LEARN TO READ THE BIBLE EFFECTIVELY

LEARN TO READ THE BIBLE EFFECTIVELY

Presenters:

Ken SommervilleJeff Gelineau

LEARN TO READ THE BIBLE EFFECTIVELY

LEARN TO READ THE BIBLE EFFECTIVELY

Session 3Tips on Reading the Bible

Why Two Testaments?Overview of Books (3)Bible Terminology (1)

THE PURPOSE OF GOD REVEALED!

THE PURPOSE OF GOD REVEALED!

• Man ruined God’s World by bringing sin and death into the world.

• God’s purpose will not be frustrated: “As I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD” (that which gives God honor, His character & ways)

• The “Restoration of All Things” - The overarching theme of the Bible.

HISTORY OF GOD’S PEOPLE

HISTORY OF GOD’S PEOPLE

• Joshua - Moses’ replacement• Judges• First three kings: Saul, David, Solomon• Division of Kingdom: 19 kings in North,

20 kings in South• Babylonian Captivity• Return under Persians• Esther

WHY BIBLE ISDIFFICULT TO READ

WHY BIBLE ISDIFFICULT TO READ

• Learning a new language• Only for those who want to

understand

(Section 8, pg. 33 in Notes)

TIPS ON READING THE BIBLE

TIPS ON READING THE BIBLE

Fundamental Principle: Steady, consistent diet of Bible Reading…from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:15-17

TIPS ON READING: PRACTICALITIES

Preparation• Allocate time: otherwise it won’t happen• Select translation: avoid single-sect• Be comfortable: otherwise it won’t last• Be prepared to think: major skill

How To Read• Read slower than for ‘normal’ text• Read aloud• Listen for echoes – heard terms before?• Ask yourself questions

When You Don’t Understand• Be patient – some answers are years in coming• Use other translations• Use Study Tools…

TIPS ON READING: SYMBOLS

Conclusion: Symbols are non-deductive

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TIPS ON READING: SYMBOLS

TIPS ON READING: SYMBOLS

ConclusionsDo not apply your interpretation to symbols, because most symbols are non-deductive.

Also, the Bible must be allowed to interpret itself. How else could it be the same for everyone?

- 2 Peter 1:20

Therefore take Scripture as literal, unless the Bible itself offers a translation of the symbol.

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” - John 6:53-54

EXAMPLE: Eating Flesh and Drinking blood

Symbol is Interpreted in the Bible... Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” - Matthew 26:26-29

EXAMPLE: Eating Flesh and Drinking blood

WHY TWO TESTAMENTS?WHY TWO TESTAMENTS?

(Section 9, pg. 39 in Notes)(Section 9, pg. 39 in Notes)

Next…

WHY TWO TESTAMENTS?WHY TWO TESTAMENTS?WHY TWO TESTAMENTS?WHY TWO TESTAMENTS?

(Section 9, pg. 39 in Notes)

What is a “Testament”What is a “Testament”What is a “Testament”What is a “Testament”King JamesAnd he took the cup, And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the this is my blood of the new new testamenttestament, which , which is shed for many for the is shed for many for the remission of sins.remission of sins.

TESTAMENTTESTAMENT == COVENANTCOVENANTA promise or pledge between A promise or pledge between

two partiestwo parties

New King James

Then he took the Then he took the cup, gave thanks cup, gave thanks and offered it to and offered it to them, saying, Drink them, saying, Drink from it, all of from it, all of you. For this is you. For this is my blood of the new my blood of the new covenantcovenant, which is , which is shed for many for shed for many for the remission of the remission of sins.sins.

God’s Covenant-PromisesGod’s Covenant-PromisesGod’s Covenant-PromisesGod’s Covenant-Promises

- 2 Peter 1:4

By which have been given to us By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious exceedingly great and precious promisespromises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine , that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.lust.

- Romans 15:8-9

Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God circumcision for the truth of God to confirm the promisesto confirm the promises made made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.mercy.

First & Second, Old & NewFirst & Second, Old & NewFirst & Second, Old & NewFirst & Second, Old & New

If that If that first covenantfirst covenant had been faultless, then no place had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a would have been sought for a secondsecond. .

(But) finding fault with them, He says: Behold, the days (But) finding fault with them, He says: Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new new covenantcovenant with the house of Israel and with the house of with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah... Judah...

In that He says, "A In that He says, "A new covenantnew covenant," He has made the ," He has made the firstfirst obsolete and, growing obsolete and, growing oldold,, is ready to vanish away. is ready to vanish away.

- Hebrews 8:7, 8, 13

Hebrews 8:7-13; Hebrews 8:7-13; 9:159:15

First & Second, Old & NewFirst & Second, Old & NewFirst & Second, Old & NewFirst & Second, Old & New

And for this reason he is the mediator of the And for this reason he is the mediator of the new new covenantcovenant, by means of death, for the redemption , by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the of the transgressions under the first covenantfirst covenant, , that those who are called may receive that those who are called may receive the promise the promise of eternal inheritanceof eternal inheritance..

- Hebrews 9:15

Confused? The Reason... Confused? The Reason... Confused? The Reason... Confused? The Reason...

Confused? The Reason... Confused? The Reason... Confused? The Reason... Confused? The Reason...

OLD TESTAMENTOLD TESTAMENT= = booksbooks written written beforebefore time of Christ time of ChristOLD TESTAMENTOLD TESTAMENT= = booksbooks written written beforebefore time of Christ time of Christ

NEW TESTAMENTNEW TESTAMENT= = booksbooks written written afterafter the the time of Christtime of Christ

NEW TESTAMENTNEW TESTAMENT= = booksbooks written written afterafter the the time of Christtime of Christ

OLD OLD COVENANTCOVENANTOLD OLD COVENANTCOVENANT

NEW NEW COVENANTCOVENANTNEW NEW COVENANTCOVENANT

Confused? The Reason... Confused? The Reason...

From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God...

From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God...

- 2 Timothy 3:15-16

Summary - OT & NT Summary - OT & NT Summary - OT & NT Summary - OT & NT

If talking about the If talking about the CONTENTCONTENT of the Bible of the BibleIf talking about the If talking about the CONTENTCONTENT of the Bible of the Bible

If talking about the If talking about the WRITINGWRITING of the Bibleof the Bible

If talking about the If talking about the WRITINGWRITING of the Bibleof the Bible

Old CovenantOld Covenant through through MosesMoses

New CovenantNew Covenant through through ChristChrist

Books Books written written beforebefore Christ Christ (like BC)(like BC)

Books Books written written afterafter Christ Christ (like AD)(like AD)Both essential “to make us wise to Both essential “to make us wise to

salvation”salvation”

to “pass away” to to “pass away” to “remain” “remain”

BREAK TIME...BREAK TIME...

OVERVIEW OF THE BIBLE: Part 3

POETRY & PHILOSOPHY

(Section 10, pg . 43 in Notes)

OLD TESTAMENT (39 Books, 75% of Bible)

Genesis I Kings Ecclesiastes ObadiahExodus II Kings S. Solomon JonahLeviticus I Chronicles Isaiah MicahNumbers II Chronicles Jeremiah NahumDeuteronomy Ezra Lamentations HabakkukJoshua Nehemiah Ezekiel ZephaniahJudges Esther Daniel HaggaiRuth Job Hosea ZechariahI Samuel Psalms Joel MalachiII Samuel Proverbs Amos

NEW TESTAMENT (27 Books, 25% of Bible)

Matthew II Corinthians I Timothy II PeterMark Galatians II Timothy I JohnLuke Ephesians Titus II JohnJohn Philippians Philemon III JohnActs Colossians Hebrews JudeRomans I Thessalonians James RevelationI Corinthians II Thessalonians I Peter

THE BIBLE (66 Books)

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”- Job 1:9,11

“…the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD”- Job 1:21

Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar all accuse Job“Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless? …you stripped men of their clothing, leaving them naked… you withheld food from the hungry… you sent widows away empty-handed… That is why snares are all around you, why sudden peril terrifies you…”Job 22:5-10

“MAN THAT IS BORN OF WOMAN…” Job

JUSTICE FROM THE STORM Job

Job Confesses the Majesty of God“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” - Job 42:5

Blessing for JobThe LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first… After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so he died, old and full of years. - Job 42:12-17

“Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?… Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” - Job 38:1-4

PSALM 23Reflection and Appreciation The Lord’s my shepherd I’ll not want,

He makes me down to lie,In pastures green, he leadeth me,

The quiet waters by.

Yea though I walk in death’s dark vale

Yet will I fear no ill,For thou art with me and thy rod,

And staff me comfort still.

My table thou hast furnishéd,In presence of my foes,

My head thou dost with oil anoint,And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life,Shall surely follow me,

And in God’s house for evermore,My dwelling place shall be.

Psalm 23, adaptation

PSALM 51:Confession, Contrition, Rededication

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love… Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin…

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice…

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me… Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness… Psalm 51, excerpts

PSALM 119Source of Wisdom Oh, how I love your law!

I meditate on it all day long.Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. - Psalm 119:97-105

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. - Proverbs 16:18

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. - Proverbs 1:7

Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.- Prov. 23:31-32

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Prov. 31:30

A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep-- So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. - Proverbs 6:10-11

WISDOM AND DISCIPLINE Proverbs

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. - Ecclesiastes 9:11

EVIL UNDER THE SUN Ecclesiastes (The Preacher)

“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” - Ecclesiastes 1:2

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words. - Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, KJV

“How beautiful your sandaled feet, O prince’s daughter! Your graceful legs are like jewels, the work of a craftsman’s hands. Your navel is a rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by lilies.” - Songs 7:1-2

SOLOMON’S SONG OF SONGS: True Love or Temptation?

“My lover is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven. His eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels.”- Songs 5:10-12

“Come away, my lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains.”- Songs 8:14

‘Rose of Sharon’, Gardener, 1998

What Do We Learn about God?• Reflection and meditation upon God’s instructions brings wisdom

• This wisdom concerns recognizing the nature of man, the nature of God, and the nature of the relationship they must have

• This wisdom concerns recognizing that the busy world of man is circular and achieves nothing

• This wisdom concerns recognizing that participation in this world is ultimately fruitless

• It is possible to be distracted and fall away from the things of God by the temptations of the world

BIBLE TERMINOLOGY (1)BIBLE TERMINOLOGY (1)BIBLE TERMINOLOGY (1)BIBLE TERMINOLOGY (1)

(Section 11, pg. 49 in Notes)(Section 11, pg. 49 in Notes)

Next…

BIBLE TERMINOLOGY (1)BIBLE TERMINOLOGY (1)BIBLE TERMINOLOGY (1)BIBLE TERMINOLOGY (1)(Section 11, pg. 49 in Notes)(Section 11, pg. 49 in Notes)

Bible TerminologyBible TerminologyBible TerminologyBible Terminology

FaithAtonementHellLord of HostsChristJesusJustificationBaptism

SanctificationSanctificationResurrectionResurrectionSoulSoulImmortalityImmortalityHolyHolyHosannaHosannaGospelGospel

What is “faith”?What is “faith”?What is “faith”?What is “faith”?

But without faith it is impossible to But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God please Him, for he who comes to God mustmust believe that He is, and that He is a believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.Him.

But without faith it is impossible to But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God please Him, for he who comes to God mustmust believe that He is, and that He is a believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.Him.

- Hebrews 11:6

What is “faith”?What is “faith”?What is “faith”?What is “faith”?

Faith ≠ I believe in God (i.e. He exists)Faith ≠ I believe in God (i.e. He exists)

Faith = I believe God (i.e. I believe what He Faith = I believe God (i.e. I believe what He says)says)

Faith is Faith is notnot vague and intangible vague and intangible

Faith is Faith is specificspecific and and concreteconcrete..

Faith ≠ I believe in God (i.e. He exists)Faith ≠ I believe in God (i.e. He exists)

Faith = I believe God (i.e. I believe what He Faith = I believe God (i.e. I believe what He says)says)

Faith is Faith is notnot vague and intangible vague and intangible

Faith is Faith is specificspecific and and concreteconcrete..

This is faith...This is faith...This is faith...This is faith...

Hebrews 11:8-10,13Hebrews 11:8-10,13Hebrews 11:8-10,13Hebrews 11:8-10,13

(Abraham), contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he (Abraham), contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.to perform.

(Abraham), contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he (Abraham), contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.to perform.

This is faith...This is faith...This is faith...This is faith...

- Romans 4:18-21

QUESTIONS???QUESTIONS???

NEXT WEEK...NEXT WEEK...NEXT WEEK...NEXT WEEK...Using Cross ReferencesUsing Cross References

Different Versions of the BibleDifferent Versions of the Bible

Overview of Books (4)Overview of Books (4)

Bible Terminology (2)Bible Terminology (2)

Using Cross ReferencesUsing Cross References

Different Versions of the BibleDifferent Versions of the Bible

Overview of Books (4)Overview of Books (4)

Bible Terminology (2)Bible Terminology (2)