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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Bible Observation How to's | 2 Tim 2:15 | JCrichton | 105703 | ||
Hi, mel! I just read through Makarios's postings and I would like to add the following: Firstly, I defer to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26); I've learned that I will not always see the answers or meanings of Biblical passages regardless of how much I may strive to get it. Secondly, I employ patience and humility! and, lastly, I use a good study Bible and a concordance dictionary. An example of one of my projects is Genesis 14:18-20: These verses seem to be full of mystery; they act as a dangling participle. But they are oh so juicy! Here's Abraham coming back from a fierce battle and out of the blue this man drops in on him. Though Abraham has no discernible connection to the stranger, this man: a) blesses Abraham, b) is aware of the immediate circumstances that brought Abraham to that particular place and time, c) praises God on behalf of Abraham, d) mediates for Abraham, e) offers Abraham bread and wine, and, f) vanishes into the mystery that bore him. It would appear that Abraham just fell into more good fortune. But on the recap... The man Abraham just happened to have met is Melchizedek, who is both a priest of the Most High God and the king of Salem. A good study Bible and a concordance could shed a 2K-watt light on these three verses. The Bible and/or the concordance would expand these verses (Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 4:14 thru 5:10, 6:19 thru 10:18), clarifying the office, duties, and identity of the High Priest. The Bible's footnotes and the concordance can identify the names and titles while offering a more rounded correlation between Melchizedek and Jesus. The mystery: Melchizedek is both priest and king. Salem is Melchizedek's kingdom. He appears out of nowhere and greets Abraham with blessings and revelations, then offers him bread and wine. Abraham, on his part, offers the priest a tenth of the plunder gained from the battle. The mystery unfolds: Since Melchizedek is the priest of the Most High God, we must conclude that he is also the king that represents the Most High God (Salem being identified as Jerusalem--a kingdom that will not be established for over hundreds of years). Melchizedek demonstrates that he has both spiritual authority and intimate knowledge of Abraham (he lbesses Abraham and praises him, praises God for bringing victory to Abraham, and intercedes on Abraham's behalf by asking God for further blessings). The offering of bread and wine, on the surface, could be interpreted as simple hospitability; but this is Abraham's backyard, it is he who should offer Melchizedek hospitability. And, finally, Abraham offers Melchizedek the tithing, a religious practice that will not come into existence until hundreds of years later, when the priesthood is established. Genesis 14:18-20: These verses, in effect, highlight, in one simple encounter, a mysterious priestly king who typifies the Law, the Commandments and the Lord's Supper! God Bless! |
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2 | Bible Observation How to's | 2 Tim 2:15 | EdB | 105704 | ||
JCrichton I own and use many study Bibles and I agree they have their place but when we use a study Bible we open ourselves to man's teaching or opinion. That is not always bad particularly if the author of the study Bible is reliable. However if he "missed it" then we will probably "miss it" also. The most reliable form of Bible study is inductive as taught by Kay Arthur. However it is very time consuming and requires us to dig not on just on the surface but much deeper. I have found that as I have been digging this opens me up for the Holy Spirit to speak to me. When I read a comment in a Study Bible I find my conclusion is pretty made up even though the Holy Spirit may be trying to get my attention. It is so much easier to read another's idea than to conceive, develop and prove an original one for ourselves. Yet when we do it we retain it and it becomes much more meaningful to us. Plus we understand upon what evidence our decision was made. EdB |
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3 | Bible Observation How to's | 2 Tim 2:15 | JCrichton | 105833 | ||
EdB, It is true that we may be corrupted by Biblical notes and extra-Biblical texts. But Paul asked us to search everything and to keep what is good. Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit (Paraclete) would be our helper, that He would teach and guide us. Jude tells us (20-23) that we must keep building ourselves in the sacred faith, praying in the power of the Holy Spirit, waiting patiently in our Lord's mercy, and that we must both have mercy on those about us and have mercy and fear when dealing with those who would distort the Truth (by word or deed). Don't trust in man, trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you every single time. I believe that pride and egocentrism is our deadliest foe which Satan uses quite efficiently against our desire to be saved. Maran atha! |
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4 | Bible Observation How to's | 2 Tim 2:15 | EdB | 105835 | ||
My only point was that to avoid the danger of picking man's teaching whether it be correct or incorrect is to do inductive Bible study EdB |
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