Post by iris89 on Sept 14, 2007 9:41:16 GMT -5
Directions For a Genuine (true) follower of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ:
THE NEED TO SPEAK FROM THE BIBLE
Genuine (true) Christians need to know the Bible well in order to fulfill their commission to "make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things" that Jesus Christ commanded. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Jesus himself was well acquainted with the Scriptures. He used them to beat back the temptations of Satan the Devil. (Matt. 4:1-11) Jesus also read God's Word to others, as at the synagogue in Nazareth. (Luke 4:16-21) Often, while speaking to the people, he would say, "It is written," and then would quote the Hebrew Scriptures. (Luke 7:27; 19:46; John 2:17) What a fine example for his followers!
The apostle Paul followed Jesus' example, using God's Word in his preaching and teaching work. For instance, at Thessalonica he went to a synagogue of the Jews "and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead." (Acts 17:1-3) Evidently, first-century Christians in general were able and eager to talk on the Scriptures.
Those early Christians were aware of the need to speak from the Scriptures. That is why they desired to have God's Word in the most useful form. Interestingly, writing on the subject "The Earliest Christian Books," C. C. McCown stated: "The simple, practical, nonliterary character of early Christianity is emphasized by what the recent discoveries have proved regarding their use of the codex. The Christians' religious books, both the Old Testament and the new writings which were in process of becoming sacred, were not for the leisurely reading of the well-to-do. Hardworking business people wanted as much as they could get into a book. They and the earnest Christian missionaries wished to be able to refer to this or that proof text quickly, without having to unroll many feet of papyrus. They were not dominated by any snobbish literary pretensions." Hence, they put their Scriptures into book form, the same form that we use until this day.-The Biblical Archaeologist Reader, p. 261.
Among those early Christians who were prepared to talk on the Scriptures was Apollos. When he arrived in Achaia, he was able to help others spiritually, "for with intensity he thoroughly proved the Jews to be wrong publicly, while he demonstrated by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ." (Acts 18:24-28) Certainly, it is satisfying to be able to uphold God and his Word by always being "ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you." (1 Pet. 3:15) Yes, it is rewarding to be able to answer sincere inquirers from God's Word, the Bible. (Col. 4:6) And joy increases as one talks on the Scriptures and observes the spiritual progress a student is making during a personal home Bible study.
HELPING PEOPLE IS OUR OBJECTIVE
Helping people spiritually is the prime objective of Almighty God (YHWH)'s for his Son's followers. Rather, they are in need of Bible discussions that answer their questions, that stimulate them to study the publications with their Bible and that motivate them to do something about worshiping God "with spirit and truth."-John 4:23, 24.
When you speak from the Bible with sincerity as a Christian servants of Almighty God (YHWH), this adds a persuasive power to the Kingdom message that the printed page itself does not have, at least as far as many people are concerned. It is important to be sensitive to the needs of others and to be willing to give them spiritual aid based on God's Word. Even young persons and newer ones can speak from the Bible. They need not be diffident or backward about this, if they regularly read the Scriptures, noting Bible texts to use in speaking God's truth to others. Daily reading of the Scriptures will enable you to talk on the Bible to persons of every walk of life.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
There is something in the Bible for persons of every background. Hence, as Christians read God's Word they are able to note information that will help them to talk on the Bible whether they meet scientists, doctors, housewives or others. Consider but a few examples in proof of this.
A scientist, or an individual interested in science, may be quite surprised to learn that, some 2,200 years before men in general accepted the fact that the earth is round, the Hebrew prophet Isaiah wrote: "There is One [God] who is dwelling above the circle of the earth." (Isa. 40:22) The Hebrew word here rendered "circle" is "hhug," which may also be rendered "sphere," according to Davidson's Concordance. Moreover, a scientifically inclined person will probably agree with the Bible if he is shown Job 26:7, which says that God is "hanging the earth upon nothing." After all, scientists know that the earth has no visible means of support.
Suppose a physician is met by a Christian who is witnessing from house to house. Would not the doctor be quite interested in knowing that the Bible recognizes the psychosomatic principle, that is, that there is some connection between an individual's physical health and his emotional state? Surely he will agree that envy, fear, greed, hatred and the like are injurious to health, whereas good effects are produced through the display of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control, the fruitage of God's spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Attention might be directed also to the proverb that says: "A heart that is joyful does good as a curer, but a spirit that is stricken makes the bones dry." (Prov. 17:22) Further, a doctor may be interested in learning that one of the Bible writers, Luke, was spoken of in Scripture as "the beloved physician."-Col. 4:14.
To the housewife there is much to say when you talk on the Bible. Suppose you are returning to visit a woman who has manifested interest in the Scriptures. The conversation may turn to household responsibilities, and she may be quite pleased to learn about "a capable wife," as described at Proverbs 31:10-31. Such a wife is shown to be concerned about the clothing worn by her family, the providing of wholesome food for her household and the proper management of certain household affairs. She is industrious and capable, generous and a doer of good to individuals outside the family. A modern-day woman may be surprised that the Bible says so much about household matters. And she may also be impressed with the words "charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; but the woman that fears Almighty God (YHWH) is the one that procures praise for herself."-Prov. 31:30.
When speaking with children and talking on the Bible, there also is much to say. Perhaps during a Bible discussion with youngsters, you may want to impress upon them the need to avoid arrogance, to do what is good and to be humble. You may know very well that many children's stories begin with the words, "Once upon a time." Well, the prophecy of Gideon's son Jotham began with those very words. "Once upon a time," said Jotham, "the trees went to anoint a king over them." But the olive tree, the fig tree and the vine refused a position of rulership, whereas the lowly bramble eagerly accepted it. The valuable plants represented worthy persons who did not seek the position of kingship over their fellow Israelites, while the bramble, useful only for fuel, represented the kingship of Abimelech, an arrogant, murderous man who wanted to dominate others but met an end in fulfillment of Jotham's prophecy. (Judg. chap. 9) What child would want to grow up and become like a bramble?
'HANDLING THE WORD ARIGHT'
Indeed, there are interesting-often intriguing-matters presented in God's Word. In it there is something for everyone. But it takes effort on a Christian's part to become skillful in using "the sword of the spirit, that is, God's word." (Eph. 6:17) With good reason, then, the apostle Paul urged his co-worker Timothy: "Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright."-2 Tim. 2:15.
Prayer to Almighty God (YHWH) for wisdom to talk on the Bible is sure to be rewarded. The disciple James wrote: "If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him." (Jas. 1:5-8) Naturally, among Christians there should be growing acquaintance with the doctrinal truths found in the Scriptures. Yet, as they read God's Word regularly, they also find in it many accounts, _expressions and wise sayings that will appeal to people in every walk of life. Eagerly share with them the good things that you are learning as a Christian and thereby encourage them to read the Bible too. Be assured that Almighty God (YHWH) will be with you as you talk on the Bible.-Acts 11:19-21.
AVOID DISTORTING SCRIPTURES TO PROVE A POINT
It is imperative that we avoid willfully misapplying a text to prove our point. The clergy of Christendom are often guilty of this very thing. Take, for example, Matthew 10:28. We read there: "And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna." Clergymen will point to the first part of Jesus' words to prove that the soul is immortal and cannot die. Is that what Jesus really said? It may seem like it, if you stop reading in the middle of the verse. But if you read the rest of the verse you see that Jesus plainly debunked the immortal soul doctrine when he said that one should fear him who could destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. By "handling the word of the truth aright" the true sense or meaning comes to the fore.
Closely related to the immortal soul doctrine is the belief by some that it is the spirit of a man that lives on and is personally identified with the man. First Peter 4:6 is cited to support this view. There we read: "In fact, for this purpose the good news was declared also to the dead, that they might be judged as to the flesh from the standpoint of men but might live as to the spirit from the standpoint of God." Believers in the idea that the spirit as an intelligent being survives the death of the body contend that Peter here gave evidence of this when he mentioned the good news as being declared to the dead. Is this so? In order to 'handle God's word aright,' we must let it speak for itself. Was Peter there referring to persons who were physically dead? Since the physically dead are "conscious of nothing at all" (Eccl. 9:5), these dead mentioned by Peter are the same as those Jesus spoke of when he said: "Let the dead bury their dead," and those referred to by the apostle Paul when he wrote: "It is you God made alive though you were dead in your trespasses and sins." Anyone living who is dead in the sight of Almighty God (YHWH) can come to life in a spiritual sense by hearing the word of God, repenting and following the Lord Jesus. The hope for the literal dead is the resurrection and the opportunity then to hear the good news and to be judged.-Matt. 8:22; Eph. 2:1.
Almighty God (YHWH)'s people, too, need to be cautious in the applying of scriptures so that they correctly present God's Word in their preaching and teaching activity. As an example, take the statement that is sometimes made that one of the names given to Satan the Devil is Lucifer. Reference may be made by some to Isaiah 14:12-16. According to the Authorized Version (King James), verse twelve says: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!" The word "Lucifer" is a translation of the Hebrew word heh·lel´, "shining one." Heh·lel´, as here used, is not a personal name or a title, but, rather, a term describing the brilliant position taken by Babylon's dynasty of kings in the line of Nebuchadnezzar. It would not be correct to say that Satan the Devil is the one here called Lucifer as though it were one of his names. The _expression here refers primarily to the king of Babylon, for, according to verse four, this is a "proverbial saying against the king of Babylon." Also, verses fifteen and sixteen of this chapter fourteen say that this "shining one" (Lucifer) is to be brought down to Sheol, which is mankind's common grave, not an abiding place for Satan the Devil. Furthermore, the fact is that those seeing this "shining one" brought into this condition say: "Is this the man that was agitating the earth, that was making kingdoms rock?" Satan is not a man but an invisible spirit creature. Thus, while the king of Babylon reflected the attitude of his father, the Devil, still the word Lucifer was not a name given to Satan the Devil. By "handling the word of the truth aright" we are prepared to speak the clear sayings of God as we have them on the printed pages of the Bible.
However, there is no injustice done to the Word of God when his servants use properly selected texts from various parts of the Bible to prove doctrinal points. While it is true that opposers of God's Word at times charge that the genuine (true) Christian deviously use scattered texts in the Bible to prove their points, we well know from a study of the Bible that Jesus and his apostles used selected texts to prove certain basic truths. For example, Jesus, when being tempted in the wilderness at the end of his forty days of fasting, referred to various passages of God's Word to rebut the arguments of the Devil. (Matt. 4:3-10; Deut. 8:3; 6:13, 16; 5:9) The apostle Paul also employed this technique with the Jews when teaching in the synagogue. The account in Acts 17:2, 3 says: "So according to Paul's custom he went inside to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying: 'This is the Christ, this Jesus whom I am publishing to you.'"-See Psalm 22:7, 8; Isaiah 50:6; 53:3-5; Psalm 16:8-10.
See Page Two:
THE NEED TO SPEAK FROM THE BIBLE
Genuine (true) Christians need to know the Bible well in order to fulfill their commission to "make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things" that Jesus Christ commanded. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Jesus himself was well acquainted with the Scriptures. He used them to beat back the temptations of Satan the Devil. (Matt. 4:1-11) Jesus also read God's Word to others, as at the synagogue in Nazareth. (Luke 4:16-21) Often, while speaking to the people, he would say, "It is written," and then would quote the Hebrew Scriptures. (Luke 7:27; 19:46; John 2:17) What a fine example for his followers!
The apostle Paul followed Jesus' example, using God's Word in his preaching and teaching work. For instance, at Thessalonica he went to a synagogue of the Jews "and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead." (Acts 17:1-3) Evidently, first-century Christians in general were able and eager to talk on the Scriptures.
Those early Christians were aware of the need to speak from the Scriptures. That is why they desired to have God's Word in the most useful form. Interestingly, writing on the subject "The Earliest Christian Books," C. C. McCown stated: "The simple, practical, nonliterary character of early Christianity is emphasized by what the recent discoveries have proved regarding their use of the codex. The Christians' religious books, both the Old Testament and the new writings which were in process of becoming sacred, were not for the leisurely reading of the well-to-do. Hardworking business people wanted as much as they could get into a book. They and the earnest Christian missionaries wished to be able to refer to this or that proof text quickly, without having to unroll many feet of papyrus. They were not dominated by any snobbish literary pretensions." Hence, they put their Scriptures into book form, the same form that we use until this day.-The Biblical Archaeologist Reader, p. 261.
Among those early Christians who were prepared to talk on the Scriptures was Apollos. When he arrived in Achaia, he was able to help others spiritually, "for with intensity he thoroughly proved the Jews to be wrong publicly, while he demonstrated by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ." (Acts 18:24-28) Certainly, it is satisfying to be able to uphold God and his Word by always being "ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you." (1 Pet. 3:15) Yes, it is rewarding to be able to answer sincere inquirers from God's Word, the Bible. (Col. 4:6) And joy increases as one talks on the Scriptures and observes the spiritual progress a student is making during a personal home Bible study.
HELPING PEOPLE IS OUR OBJECTIVE
Helping people spiritually is the prime objective of Almighty God (YHWH)'s for his Son's followers. Rather, they are in need of Bible discussions that answer their questions, that stimulate them to study the publications with their Bible and that motivate them to do something about worshiping God "with spirit and truth."-John 4:23, 24.
When you speak from the Bible with sincerity as a Christian servants of Almighty God (YHWH), this adds a persuasive power to the Kingdom message that the printed page itself does not have, at least as far as many people are concerned. It is important to be sensitive to the needs of others and to be willing to give them spiritual aid based on God's Word. Even young persons and newer ones can speak from the Bible. They need not be diffident or backward about this, if they regularly read the Scriptures, noting Bible texts to use in speaking God's truth to others. Daily reading of the Scriptures will enable you to talk on the Bible to persons of every walk of life.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
There is something in the Bible for persons of every background. Hence, as Christians read God's Word they are able to note information that will help them to talk on the Bible whether they meet scientists, doctors, housewives or others. Consider but a few examples in proof of this.
A scientist, or an individual interested in science, may be quite surprised to learn that, some 2,200 years before men in general accepted the fact that the earth is round, the Hebrew prophet Isaiah wrote: "There is One [God] who is dwelling above the circle of the earth." (Isa. 40:22) The Hebrew word here rendered "circle" is "hhug," which may also be rendered "sphere," according to Davidson's Concordance. Moreover, a scientifically inclined person will probably agree with the Bible if he is shown Job 26:7, which says that God is "hanging the earth upon nothing." After all, scientists know that the earth has no visible means of support.
Suppose a physician is met by a Christian who is witnessing from house to house. Would not the doctor be quite interested in knowing that the Bible recognizes the psychosomatic principle, that is, that there is some connection between an individual's physical health and his emotional state? Surely he will agree that envy, fear, greed, hatred and the like are injurious to health, whereas good effects are produced through the display of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control, the fruitage of God's spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Attention might be directed also to the proverb that says: "A heart that is joyful does good as a curer, but a spirit that is stricken makes the bones dry." (Prov. 17:22) Further, a doctor may be interested in learning that one of the Bible writers, Luke, was spoken of in Scripture as "the beloved physician."-Col. 4:14.
To the housewife there is much to say when you talk on the Bible. Suppose you are returning to visit a woman who has manifested interest in the Scriptures. The conversation may turn to household responsibilities, and she may be quite pleased to learn about "a capable wife," as described at Proverbs 31:10-31. Such a wife is shown to be concerned about the clothing worn by her family, the providing of wholesome food for her household and the proper management of certain household affairs. She is industrious and capable, generous and a doer of good to individuals outside the family. A modern-day woman may be surprised that the Bible says so much about household matters. And she may also be impressed with the words "charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; but the woman that fears Almighty God (YHWH) is the one that procures praise for herself."-Prov. 31:30.
When speaking with children and talking on the Bible, there also is much to say. Perhaps during a Bible discussion with youngsters, you may want to impress upon them the need to avoid arrogance, to do what is good and to be humble. You may know very well that many children's stories begin with the words, "Once upon a time." Well, the prophecy of Gideon's son Jotham began with those very words. "Once upon a time," said Jotham, "the trees went to anoint a king over them." But the olive tree, the fig tree and the vine refused a position of rulership, whereas the lowly bramble eagerly accepted it. The valuable plants represented worthy persons who did not seek the position of kingship over their fellow Israelites, while the bramble, useful only for fuel, represented the kingship of Abimelech, an arrogant, murderous man who wanted to dominate others but met an end in fulfillment of Jotham's prophecy. (Judg. chap. 9) What child would want to grow up and become like a bramble?
'HANDLING THE WORD ARIGHT'
Indeed, there are interesting-often intriguing-matters presented in God's Word. In it there is something for everyone. But it takes effort on a Christian's part to become skillful in using "the sword of the spirit, that is, God's word." (Eph. 6:17) With good reason, then, the apostle Paul urged his co-worker Timothy: "Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright."-2 Tim. 2:15.
Prayer to Almighty God (YHWH) for wisdom to talk on the Bible is sure to be rewarded. The disciple James wrote: "If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him." (Jas. 1:5-8) Naturally, among Christians there should be growing acquaintance with the doctrinal truths found in the Scriptures. Yet, as they read God's Word regularly, they also find in it many accounts, _expressions and wise sayings that will appeal to people in every walk of life. Eagerly share with them the good things that you are learning as a Christian and thereby encourage them to read the Bible too. Be assured that Almighty God (YHWH) will be with you as you talk on the Bible.-Acts 11:19-21.
AVOID DISTORTING SCRIPTURES TO PROVE A POINT
It is imperative that we avoid willfully misapplying a text to prove our point. The clergy of Christendom are often guilty of this very thing. Take, for example, Matthew 10:28. We read there: "And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna." Clergymen will point to the first part of Jesus' words to prove that the soul is immortal and cannot die. Is that what Jesus really said? It may seem like it, if you stop reading in the middle of the verse. But if you read the rest of the verse you see that Jesus plainly debunked the immortal soul doctrine when he said that one should fear him who could destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. By "handling the word of the truth aright" the true sense or meaning comes to the fore.
Closely related to the immortal soul doctrine is the belief by some that it is the spirit of a man that lives on and is personally identified with the man. First Peter 4:6 is cited to support this view. There we read: "In fact, for this purpose the good news was declared also to the dead, that they might be judged as to the flesh from the standpoint of men but might live as to the spirit from the standpoint of God." Believers in the idea that the spirit as an intelligent being survives the death of the body contend that Peter here gave evidence of this when he mentioned the good news as being declared to the dead. Is this so? In order to 'handle God's word aright,' we must let it speak for itself. Was Peter there referring to persons who were physically dead? Since the physically dead are "conscious of nothing at all" (Eccl. 9:5), these dead mentioned by Peter are the same as those Jesus spoke of when he said: "Let the dead bury their dead," and those referred to by the apostle Paul when he wrote: "It is you God made alive though you were dead in your trespasses and sins." Anyone living who is dead in the sight of Almighty God (YHWH) can come to life in a spiritual sense by hearing the word of God, repenting and following the Lord Jesus. The hope for the literal dead is the resurrection and the opportunity then to hear the good news and to be judged.-Matt. 8:22; Eph. 2:1.
Almighty God (YHWH)'s people, too, need to be cautious in the applying of scriptures so that they correctly present God's Word in their preaching and teaching activity. As an example, take the statement that is sometimes made that one of the names given to Satan the Devil is Lucifer. Reference may be made by some to Isaiah 14:12-16. According to the Authorized Version (King James), verse twelve says: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!" The word "Lucifer" is a translation of the Hebrew word heh·lel´, "shining one." Heh·lel´, as here used, is not a personal name or a title, but, rather, a term describing the brilliant position taken by Babylon's dynasty of kings in the line of Nebuchadnezzar. It would not be correct to say that Satan the Devil is the one here called Lucifer as though it were one of his names. The _expression here refers primarily to the king of Babylon, for, according to verse four, this is a "proverbial saying against the king of Babylon." Also, verses fifteen and sixteen of this chapter fourteen say that this "shining one" (Lucifer) is to be brought down to Sheol, which is mankind's common grave, not an abiding place for Satan the Devil. Furthermore, the fact is that those seeing this "shining one" brought into this condition say: "Is this the man that was agitating the earth, that was making kingdoms rock?" Satan is not a man but an invisible spirit creature. Thus, while the king of Babylon reflected the attitude of his father, the Devil, still the word Lucifer was not a name given to Satan the Devil. By "handling the word of the truth aright" we are prepared to speak the clear sayings of God as we have them on the printed pages of the Bible.
However, there is no injustice done to the Word of God when his servants use properly selected texts from various parts of the Bible to prove doctrinal points. While it is true that opposers of God's Word at times charge that the genuine (true) Christian deviously use scattered texts in the Bible to prove their points, we well know from a study of the Bible that Jesus and his apostles used selected texts to prove certain basic truths. For example, Jesus, when being tempted in the wilderness at the end of his forty days of fasting, referred to various passages of God's Word to rebut the arguments of the Devil. (Matt. 4:3-10; Deut. 8:3; 6:13, 16; 5:9) The apostle Paul also employed this technique with the Jews when teaching in the synagogue. The account in Acts 17:2, 3 says: "So according to Paul's custom he went inside to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying: 'This is the Christ, this Jesus whom I am publishing to you.'"-See Psalm 22:7, 8; Isaiah 50:6; 53:3-5; Psalm 16:8-10.
See Page Two: