Category: Study

God expects His children to be totally devoted to Him.  This is seen in our love for and obedience to the Almighty. Our study, meditations, and prayers help us to grow closer to Him! 

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We know that truth (no matter the discipline) is objective. Truth is defined by Webster: “the body of real things, events, and facts; the real facts about something; the state of being the case.”

It can be simple or complex mathematics, scientific discovery, or spiritual truth. In all cases it is real and certain. Let’s give an example. Some people claim the earth is a flat, stationary disk with the North Pole at its center and Antarctica functioning as an ice wall around the edges. The recent scientific achievement of Artemis II (the trip to the moon) was accomplished by knowing the true nature of the earth. Further, photographs clearly show the spherical nature of the earth. It is a fact. (Actually a fact that has been known for hundreds of years, despite the claims of the Flat Earth Society).

When we get into the realm of religion, people deny that objective truth still remains. People began to claim that “your truth is different from my truth.” This type of Postmodern thinking is unacceptable to most, except when it comes to God. But it must be noted that thinking the earth is flat does not make it so. Thinking 2+2=5 does not make it so. And thinking that there is no objective truth about God and His will for man does not make it so! Continue reading “The Objective Truth of God” →

In Peter’s second letter he refers to his purpose in writing both epistles, “in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder” (2 Peter 3:1).

Two things in this phrase are worth mentioning. Peter first considered the minds of his readers as “pure.” This is from the Greek word eilikrin?s. This word is a compound word taken from one which means judge, and another which means sun-ray. I love the imagery, judged by the sun! In effect, something that is unsullied, it is seen to be pure when it is seen by the light of day. God’s examination of Peter’s readers show them to be among the faithful, true servants of the Almighty.

And yet there was danger. They needed what we all need, for our minds to be stirred up! This means we need active minds, those which are stimulated or aroused, in this context by reminding them of things they already knew. In his first epistle it was a call to holy living and an adherence to God’s will (cf. 1 Peter 1:13-17, 22-25; 2:9-24; 3:8-22; 4:3-7, 12-19; 5:4, 8-11). In this second epistle, the entire second chapter consists of the warning to avoid false teachers and their error!

It’s good whenever we are reminded of the things of God. It is important to review, to be stirred up and be mindful of God’s word!

Just a few years before the exile of Judah into Babylonian captivity, the prophet Jeremiah warned the Jews of their judgment and the years of desolation that would follow. He wrote, “And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. ‘Then it will come to pass, when seventy years are completed, that I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity,’ says the LORD; and I will make it a perpetual desolation” (Jeremiah 25:11-12).

It is this prophecy of Jeremiah to which Daniel referred in Daniel chapter 9. As a young man, he was taken by Nebuchadnezzar in the first wave of captives (cf. Daniel 1:7). Chronologically, this chapter takes place in the first year of Darius the Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans. In effect, the prophecy of Jeremiah was coming true. Continue reading “Understanding by the Books” →

See (7:1-10) for an explanation of Jesus’ standing as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek.” The emphasis of the writer here is that such a concept was difficult to understand because they were “dull of hearing.”

He explains their problem in verses 12-14. They were spiritually immature. They had been taught the rudiments of the gospel, but had not fully retained that teaching, nor had they learned more. A diligent and consistent study of God’s word is needed by His people. It contains the mind of God, and if I am diligent as a child, I will hide them “in my heart, that I might not sin against You [God]” (Psalm 111:11).

The writer describes those who know only the milk of the word to be babes. While we all have different capabilities, God expects us all to grow in faith! This is commanded by Him, but it is a commandment with benefits to us. The more we know and understand of God’s will, the more capable we are to share that message, and to inoculate ourselves against the wiles of the devil. As the Hebrew writer says, “by reason of use [we] have our senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (14).

It is obvious that the physically healthiest among us (setting aside unfortunate genetic illness or injury) are that way because of a good diet, sober life and appropriate exercise. There is a spiritual equivalent to this revealed in the New Testament.

Consider first Jesus’ description of Himself in John 6:35, “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” It is correct to note that every aspect of our spiritual sustenance comes directly from Jesus. We are without strength without Him. But as Paul noted, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Continue reading “Spiritual Growth” →

The common characteristic of men who pleased God in the Bible is the devotion they showed to God. For example, Abraham’s son Isaac, “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening…” (Genesis 24:63). Or, David’s practice of prayer and meditation. “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17). “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (Psalm 63:6). Our greatest example, the Lord Himself, customarily sought solitary places at times where he could immerse Himself in His devotions to His Father. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35).

While I am typically unimpressed with the books and helps that are supposed to facilitate “devotional time”, the private efforts to focus our minds on prayer, meditation, and Bible reading are a laudable endeavors. Those who seek to draw near to God are successful! As David told his son Solomon, “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). God wants this closeness, but it takes effort on the part of man to obtain it. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). Continue reading “A Life of Devotion” →

In our distraction filled society, the Christian needs to be sure not to be distracted from serving God. Four items are discussed: Morality, Attendance, Worship and Study.

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“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (Psalms 119:9).

Our encouragements to read and study God’s word are constant.  That is because they are important. It only takes a few minutes to consider why:

1. God is in control.
2. God requires us to do His will in order to please Him.
3. His will is wholly contained in scripture which is readily available to all, and we are encouraged to use it!

It is like being able to take an open book test in school.  Even the smart kids are going to take advantage of the open book.  However, religiously many feel free to guess, to assume, to opine, to invent—all when God’s word is easily opened, and God’s will is easily found.

So, consider these truths while thinking about whether you are interested in reading the Bible through in this next year. It only take a few moments a day.  It shouldn’t be the sum total of your Bible study in the new year, but it is a good place to start.

If you were to read the title, and not realize this was an article dealing with a Bible subject, you might think that Jethro had reference to the Jethro of the Beverly Hillbillies.  That guy was not smart at all.

But, the Jethro that was Moses’ father-in-law was a smart man. He was a priest of Midian and well respected by Moses. While there is no revelation given as to whether Jethro ever fully rejected idolatry, he certainly came to realize the preeminence of the God of the Hebrews. He was a just man, kind and generous to his son-in-law. Continue reading “Jethro Was A Smart Man” →

One of the easiest ways to improve your spiritual health in the New Year is to begin a daily Bible reading. Remember, this is different from Bible study, but reading your Bible daily is very important and beneficial to you.

It is easy because all you need is a Bible and a book mark.  At its base, just start reading each day, and read for as long as you have time for, as long as you are retaining what you read.  If your mind begins to wander, it is time to put your Bible down for a while, and pick it up later.

If, however, you want some structure or some goal to attain here are a couple of suggestions you may want to try…

• Divide the total number of pages in your New Testament by 30, and read that many pages per day. This is a fairly large commitment, but it is a wonderful accomplishment to read the New Testament through in a month.  If you do that every month for a year, it will do wonders for your familiarity with the New Covenant.
• Read the Bible through in a year, using a different translation than the one you presently use. Might I suggestion the ESV, NASB, or one of the trusted oldies, like the KJV, ASV or RSV?
• Use a Bible reading schedule that breaks up the readings in the Old and New Testaments. There are plenty you can choose from, just a google search away. Or, if you wish, take the schedule in the back that has been printed out for your convenience!

Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!

The Psalmist asked God to “show me Your ways”, “teach me Your paths”, “lead me in Your truth.” Jesus has done all of these things for us!

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A discussion (borrowed from Jeremiah Cox’s sermon of the same name) of men’s self-imposed impediments to understanding God’s word.

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