Finding God Despite His Children

One of the major TV networks recently did a special report on TV evangelists featuring two well known ministries. I watched in fascination and in horror as actual footage and quotes from their programs revealed numerous accounts of deceit and fraud. The first evangelist, a “faith healer” claiming to perform miraculous healings on nearly every broadcast, was shown grabbing a cane out of a man’s hand and telling him to be healed and run down the aisle. The crowd roared. Later, the camera crew found the so-called “healed” man and interviewed him. He quietly explained that the cane belonged to the lady sitting next to him. He had been there for a wounded hand, which, by the way, was still wounded.
The second evangelist, who was known to be taking in more money per day than Michael Jackson, was even more horrifying than the first. A college buddy of his describe how the two of them used to get drunk, go to revival meetings together and watch the money roll in. He claimed they had told each other that some day they would do their own revival meetings and make more money than anyone. Then, one of this man’s current financial managers whose sole job is fund raising was interviewed. He told of some techniques used to convince their viewers to make donations. This often involved having them mail in their prayer requests (with their generous contributions). The program ended by showing a dumpster outside of the evangelist’s bank where the prayer requests and personal letters were disposed of after the checks were removed.
What was more disappointing than these “fallen angels” themselves, was the responses of their followers when confronted with the findings. Some were so angry and disillusioned that they not only stopped supporting the ministry but lost faith in God altogether. Others, however, were totally undaunted. They continued to loyally follow their leader refusing to believe that those they had trusted were capable of such accusations. The trap both groups had fallen into was to put their faith in men. Had their trust been in the Lord, human failure may not have threatened their own personal faith. They could have been going directly to God and to His Word to find the answers they needed for themselves. God has invited each of us to do just that. But how does one approach personal Bible study? With a few simple guidelines, you can discover how to open the Bible and find every answer you need, for yourself.
How to study the Word
Whether for comfort, wisdom, or guidance in day-to-day decisions the Bible is God’s direct answer to all His children’s needs. Studying the Bible is a lifelong process but there are some basics that can help even the beginner to get started in the treasure hunt. The two most common kinds of Bible study would be devotional and informational. Each has an important place in the life of any believer.
Devotional study focuses on your relationship with the Lord. It is going to the Word just to be with Him. There are numerous approaches to devotional study. Some use devotional guides along with the Word itself. Others enjoy using a notebook or journal in which they write prayers, praises and insights they find in the Word during their time with the Lord. Whatever the method chosen, 1) set aside a regular time (daily if possible). Remember, the point is to develop your relationship with the Beloved; 2) Begin and end your time in prayer. Prayer is simply talking with the Lord. Tell Him what’s on your mind; 3) Then, as you read be sure to listen. God will communicate with you through His Word.
The other kind of Bible study is informational. Once again, there are many ways to study the Word. One can pick it up and read share this site from cover to cover. Guides are available that break the Scriptures up into day by day readings which will take you through the entire Bible in one year. One can also study individual books of the Bible. Study guides and commentaries on individual books of the Bible can be excellent supplementary aids. Another option is to study the Bible topically. If there is a particular subject of interest one can study the different verses that deal with that topic. One can also study the Bible historically, reading through chronologically (which, by the way, is not by going straight from Genesis to Revelation). It is to one’s advantage to use many different methods of study since each has its own strength and perspective to offer.
To learn to pull specific answers from the pages of God’s Word there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind. Always keep in mind the fact of the Bible’s Divine inspiration and inerrancy. In other words the Scriptures were given to us by God, Himself and, therefore, contain no inaccuracies. The following five principles of interpretation can be used to help reveal the true meaning of any text:
Context
To understand the true mean of a passage it is crucial to study it in context. The context of a verse is all of the text that surrounds it. What share this site comes before and after the words in question will often clarify its meaning. To take any portion of Scripture out of context is dangerous and is a method often used by cults in “proving” their false doctrines. In fact, by taking words out of context you can prove virtually anything including Atheism (belief in no God). For example, Psalm 53:1 says, “..there is no God”. However, a quick look at this verse in its original setting immediately clears up the difficulty. The entire verse reads, “The fool says in his heart, there is no God”. What a vast difference it makes to read the entire verse in context.
Complementary Texts
Another useful tool of interpretation is to look for additional passages that deal with the same topic or word. Are there parallel passages which cover this subject? In addition to other individual verses also consider how this verse complements the overall message of the entire Bible.
Cultural and Historical Background
It can be helpful in understanding a confusing passage to look at the particular cultures and customs of the time period and place of writing. For example, when the Bible talks about such things as modest dress, what were the styles of that time period? Was it written to the Jewish people and if so, was it during captivity in a foreign country? To not consider such factors can lead to an incorrect interpretation of what the passage is trying to say. .
Correct Meaning of the Words
In any language words can have multiple meanings. One must be careful to use the appropriate definition of a word in interpreting a passage. If a word has multiple definitions, the one used in any particular passage is often determined by the context. For example, the word, “firstborn” is translated from the Greek word “protokos” which has several meanings. One meaning is “first in order of birth”. But protokos can also mean preeminence. Colossians 1:15 states, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation”. Cults have used this passage attempting to prove that Jesus is a created being. But in context, we read, “for by Him all things were created…all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together…he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy”. Clearly, the passage is using the latter definition of firstborn. Jesus is preeminent.
Compatibility Within Its Book
Each of the 66 books of the Bible have their own unique purpose and plan. A verse must be interpreted in light of that consideration. The book of James, for example, is speaking to believers with regard to how their faith is seen by others. Faith can only be seen through the works they do. So when one reads that “faith without works is dead” it is not contradicting verses such as Galatians 2:16: www.clashroyalehackcheatss.xyz/gems-hack/ “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ…for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified”. James is not denying salvation by faith, but is, instead, describing how that faith will be communicated to those around us.
Hopefully, as you begin the exciting, life-changing adventure of studying the Bible these thoughts will help you get started in seeking the answers to whatever questions you have. God is waiting to teach you through His Word. He has promised that “if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him”.1
1. James 1:5