
Each of the Non-Chronological books was written during or about the time frame covered by the Chronological books (2 exceptions). For example; many of Paul's letters to the various Churches were written during his various mission trips recorded in Acts, the rest were written from Rome, after his arrival recorded in Acts Chapter 28. In the Old Testament the various books of the Prophets were mostly written during the time frame of the chronology starting with 1st Kings.
Needless to say, I'm all for reading the entire Bible in One Year, or any other reasonable time frame. This concept offers a certain discipline to the reader.
For Bible in One Year plans that present the scriptures in a rational order look here: BlueLetterBible.org/ (Notice the options on the lower half of the page)
Of course there are other ways to study scripture; Word studies and subject studies are two examples.
I once had a copy of the Old Testament that showed a supposed date for the events and references in every Chapter.
There are also various charts that illustrate these relationships:
BibleStudy.org
BibleLights.com
BibleDiagrams.com
It is possible, using the Genealogies and various scriptural references to the passage of time to place the Fall of Adam and Eve at about 4000 years before the advent of our Lord.
I know there are documents tracing this. If you find one before I post it here, please send me a note: Pastor@MarkElliott.org.
March 14, 2009
Bible Study
Paul wrote to Timothy; "Give diligence to present yourself approved to God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." We study the Word, in order to obtain God's approval. He has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us in our study.
Jesus taught that His Holy Spirit would remind us ("bring to remembrance") His Word. How can we be reminded of something that we do not first know?
Have you ever thought what it must have been like to sit among The Twelve, being taught by Jesus Himself? Four of His followers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) have shared with us that very experience. For that reason I recommend that every follower, every Disciple, of Jesus get a plain language, red letter edition of the Bible. Spend some time "sitting at Jesus' feet." Study His Words (the words printed in red).
In my opinion Jesus' teachings are the heart, the central point of all Scripture. The Bible exist to Showcase the Good News that Jesus taught; The simple message of our universal guilt ("for ALL have sinned") and His redemptive sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus taught that salvation comes ONLY through Him.
People asks; "Which version, which translation, is best? is it the KJV or the NIV or the NKJV or some other?" My answer is that the Word written in YOUR HEART is the best version. The Good News that has changed your life. The message that your friends, neighbors and co-workers see in your daily walk... THAT is the scripture that counts.
So let me lay out a framework for the Believer's Bible study.
First, as I said above; there are the teachings of Jesus, the Good News, the Gospel.
Second, there's the context of those teachings; the four Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These tell of the life of our Lord.
Third, the story told by Luke in the book of Acts. Here is a history of that first few years showing us how Jesus' followers (disciples), guided by His Holy Spirit, applied those teachings.
Fourth, you study the various letters ("epistles") written by these same disciples. The address the day to day issues found in the daily life of those first congregations.
This includes the 13 letters written by Paul to 7 churches and 3 friends, as well as 8 letters written by various leaders of the early church to deal with various doctrinal and congregational issues.
Finally, in the New Testament, we have the monumental book of prophecy: The Revelation given to John, the last survivor of the Twelve.
So then what of the Old Testament?
The Jewish Bible, the collection of writings which they call the "Law and the Prophets."
Well, at first look, one cannot ignore the fact that the early Church was primarily a Jewish Church. In fact this is an issue dealt with repeatedly by the leaders of those first congregations.
More importantly; your Savior, Jesus Christ, was a Jew. He preached to the Jews. The Twelve were all Jews. So to fully understand the New Testament you need to understand the Old Testament.
Keep in mind that when Jesus or His followers refer to "Scriptures" they are talking about the Old Testament. When Jesus said to satan " it is written..." He quotes the Old Testament.
Just as in the New Testament; the Old Testament begins with a chronological/history.
Genesis covers the first 2000 years of mans history (from Adam & Eve in The Garden of Eden to Joseph in Egypt)
Then there is a 400 year gap while Jacob's (now named Israel) family, twelve sons, their wives and kids and kid's kids, etc, hang out in Egypt.
Exodus begins at about 1500BCE with Moses leading Israel out of Egypt towards the "Promised Land"
The first 5 books of the Old Testament are called the "Torah" by the Jews. This is their Law, found specifically in the last part of Exodus and includes Leviticus & Numbers, then is recapped in Deuteronomy.
There is a pattern throughout these books of a series of Covenants, legal agreements between God and various people. Many of the covenants are promising the arrival of Jesus as a descendant of Abraham who will save the world. The remainder of these covenants can be summed up in the concept: God says Obey my laws and things will go well with you, ignore them and you will suffer.
The chronological history continues thru the Book about Esther
Jesus, in His teaching, makes many references to the Jewish Law.
He also refers to various prophecies (mostly about Himself) that can be found throughout the Old Testament.
The Story of Job has no chronological reference. It is generally considered a book of wisdom, illustrating God's interaction with mankind.
Psalms is a collection of Poems and songs, mostly written by King David.
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes(Sermons) and the Song of Solomon were written by the last ruling monarch of United Israel; King Solomon.
The remaining books of the Old Testament are the records of the various Prophets who served in the period Covered by the Books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles.
The last Prophet(Malachi) wrote approximately 400 years before the birth of Christ
A word about prophets;
Prophets are spokesmen of God. They say whatever God tells them to say. SOMETIMES their messages foretell future events, other times they bring words of Correction or comfort. It is important to understand the difference between a prophet and a preacher. The preacher speaks from his knowledge and understanding of God and God’s word. The prophet is simply a mouth-piece, speaking whatever God puts in his mouth. I call this Speaking by revelation (i.e.; speaking what God has revealed).
You may hear of the terms “Major Prophets” and “Minor Prophets” This terminology is bogus, it simply refers to the SIZE of the book recording the ministry of a particular prophet. NO prophet of God is more or less than any other, as they ALL speak from the same source; Revelation from the One True God.
The things that can be learned from the Old Testament;
Jesus taught that His Holy Spirit would remind us ("bring to remembrance") His Word. How can we be reminded of something that we do not first know?
Have you ever thought what it must have been like to sit among The Twelve, being taught by Jesus Himself? Four of His followers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) have shared with us that very experience. For that reason I recommend that every follower, every Disciple, of Jesus get a plain language, red letter edition of the Bible. Spend some time "sitting at Jesus' feet." Study His Words (the words printed in red).
In my opinion Jesus' teachings are the heart, the central point of all Scripture. The Bible exist to Showcase the Good News that Jesus taught; The simple message of our universal guilt ("for ALL have sinned") and His redemptive sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus taught that salvation comes ONLY through Him.
People asks; "Which version, which translation, is best? is it the KJV or the NIV or the NKJV or some other?" My answer is that the Word written in YOUR HEART is the best version. The Good News that has changed your life. The message that your friends, neighbors and co-workers see in your daily walk... THAT is the scripture that counts.
So let me lay out a framework for the Believer's Bible study.
First, as I said above; there are the teachings of Jesus, the Good News, the Gospel.
Second, there's the context of those teachings; the four Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These tell of the life of our Lord.
Third, the story told by Luke in the book of Acts. Here is a history of that first few years showing us how Jesus' followers (disciples), guided by His Holy Spirit, applied those teachings.
Fourth, you study the various letters ("epistles") written by these same disciples. The address the day to day issues found in the daily life of those first congregations.
This includes the 13 letters written by Paul to 7 churches and 3 friends, as well as 8 letters written by various leaders of the early church to deal with various doctrinal and congregational issues.
Finally, in the New Testament, we have the monumental book of prophecy: The Revelation given to John, the last survivor of the Twelve.
So then what of the Old Testament?
The Jewish Bible, the collection of writings which they call the "Law and the Prophets."
Well, at first look, one cannot ignore the fact that the early Church was primarily a Jewish Church. In fact this is an issue dealt with repeatedly by the leaders of those first congregations.
More importantly; your Savior, Jesus Christ, was a Jew. He preached to the Jews. The Twelve were all Jews. So to fully understand the New Testament you need to understand the Old Testament.
Keep in mind that when Jesus or His followers refer to "Scriptures" they are talking about the Old Testament. When Jesus said to satan " it is written..." He quotes the Old Testament.
Just as in the New Testament; the Old Testament begins with a chronological/history.
Genesis covers the first 2000 years of mans history (from Adam & Eve in The Garden of Eden to Joseph in Egypt)
Then there is a 400 year gap while Jacob's (now named Israel) family, twelve sons, their wives and kids and kid's kids, etc, hang out in Egypt.
Exodus begins at about 1500BCE with Moses leading Israel out of Egypt towards the "Promised Land"
The first 5 books of the Old Testament are called the "Torah" by the Jews. This is their Law, found specifically in the last part of Exodus and includes Leviticus & Numbers, then is recapped in Deuteronomy.
There is a pattern throughout these books of a series of Covenants, legal agreements between God and various people. Many of the covenants are promising the arrival of Jesus as a descendant of Abraham who will save the world. The remainder of these covenants can be summed up in the concept: God says Obey my laws and things will go well with you, ignore them and you will suffer.
The chronological history continues thru the Book about Esther
Jesus, in His teaching, makes many references to the Jewish Law.
He also refers to various prophecies (mostly about Himself) that can be found throughout the Old Testament.
The Story of Job has no chronological reference. It is generally considered a book of wisdom, illustrating God's interaction with mankind.
Psalms is a collection of Poems and songs, mostly written by King David.
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes(Sermons) and the Song of Solomon were written by the last ruling monarch of United Israel; King Solomon.
The remaining books of the Old Testament are the records of the various Prophets who served in the period Covered by the Books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles.
The last Prophet(Malachi) wrote approximately 400 years before the birth of Christ
A word about prophets;
Prophets are spokesmen of God. They say whatever God tells them to say. SOMETIMES their messages foretell future events, other times they bring words of Correction or comfort. It is important to understand the difference between a prophet and a preacher. The preacher speaks from his knowledge and understanding of God and God’s word. The prophet is simply a mouth-piece, speaking whatever God puts in his mouth. I call this Speaking by revelation (i.e.; speaking what God has revealed).
You may hear of the terms “Major Prophets” and “Minor Prophets” This terminology is bogus, it simply refers to the SIZE of the book recording the ministry of a particular prophet. NO prophet of God is more or less than any other, as they ALL speak from the same source; Revelation from the One True God.
The things that can be learned from the Old Testament;
- Prophecies of Christ Coming
- History of God’s Chosen People, Israel
- God’s Law given to govern Israel
- God’s interaction with People
- The Old Testament Law, specifically the system of sacrifices,
is a fore-shadowing of Christ and the Church era. - Wisdom of Godly men (primarily; King Solomon and King David)
It is also useful as a reference, because the writers of The New Testament
frequently refer to the Old Testament, that being the only “scriptures” they had
Biblical Truth Vs Church Traditions
When studying Doctrines (Teachings of your Church) it is important to separate Scriptural truth from Church Tradition. ESPECIALLY in areas of right and wrong.
Some traditions, widely accepted, have no bearing on sin or salvation; Such as Moses being the writer of the Torah, or Peter having dictated the Gospel to a man named Mark.
Other scriptural truths are contradicted by some church traditions; such as the claim that Mary was a virgin for her entire life, when the Bible clearly refers to the brothers and sisters of Jesus (one of which is thought to be the author of the Book of James)
In my viewpoint, the ultimate test of any Doctrinal Teaching is the Words of Jesus, Himself. If Jesus taught it then WE should teach it.
I realise this may be considered an over-simplification, but as I see it, Jesus walked the streets of Galilee, teaching common people. He said exactly what He meant to say, and He generally expected to be understood by those to whom he preached
The Good News preached by Jesus was MEANT to be simple, to be easy to understand.
Some traditions, widely accepted, have no bearing on sin or salvation; Such as Moses being the writer of the Torah, or Peter having dictated the Gospel to a man named Mark.
Other scriptural truths are contradicted by some church traditions; such as the claim that Mary was a virgin for her entire life, when the Bible clearly refers to the brothers and sisters of Jesus (one of which is thought to be the author of the Book of James)
In my viewpoint, the ultimate test of any Doctrinal Teaching is the Words of Jesus, Himself. If Jesus taught it then WE should teach it.
I realise this may be considered an over-simplification, but as I see it, Jesus walked the streets of Galilee, teaching common people. He said exactly what He meant to say, and He generally expected to be understood by those to whom he preached
The Good News preached by Jesus was MEANT to be simple, to be easy to understand.
March 11, 2009
Memorize Scripture
"These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for symbols between your eyes. You shall write them on the door-posts of your house, and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)We need to make the Inspired Word of God an integral part of our thinking.
We are what we read, what we watch, what we hear and what we study. Yes?
I feel that every Believer should memorize Scripture,
and memorize certain basic facts concerning the Holy Bible:
Admittedly this is something I find extremely difficult (memorizing).
Songs, on the other hand are easy to remember,
so; if you have trouble memorizing look for songs to help you.
Basics of scripture that every Believer should know from memory:
Books of the Bible
- Name
- Author; known or attributed(some books name their author, some do not)
- Type; History, Prophecy, Epistle(letter), Wisdom
- Subject; Life of Christ, History of Israel, end times prophecy, etc
The Full Armor of God (I’ll let you find the verses)
Roman Road; 5 verses in Paul’s letter to the Roman Church which lay out the way to salvation
The Beatitudes; The Opening to Jesus’ sermon on the mountain Found in Matthew 5 verses 3-12
The Ten Commandments (I’ll let you find the verses)
Oddly enough there’s some disagreement over which exactly is the fourth commandment
Works of the Flesh (I’ll let you find the verses)
Fruits of the Spirit (I’ll let you find the verses)
Spiritual Gifts (I’ll let you find the verses)
5 ministries God has given to the Church (I’ll let you find the verses)
Names of The Twelve
Names of the Tribes (there’s several list, some of which differ a bit)
The Seven Churches of Revelations Found in the first 3 Chapters
Know the Name and Nature of each
There are 3 portions of scripture, a sermon, the last class Jesus taught The Twelve, and His last Prayer, which are Very important to know and understand, and if we do so, we will understand almost all of Jesus’ message to His followers
- Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5,6 &7 (there’s a similar sermon in Luke 6)
- Jesus Last teaching: John 14-16
- Jesus’ Final Prayer; John 17 in the garden the night of his capture
Paul’s Sermon on Mars Hill in Athens; (I’ll let you find the verses)
Here he preached to pagans with no knowledge of Scripture. It is a masterful sermon!
Also; Stephen's sermon in Acts chapter 7 gives an excellent outline of the Old Testament history of Israel.
There are MANY lists of verses you can use. (one example)
AND, be sure to memorize any verse that you find to be especially meaningful
As I’ve said elsewhere; the best version of the Bible is the one in your heart and mind,
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