February 22, 2010

Conservative vs. Liberal

Conservative vs. Liberal

These two terms are used a lot in discussions about religion and politics. For this study, we want to focus on the use of these terms in the area of religion, particularly as they relate to our approach to God’s word. Should we have a conservative or a liberal approach to the Scriptures? Does it matter? While the Bible does not use these terms, it does address the concepts. One of them describes the mindset we must have when studying and seeking to apply the word of God.

First, we must be clear about these terms. What do we mean by conservative and liberal? One who is conservative favors traditional views and values and tends to oppose change. As it relates to Bible study, this means a strict adherence to the word of God and opposing changes to the gospel. One who is liberal does not view themselves as being limited to established or traditional attitudes or views. Regarding Bible interpretation, a liberal approach favors a loose or approximate view of the Scriptures rather than a strict, literal interpretation. Basically, one with a liberal approach to the Bible believes there are a number of ways in which one may acceptably interpret God’s word, while a conservative approach seeks to find the one way that God intended us to receive His word.
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January 4, 2010

Many Other Things

Bible Reading

In the gospel of John, we read of many things that Jesus said and did. We also learn much about His character, origin, and mission. At the end of the book, we also have the acknowledgment that the gospel does not contain a complete record of Jesus’ life here on the earth.

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).

After learning all the things that John’s gospel tells us about Jesus, this verse telling us that there is much more that was not written down is also instructive for us. There are a few lessons here which we can learn.
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December 31, 2009

Read Through the Bible in 2010

The new year is upon us. Many people are making resolutions. A good number of them will be making the resolution to spend more time studying the Bible or even to read through the Bible. If that’s what you’ve decided to do (and it is certainly a worthwhile exercise), here are a few resources online that can help you.
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July 5, 2009

Read the New Testament in 6 Months

Back in January, I mentioned Edwin Crozier’s site – Give Attention to Reading. His site contains a reading plan that will take one through the New Testament in 6 months. On most days, he posts a short article about something that was in that day’s reading.

It is certainly important that we read and study our Bibles. By following along with the posts, then at the very least we get almost daily reminders and encouragement to read the word of God. These reminders alone are valuable. The articles that correspond to the readings are an extra benefit.

I’m posting this again because Edwin is about to start a new trek through the New Testament. If you’ve been thinking that you should try to read and study the word of God more, this is a good way to help keep you on track. So visit Give Attention to Reading, follow along and read through the New Testament before the end of the year.

Read Through the New Testament With Us Beginning July 6, 2009

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July 1, 2008

Shortcuts to Bible Study

Priests in Rome

A few months ago I was sent an article that was written by a Catholic. The beginning of the article talked about the great burden it is to study the Bible. After all, the author reasoned, we are all just so busy. There is just not the time for us to study the Bible on our own. He then talked about the great blessing we have in the Catholic Church. He argued that we really do not have to study, we can just listen to what the Church tells us. And what a comfort to know that we do not have to bother with taking the time ourselves to study God’s word.

This is an example of a great problem in religion – many do not want to study. They come up with different excuses – they are busy, they do not understand, etc. So instead of studying the Bible, they look for shortcuts – ways to get around having to study much themselves. I want us to consider some of these “shortcuts” and notice what the Bible has to say about them.
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March 1, 2008

How to Approach the Bible

Bible Reading

Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The instruction to accurately handle the word implies the need to study and learn the word of God (the King James Version actually uses the word study at the beginning of the verse). Timothy was to give diligence to the study and learning of God’s word.

This instruction applies to us as well. Therefore, it is good for us to read and study the Bible on different occasions: Bible classes, sermons, home Bible studies, our own personal reading and study, etc. It is something that we ought to do our whole life. So it is good to be reminded from time to time how we are to approach the Bible. We must approach it properly so we will benefit from our time studying.
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