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Post by Bud on Jun 14, 2011 3:56:10 GMT -6
In II Tim.2:15 Paul says to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of truth “ Have you ever looked at the Bible as a whole? The Bible is made up of 66 books 39 in the OT and 27 in the NT. They were written over a period of about 1600 years. They were written by about 40 different writers (chosen by God and inspired by Him) and all covering the same subject “God’s redemption of the human race”. They were from all walks of life, shepherds, farmers ,solders, prophets, priests, kings, fisherman, tax collectors, tentmakers and doctor just to name a few. Their own personalities were blended in but with the same theme. Christ like a crimson thread weaving each page together is the theme. It’s all about the blood.
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Post by Bud on Jun 14, 2011 3:57:35 GMT -6
The Bible is divided into 7 natural divisions (the number of perfection) 3 divisions in the OT and 4 in the NT. There are 3 types of literature in the OT,History,Poetry ( Hebrew poetry which is a lesson in itself) and Prophecy. The first 17 books of the OT are one division from Genesis to Esther. They are mainly historical but have some poetry and prophecy in them. Then there are 5 poetry books from Job to Song of Solomon and there is some history and prophecy in them but they are primarily written in poetic form. Then we have 17 prophetic books from Isaiah to Malachi and there is some history and poetry in them. The first 17 books are divided into a group of 5 books and 12 books. The first 5 from Genesis to Deuteronomy are called the Law or the Pentateuch meaning 5 books. The next 12 books called The Records from Joshua to Esther are subdivided into a group of 9 and 3. The first 9 from Joshua through II Chronicles concern the period of time before the nation of Israel were carried off into captivity. The next 3 Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther concern the time after captivity. The 17 prophecy books are also subdivided into 5 and 12. The first 5 Isaiah through Daniel are called the major prophets and the 12 from Hosea through Malachi are called the minor prophets. The first 2 major prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah were written before captivity, Lamentations while the nation was being carried off and Ezekiel and Daniel while the nation was in captivity. The minor prophets are subdivided into a group of 9 and 3. The first 9 from Hosea through Zephaniah were written before captivity and the last 3 Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi were written after captivity.
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Post by Bud on Jun 14, 2011 3:59:09 GMT -6
The NT is divided into 4 natural divisions. The first 5 books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John ( which are called the Gospels) and Acts are mainly history in form even though they have some poetry and prophecy in them, are the first group. The next division is a group of 9 books called the Christian church epistles or letters written by the apostle Paul to churches, from Romans to II Thessalonians. The next group of 4 books is called the Pastoral Epistles, I Timothy through Philemon written by the apostle Paul to people in pastoral care. The next division is the last 9 books in the Bible from Hebrews through Revelation. So we have 4 divisions in the NT. A group of 5 books, a group of 9 books, a group of 4 books and another group of 9 books. The first 4 books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John give us 4 pen portraits of Christ. Matthew portrays Him as King of the Jews,( The lion of the tribe of Judah) and is written more to the Jewish mind. Mark portrays Jesus as a suffering servant and deals with a lot of what Jesus did. Luke portrays Jesus as a man (The Son of Man) and deals a lot with the human side. John portrays Jesus as The Son of God. The book of Acts is a transition time, Israel and the church, and law and grace. The next division, the church letters are seemly divided into a group of 4 and 3 and 2. The first deal a lot with what Christ accomplished for us at the cross (Romans through Galatians) and the next three (Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians) are called the prison epistles of Paul and seem to really get into the deep things about our relationship with Christ, and present the church as a body, building and bride. The next 2 books (I and II Thessalonians) deal a lot about Christ’s coming back for the church. The next 4 books (I Timothy through Philemon) are more personal, being addressed to individuals and give quite a lot of instruction for order in the church. The last 9 books in our Bible seem to be divided into a group of 4,3,and 2. The first 4 (Hebrews through II Peter) are with a lot of Jewish flavor and really explains to a Jew his relationship with Christ. The next 3 (I, II, and III John) are more general epistles and I John really explains our unique relationship with Christ. II John and III John are more personal and give us some warnings. The last two books are more end time letters, Jude giving some warnings for the church toward its end time I believe. Then The Revelation (The Unveiling) Genesis (The beginnings) and Revelation (the consummation).
This is just a brief analysis and is in no way an in depth study but it should give us a general understanding of how God’s word is laid out and where the books are located and a little bit about each.
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Post by Keith on Jun 14, 2011 7:17:14 GMT -6
Good stuff Bud.
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Murph
Moderator
Be kind to your web footed friends. Amen?
Posts: 69,180
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Post by Murph on Jun 14, 2011 8:15:20 GMT -6
Agreed, Bible is very good stuff !
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Post by Bud on Jun 15, 2011 5:29:27 GMT -6
Things we should keep in mind as we study the Bible
1.Study Racially: I Cor. 10:32 “Give none offence neither to the Jews,nor to the the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God”.
We have these 3 distinct groups of people in the Bible and God has a purpose for each one. We have Jews and Gentiles that are saved in the O T and they are not part of the Church. There will be Jews and Gentiles saved in the tribulation and they are not part of the Church. The Jews and Gentiles that are saved today make up the Church. As we study the Bible it is vital we keep these three groups in mind.
2.Study Dispensationally: Eph.3:2"If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you."
A progressive revelation from the Spoken Word, to the Written Word, to the Living Word, to the Indwelling Word. God has progressively revealed His purpose and plans to the human race. It is vital we keep this in mind as we study the Bible.
3.Study Structurally:2Tim.2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed Rightly Dividing the Word of truth “
There is a Divine Design to the Bible that I believe God has put there on purpose. All of God’s creation has a perfect design, even with the curse on the earth, there is still a divine design to the creation, and especially the human being even though the curse and sin has affected it. So wouldn’t it stand to reason that His word which is eternal would have a divine design?
4.Study Devotionally: Matt. 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God”, and John 6:63 “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life."
We need a devotional time each day, and with me the morning is better, (manna in the morning).
5.Study Prayerfully:"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."(Word)
Most vital. That God would open our eyes to the word and grow us thereby.
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Post by Bud on Jun 16, 2011 6:19:02 GMT -6
The Old Testament Structure The Time Involved As to History-The Creation to 400 B.C. As to Writing-Before 1492 B.C. to 400 B.C.
The Compiling of Old Testament Canon:
As the need arose among His people,God added to His PROGRESSIVE REVELATION according to His purpose.
1.The LAW 2.The LAW and the PROPHETS 3.The LAW,The PROPHETS and the WRITINGS 4.The present order of Old Testament books was reached by The Third Century B.C. with the SEPTUAGINT,a Greek Translation of The Hebrew Scriptures. This seems to be the logical order by Divine guidance.
39 Books 17 Historical Books from Genesis to Esther 5 Poetic Books from Job to Song of Solomon 17 Prophetic Books from Isaiah to Malachi
17 Historical Books 5 Books- Genesis to Deuteronomy-The Law-5 Books of Moses-The Pentateuch-The Torah
12 Books- Joshua to Esther -The Records-The First 9 books,Joshua to 2 Chronicles Pre-Exile-Last 3 books,Ezra to Esther-Post-Exile.
5 Poetic Books Job to Song of Solomon
17 Prophetic Books 5 Books-Isaiah to Daniel-The Major Prophets.
12 Books-Hosea to Malachi-The Minor Prophets-The First 9 books,Hosea to Zephaniah Pre-Exile The Last 3 books Haggai to Malachi Post-Exile.
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Post by Bud on Jun 16, 2011 8:48:27 GMT -6
For your interest,the posts I'm making under Know Your Bible string are drawn from lessons we had in a home Bible study between 1970 and about 2005.I really believe that God used these very lessons to stir my interest in His Word and to reveal to me that this is truly the Living,Inspired Word of God and that any Believer in Jesus Christ as his Savior can read and understand God's Word. If you desire,I'll continue to post some as the Lord leads.
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Post by Keith on Jun 17, 2011 9:44:19 GMT -6
I'm enjoying these Bud! Please continue brother!
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Post by Bud on Jun 17, 2011 11:01:00 GMT -6
Genesis to Deuteronomy
The Pentateuch: Greek, Pente--Five Teuchos--Books. From the Septuagint (Lat. for 70),3rd century B.C. Greek Translation of Hebrew Bible by 70 Scholars in Alexandria,Egypt.
Writer: Moses Date: Around 1500 B.C. Time: First 2500 years of Man's history from Creation to Canaan.
The Title: Genesis--"In the beginning." Exodus--"departure"or "way out" "exit." Leviticus-- from Levi,"priesthood. Numbers-- twice numbered (chaps.1 and 26). Deuteronomy--"Second Law"or "Repetition."
The Message:
Genesis-- Man's Ruin and God's Sovereignty Exodus-- Man's Redemption and God's Power Leviticus-- Man's Communion and God's Holiness Numbers-- Man's Direction and God's Justice and Goodness Deuteronomy-- Man's Destination and God's Faithfulness
"These message steps here are the experience of God's people in all ages."
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Post by Bud on Jun 18, 2011 10:53:31 GMT -6
Joshua to Esther
The Records:Compiled in this order from the Septuagint.Concern's Israel's Entering,Occupying,Exile From,and Return to the Land of Canaan.
Writers: Written by several writers Joshua,Samuel,David,Solomon, Ezra,Nehemiah just to speculate a few and others but we don't know for sure.
Time: 1451B.C. to 445B.C. (Approx. Dates) Covers about 1000 years.
1.Joshua--Entering the Promised Land. (About 26 years)
2.&3.Judges & Ruth--Moral Decline,Time of Judges Like Deborah,Gideon,Jephthah,and Samson (About 300 Years)
4.1st Samuel--From Theocracy to Monarchy,The Birth,Ministry and Death of Samuel,Reign and Death of Saul and David's Flight from Saul.(About 115 Years)
5.2nd Samuel--Reign of David.(About 38 Years)
6.1st Kings--Death of David,Reign of Solomon,Divided Kingdom.(About 118 Years)
7.2nd Kings--The Two Nations,Israel and Judah and Their Kings and Their Dispersion.(About 308 Years)
8.1st Chronicles--Lineages,Reign of Saul & David & Charge to Solomon,Much Info about Temple and Priesthood.(About 41 years)
9.2nd Chronicles--Reign of Solomon,Building of Temple,Death of Solomon,Divided Kingdom & Dispersion.(About 427 years)
10.Ezra--Restoration to the Land.(About 80 Years)
11.Nehemiah--Reconstruction in the Land.(About 11 Years)
12.Esther--Preservation Outside the Land.(About 12 Years)
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Post by Bud on Jun 19, 2011 10:07:34 GMT -6
Job To Song Of Solomon
The Poetry Books:Poetry refers to the form they are written in.
Instead of concentrating on History or a Nation or Race,these books deal more with Experience,Individuals and the Human Heart.
Hebrew Poetry doesn't possess rhyme but rhythm. It has to do with thought arrangements rather than word arrangements. It's basic structure is parallelism.
1.Synonymous or Comparative Parallelism--Where the 2nd line repeats the 1st line,in different words forming a couplet. Example: Job 4:17 "Can a mortal be more righteous than God?" "Can a man be more pure than his Maker?"
Psalm 24:1-3 "The earth is the Lords and all it's fullness, The world and those who dwell therin.
For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters."
"Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His Holy place?" 2.Antithetic or Contrastive Parallelism--Where the 2nd line presents a contrasting thought to emphasize the 1st line. Example:Psalm 37:21 "The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives."
3.Synthetic or Constructive Parallelism--Where the 2nd or succeeding lines add a progressive flow of thought to develop the 1st line. Example:Psalm 1:3 "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth it's fruit in it's season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper."
Job: Why do the Righteous Suffer?
Psalms: (Heb. Book of Praises) The Conflicts & Triumphs of Saints in Every Age. (Israel Primarily)
Proverbs: A Library of Moral & Spiritual Instruction for the Guiding of Conduct & Life.
Ecclesiastes: The Book of the Natural Man Apart From the Spirit of God and Divine Revelation.
Song of Solomon: Sanctity of Wedded Love. Application: 1.God's Love for Israel (Believing Remnant)(Hosea 2:19-20 2.Christ's Love for the Church (Eph.5:25-33
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Post by Bud on Jun 22, 2011 11:25:25 GMT -6
Isaiah to Malachi
The Prophecy Books: Moral and Spiritual Reformers Divinely Raised up to Call the Nation from Sin and Idolatry in it's Periods of Decline and to Give Hope of a Glorious Day to Come.
17 Books: The first 5 are referred to as the Major Prophets and the Last 12 The Minor Prophets.(Doesn't refer to their importance)
Amos,Hosea,and Jonah,To Israel (The Northern Kingdom)before her captivity to Assyria 722 B.C.
Joel,Obadiah,Isaiah,and Micah,To Judah (The Southern Kingdom) during her declining years.
Nahum,Habakkuk,Zephaniah,and Jeremiah,To Judah in her last years.(about 634-606 B.C.)
Lamentations,by Jeremiah at exile to Babylon.(588 B.C.)
Daniel and Ezekiel,To exiles in Babylon.(603 to about 538 B.C.)
Haggai,Zechariah and Malachi,To the restored community in the land.(538 to 400 B.C.)
Prophet Message
Isaiah: The Coming Savior & Israel's King Jeremiah: Jerusalem's Judgement & Coming Glory Lamentations: Love and Sorrow of Jehovah for His People Ezekiel: Future Restoration of Israel & Land Daniel: Times of the Gentiles & Israel's Kingdom Hosea: God's Love for Israel Joel: The Day of the Lord &Judgement of Nations Amos: Divine Punishment Follows Persistent Sin. Obadiah: Doom on Edom. Jonah: God's Concern for Gentiles. Micah: Bethlehem's King and Kingdom. Nahum: Doom of Nineveh and Assyria. Habakkuk: A Burden,a Vision and Prayer,The Lord's Kingdom & People Will Triumph. Zephaniah: Remnant Rescued for Blessing. Haggai: Restoration of Temple & Kingdom Foretold. Zechariah: Messiah,The Branch,and King-Priest. Malachi: Final Warning to the Nation.
G. Campbell Morgan stated about The Minor Prophets:
1.Love's Passionate Anger. 2.Love's Patient Purpose. 3.Love's Ultimate Victory.
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Post by Bud on Jun 25, 2011 6:48:55 GMT -6
The 400 Silent Years "We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long." Psalm 74:9
After 1100 years of progressive revelation by the prophet and the written word there was silence from Heaven for 400 years prior to the coming of John the Baptist.
When we leave the scene in Malachi,the Babylonian empire has fallen to the Media-Persian empire and a remnant of Israel are back in the land.Jerusalem,the wall and the temple have been restored.
EMPIRES (Ruling the Jews) Daniel Chapts. 2&7
Persian: (536-333 B.C.) Remnant returned,Temple rebuilt,Persians Tolerant,Samaritans (Mongrel people) spiteful with rival worship.
Greek: (333-165 B.C.) Alexander the Great fought and ruled for 12 years.After an untimely death his empire broke up under his 4 generals.
Egyptian Period: (323-204 B. C.) Egypt and Judea fell to the Ptolemies. Syrian Period: (204-165 B. C.) Egypt,Judea and Syria under the Seleucidae Israel divided into 5 provinces. (N.T.) Judea,Samaria,Galilee,Peraea and Trachonitis.
Maccabean Period: (165-63 B.C.) Semi-Independent Revolt begun by an aged Priest,Mattathias,and developed by his son Judas the Maccebeus (Hebrew for hammer) and 4 other sons.
Roman: (63 B.C. to Christ) Roman conquest by Pompey.Herod the Great was appointed King Of the Jews by the Romans in 40 B. C.
During these 400 years,the groups Pharisees,Sadducees, Herodians,Essenes,and the Zealots came into being.The Sanhedrian and the Synagogue's were instituted. The Greek language and culture was spread through the known world.The Bible was translated into Greek and the Romans built roads throughout the Empire in preparation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to go to the world.
Galatians 4:4 "In The Fulness Of Time God Sent Forth His Son."
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Post by Bud on Jun 29, 2011 6:28:36 GMT -6
THE New Testament Structure The Time Involved As to History:The birth of Jesus to the New Heaven and New Earth. As to Writing:(Approx.)A.D. 45-95 N.T.Canon Sealed:A.D.397(3rd Council of Carthage)
5 Historic:(Matthew-Acts) Divinely inspired accounts of the manifestation,death,burial,resurrection,and ascension of Jesus Christ:Providing the Gospel and it's propagation for the salvation of sinners by the coming and ministry of the Holy Spirit.These are FOUNDATIONAL to the Epistles,which are for the applying of the finished work of Christ to the life and experience of the believers by the Spirit.
9 Christian Church Epistles:(Romans -2Thessalonians). These are for the explaining of the finished work of Christ to the Church,concerning the Christians position and possessions with a view to the outworking of the "Life that is Christ"in the daily walk of the believer and the assembly,based on our union with Him in His death,burial,resurrection,ascension,and coming again.This "mystery"was given to the Apostle Paul,the writer of these Epistles.(Eph.3:4)
4 Pastoral Epistles:(1Tim.-Philemom)Written by the Apostle Paul to individuals (therefore personal)for the purpose of giving instruction and encouragement to those in Pastoral care.In a broader sense they are for every Christian in his or her particular calling or area of service.
9 Christian (Additional) Epistles:(Hebrews -Revelation) They naturally divide into a quartet,a trio,and a duet. The first 4 are Christian Hebrew Epistles.They were written primarily to Jewish believers of the 1st century and have a distinctively Jewish flavor. (cf.James 1:1,1Peter 1:1.and references to O.T. passages and events.) The middle 3 are Christian General Epistles dealing with exhortations that would be general to all believers at any point in the church age. The last 2 are Christian End-time Epistles.It seems that these would be more applicable to those living near the end-time.(cf Jude 18 and the content of Revelation)
Note:This is a structural view of the N.T. and does not infer that any passage,book, or section is unprofitable to any or all believers,regardless of their racial background.Nevertheless,any Scripture is better understood when viewed in it's natural setting,which seems to have been designed by the Author,Himself,the Spirit of God.(2nd Peter 1:21)
"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 THE GOSPELS
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH:John 16:13 THE EPISTLES
"and He will shew you THINGS TO COME".John 16:13 THE REVELATION
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Post by Bud on Jun 30, 2011 7:04:08 GMT -6
The 4 Gospels:Pen-Portraits of Jesus Christ In Bible numerology 4 is the number of the earth,meaning world-wide. North,South,East,West Winter,Spring,Summer,Fall Width,Length,Depth,Height 4 becomes the number of man as he is related to the earth.(6 as he is related to God.Cf.No.7&Revelation 13:18) Child,Youth,Adult,Elder (Gen.10:5,20,31) Father,Mother,Son,Daughter (Rev.5:9,7:9)
In the 1st century,when these accounts were written,there were 4 classes of society.It is evident that each of these Gospels were slanted toward one of these.
The Portraits Matthew:More to the mind of the Jew (Religion) King of the Jews,More Prophetic,Lineage to Abraham,Connects with David (Son of), Wise Men to see King,Kingdom Parables,Birth Announcement to Joseph,More of what He said. Ends with The Resurrection (Crowning Proof of Messiah-Ship)
Mark:More to the mind of the Roman (Attainment)Servant of the Lord,More Practical,No lineage of a Servant,Brief on Discourses,Active,(Straightway,Immediately) More of what He did.End's with Ascension (Lowly Servant Exhaulted )
Luke:More to the mind of the Greek (Culture) Son of Man,More Historical,More of His Manhood,Human Touches,More About Parents,Virgin Birth(Luke Medical Doctor),Babyhood,Childhood,Lineage to Adam,Shepherds Seeking a Savior,More of Who He was as a Man.Ends with Promise of the Spirit (Man---Spirit Indwelling Man)
John:More to the Mind of the Church (New Life)Son Of God,More Spiritual,More about His Deity,He is The Word,Life,Light,No Human Lineage Connects to Eternity,Key Words Verily,Verily 24 times (Truly,Truly), Ends with Promise of Return (For his Bride The Church)
The Likeness of the Divine Nature is Reflected in Revelation 4:7 and in Ezek.1:10 with the 4 living creatures. In Matthew:The LION of the tribe of Judah. In Mark:The OX Lowly service. In Luke:The MAN Love and Sympathy In John:The EAGLE Greatest in the Heavens,From the Heavens
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bcool
Junior Member
Posts: 105
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Post by bcool on Jun 30, 2011 7:28:30 GMT -6
Fascinating. Thanks Bud!
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Post by Bud on Jul 1, 2011 6:38:41 GMT -6
The Purpose of the Gospels:The Manifestation. (John 1:14) "And The Word Was Made Flesh And Dwelt Among Us"
Besides giving the world a four fold portrait of The Lord Jesus Christ as King.Servant,Man and God slanted toward the Jew,Roman,Greek and the Church,The Gospels center in His three-fold ministry as Prophet,Priest and King.
As Prophet (whose ministry was both telling-forth the message of God and the foretelling of the future works of God),He came in fulfillment of Deut. 18:15-19.He was not only a voice for God as the O.T. prophet but He,being God the Son,was the voice of God Himself.(Heb.1:1-2).He told-forth the message for His days in the flesh and fore-told of the new age when the Messiah would be ruling on the earth.(The kingdom of Heaven Matt.13) and of His Second Advent with the events that revolve around it.(Matt.Chapts 24 and 25)
As Priest He became both the Sacrifice and Sacrificer as He died at Calvary to "take away the sin of the world"and through His Resurrection,"He ever liveth to make intercession."(Heb.9:14;7:24-25)
As King He was born to the Davidic Throne (Luke 1:30-33),announced by John the Baptist (Matt.3:2) rejected by His people (John 1:11)but will reign as King at His second Advent,fulfilling the Davidic Covenant. (2nd Samuel 7:8-16,Acts 15:13-18,Rev. 19:15-16)
Contrast The Creator -------- A baby The Sustainer------- Fed by a woman Created Man-------- Crawled and Walked Omniscient ----------- Learned as a Child Omnipresent -------- Limited Himself to a Body (permanent) Omnipotent -------- Allowed Himself to be Abused and Nailed to a Cross
Effects of The Manifestation 1.Sin Exposed-Light and Darkness (1John 2:8)"Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining."
2.Love and Mercy of God is Seen (1John 3:16)"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
3.Fellowship with our Creator (1John 1:3)"That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ."
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Post by Bud on Jul 4, 2011 5:56:35 GMT -6
The Gospels and their Interpretation:
One of the attributes of God is that He is IMMUTABLE.He changes not;"The same yesterday,today and forever."This is one of the great difference's between us and God.We change and our personality is constantly changing.Someone once said that "our personalities are a sum of our experiences" and our experiences change everyday.
God doesn't change but revelation is progressive.From the Spoken to the Written Word,to the Living Word,to the Indwelling Word.God has dealt with man on the basis of man's ability to receive and according to his relationship with Calvary.(of Law & Grace)
Therefore,in the True INTERPRETATION of Scripture the rule of Contextual Consideration is the prime factor.Or,what is the obvious meaning of a text in relation to it's context,to it's book and to it's structural setting in the Bible as a whole?
Miles Coverdale,an English translater of the Bible in the 16th century,once wrote and I quote as he wrote it: "It shall greatly helpe ye to understand scripture,if thou mark not only what is spoken or wrythen, but of whom and to whom, with what words at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth."
This would be a good paraphrase of Neh.8:8 which say's,"so they read in the book of the Law of God, Distinctly,and gave the Sense,and caused them to Understand the reading." The GOSPELS are to be approached in this manner if they are to be "rightly divided."
Note: Hidden things,such as types,prophetic revelations and practical applications (spiritual interpretations) must be approached Cautiously from their opposite direction;or the type from the direction of the anti-type,the prophetic revelation from the fulfilled prophecy and the practical application from the position of the reader dispensationally.The position of the Christian is outlined and explained in the 9 Christian Church Epistles.
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Post by Bud on Jul 5, 2011 5:48:42 GMT -6
The Gospels for the Christian
The GOSPELS are the inspired record of the first advent of Jesus Christ to His own(the house of Israel,the Jew),under the Law of Moses.His life,ministry,words and works therefore must be interpreted in this light and in the context of His day. Yet,because of the significance of this event to the Christian and because of the popularity of the Gospels among us,we must learn how they apply to us in the church age. Even though the PRIMARY INTERPRETATION of any scripture is dependent upon it's contextual consideration,"all scripture...is profitable;"therefore every scripture must have a PRACTICAL APPLICATION for the Christian. This is known as SPIRITUAL INTERPRETATION.Not spiritual in the sense of mysterious,but as the Spirit of God reveals to the spiritual mind certain principles of truth written to the people of God in another dispensation which are applicable to the Christian in the age of Grace.(1 Corinth. 2:10-12,2nd Peter 1:20,21) This makes it necessary for the Christian to approach the passage involved from his own position dispensationally;or on the grounds of the revealed Word of God to the Christian for his particular dispensation.The writings of the Apostle Paul,according to his own testimony,are those scriptures which reveal the position and possessions of the Christian in the Church age.(Eph.Chapt.3,Philippians 4:9) It could be rightly said that it is the will of God for the Christian to see all scripture,as it is applied to himself,through the eyes of Paul. This makes it essential that we be thoroughly versed in the Pauline epistles if we are to receive spiritual truth from the pages of the other scriptures,the Gospels included. The Gospels are unique value to us in that they are Foundational to everything we are,have or ever hope to become.
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