Politics and Religion

Posted: March 5, 2012 in Citizenship, Educational, Events, Issues, Personal
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Pastor Gary Click holds his Bible at Lincoln Day Dinner

“Pastor Click, The 5th District Lincoln Day Dinner will be held Saturday March 3rd at BGSU Student Union in Bowling Green. Rick Santorum will be the main speaker. Would you be interested in saying the opening prayer at the dinner. Please let me know. The cost of the dinner is $25.00. Congressman Latta and myself would really appreciate this. Thanks, Justin.”

My reply?

“Absolutely!”

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

It was a great evening with several speakers including Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Grover, Norquist, three candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court and a few others. Nanette and I were placed at a front table with easy access to the platform. (My bashful wife was very happy that we got bumped from the head table!)

To my surprise, the most notable part of my evening was neither the prayer for the dinner nor the benediction but something that happened in between. As Santorum rose to speak, photographers swarmed around the podium just before the platform. It was fascinating to watch them contort their bodies to stay below the sight line of the audience and angle themselves for some interesting shots. They were truly professionals.

While I was amused by them, I really wanted to focus on Santorum. I have great appreciation for his genuine faith and how he incorporates it into his campaign. I have joked that he must have been on this blog since he seems to have stolen my tag line “Faith, Family, Freedom.” :)

The senator began to speak about our Constitution and its direct connection with the Declaration of Independence, a feature that liberals oppose. Then he began to link that to our Creator who has endowed us with inalienable rights. At that time I looked over at my Bible which was sitting on the dinner table. I had debated on whether to bring it or not. After all, I wasn’t really preaching, just praying. I doubted that any of our candidates would begin their speeches with “Please turn in your Bibles….”. But I always find great comfort in the Word. I feel like something is missing when I speak publicly if I don’t have it with me. It would also be one quick way to be identified as “the preacher” on this night. Besides, it would be a good place to tuck in my notes for the prayers. (I don’t usually use notes to pray but I didn’t want to get up in front of this crowd and trip over my tongue. Besides, I had some key points that I didn’t want to forget.)

So as Santorum began to speak about faith, I instinctively grabbed my Bible and held it up at about head level for a moment then lowered it towards my lap. This was my way of saying to Santorum, “I’m behind you.” At that  point, one of the photographers saw my bible and turned his camera in my direction like a hunter aiming at his prey. It was a chain reaction. The other photographers looked to see what he was shooting and in unison they all turned from Santorum and began taking pictures of the Scriptures. I must have heard my name a thousand times…”click, click, click, click, click.”

While I was happy that God’s Word drew some attention, I felt bad that the candidate for president was being neglected. Nan, told me later that even Mrs. Santorum looked to see what they were so focused on. Admittedly, from that point on, it was difficult to concentrate on what the candidate was saying. The gentlemen
seated across from me was the driver for Sharon L. Kennedy, a candidate for the Ohio Supreme Court. He told me that he found them so interesting that he took a picture of them taking pictures of me. (I’m hoping he emails it to me soon.)

At last,the evening drew to a close and it was time for the benediction. Before I prayed a took a moment to comment on the photographers and their interest in the Bible. I jokingly said that I wondered if they had ever seen one before. (In hindsight, I should have probably phrased that differently.) They laughed. Then I reminded the crowd that the Bible wasn’t unfamiliar to our founders. I wasn’t sure how this comment would be received, however, I was relieved  at the instant applause. Then I briefly shared some facts that I will now share with you in slightly more detail.

Charles Hyneman and Donald Lutz examined 15,000 documents written during America’s founding years (1760-1805). During the course of their study they discovered 3,154 citations or references to other works.

They soon learned that 34% of their political citations originated in the Holy Bible! They preferred the New Testament especially Paul’s writings and particularly the letter to the Romans, although they drew from all parts of Scripture.

A distant second to the Scriptures, we learn that they quoted Montesquieu 8.3% of the time with Blackstone a close third at 7.9% Finally, John Locke was quoted 2.9% of the time.  So the Bible accounts for 34% and these three together 19.1%. So the top four quoted sources of our Founding Fathers comprised 53.1%, slightly more than half of all citations of that period. The remainder of their citations derived from several various sources too small to measure. Undoubtedly, many of these sources, though not all, followed the same line of thinking as the three philosophers above. There is no evidence that the remaining 46.9% were the voice of opposition. Just simply that they didn’t rate as high as Locke’s 2.9%.

Though these men can hardly be called our founding fathers, they justly deserve the title of Founding Grandfathers. They unquestionably shaped and informed the opinions and convictions of our founders. We already know the type of influence the Scriptures made upon these men but what about Montesquieu, Blackstone and Locke? Each of these men were decidedly Christian and derived their convictions from the Bible. Though we would not elevate their writings to the level of Scripture, it would be reasonable to consider them as  secondary sources for Scripture since they wrote with biblical conviction. Therefore, we can say with confidence that nearly 54% of the quotations of our Founding Fathers have Biblical influence while 34% are directly from the Bible. This does not imply that the remaining 46% was unbiblical or anti-Scriptural, just immeasurable. What that truly means is that authors whose principles violated Scripture did not even reach the scale. They were not significant enough to be measured.

Among my recent reading was an essay by John Locke entitled, “The Reasonableness of Christianity.” (Available for Amazon Kindle) Ironically, after writing this he was challenged as not being faithful to the Scriptures and wrote two defenses of this great work insisting that he was a true believer in Jesus Christ and that he was completely faithful to the Scriptures. In this work, he defines natural law as God’s law found in God’s Word. His faith found its way into the Declaration of Independence when Jefferson wrote of “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.”

Unfortunately, in today’s political climate, it is seen as strange to be “bible toting” believers. Candidates are urged to isolate themselves from their faith. Yet during the time of the founding, it was unbelievers who hid their lack of belief. I’m not suggesting that unbelievers should hide in a closet but I am proclaiming that believers definitely should be bold. We have nothing to run from!

The real solution to America’s problems is to simply return to biblical principles. This does not mean to mandate faith or compel people to become Christians. Even Thomas Jefferson believed in the values of the Bible, though he failed to believe in the deity of Christ. Biblical principles will make for a prosperous nation. It happened once and it can happen again. Biblical principles are not isolated to the social agenda. They speak about every area of government. Consider finances for instance. Congessman Jeff Duncan, followed the principle found in Proverbs 22:7 when considering whether on not to raise the debt ceiling. “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”

There is so much more to be said in this area but I have exhausted my time and space for today. However, I do intend to begin a new website soon which will be devoted to exploring the Christian history of the United States and demonstrating its relevance for today. I’ll let you know when that happens and will be happy to welcome contributors.

Founding Father Noah Webster

In the meantime, let me leave you with a quote from one of our founders, Noah Webster.

“In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed.. .No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people.”

Bible

Posted: March 5, 2012 in Uncategorized
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Bible

Pastor Click holding his Bible at a Lincoln Day dinner featuring Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich.

The Providence of Plymouth

Posted: November 23, 2011 in Citizenship, Educational
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The Church of England was an outgrowth of the Catholic Church. Henry VIII wanted a divorce and the Pope would not grant one. So Henry divorced the church instead and instituted the Church of England with him at its head. The rest was easy.

The Act of Supremacy (1534) declared that the king was “the only Supreme Head in Earth of the Church of England.” However, the essential doctrines remained the same as well as the persecution of supposed “heretics.”

Not only did the underground opposition of Anabaptist groups continue but there were also groups within the Church of England that grew discontent. However, they differed on how to address their concerns. Those who favored reform from within came to be known as Puritans. Their goal was to purify the church. Others believed that the Church of England was too far gone and could never be purified. They chose to separate themselves earning the name “Separatists.”

The Pilgrims subscribed to Separatist thought and suffered persecution as a result. Their faith was outlawed and they were forced to worship in secret in the home of William Brewster in Scrooby, England. These were no passive believers. They covenanted together to maintain the purity of the gospel at all costs, even their lives.

Eventually, the persecution grew so great that they were forced to seek freedom to worship elsewhere. Their first endeavor was to Holland. They were initially betrayed by those hired to transport them. The men were captured and imprisoned. Upon release they quickly fled to Holland to join their wives.

The freedom of Holland, however, presented other challenges. Wordliness and licentiousness abounded where “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” They feared that the forwardness and blatant carnality would be found irresistibly appealing to their youth and so the search began for another opportunity.

Word of the Jamestown settlement in Virginia had caught their attention. They decided that the church would make this journey across the sea with an endeavor to spread their Christian faith. Listen to William Brewster express their passion.

“[A] great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way thereunto, for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world; yea, though they should be but even as stepping-stones unto others for the performing of so great a work.”

The Pilgrims secured two ships to make the voyage: The Speedwell and the Mayflower, which normally carried wine. They hired a crew sympathetic to their cause but not of their faith.  They took to calling them Strangers based on the same Scripture that induced them to claim the name Pilgrims.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:11-12

Only 102 of the 500 pilgrims were engaged in this first trip. Before the initial congregation left, Pastor John Robison preached a message entitled The Great Works of Christ in America. The text he used was Ezra 8:21. “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.”

Today this message on board the Speedwell is memorialized by a large painting in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. Unfortunately, the Speedwell proved not to be seaworthy and they were forced to return to England. Some of the passengers remained behind while other joined the already crowded Mayflower.

The name of” Jesus Christ” is clearly seen in the Bible as is the phrase “God with us” on the sail. The rainbow harkens back to Noah’s family being delivered in the ark and the promise of God. Keep in mind that this portrait resides in the rotunda of the Capitol building as a monument to our history in a nation that some say has no Christian heritage.

The Pilgrims took to singing Psalms during this tumultuous voyage bringing the comfort of their Creator to their hearts. While this encouraged the saints it repulsed the sinners. One of the ship’s crew regularly cursed the “Psalm-singing” fanatics, looking forward to tossing their corpses overboard as they succumbed to the routine illnesses and death that accompanied most voyages of this type. However, God’s  providence proved too much for this Stranger. Listen to Bradford’s account.

“[H]e would always to contemning the poor people in their sickness and cursing them daily with grievous execrations…But it pleased God before they came half seas over, to smite this man with a grievous disease, of which he died in a desperate manner, and so was himself the first that was thrown overboard.”

In fact, he was the only one buried at sea. In God’s divine providence, the spilling of wine was frequent in the Mayflower during her normal voyages. The wine penetrated the beams of the ship acting as a natural disinfectant preventing the spread of disease!

“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” Luke 18:7

“And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.” Mark 9:42

This wasn’t God’s only act of providence. Contrary winds pushed the Mayflower of course. Her eventual landing was much farther north by around 600 miles. They were in a predicament. There was no governing body. They had no charter from England or any other sovereign nation. There were rumors of some of the Strangers plotting to strike out on their own. This would have been devastating since each person, including the Strangers, was selected for their unique skills. The survival of the whole depended on the cooperation of the whole.

The only solution was to draft a self-governing document. It was modeled after their church covenant but committing them to a civil government. Before the passengers of the Mayflower ever disembarked, the first self-governing document of the New World was signed into law on November 11, 1620 and would later serve as the cornerstone of the Constitution of the United States.

The Mayflower Compact

Listen to the Mayflower Compact Online

In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are under-written, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc.

Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the eleventh of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord, King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620.

John Carver
William Bradford
Edward Winslow
William Brewster
Isaac Allerton
Miles Standish
John Alden
Samuel Fuller
Christopher Martin
William Mullins		 William White
James Chilton
John Craxton
John Billington
Richard Warren
John Howland
Steven Hopkins
Edward Tilly
John Tilly
Francis Cook		 Thomas Rogers
Thomas Tinker
John Rigdale
Edward Fuller
John Turner
Francis Eaton
Moses Fletcher
Digery Priest
Thomas Williams
Gilbert Winslow		 Edmond Margeson
Peter Brown
Richard Bitteridge
Richard Clark
Richard Gardiner
John Allerton
Thomas English
Edward Doten
Edward Liester
John Goodman
George Soule

Providence was still revealing itself after the Pilgrims landed. The first Winter was harsh and many perished. Only four families were untouched by death that winter. However, by the time Spring arrived they had discovered an unexpected blessing. The land had been cleared and the fields cultivated but the region was largely unpopulated. It was as though God had prepared it for them.

Indeed, He had. Prior to their arrival, this territory had been inhabited by a ferocious tribe of hostile Indians. They had captured and tortured a French fisherman who had been on an expedition in their coasts. They were relentless in their torment and mocking.

The Frenchman at last warned them that God was angry and would destroy them for their wickedness.  Furthermore, he prophesied that God would replace them with another nation that was more pleasing to Him. The defiant Indians refused to believe that God could kill them. Yet by the time the Pilgrims arrived a terrible plague had left their unburied corpses scattered across the land.

Not all the Indians of that territory were so savage. The Pilgrims continued to experience God’s providence by providing an Indian named Squanto who had mastered the English language. Squanto had been captured and transported to England as a slave. However, in God’s providence he had been set free and returned to his native land shortly before the Pilgrims arrival, finding that his servitude had preserved his life.

Squanto befriended the Pilgrims, taught them how to survive in this land and served as an interpreter between them and other Indian tribes.  William Bradford wrote, “Squanto continued with them and was their interpreter and was a special instrument sent of God for their good beyond their expectation.”

The Christian convictions of the Pilgrims led them to peaceful interaction with the Indians. They had not come to conquer or steal. The sign a peace treaty with them during their very first year and it was honored for the next fifty-five.

God’s providence had simply become a way of life for the Pilgrims. Their very first harvest was in danger of failing. Drought was threatening their survival. But God had not brought them all this way to see them perish. He had not provided readymade fields for a meager harvest. A day of prayer and fasting was called for which produced a splendid result. I miraculous rain refreshed their crops and served as a testimony of God’s power to the Indians. One of them observed, “Now I see that the Englishman’s God is a good God; for he hath heard you, and sent you rain, and that without such tempest and thunder as we used to have with our rain; which after our Powwowing for it, breaks down the corn; whereas your corn stands whole and good still; surely, your God is a good God.”

Surely they were accomplishing the purpose of glorifying God and advancing the Christian faith as expressed in their Mayflower Compact! This called for a special celebration: a day of thanksgiving to God by both the Pilgrims and their Indian friends in recognition of God’s special and bountiful provision.

Bible Study Tip # 12 – Literally

Posted: September 6, 2011 in Uncategorized
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Literally

Study your Bible literally.

Why are there so many different interpretations of the Bible? Why are there so many opinions? Why are there so many controversies over what the Bible means? Why do we have so many denominations, faiths and sects within Christianity?

Confusion and delusion are the result of failing to accept the Bible at face value. People look for mystical meanings and hidden agendas in the Bible. In order to seem wiser and more spiritual than anyone else, they read in between the lines attempting to discover what no one else has found. They allegorize and spiritualize until they are mesmerized and hypnotized with some fanciful teaching that has no concrete basis in the Bible.

Jesus said, “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil,” (Matthew5:37). I’m inclined to believe that our Lord would practice what He preached. I think God knew what He intended to say and said it. He said it plainly. He wrote it accurately. That does not take away from the complexity or the depth of great Bible truths. It simply means that with careful study, accepting the Scriptures literally, you can come to the authentic meaning and reliable interpretation of the Bible.

Beware of those teachers who would tickle your ears with their individual interpretations that replace literal interpretation with complicated allegorizations and metaphors.  Bible teachers who claim to have special, exclusive revelations from God are simply false prophets. God’s revelation is in His Word and available to all.

 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” 2 Peter  1:20

God’s Word is knowable. John said that he wrote “that ye may know” (1 John 5:13). Paul sent Tychicus with a letter to Ephesus “that ye might know,” (Ephesians 6:22). Luke wrote both a Gospel that bears his name and the historical account of the book of Acts to a real person, Theophilus to inform him. The Books of Moses (Genesis – Deuteronomy) were written to instruct Israel. The historical books of the Old Testament were living histories. All sixty-six books of the Bible were written to be read and understood by their contemporaries. People wrote, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to be understood.

Since they wrote to be understood, they wrote in a manner that people would understand. A good journalist doesn’t write to conceal but to reveal the facts.  Authors are passionate about communication not confusion.  The Author of Scripture, the Holy Ghost, was not on a mission separate man from truth but rather to educate man through God’s Word.  This is why 2 Timothy 3 16-17 tells us that God’s Word is profitable.

“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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God’s Word will always be supernatural but it can still be understandable. Though it is knowable there will always be more to be known. While the Scriptures will always be an inexhaustible fountain of truth we can still drink from them and be refreshed every day. Though a mystery, they are a mystery revealed.

Paul writes to young Timothy to give him understanding. His advice does not include any mystical practices or searches for special revelation. Paul’s counsel is very simple: study.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Timothy was to be diligent and labour in the Word.  The proper understanding, interpretation or division of the word is simply the result of study not mysticism or allegorization. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul commends Pastors who labour in the Word.

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 1 Timothy 5:7

Paul is emphasizing to Timothy the importance of the Word itself. He wasn’t teaching Timothy to seek out visions. Timothy wasn’t instructed to look beyond the text or look for hidden meanings.  There was never any admonition to spiritualize and allegorize. He just said to labour in and study the Word.

Jesus taught us that the words themselves were important. He didn’t even suggest the value of the thoughts over the words. He said the very words were important. He didn’t suggest reading between the lines. He didn’t say to go beyond the literal meaning. He didn’t say to discard to plain meaning for a mystical one. Listen for yourself as the Saviour speaks.

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew  4:4

Jesus is simply saying “Take God’s Word at face value and live by it.”

Peter had strong words for those who would impose anything but a literal meaning on God’s Word. He accused them of wrestling with the Scriptures. They would twist and bend the Scriptures like a pretzel until they could make them appear to say the very opposite of what they truly said.

“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16

When the Lord looks down upon some of the concoctions mankind has forced upon His Word, He must shake His head in amazement. Imagine His frustration when He has given us His plain and simple Word and we look right past it for some fanciful meaning. He must often feel like David when he wrote Psalm 56:5.

“Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.” Psalm 56:5.

Now that we understand the Scriptural mandate for a literal interpretation, we should clarify just what that means. Doesn’t the Bible use figures of speech? Are there any metaphors or similes? What about all of the symbolism in Revelation and other parts of the Bible?

These are excellent questions that a sincere student of the Scriptures might ask. They are also pejorative criticisms of those who favor a more loose style of biblical interpretation. You should distinguish between a literal interpretation and an ultra-literal interpretation.

A literal interpretation of Scripture simply means that you should read it just as you would any other piece of literature. You should interpret it just as the first century readers would have. Do you think Timothy would have looked for some fanciful, hidden meaning when Paul wrote “Preach the Word?” How would Theophilus have read passage about the rich man in hell (Luke 16)? What did Moses and the Children of Israel understand the meaning of the Ten Commandments to be?

When you read the Bible look for the historical, grammatical, normal, plain meaning of the text. When that makes sense, you don’t have to look for anything else. You may not like what that means but that doesn’t give you permission to allegorize.  The Scriptures teach of a real and literal place called hell and the Lake of Fire. Many people allegorize this because they don’t like it. However, they have no other reason to deny it. The plain speech of the Bible declares that it is so repeatedly and in many ways.

But consider other passages that might require a little more discernment. John the Baptist calls attention to Jesus as “the Lamb of God.” Jesus calls Himself the “door.” He refers to the elements of                                   communion as His blood and His body. A literal interpretation allows for these figures of speech. No one supposes that Jesus literally showed up looking like a white, wooly creature bleating along the way. Neither do we suppose that He presented Himself as a piece of wood upon hinges. The readers of the day would not have made these assumptions. Neither did they suppose that Jesus calls us to cannibalism.

Prophetic passages present the most abundant use of figures of speech. However, they are clearly introduced with phases such as: “as it were” and “like unto.” A discerning reader considers the complete context and realizes when and where figures of speech are clearly used and when they are not.

If you want to get the most out of your Bible reading, simply accept the Bible at face value. This is the only method of interpretation that will provide you with consistency and accuracy. Allegorical and metaphorical interpretations are subject to whims, emotions, personal perspectives and too much pizza the night before. There is no consistency. One person’s interpretation is just as valid as another’s.  There is no authority. As a result man becomes the judge of God’s Word rather than God’s Word judging man.

The failure to use a literal method of interpretation based on the contextual principles we already discussed has led to many false doctrines and distortions of Scripture. Every view of the Scripture is not equally valid. Every interpretation does not hold the same weight. All religions do not have the same goals.

While soulwinning, I am often asked why my interpretation is any better than someone else’s? Why are the Baptists different than the Catholics or etc.? They complain because they are confused. They are confused because they do not read the Bible and accept a literal interpretation. Instead, they allow others to allegorize, spiritualize and hypnotize.  They get caught up in denominational and sectarian manipulation rather than simply going straight to the Word itself. If everyone interpreted the Bible literally and contextually there would be no major differences or doctrinal distinctions.

If you want to get the most out of your Bible read it contextually and interpret it literally.

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Psalm 119:9

Read your Bible literally.

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Bible Study Tip #11 – Prayerfully

Posted: August 15, 2011 in Bible Study Tips, Devotional, Events
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Prayerfully

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” Colossians1:9

Paul prayed that the church in Collosse would be filled with understanding. Godly pastors everywhere pray that their congregations will understand the Word of God through the preaching and their personal Bible study. Do you pray for your own understanding? Do you begin your Bible study with a request for God’s guidance?

Our last study tip revealed the importance of the Holy Spirit in our Bible study. Have you asked Him to guide you? Have you asked Him to give you spiritual discernment? Have you asked God for an understanding spirit?

Cornelius was a just man who prayed but lacked understanding. As a Gentile, he was unwelcome by the Jews. Christianity at that time had been perceived as strictly Jewish. But Cornelius prayed. God intervened and sent Peter to explain. Cornelius’ understanding was opened because He prayed and God heard. Read Acts 10 and learn for yourself.

Do you think God would do the same for you? Do you think God will hear your prayer and give you understanding? He will. Start right now. Ask. Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7).

Travel back a page or two from the story of Cornelius and meet a man of Ethiopia in Acts 8:26 and following. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship but he was confused. I can’t imagine that his worship didn’t include prayer and seeking. He went there to knock on God’s door in hopes of having the Scriptures opened unto him. God heard and sent Philip who found this man reading the Bible in his chariot. Stop and think about that. He was sitting in his chariot reading his Bible. God just pulled him over in his journey and compelled him to read.

As Philip approached, he heard him reading out loud! He knew instantly why the Spirit of God directed him there. Before long, the Ethiopian’s eyes were opened, he understood and received Christ.

David prayed diligently concerning his own personal Bible study. He recorded his prayers in Psalm 119, the longest chapter of the Bible. This entire passage exalts the marvelous Word of God. Woven within David’s praise are David’s prayers. Do you want to know what to pray for in your Bible study? Consider David’s example.

David’s first prayer was that God would teach him His Word. He wanted to gain a knowledge of God’s Word. Make this your first prayer as David did. David simply prayed “Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes” (Psalm 119:12) Listen to him as he continues to pray for God to teach him.

“Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.” Psalm 119:33

“Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.” Psalm 119:124

“Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.” Psalm 119:135

“Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.” Psalm 119:66

Not only did David want God to teach him but also to give him understanding. He didn’t just want the facts but also the application and comprehension. He wanted to know why and how. He wanted to know what each passage would mean for him personally.

“Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.” Psalm 119:27

 “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” Psalm 119:34

“I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.” Psalm 119:125

“The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.” Psalm 119:144

“Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.” Psalm 119:169

David wanted strength from God’s Word and asked for it. Do you ask God to empower you through His Word? You should. He will.

“My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.” Psalm 119:28

David wanted a heart for God’s Word. This almost seems strange since he already appears to be passionate about the Word of God. But David understood human nature and the snare of the devil. He knew that his flesh loved sin. When you pray, ask God to increase your passion for the Scriptures above all worldliness and vice.

“Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.” Psalm 119:36

“Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.” Psalm 119:80

David prayed for perception and focus. He didn’t want to overlook anything in God’s Word. He didn’t want to be distracted as he read. He wanted to see what others might overlook. He didn’t want one truth to be hidden from him.

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Psalm 119:18

“I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.” Psalm 119:19

David didn’t want God’s Word to simply be a passing thought. He longed for more than temporary results. He wanted to be established in God’s Word. He had a desire for the Word to be cemented in his heart.

 “Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.” Psalm 119:38

David desired direction from the Word. It was his guide. He longed for practical application so he prayed,

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133

David expected God’s Word to bring life into his soul. He wanted the Scriptures to be made alive in him, so he prayed to that end.

Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.” Psalm 119:149

It’s not too simple a thought to simply ask for God’s Word to help us.

“Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.” Psalm 119:175

Follow David’s example and you will have plenty of things to ask God for before your daily devotions. Use David’s prayers to make a list of what you should pray for each day as you approach God’s Word.

Don’t let your devotional prayer life be like Jonah’s. When we examine  Jonah 1:1, we read “Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah…”. The rest of the chapter tells us how he rebelled against the Word and the consequences that followed. Then we arrive at Jonah 2:1 which says “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly.” If he had prayed like this right around Jonah 1:1, there wouldn’t have been a Jonah 2:1.

Jonah 3:1 reveals “And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,”. It’s always better if God doesn’t have to tell us a second time! There is usually trouble in between the first time and the second time.

Is your devotional prayer life going to be like David’s or Jonah’s? Will you begin with prayer or will you be coerced into prayer because you failed to pray like David in the beginning? Jonah had the example of David to follow in the Psalms but chose otherwise. You have both examples.

As you read your Bible you might pray as David did:

  • Teach me and give me knowledge.
  • Give me understanding.
  • Give me strength.
  • Give me a heart and passion for Your Word.
  • Give me perception and focus as I read.
  • Establish me in Your Word.
  • Direct my steps through Your Word.
  • Enrich my life through Your Word.
  • Help me with Your Word.

Study your Bible prayerfully.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

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Bible Study Tip #10 – Spiritually

Posted: August 6, 2011 in Bible Study Tips, Devotional
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Study your Bible Spiritually.

The best way to understand a book is by getting to know the author. If you enroll in any literature class, you will spend some time learning about the authors before you read their work. You will learn of their life and influences. You will learn of the core values that influenced their writing.

When we learned about studying contextually, we discussed paying attention to the human authors. Now we want to focus on the divine Author of Scripture. He is the reason for a cohesive collection of books that we know as The Book, the Holy Bible.

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”  2 Peter 1:21

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Theopneustos is the Greek word translated as inspired. It simply means God-breathed. God is the Author of all Scripture. It was His Spirit that inspired the human writers. In so doing, He did not extract their personalities or experiences from the writing process. However, He did move them to pen exactly what He wanted to be written and prevented their pens from printing any error. Therefore, to truly understand Scripture, we need His help. Scriptural interpretation is not subject to man’s interpretation but rather to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” 2 Peter 1:20

Holy Spirit power becomes available through salvation. When one receives Christ Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit immediately indwells them. Paul teaches us that those who are born again have the Spirit and those who are not don’t.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9

This means that the first step to receive Spiritual enlightment of the Scriptures is to receive Christ. Otherwise, the gospel pages are a mystery. They give off enough light and conviction for one to receive Christ but the deeper truths and power of God’s Word remain hidden.

“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:2-4

I recall a young lady who began attending church with great interest. She enjoyed the preaching and was earnest in her desire to know God. However, she resisted receiving Christ too soon. She was waiting until she could fully comprehend the Bible. When I revealed the futility of her objective, she received Christ. She realized that she would never be saved by her plan because she would never understand it all in her lost condition. But when she received Christ, the Holy Spirit came in and her understanding was enlightened and she has been faithfully serving God now for nearly ten years now.

As a born again believer in Christ, we have the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit! The night before His passion and crucifixion, Christ began teaching His disciples that He would be absent from them physically but would indwell them spiritually. He essentially said, “I am now with you but soon I will be in you” (John 14:16-20). They would experience His presence in a greater way than ever before!

What would this spiritual indwelling mean for them? It would mean the same thing it means for us. Focus your attention just a few verses down the page.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. Not only does He teach us but He reminds us of God’s Word! That is fascinating! Every Christian who takes their Bible study seriously has experienced this phenomenon. At just the right time in your life, the Holy Spirit will remind you of a portion of Scripture that meets your need at that very moment. Perhaps it is during a soulwinning experience. It may be during a time when you need wisdom, comfort or strength. It could be during a time when you are counseling another. Whatever the need, the Spirit of God is aware and reminds you of what you have studied in the past. However, He cannot remind you of what you never gave any mind to before.  This is why our first tip, Study Consistently, is so important.

Now turn a page or two in your Bible and discover John 16:13.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13

Does it appear to you that Jesus was making a point to His disciples? Don’t you think that He was emphasizing that the Holy Spirit would be their source for understanding truth? Pilate asked the question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). But even before he asked, Jesus answered.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17

What truth will He guide us in? It is the truth of His Word. It is this truth that sanctifies or sets us apart in a privileged place. It is this truth that gives us power and it is revealed only through His Spirit.

“By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.” 2 Corinthians 6:7

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13

“For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.” Colossians 1:5

 “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

God’s Word is truth and it is the Holy Spirit that guides us in this truth. Although we will learn to study our Bibles academically, our study will be empty if it is not done spiritually. A gentleman who minored in religion during college admitted after a few days of revival “I learned more in the last seventy-two hours than I did in my entire college career!” Why is that possible? Because academics without the Spirit of God are empty.

God’s Word must be spiritually discerned which requires the intervention of His Holy Spirit. It is not the power of your wit and intellect that you will comprehend the power of God’s Word. It is by the instruction of His Spirit. The Apostle Paul sums up all that we have discussed here perfectly.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-14

What Jesus did for the disciples in this post resurrection appearance, He will do for us through His Spirit.

“ And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.” Luke 24:44=45

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Bible Study Tip #9 – Unselfishly

Posted: July 27, 2011 in Bible Study Tips, Devotional, Events
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Unselfishly

The best way to keep what you got is to give it away!

Why do some people seem to have a greater knowledge of God’s Word than others? Why do they seem to have the Bible at their finger tips? Because they have a eagerness to share what God has given them! The more you share what God has taught you the more likely you are to retain and recall those truths.

“I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.” Psalm 119:46

Give it away as soon as you get it! What is God teaching you today? Share it with your husband or wife. Tell it to your best friend. Tell it to  your worst friend. Tell it to all your friends but tell it to somebody.

Truth is refreshing when taken in and remains fresh as you share it. However, truth that never moves grows stale and stagnant. Of course, truth is always truth but it makes less of a difference in your life when it lies dormant.

Don’t be selfish with the blessings of your Bible study. Many people will share a thought from their devotions on Facebook or Twitter. Some choose to have blogs such as this one and share more detailed thoughts.

Do you really want an experience? Teach a Sunday school class. Get involved in junior church or a Wednesday night children’s program.  VBS is an excellent opportunity, though it comes but once a year. Those who teach and preach God’s Word gain more than anyone from their time in God’s Word!

Do you remember when Jeremiah grew discouraged? He just got tired of the whole mess. No one was listening. No one even cared. He just decided that he would be selfish and keep God’s Word to himself. He wouldn’t share it anymore. Mum was the word. But the more he tried to bottle it up the more he just couldn’t keep it in. The more he tried to just shut up the harder it was to keep from shouting it out! God’s Word in him was like a volcano ready to errupt.

“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” Jeremiah 20:9

What about family Bible time? Teach your children what God is teaching you. Give them a chance to share with you what God is teaching them. Help them begin this practice early on.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Perhaps you will recall the maniac whose life was changed by Jesus. When all was said and done he wanted to join the twelve and travel with Jesus. But the Lord had other plans for him.

“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” Mark 5:19

The Lord has the same desire for you. Don’t just take it in and take it in and take it in without ever giving it out! Tell others what God has done for you in your daily Bible study!

Truth makes an impression on you when you take it in and it makes an impact when you give it away.

Read your Bible UNSELFISHLY.

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