A Bible Study Tool Box - Repeated Words

1 John 1:1-2 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— ² and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us.

Don't adjust your computer or i-Phone, for the different colored highlights are for a purpose in today's blog.  We have been spending the past couple of blogs giving you some practical how-to's for picking out a Bible and understanding the features to look for in a good Study Bible.  Today I want to begin giving you some particular tools that will aid you in knowing how to Study your Bible.  Today's first tool that we will look at is what I call "Repeated Words".

What is the point of the passage? Note the repeated words
         I have chosen the book of first John, since the book itself exists to bring assurance and sure knowledge of one's spiritual identity and assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ (Please compare 1 John 5:13).  In the above passage, I have highlighted 3 different sets of ideas or words that are repeated by John in this text.  Repeated words or ideas are quick ways in helping you identify the main point of the passage. I have found when looking for repeated words, having a set of highlighters, or underlining those words will help you easily locate where the repeated words are.  Lets take the above sample and see how this tool works.

1. The Importance of Eye-Witnesses - The Authority of the Bible
         In the light blue high-light, you will notice seven statements that pertain to John and the apostles being eye-witnesses.  An eye-witness in a court of law is valuable, since that is how the truth of a testimony is confirmed.  In the Bible times, an apostle was identified has having been an eye-witness of Jesus Christ and His ministry, as well as proof of his identity by performing of miracles  (Please compare 2 Corinthians 12:12).  Note the repeated words that give us this first main thought:  "we have heard";  "what we have seen";  "with our eyes"; "what we have looked at";  "touched with our hands"; "we have seen"; "to us". 

         John labors to demonstrate his credentials as an eye-witness so that his readers can have assurance that what they are reading is indeed the word of God.  This means that the words He is writing are trust-worthy and binding upon the conscience.  So in noting those repeated ideas, I would write "The importance of eye-witnesses".  Then I would ask: "so what?"  Clearly the importance of an eye-witness is to establish the authority of the one writing the text - hence the first theme - "The Authority of the Bible".

2. The value of Eye-witnesses - Actual Testimony
          As you read the passage again, you will notice two other repeated words in verse two: "testify" and "proclaim" (the green highlighted words).    By identifying the authority of the Bible as written eye-witnesses guided by Divine Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we ask again: "So what?"  Now we see that they have something to say, to proclaim.  This second thought of an "Actual testimony" flows from the identity of the author as an eye-witness.

3. What the Eye-witness has to tell - The Awesome Christ
          So "who" or "what" is this eye-witness, the Apostle John, telling you and I about?  Again the tool of repeated words aids in identifying the point of His testimony.  Notice the phrases in orange above: "The Word of Life"; "The Life"; "The Eternal Life"; "which was with the Father"; and "which was manifested".  These five statements have in common the Person to whom they refer - Jesus Christ.  So why do we say these words give us this third idea of "The Awesome Christ"?  Because the five statements tell us in brief the highpoints of Christ's identity:

-He is the word of life - The Clear Revelation of God
-He is the Life - The Creator, the Source of all life
-He is the Eternal Life - The Champion of salvation
-He was with the Father - Co-Equal with God the Father
-He was Manifested - He Came as God and lived as a true man

So in this Bible Study tool repeated words, we can now summarize the main idea of 1 John 1:1-5: That the Authority of the Bible alone can give us an actual testimony of the Awesome Christ.  My prayer is that you have found this tool helpful.  Tomorrow we will consider more tools in the Bible Study Tool Box. 

How to most effectively use your Bible

1 Peter 2:1-2 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, ² like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation

Now that you have chosen your particular Bible, now what?  Below are some practical ways you can either take your brandnew Bible, or perhaps one who already own, and begin to explore and grow in your Bible study and reading of God's word.

1. Read the Book of Proverbs every month
      In my Christian walk of nearly 27 years, I have found reading a Proverb a day to be highly effective in gaining godly wisdom.  Proverbs' intent is to impart wisdom, gain understanding and enable skillful godly living for life  (Compare Proverbs 1:1-7).  Being that there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, that means there is exactly one Proverb for each day of a given month.

2. Or Try reading the Book of 1 John six times through in one month
      1 John is another book of the Bible I would commend to new Christians and to those who have known the Lord for decades.  Its main purpose is found in 1 John 5:13 "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life."  Among the major themes of 1 John is that of assurance.  In this short book's 105 verses we find nearly 70 statements relating to the theme of how one can know, that they know they are truly a child of God.  Read a chapter a day, enough for a week, then start again.  You will be able to read 1 John 6 times through in a month

3. Or try reading 3 Psalms a day for a month
       The Book of Psalms helps the Christian understand how God relates to them, and they are to relate to God in a lifestyle that is worship given to Him.  I love Psalms because it helps me to understand and gain control of my emotional life and thought life.  Reading 3 psalms a day will get you through all 150 Psalms in one month.

4. Have a little notebook or write in the margin of your Bible
        As you discover new insights from God's word, write them down.  God's word, the Bible, is His communication to His people in all places at all times (this is called a the logos).  When you are reading a Bible verse, and the verse is made personal to you, that is God taking that Logos and turning it into a Rhema (ray-ma).  God speaks to us through His word. (Proverbs 6:22; John 5:39)  A Rhema is a specific word, for a specific person at a specific time.  Peter said to Jesus at the end of John 6 - "Lord, where can we go, for you have the words of life".  That term "words" in the original language is the word "rhema". 

        In my years of Bible study, I have kept little notebooks and have written in the margins of my Bible.  Which ever one you are most comfortable with, writing helps you to reinforce what you are hearing through God's word into your mind and heart.  Truly the Holy Spirit Himself is the One Who, by the Bible, guides and illuminates to the believer's heart the contents of the scriptures. (Psalm 119:105; John 16:12-15; 1 John 2:20,27). 

5. Memorize the books of the Bible
       Truly knowing where the Bible books are found will aid greatly in your study of the scripture.  The best way to know where the Bible books are found is to go to the introduction page and review the table of contents.  To me this is part of doing what we read in 2 Timothy 2:15 "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."

May the Lord bless you, dear believer, as you aim to grow in God's Word. 

Choosing your Sword's features

In today's blog we want to explore the various features to look for when trying to choose a Bible for purchase, regular reading and study.  Yesterday we consider the different types of translations, and now we want to note what features to look for in helping you grow in your Christian walk.

1. Cross References
     When you open up your Bible, have you ever noticed those little Bible verses running down either the middle column or on the side.  Those little verses references are what we call "cross references".  Simply put, many Study Bibles have a system that editors have included to guide the Bible student to other verses that have similar themes as the given verse.  Cross referencing helps you to learn and explore your Bible, and is the most effective way to grow in the scriptures.  By comparing scriptures with other scripture, you begin to know what God has to say on a given matter.  I would recommend Bibles that are strong in this area such as the MacArthur Study Bible, Ryrie Study Bible, Reformation Study Bible, New Scofield Study Bible and Thompson Chain Reference Bible.

2. Study Notes
     Most Study Bibles will not only have cross references, but also study notes either at the bottom of each page or on the side.  Some study Bibles will tell you what the verse means (deductive Study Bibles), while others are designed to help you discover the meaning (Inductive Study).  The top Study Bibles with the best notes that I have seen are the NIV Study Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, New Geneva Study Bible, Archaelogical Study Bible and New Scofield Reference Bible.

3. Articles
     Some study Bibles, in addition to having cross references and study notes, will have feature articles that will sometimes be one or two pages in length.  Usually topics such as parenting or the Deity of Christ are included as aids in helping the Bible student to broaden their understanding of a given topic.  The top four Bibles that do this in my opinion are the Archaelogical Study Bible, New Open Bible and New Geneva Study Bible.

4. Topical index
     All study Bibles will feature verses in the back arranged under different topics.  The NIV Topical Study Bible and the MacArthur Study Bible are fine examples of Bibles with incredible topical indexes.

5. Maps, Weights and Measures, Bible Dictionaries
     Nearly all study Bibles have these features.  Bible dictionaries list main Bible words and concepts in alphabetical order, giving definitions and cross references.  Good colored Maps that have clear ways of finding Biblical locations are a must.  Knowing what the difference is between a shekel and a cubit will be helpful if your Bible as a good weights and measure section.  The NIV Study Bible, New Open Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, Archaeological Study Bible and Reformation Study Bible are the finest examples with these features.

By using a checklist such as this, you can prayerfully compare which Study Bible is best for helping you to grow in your faith. 

Choosing your sword

Choosing the Right Bible is important for your Christian growth

Hebrews 4:12 refers to the Bible, God's word, as being sharper than any two-edged sword. 
Today I want to begin a short blog series for the Christian who is desiring a guide for choosing a Bible.  Years ago I had worked for a Bible Bookstore and was amazed at the wide variety of study Bible's and Bible translations that were available.  Now as a Pastor, I am asked on occasion which is the best Bible version, and how can you determine which one is best for you.  Choosing a Bible is a major part of growing in the Christian faith, since Christian growth and stability cannot be done without the scriptures. (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17)

3 general types of Bibles
     We can note the way in which Bibles are translated from the original Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) and how readable they are in the English.  Three general categories are helpful in classifying Bible Translations and Versions:

a. Literal Translations (word for word faithful to the Original Languages, good for Bible Study)
      This first grouping views faithfulness to the style and wording of the Original text as a priority.  Preachers, Bible Teachers and those who study the Bible regularly prize these versions for helping them get as close to the original Hebrew and Greek as much as possible.  The top four translations in this category tend to be the King James Version (KJV); the New King James Version (NKJV); the New American Standard Bible (NASB) and the English Standard Version (ESV). 

b. Readable Translations (Good for regular Bible reading, devotions)
      This second type of Bible translation aims more at being readable than corresponding to every word to the original Hebrew or Greek.  Thus if I were using this approach to Bible translation, I may take a sentence in the original that is say, 10 words along, and summarize it into 6 or 7 words to emphasize the overall meaning.  For everyday Bible reading or devotional reading, Bibles such as the New International Version (NIV) and the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) are the best examples of this category. 

c. Paraphrases (Good for getting a summary or commentary on a verse)
      This last category refers to those versions which function more like a commentary than a translation.  If the literal versions focus on the author's wording, and the second category aims more at the reader, then this final group emphasizes the interpretation given by the actual translator.  Bibles such as The Living Bible (TLB), Today's English Version (TEV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) are the best examples of those Bibles that are more on the paraphrase side.  Reading these alongside the first two categories can be sometimes helpful in gaining a clearer understanding of the text. 

The Best Version is the One that Will help you grow in Christ
       Ideally having a literal translation, a readable translation and a paraphrase is the best way to ensure you have all the bases covered in your growing in the scriptures.  Each type will get you to study the Bible, read the Bible and have a clearer understanding.  Sometimes reading a familiar passage like Psalm 23 or John 3 in each version helps in the choosing process.  Another rule of thumb to follow when choosing a translation is to find out what version your church uses in their services.  That helps in your overall Christian growth with the body of Christ.   Then finally, if you desire to memorize Bible verses, using one of the more literal versions is the best approach, since the emphasis is on the translation corresponding to the original wording. 

With those categories defined, we can begin to look closer at determining how to choose a Bible.  Tomorrow we will look at various features found in today's Bibles as a means in helping you choose your sword. 

Heaven coming down into the heart

John 3:3 ³ Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

We have been exploring Heaven and its major themes in these past several blogs.  We have witnessed the Bible repeatedly telling us that Heaven is God centered, that its glory is Jesus Christ and that it is a real place or destination for the Christian who passes on out of this world.
Heaven's reality though is not just confined to only the future.  As true as the above paragraph is, the foretaste of Heaven begins to be experienced by the Christian not at physical death, but at the moment of their salvation. 

Some fifty conversations are recorded in the Gospel records betweeen Jesus and various individuals.  Out of all of them, the one with Nicodemas in John 3 is the longest and perhaps the most important one.  It is in the text above we find reference to the "New Birth" or "Being born again". 

The New Birth means being born from above
         When Jesus says to Nicodemas that in order to enter into the Kingdom of God (or to experience salvation, in our modern day terms), he needs to be born again.  That phrase "born again" could be also translated from the Greek (the New Testament's original language) with the phrase "born from above". 

The New Birth entails Heaven coming down into the human heart
         As one begins to explore other scriptures concerning the New birth, it is immediately seen that salvation is described as a foretaste of Heaven's joy coming down into the human heart.  Remember how we saw in our previous studies on Heaven that John saw what will be the Heavenly Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven to earth in Revelation 21?  As we look at Galatians 4:26, we discover that when the child of God begins salvation, its source is from God's grace coming from above.  Paul writes - "But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother." 

The New Birth is received by faith alone
         So when God in Heaven above is affecting a person by His grace to see the awfulness of their sin and the awesomeness of Christ, it truly is an event whereby Heaven is coming in contact with the human heart.  No human being can work this by their own effort, nor can any amount of right living lead to the "birth-from-above-experience".  The Bible makes it clear that:

1. Heaven coming down into the human heart is an act of God's grace (John 1:13; James 1:18)

2. The New Birth must include God's word, which alone can convert the heart (Psalm 19:6; 1 Peter 1:23)

3. The Holy Spirit is required to convict the person to truly believe on Jesus Christ (John 16:8-11)

4. The only sufficient way to receive the birth from above is by faith alone (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-9)
The New Birth makes me a citizen of Heaven
        The New Birth, being "born from above", makes me a citizen of Heaven.  We read for instance in Philippians 3:20 - "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ".  As a person is drawn by saving grace to the Savior, God births in them the desire to seek Christ.  They come by faith, and are declared by God to indeed be a permanent citizen of Heaven.  Hebrews 12:22 describes the Christian's salvation in this way - "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels."

Thus the Christian is somebody who though living in this world, has the reality of Heaven operating in their heart.  Only by God's grace through faith can such a reality take place.  

The Great Heavenly City

Revelation 21:1-2  ¹ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. ² And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.

If you have ever lived or driven near a large city, the one thing that catches the eye is the city skyline.  For a period of time my family and I had lived near Tulsa, and I can recall driving into that city for the person I was working for at the time.  Often I would be driving in the morning hours and witness the sun coming up, shining brightly upon the glass and steel of those skyscrapers.  When that took place, it was as if this glass and steel buildings transformed into vertical columns of light. 

I have seen quite a few cities in my relative short time - Huston, Pittsburg, Philadelphia, Jacksonville Florida.  All of those cities are different.  However I guarantee you none of them compare to the city being described here by the Apostle John.  Today I want us to consider what the Bible has to say about this Heavenly city.

1. It is being Built by Jesus.  In John 14:1-3 Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them.  Now what is amazing to me is that it only took the Lord six literal days to make Heaven and earth (Genesis 1).  Yet He has been working, building this city for His saints for over 2,000 years.  What a place that must be.

2. It bids us to hope in God.  Throughout the Bible, we discover that God at various times gave His people glimpses of this city to come.  Abraham for instance had glimpses of this city.  Though He lived over 2,000 years before Jesus came, he nonetheless journeyed, looking for this city that God revealed to him.  Hebrews 11:10 tells us - "¹⁰ for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God."  The greatness of the city bids us to understand that the one who designs it, builds it and communicates it is greater than the city itself. 

3. Its a big city.  When you go down the verse here in Revelation 21, you discover some facts about the New Heavenly Jerusalem.  First, it's height is the same as it's width and length - 1400 miles or so in each direction.  The city would be large enough to cover nearly all of North America and its height would reach out into the vacuum of space.  Most Bible scholars picture the city having several levels.  Its streets are pure gold, and its gates are one solid pearl.  Its features points us back to the scriptures, and its glory comes from the one who is building it - Jesus Christ. 

4. Only Believers in Jesus Christ will occupy the city.  Revelation 21:27 notes -  "and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life."  Notice the identity of the Heavenly city's occupants - "whose names are written in the lambs book of life". The book of life contains the names of those whom, convicted and called by the Grace of God, believe and are saved.  Jesus reminds us in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one can come to the Father accept by Him. 

Dear reader, may these scriptures move you and I to crave after the Builder of this city - Jesus Christ.  May we pine after Him who is building this city for those who, drawn by grace and faith believing treasure Him above all things. 

What Christians do in Heaven

Revelation 4:10-11 And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,  ¹¹ “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

As we saw in yesterday's blog, the twenty four elders, gathered at the throne of God, represent believers of all ages, as well as being quite literally 24 literal saints of God - 12 apostles and the twelve heads of the tribes of Israel from the Old Testament.  With this understanding we can begin to understand a little bit as to what Christians can expect to do when they are in the presence of God in Heaven.  Along with other passages in the New Testament, we can get a pretty good picture of what Christians can expect concerning their future destination.

1. Definite Home WIth the Lord.  2 Corinthians 5:6-8 states: Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— ⁷ for we walk by faith, not by sight— ⁸ we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

2. Delightful welcome in Heaven. Heaven as the Christian's destination is revealed by God to encourage Christians to live for the Lord while here in this world.  Consider the promise of a delightful welcome in 2 Peter 1:10-11 ¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; ¹¹ for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

3. Definite Joy over seeing Christ.  The saints of God in Heaven will do what these saints are described doing in Revelation 4:9-10 And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

4. Definite recognition of other believers. So what will it be like when we are in the presence of the Lord with other saints stretched across the ages?  Scripture indicates we will recognize one another not only by sight, but intuitively.  Peter for instance stated that when He saw Jesus on the Mount of transfiguration in Matthew 17:3-4, that he saw "Moses and Elijah".  Now how did he know?  He had no picture of them, and they had lived hundreds of years before he came on the scene.  Clearly when believers are in the direct presence of the Lord, the Holy Spirit who unites them all together in Christ will enable them to recognize each other instantly.