This is the fourth step of Bible Study: Applying the text. This asks and answers the question: So What? Another word for applying would be “obeying”. In application we need to: Think, Acknowledge, Ask, and Pursue.
Correlation is comparing Scripture with Scripture. This not only gives us broader knowledge of any topic, but it deepens our understanding of the topic. It helps keep us discerning between truth and error. It helps us stay reasoned and balanced in our interpretations.
Every verse and passage of the Bible has a meaning. Interpretation is the process of coming to that understanding. In this sermon we'll talk about 2 questions to ask and 2 hazards to avoid. I'll end by asking 3 questions of you as the interpreter as you set out to discover meaning in the Bible.
The Bible study method of Observation asks and answers the question: What Do I See? It is the most important step of the process. The longer you spend on this step and the more effective you are at it, the more accurate and thorough will be your interpretations and applications. Look for things emphasized, repeated, related, alike, and unalike.
In this sermon we’ll talk about the name, the divisions of the book, the history of the Bible, it's central theme, and the doctrine or theology of the Bible.
The longer I pastor the more I realize how essential it is for you who want to get into studying your Bible on your own to be able to do so. Not a week goes by where I do not put into practice the principles that I’m going to teach you. Not a sermon is prepared without my going through these steps of Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, Application.
To see the resurrected Jesus we need our eyes, mind, and heart. Do you see anything?
The wisdom and self-discipline required to remain faithful day in and day out all the way to the end cannot be found inside of ourselves. But the good news for God’s children is that it is rooted in what Jesus has done and it hopes in what He will do.
Through Jesus we are brought into a love-saturated relationship with God that is unbreakable. God is with you, standing by you, fighting for you, with infinite love and nothing anywhere or at anytime can stop this! Nothing and nobody, anywhere or at anytime, can take God’s love from you.
Open physical affection is a biblical value and human need. Overview: Every human made is made in the image of God. Each one has an essential and deep need for the affection of God and from people. Vertically, we see God's love for us in Christ and receive it in Christ through faith. Horizontally, we express our love through verbal and physical affection for others.
Every Christian sins. Healthy community is open, honest, tough and tender in fighting sin together. We must be people who invite evaluation of our lives from Christians who are close to us. We must be people who give loving evaluation to others who are close to us. The Bible gives instruction on what this looks like.
Jesus has left us in the world, not to be of the world, but to reach the world. Practically, it means we're good and humble citizens, neighbors, and Christians. By remembering how Jesus saved us and was all of these things for us we can be models of grace and good works.
Since we have received grace from God, let's obey God. Overview: Before our salvation we were powerless to live godly. But now that Jesus has come into our life we are saved, sanctified, promised glory, and redeemed. All of it founded on the grace of Christ.
The best adornment of the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple obedience. However, the normal Christian life is one of struggle. Struggle to obey. However, through community sanctification and the power of the Spirit we can fight our sin and live balanced lives of grace and godliness.
All of us are older and more mature in our faith than somebody. All of us are younger and more immature in our faith than somebody. God is calling us to be invested in and to invest in others for the good of all of us. It's never too late or too soon to begin building our faith into others.
The most dangerous teaching for the Christian comes from within the church, not without. We must be discerning that what is taught under the banner of Christianity comes from right motive, teaches the right things, and results in right living.
When leadership is unqualified the whole church suffers. Church leadership requires a set of character traits that come with maturity. The heart of the leader is one of a servant who leads under Jesus the senior pastor. Pastors, stay balanced as both tough and tender. Church, be a reason that your pastors are happy.
Every person finds their sense of self and meaning in life somewhere or in someone. For the Christian, our identity is found in who we are in Jesus, our Savior. Our callings are given to us by Jesus, our Lord. All rooted in the Work of Christ, our Word.
A church that is ordered properly is founded on the grace of God, led by qualified leadership, taught rich theology, and witnessing in word and deed.
We can be comforted by three powerful promises this Christmas from Luke 2: God is sovereign, our suffering has significance, and Jesus is a sympathetic savior.
There is no escaping the gloom and anguish of this life. But in the Incarnation darkness meets light, desperation meets joy, and oppression meets liberation as our yearning hearts meet Jesus.
The ministry of rescue is when Christians seek to rescue others from the foolishness of their sin. This rescue requires timing, gentleness, humility, self evaluation, and the right motive. Ask yourself when stepping in: Is this Spirit led? Is my approach gentle? Is my heart humble? What's my motive?
Prayer is essential at all times for all things. Overview: Prayer is essential when we have internal struggle, physical sin, are corrupted by sin, and when facing huge obstacles. We need to pray continuously about all areas of life, not substituting responsibility, or making excuses because of our imperfections.
God is our healer. When we're sick, we go to him in prayer. While obeying medical advice, we call others to pray for us. If we have hidden sin, we unload that to God and others appropriately. Whether God heals or not, we praise him in faith.
We need a fully formed theology when it comes to divine healing. Overview: Divine healing is controversial and delicate. We must know the difference between original sin and personal sins. Original sin brought sickness and death. Not all sickness is because of sin. Some sickness is caused by sin. It is not God's will that everyone be healed.
In suffering, First, don’t focus on the situation or you’ll be angry. Instead be patient. Second, don’t focus on yourself or you’ll fall into self pity. Instead stay hopeful. Third, don’t focus on someone to blame or you’ll complain. Instead, sic God on it. Fourth, don’t focus on the present or you’ll recruit God into your plans. Instead, wait on God to give you insight.
Now is not forever. Eternity is almost here. We must become spiritually rich through faith in Jesus Christ. If he makes us materially wealthy then steward it with generosity rather than look to it for security.
We have no ability to be the sovereign in our life or in the lives of others. We are limited in knowledge. Limited in ability. Limited in time. And limited in sovereignty. God is omniscient, omnipotent, eternal, and sovereign. You aren’t. Christ died to become King. Submit and trust in Him.
