Tag Archives: Bible study

Do Your Own Study

Bible General, Church Bulletin

*http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Talmud_study.JPGMany lament the fact that people do not study their Bibles like they once did. Instead, belief is often formed by what is said in the pulpit or by something in the inspirational book du jour. I have warned for years that people must never trust their preacher. True enough, I said it tongue in cheek, but there is also a serious side to that warning. First, you do not need your preacher to get to heaven. The path to God is through Jesus (John 14:6) and no intercession by an earthly man is needed. Jesus calls you. No go between is needed. Second, it is your very soul that is at stake. You hold nothing more precious than your eternal soul. It is far too precious to entrust to any mortal.

Even Paul commended the Christians in Berea for checking up on his teachings. “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). If people were commended for double checking Paul’s teaching, shouldn’t we also search the Scriptures to test what our own preacher is saying? There is a massive need for personal Bible study today. I am absolutely convinced that if individuals would study the Bible for themselves denominations would crumble and we could all stand unified on God’s word.

I offer some thoughts on Bible study beginning today. I hope it helps.

Choosing a Bible Translation

This may seem a daunting task. There are so many translations on the market today a Bible student might easily be confused as to which is best. Understand that there is no such thing as an inspired translation. God inspired the original documents (autographs) but not the future translations. While some have argued that the King James Version is inspired such a claim cannot be sustained. Nevertheless, for a variety of reasons beyond the scope of this article, we can be assured that our English translations are accurate and true to the originals. I think we can agree that God’s providence ensures that his people have his word today.

The originals, that is the documents actually written by the authors, were mostly written in Hebrew (Old Testament) or koine Greek (New Testament). The work of translation is not easy. Fortunately, that work has been done for us by well-trained scholars.

For the most part, the differences between the so-called mainline translations are cosmetic. The American Standard Version of 1901 is written in a style that employs “thee” and “thou” frequently. A newer translation, like the English Standard Version does not. Such does not make one superior to the other. The student should go to a bookstore and browse many different versions and select the one which seems easiest to read. My guidance would be to stick with one of the following: American Standard, English Standard, King James, New American Standard, new International Version (1984) or the New King James. ((This list is not intended to exclude, only to suggest. Other translations could also be useful.))

It could be useful to acquire two Bibles for study, one that is more literal like the ASV and one at the other end of the spectrum, more dynamic, such as the NIV(84). When the student finds differences in the two versions, he may then use that difference as a “hook” for additional study. In other words, you can use other resources to try and understand why one translation uses a given word or phrase while the other does not.

Once you settle on a translation, stick with it. Mark it up with notes, highlights and underlines. It will become invaluable.

We should also mention the wide availability of digital translations now available. Many translations are available without charge. A student can switch between translations easily and compare notes.

The point here is to do your own study. Entrust your soul to Jesus alone. I hope you have a preacher who is sound and skilled. If so, he can guide you. But remember. Be noble. Search the Scriptures yourself.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

Growing in Christ

Church Bulletin,

In one sense, it is impossible for finite man to know everything about the infinite God. It is just not possible for us to comprehend the glory of God. But thankfully, he has revealed to us much of his nature and character. He has also given us of his knowledge concerning mankind, sin and redemption. Our God has not left us ignorant on any topic necessary to our salvation.

Peter writes:

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

Notice that all we need has been granted to us. That gift is through divine effort, not human. Through that knowledge comes great promises which allow us to partake in the divine nature!  I’m not sure I fully understand what it means to share or partake in the divine nature but it is glorious and exciting.

It is through the inspired Scriptures that we gain those promises. We enjoy “all sufficiency” in the things of God and need not worry that something has been kept back. We have everything we need (2 Corinthians 9:8).

The question every Christian ought to ask every day is whether he is growing in Christ. Paul said that he viewed all worldly riches and glory as trash when compared to the “knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). For Paul, this is more than simple acquisition of facts about Christ. It is a knowledge that moves him ever closer to his Lord and conforms him more and more into the image of God.

Every child must grow. We are like infants who desire the nourishing mother’s milk so important to maturity and development. It is through this spiritual milk that we “grow up” into Christ (1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15).

So again, how are we doing? Not everyone grows as they should. The writer of Hebrews argues that some have failed to grow and still need milk, not meat.

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.  (Hebrews 5:12-13)

There are several ways to assess one’s growth in Christ. Perhaps the best is to ask whether the word of God has brought a change to your life. Have you taught one of Jesus recently? Could you share the truth with someone? What of your present study habits? Are you regularly reading the Scriptures and meditating on their truth?

Let us all grow up into Christ in every way. Our lives will be so much richer and our walk with Christ so much closer if we would only seek to know him better.

 Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

The Importance of Prayer with Bible Study

Bible General, Church Bulletin,

Prayer is a vital moment in the life of every Christian. The importance of prayer cannot be overstated. It is just too important. Christians who do not prayer fervently do not receive the full measure of God’s power in their lives. Jesus, God himself, prayed often and set an example for us.

Despite its importance we deprive ourselves of the privilege of prayer. I fear that this loss is nowhere as evident as in Bible study and meditation.

God’s word is true because God is the source of truth (2 Samuel 7:28; John 3:33; Romans 3:4; Psalm 119:43; Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). The words of Scripture are true because they were literally breathed out by God himself (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Contained within Scripture is the solution to the great problem of mankind: sin. We conclude that Bible study is necessary to understand both our foe and our own salvation.

If we pray over the temporal things of this life, should we not also prayer fervently over the eternal things (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33)? To pray over the eternal words of Scripture is a practice needed today.

Bible study can be challenging. Ancient languages and culture are often difficult to understand and comprehend by 21st century people. Spot knowledge, that is, familiarity with just a few verses or passages can lead to errant ideas and teachings. Even the most devoted students find themselves in a constant state of learning and never learn everything about every verse. Add to these difficulties the staggering weight of preconceived ideas that we all must sort though and you find a real challenge in searching for truth. Prayer will help us through those struggles.

Jacob wrestled with a man in Genesis 32:22 ff. His opponent was man-like form of God. The two wrestled throughout the night and finally, Jacob was able to gain a blessing from his struggles. Sometimes, we wrestle with God through prayer and beg for wisdom to understand a passage or subject of Holy Writ. Such struggling is good and produces within the student a dependency upon the wisdom of God and the wisdom of men.

The student does not seek divine, miraculous intervention. Instead he makes use of what God has promised: wisdom. James declares, If any man lacks wisdom let me ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given him” (James 1:5). I cannot answer for the reader, but this author needs the wisdom of God on every subject.

When one humbles himself before God and admits his own shortcomings, that sense of humility will follow him into his studies. Such humility will make us better students of the word. No longer will we be the source of knowledge and wisdom, but God will become our study partner and will supplies us with the ability to grow in our understanding of his truth.

The next time a passage seems troubling or difficult and before you reach for that favorite commentary or surf to that popular website, pray. Pray as Jesus did with the full expectation of God’s wisdom. Do not doubt, but expect him to fulfill his promise. As James said in the very next verse, “let him ask in faith without doubting” (James 1:6).

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

 

4 More Ways for Better Bible Study

Bible General

Yesterday, we offered some suggestions to help establish good Bible study practices. Today we offer four more suggestions for your growth.

1. Begin a Good Christian Home Library for Better Bible Study

Begin now to acquire dependable resources for your study. Many books can be found very inexpensively online but can help deepen your studies.A good English dictionary is important. The words you read in your Bible have been chosen by translators as the very best word to reflect the original language word in the text. You obviously will know most of them but a good dictionary is a fine start. An interlinear translation of the Bible provides word-for-word translation in-line with the English text. This allows you to see the Greek or Hebrew word which was translated. An interlinear, coupled with a lexicon is powerful tool to unlock the meaning of the original text. A lexicon is simply a book with gives the translation of words from one language to another.There are two books which I especially suggest. They are called “Introductions.” These books do not deal so much with the text as with the background of each book of the Bible. They help you date the book, know its author and appreciate any challenges within the book. I recommend A Survey of Old Testament Introduction by Gleason Archer and New Testament Introduction  by Donald Guthrie.

Building a library is a lifetime event. Begin simply and expand from there.

2. Establish Regular Bible Study Times for Better Bible Study

Life is busy and we have precious little time left in our day. Dedicate some portion of your day to Bible study. Add it to your calendar and protect that time as you would some important appointment.

Every achievement in life requires dedication. Experts claim that it takes 10,000 hours of work to become a master of any field. Begin now by scheduling study time.

3. Keep a Question List for Better Bible Study

Bible questions come from everywhere. Sometimes the preacher says something that you aren’t too sure about. Sometimes he makes reference to a story that perks your interest. Sometimes a friend at work makes a Biblical comment that is unfamiliar to you. Write down your question, along with any immediate thoughts, and keep it handy. This list will help establish your future studies and it guarantees that you will never run out of topics.

Your question list is private. Sometimes a question will pop into your head that may seem incredibly simplistic. It may be a question that you should know the answer to. Write it down anyway. No one need see the list but you.

4. Have a Resource Person for Better Bible Study

Every student has a teacher. You need a teacher. Actually you need a resource person who will answer questions when you get stuck. All of the books in the world are useless if you cannot make sense of them. A resource person will suggest new approaches or new passages to read which will help you grow.

Choose your resource person carefully. Seek a mature person who walks with Christ daily. An elder or preacher might be good choices. Build a relationship with them and they will empower your studies.

Growing in Christ is not always easy although the path is straightforward. But every minute coming to know the Lord better opens an eternity of joy. Don’t wait. Get started today!

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

4 Ways to Better Bible Study

Bible General

We talk much about personal Bible study but we probably don’t give enough suggestions as to how to do good personal Bible study. Maybe this will help change that.

There is no study that you can do, no academic endeavor more important than studying your Bible. No matter your career, there is nothing more vital to your life and the lives of those around you than the way you approach Bible study. No matter how much you love and trust your preacher, there is no preacher worthy of blind allegiance. When Paul writes that we are to “study to show yourself approved unto God” he is speaking to all disciples. Study is a vital part of the Christian way of life. Here are 4 quick suggestions to enhance and deepen your study time.

1. Focus Your Thoughts for Better Bible Study

The Bible is a book that is both a work of simplicity and a fountain of unfathomable knowledge. Its topics are many and span centuries of history while at the same time impacting each moment in which we live. I do not believe that every Bible topic can be exhaustively studied in a single life time. A man can never boast that “I know it all.”

A prudent Bible student will select a very specific, very well defined topic of interest and drill down to learn all that is possible about that topic. For example, instead of studying “The Holy Spirit,” a Bible student might instead study “The miraculous work of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.” Notice how much more limited the topic is. By restricting yourself, you avoid being overwhelmed by the material. Instead of only scratching the surface of the topic you are positioned to dig deeper and better understand a smaller piece of Scripture.

2. Record Your Notes for Better Bible Study

During your studies, you will quickly discover new ideas and new courses of study. Sudden flashes of insight will fill your mind and your will experience moments of bright clarity when all of your work suddenly seems to gel together. It is important to write down these new thoughts before they vanish into the oblivion of forgotten thoughts. When you come across never before considered verses which shed new light on your study, record them for future analysis.

The Bible student’s best friends are paper and pen. You must be able to record your thoughts. The mere act of writing down your notes will help you remember your findings. For me, a legal pad is best. Don’t worry about neatness, just jot down your thoughts. Draw lines to different notes connecting them together as your study deepens.

3. File Your Thoughts for Better Bible Study

What shame to do all this work and a year later need to answer a question and be unable to recall your thoughts! As we age, memory seems to grow brief. A simple system of recording your thoughts for future study is invaluable.

Many of us have filing systems for our bills and finances. We careful record each bill, the amount due, the amount paid and the check number. A similar system is useful for all Bible study notes including personal study, Bible class study, sermon notes and articles. Begin with a manila folder labeled with your topic or with the passage you are studying. When done with that particular study, file it away and begin a new one. When you find an article that is helpful on some topic, create a file for that topic. Begin simply and let your filing system grow with you.

4. Challenge Your Thinking for Better Study

The best universities seek to have faculty from a variety of schools. The idea is that this will bring different views to the classroom. You and I can do the same thing with our studies. Read, study and collect different and opposing views on every subject. Let them challenge your thinking and conclusions. Truth has no fear of being challenged but thrives in an environment where it can shine even brighter.

Do your own studies first, then expose yourself to contrasting ideas and check them, and your own conclusions, against the truth of Scripture. Anything you read, hear or see is secondary to Scripture. Only God’s Word can be depended upon for the purity of its truth. Everything else is measured against it. Challenge your thinking to find the diamonds of truth buried within.

Bible study is hard work but the payout is grand. Use these four tools to get started on a lifetime of Bible study.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

 

Knowing the Word of God

Church Bulletin,

You have heard of people described as a “jack of all trades but a master of none.” It describes someone who has some knowledge of many things but is not really good at any of them. Sometimes we say a person has just enough knowledge to be dangerous. The problem is that they have never committed to fully learning a skill. Bits and pieces of knowledge and a little experience here and there is all they have. In medicine, doctors specialize for a reason. They know that by focusing on a specific area of care, they can become better at treating those problems.

I dream of the day when more Christians invest more time in knowing God’s word. David writes that the blessed man’s “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). He dwells upon God’s word constantly, always considering how it applies to his life, always digging a little deeper. What a wonderful habit! Knowing God’s word and meditating upon it brings great blessings.

Knowing the word of God prevents contagious error.

If you spend time on Facebook you know that people often post extraordinary stories that are just not true. The sensational stories spread across the internet like a stomach virus in a kindergarten classroom because no one has stopped to check the truthfulness of the story. The error spreads rapidly. I recall a youngster who attended our Vacation Bible School. As the teacher told a Bible story the boy stopped him and declared that he was wrong, that he told the story wrong. The patient teacher suggested the class look up the story in their Bibles. As they read the story the boy began to blush. He said, “I’m sorry, but I guess my preacher told me wrong.” Later the teacher told me that the boy had no Bible of his own. When I gave him one he was stunned. “I can keep it?” he asked. You would have thought we had given him the newest tricked out bike on the market. The young man came from a very large church which does not encourage its members to study or even own a Bible.

Knowing the word of God leads to a closer walk with Jesus.

The Bible is breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and its Spirit guided words (2 Peter 1:21) deliver unto us the very mind of God (Romans 8:27). When Jesus died and paid for our sins, he shattered the priestly system (clergy) that stood between God and men. The curtain of the Temple was torn open (Matthew 27:51) and no longer was the mortal separated from the divine. Our hope of salvation is now anchored behind the curtain (Hebrews 6:19) and no preacher, priest, reverend, Cardinal or Pope is needed for my salvation. It is the word of God that informs me that Jesus alone is my mediator (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15; 12:24). Let me walk close to him by knowing him through his word.

Knowing the word of God

gives me all I need for salvation. We have questions that are hard to answer. We want to know where Cain got his wife and we want to know what Paul’s thorn in the flesh really was. But the questions that we need to know are answered for us. Paul declared that our sufficiency comes from God and rests with him (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). We have all we need (2 Corinthians 9:8).  Consider Peter’s inspired words:

 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.  (2 Peter 1:3-5)

Indeed, knowing God’s word gives all we need for ultimate joy and happiness. Yet we do not simply absorb the word. We work at it as Paul reminded us (2 Timothy 2:15). Work is a bad word for some but what sparkling diamond has ever been found above ground? Know the word of God and you will be richly blessed.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

 

 

When the Well Runs Dry

Church Bulletin,

water bucketPeople were once dependent upon their water wells. These deep shafts produced some of the finest, coldest water around. Today people pay good money for a bottle was water drawn from deep below the earth’s surface. But despite the pristine, refreshing water that came from a well it was not always dependable. An extended drought might cause the well to run dry. When that happened, there was little choice but to dig a little deeper in the well.

Bible study is a little like going to the well. We can drink deeply and often of our Bible learning but sometimes we have to dig a little deeper. Digging a well is no easy task but it is essential. Likewise, study is exhausting. Solomon said, “of the making of books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). But if we do not dig we shan’t drink either.

Sometimes we are afraid to enter a Bible discussion because we fear our knowledge is incomplete. We are afraid that we might be asked a question for which we have no answer. Our dilemma has a rather simple answer. We need to dig more. We need more time in the word of God so that we can give questioners sound Bible answers (1 Peter 3:15).

Jesus described his teaching as life giving water. (John 4:10-15). It was the kind of water that was fulfilling and fully satisfying. I shall never forget the first well water I drank. One of my aunts had family living far out in the country. An old well stood maybe 20 feet from the kitchen door. A large pan was carried to the well and filled with water which was then left on the counter with a ladle for all to drink. Today I remember how cool it was. As I chased chickens around the yard I would stop and drink more water. Spiritually, you may recall the marvelous filling of your first encounter with Jesus. Do you remember the joy of hearing the old, old story for the first time? Such is the nature of the water Jesus provides.

But over time our toil in this world causes us to thirst for more. We are challenged by those we love and those with whom we work. We know there are answers but we also know that we might have to dig for those answers. It’s time to go to the well and maybe even to dig again.

The Bible is not a particularly large book. But its truths are deep. It can be studied but often we need to return for a refreshing. When Paul told Timothy to study (2 Timothy 2:15) he expected him to do so often, thus enriching his own life and preparing him for the task of teaching others. Jesus had previously commanded his people to teach others (Matthew 18:18-20). We cannot teach what we do not know.

So how is your well? Is it deep and full or does it need some work. Is your well able to feed the thirst of all who come? Is it even deep enough for you and your family? A shovel, a pickaxe and a strong back were the tools of a well digger. The Bible student needs his tools too. At a minimum a Bible with a pen and paper are all  that are needed to begin your study. Low cost computer programs are always useful and empower your work even more.

Failing to study God’s word is like a man with a dry well. He has access to a large drilling platform but will not use it to find water. We need the water of life, so get to digging!

 

Bible Study for Yourself

Bible General, Church Bulletin

It’s important to know how to study the Bible for yourself. One large denomination tells its members to depend on their priests for teaching. Some have been known to actively discourage Bible study. If you can effective study the word for yourself, you will be better protected against bias and error from others. Let me offer some tips for effective Bible study.

Select a Passage. A passage is more easily studied if it is short. Longer passages should be broken down into shorter paragraphs. Some modern translations print the Bible into paragraphs which is helpful. In any case choose a section of maybe 5 to 10 verses. If you wish to study a longer passage it is helpful to break the longer passage down into smaller sections.

Discover the Context. The context helps you understand the core message of the passage.  Continue reading Bible Study for Yourself →