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Editor: Rev. Kelvin Franklin
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1. NOAH'S ARK - GREAT ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH SITE
Bible Place has located a "gem of a site" where you can research the latest in archaeological information concerning Noah's Ark, Sodom and Gomorrah, the Ark of the Covenant, the Red Sea Crossing, and other items of interest.
The site is complete with satellite images, pictures of excavation and other useful information.
Visit this and other Bible Place recommended sites.
http://www.bibleplace.com/christnmain.htm
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A spiritually uplifting and refreshing time was had by all at the Bible Place's First Annul "Back to the Bible Conference" held 6-7 October at the Unity Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. Various seminars were held throughout the day with attendance averaging between 20 - 30 persons. Saturday night closed out in a celebration of praise with music and song provided by the attendees.
The vision given to Bible Place by the Lord was launched forward: Create a culture where the reading and the studying of God's Word is a fundamental element of the life of Christian Believers everywhere.
Attendees came from New Jersey, South Carolina and local cities, and all were provided with comprehensive study guides covering the seminar topics.
Bible Place thanks Unity Baptist Church for their generosity in opening their doors for this event. We praise God for them opening their hearts to us.
We are excited about what God has accomplished and look forward to Next year's "Back to the Bible" Conference that will again be held in Hampton on 5-6 October 2002.
Watch the site for details on times and location.
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"Gifts of Inspiration" is a new store recently opened at the Bible Place. It provides you the opportunity to shop early and find that inspirational gift to share with your family and friends for this holiday season. We delight in the Lord making it possible for us to provide this service to you. Additionally, we are donating 15% of the proceeds to the American Red Cross to support with relief efforts for the September 11th Tragedy. Our hearts go out to the victims of this tragedy. Our prayers are with them and we also wanted to share in the support being provided to them.
Currently we offer flag items, religious candles, angels and other items. Items will be updated and changed on a monthly basis.
We invite you to enjoy this service provided by the Bible Place.
http://www.bibleplace.com/GiftsofInspiration.htm
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In part one of this lesson, we started to answer the questions of "How Do I Grow Spiritually or Why Am I Not Growing Quick Enough?"
In part one, we discussed how to go about reading the bible. Now, let us continue our journey to growing by discussing the last two steps: 1. Study the Word and 2. Meditate on the Word.
(A.) Studying: The Second Step of the Journey
We believe that it is detrimental that disciples of Jesus Christ (i.e., believers, Christians) establish a regular study pattern in their personal life. If one is to ever achieve spiritual growth, they must become a student of the word of God. This facet of Christian life is so important that the Lord, through Paul, commanded us to study: (2 TIMOTHY 2:15) Study to shew thyself APPROVED UNTO GOD, a workman that needeth not to be a shamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.
The Lord wants us to be students of the Bible. Remember that the word of God is not given to private interpretation. God wrote it. He knows what it means. We must be able to rightly divide the word of Truth. The Holy Ghost moved men to write the word of God. We must now let the Holy Ghost move us to understand the word of God.
Through the study of God's word is where we lay the seeds of understanding. During the process of reading, you were laying a foundation even though you did not understand much of what you were reading. Studying is where we become the cook in the kitchen. We are going to analyze the meal and find out how to prepare that meal that you've been eating and enjoying.
(1) Tools of Study
In order for you to get the most out of your study time, there are some tools that you will need to acquire (My recommendations are in parenthesis:)
1. A good study bible (Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, KJV.)
2. A exhaustive concordance (Abingdons Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.) NOTE: This concordance book shows every word in the bible and its scriptural location. For example: You can look up the word love, and it will show you everywhere it occurs in the bible.
3. A bible dictionary.
4. A notebook (one dedicated for study notes.)
5. Bible Study Software -- OPTIONAL (Quick Verse by Parsons Technology). We love to use computer bible study software as it greatly speeds up the process. You can easily locate specific words or scriptures; translate words to their original Greek/Hebrew; and use many of the other tools and references included with the software. There are several versions on the market; however, my favorite continues to be the Quick Verse bible study software marketed by Parson's Technology because of its price value and content.
Where bibles are concerned, if you want to use another translation, I recommend a parallel bible that contains the KJV. A parallel bible shows other translations side by side. They normally show either 2, 4 or 8 translations at once. The 4-translation bible seems to be fairly popular.
Also, some people do enjoy the use of COMMENTARIES. For those of you who haven't heard of them, THEY ARE BASICALLY ONE MAN'S INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. If I were to purchase a set, I would buy the Matthew Henry Commentary Set.
(2) Tips for Studying
There are many ways to study the bible. I'm going to give you a few to help get you started.
(a) CHAPTER STUDY: In this method, you read and examine one chapter at a time. You try to locate the divisions in the chapter, discover the theme for each division, and analyze the overall perspective of the entire chapter. Then you try to apply the truths that you have learned to your life.
(b) BOOK STUDY: In this method, you work on examining a whole book at one time (Example: EPHESIANS.) Many bible studies are built around this method. It encompasses the chapter method above, but broadens its scope to the analysis of an entire book. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible gives you additional insight by providing an analytical look at each book of the bible in its reference section. This analysis shows the major and minor themes of each book of the bible and gives you insight about the author and the times in which the book was written.
(c) WORD STUDY: This is the study method that I use most often. This study of Spiritual Growth is an example of a word (TOPICAL) study. This type of study is where your concordance will be most useful. You can pick a word, like grace, and use the exhaustive concordance to find every scripture that it appears in throughout the bible. Now you can read each scripture relating to that one subject. You can see an example of this when we discuss meditation on the word next.
This is the way that we have gained a lot of insight into the scriptures. We have found that every biblical idea originates in GENESIS, ends in REVELATIONS, and is chained throughout the bible. In order to fully understand each idea, we must follow it from conception to completeness. This method will be great for answering questions that are formed during your reading time.
(d) STUDY NOTES: Use your notebook to take notes on all your research. There is no use in building a bridge twice. It is a waste of time. By keeping good notes in your bible and notebook, you will be able to look back at your valuable research if you ever get confused.
(B.) Meditating: The Third Step of the Journey
We are nearing the end of our journey to spiritual growth. We are at the final step in the process: meditation. We have read, we have studied and our heart and mind is full of the word. Now, we enter the stage where the Holy Spirit can impart understanding to us.
[Holoman Bible Dictionary - Most references to meditation occur in the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms. The Hebrew words for meditation primarily were derived from two separate roots. The first (hagah) literally means "to utter in a low sound." The word is used to denote the growling of a lion (Isa. 31:4) or the cooing of a dove (Isa. 38:14). Therefore it has been suggested that, in ancient Hebrew meditation, Scripture frequently was recited in a low murmur. The second root word (sia) has the basic meaning of "to be occupied with," or "concerned about." Thus meditation is the repetitious going over of a matter in one's mind because it is the chief concern of life. The constant recollection of God's past deeds by the hearing of Scripture and repetition of thought produce confidence in God (Psalms. 104:34; 119:15,23,48,78,97,99,148; Ps. 63:6-8; 143:5).]
My personal definition of mediation is that it is the time when we commune with the Lord in thought through the Holy Spirit and the Lord provides us peace, comfort and guidance.
It is important that a Christian develops a personal fellowship with the Lord and we believe that mediation is a central part of our communion with the Lord.
(1) Scripture Guidance for Meditation
First let us clarify how one should meditate. The world's practice of meditation is for one to empty or free their mind of all distractions. They strive for a state where their mind is totally free and empty.
The scriptures never teach mediation in this manner. Additionally, we believe it is unscriptural and potentially dangerous for a person to clear their mind and not have any thoughts in it. In the scriptures when Jesus was accused of casting out devils by Beelzebub, He responded by showing how a demonic forces will take over a house that is empty, no matter how clean it is (St Luke 11:16-26).
According to the scriptures, during meditation one is to fill one's mind with the words and laws of God. During this time we can think on the wonderful things that God has done and just reflect on His goodness. This is taught clearly in the following scriptures:
(Psalms 1:2 KJV) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
(Philippians 4:8 KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
(Josh 1:8 KJV) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
(Psalms 63:6 KJV) When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
(Psalms 77:12 KJV) I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
(Psalms 119:15 KJV) I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
(Psalms 119:23 KJV) Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
(1 Tim 4:15 KJV) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
God makes it clear that he wants us to meditate on his word day and night. If we follow his guidance, Joshua points out that we will have good success. IF YOUR LIFE SEEMS TO BE IN TURMOIL, A LARGE PART OF THE PROBLEM COULD BE THAT YOU ARE NOT LIVING AS GOD'S WORD DICTATES. Notice in PSALMS that it says that everything that we do shall prosper. Remember also that, "All things work together for good to them that love the Lord (ROMANS 8:28)." In meditating on God's word, you will also gain understanding. The Holy Spirit will speak to you in those quiet times.
During the process of mediation, we should be asking God to provide understanding of his word and to guide us in our life.
JAMES 1:
5. IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
ST LUKE 11:
9. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
God wants us to know and understand his word. Each time, before you read the word, you should pray and ask God to give you wisdom so that you will understand his word. Then, be patient and wait for it to appear in your life. Do not doubt God. He will perform it. Just continue to be faithful in reading his word and continually pray to God for wisdom.
(2) A Method for Meditating
This is a method of meditating that we have found effective.
1. We memorize the scripture that God has placed on my heart. The easiest way to memorize it is to say the scripture out loud many times until it sticks in the memory. Or else I will simply read over the passage of scriptures concerning the idea that God has given me.
2. Next, We reflect over the scripture word-by-word and then section-by-section. The idea is to keep God's word continually before you. As you reflect, the Holy Spirit will give you the inspiration and insight that God has for you.
3. During meditation, We also just allow time of thinking on the Lord and his goodness in silence as opposed to being in the requesting mode as we commonly are we are in prayer. During this quite time of just waiting and reflecting on the Lord, He can communicate with us through the power of His Holy Spirit.
(3) Listening to the Holy Spirit
During meditating, one of the things we will be striving to do is to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
JOB 32:
6. And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
7. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom
8. BUT THERE IS A SPIRIT IN MAN: AND THE INSPIRATION OF THE ALMIGHTY GIVETH THEM UNDERSTANDING.
9. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgement.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:
23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (You are a triune being: spirit, soul and body. God communicates with you through your spirit).
ROMANS 8:
16. The SPIRIT itself BEARETH WITNESS with OUR SPIRIT that we are the children of God (Note: This is also the way that we know that we are a Christian; God's Spirit communicates with our spirit and lets us know that we are his children).
ST JOHN 14:
26. But the Comforter, which is the HOLY GHOST, whom the Father will send in my name, HE SHALL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
1 JOHN 2:
26. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
27. But THE ANOINTING which ye have received of him ABIDETH IN YOU, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same ANOINTING TEACHETH YOU OF ALL THINGS, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
These scriptures show us that wisdom comes from God. God provides us guidance through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He gave every believer the Holy Spirit to serve as teacher and guide in his or her life. God makes it clear that He wants to communicate with us. It is during the quiet time of mediating on the word of God or on the things of the Lord, that God shows us the truths of his word. This is where spiritual growth comes from (Hebrews 5:12 - Hebrews 6:2).
(C.) Ignorance is no Excuse
As you start being obedient to God's command to read, study, and mediate in his word, the Holy Spirit will guide your understanding. In the final analysis there is not excuse for not growing spiritually. Listen to these scriptures:
1 PETER 2:
9. But ye are a chosen generation, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
HOSEA 4:
6. MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE: because thou hast REJECTED KNOWLEDGE, I will also REJECT thee, that thou shalt BE NO PRIEST TO ME: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
The Lord says that his people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. He points out that because we have rejected his knowledge, he will reject us from being priests: this is an office to which he has called us.
Every home has a bible. There is absolutely no excuse for not reading and study God's word. Follow these actions and you will be well on your way to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Click here to read the entire original Spiritual Growth lesson as posted on our web site:
http://www.bibleplace.com/growth.htm.
Coming Lesson: "FELLOWSHIP - A FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH OF THE CHURCH"
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By Deacon Joe S. Evans
One day as I was standing in front of the church talking to a friend, an associate minister of my church, he said to me, "I love to fellowship." My reply to him was so do I. I love to go out and fellowship with other churches. He smiled and said that is not what I meant. He stated that he loved to sit down with his brothers and sisters in his church and eat (break bread) together. What was so special about that I wondered? Do not get me wrong, I love my brothers and sisters in the church. I see them two or three time a week. I thought that was enough and our mission as followers of Christ was to go out and fellowship with other saints. So, I turned to the one place I knew I could find some answers, my bible.
My research indicated that there are 809 occurrences in 801 verses were the word feast, feasted, feasting, feasts or supper appears. There are seven feasts of Israel, (1) The Feast of Passover, (2) The Feast of Unleavened Bread, (3) The Feast of First Fruits, (4) The Feast of Pentecost, (5) The Feast of Trumpets, (6) The Day of Atonement and (7) The Feast of Tabernacles. Each feast celebrates God's glory for His goodness, mercy and his abundance.
However, I want to look at just one "The Feast of Passover and The Lord's Supper." Exodus 12:3-4 (KJV) reads "Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb." Inviting someone into your home is recognizing the fact that you are accepted as a part of that family. John Hagee the author of "His Glory Revealed" points out in his book that in the bible, breaking bread together was considered a bond of loyalty between two or more individuals. It was considered unthinkable in biblical times to eat at a man's table and then do or say anything to hurt him. Psalm 41:9 (NKJV) David wrote "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper he was inviting us into His family -- a family of believers. Each time we partake of the Lord's Supper we strengthen our bond with him.
During my childhood we always invited neighbors to our home or we went to their homes for dinner. That relationship developed a closeness, a bond, and a family tide that was hard to shatter. As a nation we become upset when we think about how prayer was taken out of our schools. We are quick to point out that the moral and social decline of our nation is due to the removal of prayer from our schools. We as a people can pray any where at any time individually. I believe that the decline of our nation did not start in the schools and it did not start with a whole nation all at once. I feel that the decline of our nation began in our homes, our neighborhoods, and it started right next door. There was also a time when our parents sat out on their front porch and visited with their neighbors. We now build backyard decks and privacy fences to get away from our neighbors. We have alienated ourselves from our neighbors, our community and our nation. We as a people must go back to God's perfect plan and sit down with one another and break bread together. God said "were one or two gather in my name, there I will be."
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Copyright 2001 KC Enterprises
The Sword's Edge newsletter is a free newsletter
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