[ROMANS 15:4]

INTRODUCTION:

The Bible, one of the most read books in the world is also one of the most misunderstood, misinterpreted, misconstrued written works of human history. Many believe that there are contradictions, falsehoods, and propaganda embedded deep in the written word.

But….

Faith and careful study help us understand that The Bible does not contradict itself. God’s word does not brainwash people, and neither does The Word promote any falsehood. God’s word is not an invention by man, nor does it have its origin in the philosophies or theories that men tend to conjure (1Peter 1:20). Therefore there are no citations from human input embedded in the Holy Scriptures. Men who were inspired and enlightened by God were given the words to write. This makes the writing  a divine script and it is written noticeably in a divine voice in its writing style and implication. None of God’s word breaks down into unintelligible thoughts or patterns.

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What is the Bible for?

The Bible was given to humankind to learn what God has to say and what God has willed, purposed, and intended for man to do. From the Bible we can learn everything we need to know about being human and how to enlighten ourselves with better behavior, intelligence, and purpose (2Tim 3:16,17). The best way to gain this understanding is to read the Bible. Study the Bible (2Tim 2:15). Apply what it teaches (1Tim 4:13-16).

Learning Gives Purpose to Knowledge

In ROM 15:4, the Bible, teaches that God’s sequential sharing of His will and purpose throughout time is for our learning. From the Adam in the Old Testament till the Last Apostle (John) passed away, there are matters spoken about that concern the future of men.

The words spoken predict events that impact the very purpose of humanity. As we read through the bible, we can see that many scriptures begin to align with the same messages, predictions, and revelations from the old beginning till the gathering of the last words in Revelation. This specific sequencing of revelation over time was intended by God to reach all eras of human existence, until the time when all things needing to be brought to knowledge, was compiled into one library of books that will become the source to learn from: The Bible. 1 Cor 13:9-10; Hebrews 1:1-4.

 

As Christians, we should be happy to spend our time connecting the dots with studying.

Bible readers should provide themselves the right kind of tools to study the bible with.

Key tools for Studying the Bible:

• Open Mind: dismiss preconceived thoughts or notions.
• Language Arts proficiency: Grammar, reading comprehension.
• Biblical reference books: Concordance, Dictionary, topical reference, etc.
• Scheduled time: Keep a consistent regimen for study.
• Guidance: Seeking a teacher, or liaison to discuss and learn what is read. If needed.

 

 

 

The Fluidity of The Word

Psalm 19 The Bible reveals itself linguistically and logistically.

Christ is always represented in the text as wisdom, life, truth, from God, and sent to men.

Gen 3:15 – A Prophesy of a future Being is revealed to oppose Satan.

Job 19:23-27 – A Man shares his internal wishes and hopes for his future of the same kind of “Redeemer” spoken of in Genesis.

Psalm 16:10 – The Writer confidently speaks that this same hope that Job had is a real being that will someday fulfill that same wish he and Job has long to see.

Proverbs 8:22-31,35 – The Son of David, Solomon, shares that this being is Wisdom and he was there from the very beginning.

Isaiah 53:1-3, 11 – A prophet confirms that words he received from God will come to truth because there is a real person who will experience this prophesied future.

Malachi 3:1-3 – A prophet declares that there will be obvious signs at time that this same being spoken of over 4500yrs before, will come into the mist of humans in his future.

Matthew 1:21-23 – There, now, 430 years later A woman was given the direct responsibility to carry this being who was foretold for five thousand years.

John 1:1-14 – A follower who has met and spent time with this “Redeemer” and “Holy One”  who was spoken of…then reflects in his words the very knowledge that reveals the divine origin and purpose of the same being.

Each of these Individuals lived during different eras yet they all carried the same understanding about all of the “what is to come” prophesies. Each had their own experience and learning experience to gather their conclusions. Each conclusion was founded upon the same foretelling and linear events over 5 millennia.

This format teaches us that:  

1. None of the scriptures in the Bible are isolated to have a separate meaning or purpose. 2Peter 1:20
2. Principles and Purpose are inseparable concepts in scripture. Isaiah 55:11
3. Every scripture has a reference because it is all linear. Every part of The Bible is written sequentially - this is what gives it continuity. Hebrew 2:1-7, Col 1:25-28

NT - reveals the Implications of the OT in similar form by recorded events as letters.

Each letter/book reveals the vision of the OT through writers who cite their understanding, intention, and decree as, all found in the OT. The need for NT writers in citing the OT scriptures, also teaches us to do the same – always refer to the scriptures.

Matt 5:21,27,33,38,43 – Jesus refers to all OT ordinances and principles for truth.

Many times, humankind does not understand God’s will because many are not interested in reading and learning for themselves what is being revealed. Those who do avoid studying, will always lack complete understanding of what is being implied in the Bible. Many tend to quote scripture. Yet, it is easy to quote scriptures that are commonly used in culture theology, but one must study the word with total investigation to get the full advantage of the power it possesses.

 

 

Bible Continuity:

Commonly Misunderstood Scriptures

 

Let’s look at some commonly misunderstood scriptures.

Baptism - Matt 3:13-17, 28:18-20; John 3:1-8; Acts 8:35-40; Mark 16:16

Misunderstanding: Modern theologies teach that baptism is not necessary for salvation.

Scriptural Truth: Jesus himself is baptized. He later teaches that all who learn and come to the understanding about why He came to give himself for others, must also be baptized. One should ask self: If my Savior was baptized and he taught that baptism is also for all others  ….why would I not want to do as My Savior commanded and taught?

 

One Church- Eph 1:20-23; Eph 4:4

Misunderstanding: All churches are legit or authorized

Scriptural Truth: All churches of all creeds being accepted by God, is not a scriptural truth, when there is specific evidence that ownership and entity match numerically and logically. The Bible says Jesus is the head of the church and the church is his body. This is a truth of both physics and law: one head to rule one body. One body represents one entity. That entity is called “the” church. The definitive article of “the” denotes only one object being identified. So numerically, the one body equals one church, which mathematically proves that the entity called the church does not exist as a multiplicity of different creeds or diverse faiths. The scriptures teach there is only one faith. That the one faith is specifically rooted in and an extension from ONE Savior name Christ. So, the one faith can be found in the one church and the one church is the one body of the one Savior. Numerically and logically true. The bible teaches that Jesus is the author and owner of the church itself as one possession to him the possessor, not multiple possessions or possessors (Matt 16:18). When an individual revealed in the bible as Peter, had attempted to add to that number of possessions and possessors by establishing additional entities of worship foundations, his idea was rejected by God and told by God that only ONE foundation of worship/faith will be allowed by listening to the one Savior that the only one faith was established through. (Matt 17:1-8). Further still, Paul in letters written around seventeen years after Christ left earth, he reveals even more evidence that the One Worship Faith, the One Church is foundational and unamenable (Ephesians 1). There is only one church that should be in existence, and all humans must find themselves  living obediently and faithfully in that one entity upon the return of Christ. That identified entity and faith is the Church OF Christ. The word “of” means being from something or someone. Also, the word “of” shows ownership and authorship in prepositional contexts.

 

Heaven and Hell- Luke 16; 1Thess 4:16-18; Rev 20 and 21

Misunderstanding: There is no Heaven or Hell; Everyone will be in Heaven; Heaven already has souls in it from earth.

Scriptural Truth: First, the truth is that there is a heaven and there is a hell. Secondly, the bible teaches two things about hell. The first thing to know about hell, is the correct translation of the word and its meaning. Hell is translated as the grave, or place for the dead. Both in the physical and the spiritual context. The grave (removal of dirt from the ground for burial) where all are buried physically is translated as Hell. In spiritual realms it is the same place, but beyond the world of the living where all souls (both good and bad) of all dead will go before judgement day. This is a common spiritual area that also has a waiting area that is also common to all spiritual beings. This waiting area has two sides that are separated by a divided call a “great gulf” or chasm…that is not crossed. Each side is secured to its side and there is no connection between the two sides. One side is for souls who are not approved by God because of unwillingness to follow the one Savior (“place of torment”). The other side is for souls who did obey the Savior and are approved by God has righteous (“paradise”). The side of the unapproved will be in the more advanced translated word of “Hell,” a place for permanent punishment Where Hell will be now in the “Lake of Fire” …what we come to know as “Hell” in its overall impact on society and common knowledge. The approved souls will be taken to the place of celestial righteousness called Heaven, which is a paradise for righteous beings. In Luke 16 we see this being revealed by Jesus.

 

“Judging Others” – Matt 7:1-5; John 7:24; Eph 5:8-11; 1 John 2:18-20; 1 Cor 2:13-15

Misunderstanding: Society believes that the bible teaches that no one should “judge” or criticize another person.

Scriptural Truth: The bible does not teach us to be totally silent about expressing criticism or “judging” others. Jesus teaches that we must make righteous, or correct, assessments of people and ourselves (John 7:24) if we need to approach anyone about themselves. Criticism that is given by honest intentions, from an understanding of love, is a form of expression that is needed and encouraged by Christ and his Apostles (Eph 5:8-11). We are taught to make correct judgments, not hypocritical remarks about others (Matt 7:4). Jesus says to be sure to consider your own actions and mindset before making remarks to others about their behavior or situation. Speaking before understanding, or being qualified, puts you squarely under the same scrutiny, especially if you also behave in the same manner, as those you seek to criticize (Proverbs 18:13). Jesus teaches against presumptive notions, by commanding that we, first, must clean up our own mindset, behavior, and intentions (Matt 7:5) before we are qualified to speak on the same matters, we “judge.” Jesus is not ending all judgements…because qualified assessments are needed for all things, instead he is teaching that all people must make righteous judgements before expressing any criticism of others. All criticism must be done from the foundation of love.

 

Foundation of Love:

Scriptures for Correct Criticism

 

Here are some scriptures that can help us gain some understanding about situations when we must approach others.

Proverbs 27:5,6 – Honest criticism is better than affinity and more righteous than coddling.

Matt 5:21-24 – Reconciling with our brethren is first to be done before we approach God.

Matt 5:43-48 – Communicating with others and seeking peace is better than conflict.

Matt 18:15 – Communication with your brother is important for sustainable coexistence.

Luke 17:3,4 – Be merciful to those seeking to make peace and secure resolution.

Gal 6:1-5 – Restoring those who are struggling with life is our responsibility.

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