I know this is the 4th (I think) post I've made this week, and I promise not to make it a regular habit (filling up your inbox, that is), but I found a great pamphlet addressing the issue of retirement that I would recommend to all of you. Considering that it was part of our discussion this past week, I though you might be interested. The pamphlet is entitled "Rethinking Retirement" and will take about 20 minutes for you to read all the way through (it's well worth your time - I'm not anywhere near retirement, and I benefited from it). You can read it here.
-Joel-
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Follow Up
Here's a devotional by Ray Stedman regarding our study text this past week, and also some thoughts about some of the things we discussed:
This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:24b-26a)
The true message of this book is that enjoyment is a gift of God. There is nothing in possessions, in material goods, in money; there is nothing in people themselves that can enable them to keep enjoying the things they do. But it is possible to have enjoyment all your life if you take it from the hand of God. It is given to those who please God.
Wisdom and knowledge have been mentioned before as things you can get from "under the sun," but they will not continue. To have added to them the ingredient of pleasure, of continual delight unceasing throughout the whole of life, you must take it from the hand of God. The person who pleases God is given the gift of joy.
It is wonderful to realize that this book teaches us that God wants us to have joy. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said, "[He] richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17). It is God's desire and intent that all the good things of life that are mentioned here should contribute to people's enjoyment; but only, says this Searcher, if you understand that enjoyment does not come from things or people. It is an added gift of God, and only those who please God can find it.
How do you please God? In many places in Scripture we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God. It is faith that pleases Him, belief that He is there and that everything in life comes from His hand. Underscore in your minds the word all. Pain, sorrow, bereavement, disappointment, as well as gladness, happiness, and joy—all these things are gifts of God. When we see life in those terms, any and every element of life can have its measure of joy—even sorrow, pain, and grief. These things were given to us to enjoy.
This is also the message of Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It is also the message of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Father, all things come from Your hands. I thank You that You sent Your Son that I might have Your joy within me.
This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:24b-26a)
The true message of this book is that enjoyment is a gift of God. There is nothing in possessions, in material goods, in money; there is nothing in people themselves that can enable them to keep enjoying the things they do. But it is possible to have enjoyment all your life if you take it from the hand of God. It is given to those who please God.
Wisdom and knowledge have been mentioned before as things you can get from "under the sun," but they will not continue. To have added to them the ingredient of pleasure, of continual delight unceasing throughout the whole of life, you must take it from the hand of God. The person who pleases God is given the gift of joy.
It is wonderful to realize that this book teaches us that God wants us to have joy. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said, "[He] richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17). It is God's desire and intent that all the good things of life that are mentioned here should contribute to people's enjoyment; but only, says this Searcher, if you understand that enjoyment does not come from things or people. It is an added gift of God, and only those who please God can find it.
How do you please God? In many places in Scripture we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God. It is faith that pleases Him, belief that He is there and that everything in life comes from His hand. Underscore in your minds the word all. Pain, sorrow, bereavement, disappointment, as well as gladness, happiness, and joy—all these things are gifts of God. When we see life in those terms, any and every element of life can have its measure of joy—even sorrow, pain, and grief. These things were given to us to enjoy.
This is also the message of Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It is also the message of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Father, all things come from Your hands. I thank You that You sent Your Son that I might have Your joy within me.
Work: A Narcotic
A friend told me that he feels closest to God when he's the busiest. He explained that when demands are the greatest, he finds himself most reliant on the Lord's strength. He pointed out, however, that unless he takes time for daily worship, his work can quickly become an escape.
Many people engage in activity for activity's sake and use busyness as a device to avoid facing reality. Just as alcohol can deaden the senses to personal relationships, family obligations, and community responsibilities, so also constant work can be a narcotic. It dulls our sensitivity to the deeper issues of life.
About 3,000 years ago, the author of Ecclesiastes discovered this. He sought satisfaction by busying himself with building houses and planting vineyards. But then as he thought about the work he had done, he realized it was full of emptiness (Eccl 2:10-11).
We can make the same mistake, even in the name of the Lord. Could this be the reason some of us try to keep the church running by our own efforts but forget that fulfillment comes only from hearts full of God? Are we laboring without those vital times of worship and reflection? If so, it's time now to worship before we get caught again in the trap of working merely for work's sake.
—Mart De Haan-
Lord, teach me how to work each day,
That every deed I do
May not be driven by false pride
But render service true.
Never take on more work than you have time to pray over.
Many people engage in activity for activity's sake and use busyness as a device to avoid facing reality. Just as alcohol can deaden the senses to personal relationships, family obligations, and community responsibilities, so also constant work can be a narcotic. It dulls our sensitivity to the deeper issues of life.
About 3,000 years ago, the author of Ecclesiastes discovered this. He sought satisfaction by busying himself with building houses and planting vineyards. But then as he thought about the work he had done, he realized it was full of emptiness (Eccl 2:10-11).
We can make the same mistake, even in the name of the Lord. Could this be the reason some of us try to keep the church running by our own efforts but forget that fulfillment comes only from hearts full of God? Are we laboring without those vital times of worship and reflection? If so, it's time now to worship before we get caught again in the trap of working merely for work's sake.
—Mart De Haan-
Lord, teach me how to work each day,
That every deed I do
May not be driven by false pride
But render service true.
Never take on more work than you have time to pray over.
True Satisfaction
A man stopped at a travel agency and said he wanted to go on a cruise. "Where to?" he was asked. "I don't know," was his reply. So the travel agent suggested that he take a look at a large globe that was in the room. He studied it for some time, then with a look of frustration he exclaimed, "Is this all you have to offer?"
The world in which we live has many things that appeal to us. Apart from what is sinful, we can and should enjoy its pleasures. A delicious meal graced with the good fellowship of friends warms our hearts. The beauties of nature inspire and fill us with wonder. Good music refreshes our souls. And work itself can be fulfilling.
Even in a sin-cursed world we can find great enjoyment. And yet these pursuits do not bring full and lasting satisfaction. In fact, people who live only for self-gratification, no matter how lofty their achievements, will always long for more. It makes no difference how deeply they drink from the wells of this world's pleasures, their thirst is still not satisfied. They must agree with Solomon that "all is vanity and grasping for the wind" (Ecclesiastes 2:17).
Only by living for Jesus Christ do we experience true satisfaction.
-Richard De Haan-
The world is filled with so much good
That brings us joy and pleasure,
But true fulfillment only comes
When Christ we love and treasure.
-Charles Spurgeon-
Putting Christ first brings satisfaction that lasts.
The world in which we live has many things that appeal to us. Apart from what is sinful, we can and should enjoy its pleasures. A delicious meal graced with the good fellowship of friends warms our hearts. The beauties of nature inspire and fill us with wonder. Good music refreshes our souls. And work itself can be fulfilling.
Even in a sin-cursed world we can find great enjoyment. And yet these pursuits do not bring full and lasting satisfaction. In fact, people who live only for self-gratification, no matter how lofty their achievements, will always long for more. It makes no difference how deeply they drink from the wells of this world's pleasures, their thirst is still not satisfied. They must agree with Solomon that "all is vanity and grasping for the wind" (Ecclesiastes 2:17).
Only by living for Jesus Christ do we experience true satisfaction.
-Richard De Haan-
The world is filled with so much good
That brings us joy and pleasure,
But true fulfillment only comes
When Christ we love and treasure.
-Charles Spurgeon-
Putting Christ first brings satisfaction that lasts.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christian Hedonism
In the selected text for this week, Solomon tells us about all of his efforts to find meaning in life: success, materialism, financial gain, and worldly pleasure. In a sense, this whole philosophy boils down to what we know as hedonism: the idea that the whole purpose of life is to pursue pleasure and gratification through physical means. Solomon's conclusion, however, is that hedonism is nothing but vanity and provides no real, wise, or lasting satisfaction. Instead, Solomon hints that real satisfaction will come for those who seek to please God.
John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis has essentially made this idea - finding satisfaction in pleasing God - the driving theme behind his theology and preaching. He calls this way of looking at life "Christian Hedonism." Take a look at his explanation of Christian Hedonism in light of what you studied this week in Ecclesiastes:
What is Christian Hedonism?
A "Christian Hedonist" sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it? If the term makes you squirm, we understand. But don't throw this paper away just yet. We're not heretics (really!). Nor have we invented another prosperity-obsessed theology by twisting the Bible to sanctify our greed or lust. We are simply stating an ancient, orthodox, Biblical truth in a fresh way.
"All men seek happiness," says Blaise Pascal. "This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves." We believe Pascal is right. And, with Pascal, we believe God purposefully designed us to pursue happiness.
Does seeking your own happiness sound self-centered? Aren't Christians supposed to seek God, not their own pleasure? To answer this question we need to understand a crucial truth about pleasure-seeking (hedonism): we value most what we delight in most. Pleasure is not God's competitor, idols are. Pleasure is simply a gauge that measures how valuable someone or something is to us. Pleasure is the measure of our treasure.
We know this intuitively. If a friend says to you, "I really enjoy being with you," you wouldn't accuse him of being self-centered. Why? Because your friend's delight in you is the evidence that you have great value in his heart. In fact, you'd be dishonored if he didn't experience any pleasure in your friendship. The same is true of God. If God is the source of our greatest delight then God is our most precious treasure; which makes us radically God-centered and not self-centered. And if we treasure God most, we glorify Him most.
Does the Bible teach this? Yes. Nowhere in the Bible does God condemn people for longing to be happy. People are condemned for forsaking God and seeking their happiness elsewhere (Jeremiah 2:13). This is the essence of sin. The Bible actually commands us to delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4). Jesus teaches us to love God more than money because our heart is where our treasure is (Matt. 6:21). Paul wants us to believe that gaining Christ is worth the loss of everything else (Phil 3:8) and the author of Hebrews exhorts us to endure suffering, like Jesus, for the joy set before us (Heb. 12: 1-2). Examine the Scriptures and you'll see this over and over again.
Christian Hedonism is not a contradiction after all. It is desiring the vast, ocean-deep pleasures of God more than the mud-puddle pleasures of wealth, power or lust. We're Christian Hedonists because we believe Psalm 16:11, "You show me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy, in Your right hand are pleasures for evermore."
Join us in this pursuit of satisfaction in God, because God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.
So what do you think? Based on what you've read so far about how Solomon has pursued satisfaction in life, and what Piper says about pursuing satisfaction, what's the difference? Also, how does "Christian Hedonsim" play out practically in life? Is it possible to view every aspect of our life as an avenue by which we can please God? If it is indeed possible, and we can take pleasure in pleasing God through everything we do, then you should begin to understand why Solomon says that everything NOT done with this divine perspective is "vanity," and a "chasing after the wind," because the only things in life that provide lasting pleasure and satisfaction are those things that please God. Think about this in regards to your marriage, your family, your job, your school, your church, your thought life, your speech, your desires, your aspirations, etc. Are they set on pleasing God? Can / do you find joy in such things?
If the idea of Christian Hedonism intrigues you, you can read more about it here.
John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis has essentially made this idea - finding satisfaction in pleasing God - the driving theme behind his theology and preaching. He calls this way of looking at life "Christian Hedonism." Take a look at his explanation of Christian Hedonism in light of what you studied this week in Ecclesiastes:
What is Christian Hedonism?
A "Christian Hedonist" sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it? If the term makes you squirm, we understand. But don't throw this paper away just yet. We're not heretics (really!). Nor have we invented another prosperity-obsessed theology by twisting the Bible to sanctify our greed or lust. We are simply stating an ancient, orthodox, Biblical truth in a fresh way.
"All men seek happiness," says Blaise Pascal. "This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves." We believe Pascal is right. And, with Pascal, we believe God purposefully designed us to pursue happiness.
Does seeking your own happiness sound self-centered? Aren't Christians supposed to seek God, not their own pleasure? To answer this question we need to understand a crucial truth about pleasure-seeking (hedonism): we value most what we delight in most. Pleasure is not God's competitor, idols are. Pleasure is simply a gauge that measures how valuable someone or something is to us. Pleasure is the measure of our treasure.
We know this intuitively. If a friend says to you, "I really enjoy being with you," you wouldn't accuse him of being self-centered. Why? Because your friend's delight in you is the evidence that you have great value in his heart. In fact, you'd be dishonored if he didn't experience any pleasure in your friendship. The same is true of God. If God is the source of our greatest delight then God is our most precious treasure; which makes us radically God-centered and not self-centered. And if we treasure God most, we glorify Him most.
Does the Bible teach this? Yes. Nowhere in the Bible does God condemn people for longing to be happy. People are condemned for forsaking God and seeking their happiness elsewhere (Jeremiah 2:13). This is the essence of sin. The Bible actually commands us to delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4). Jesus teaches us to love God more than money because our heart is where our treasure is (Matt. 6:21). Paul wants us to believe that gaining Christ is worth the loss of everything else (Phil 3:8) and the author of Hebrews exhorts us to endure suffering, like Jesus, for the joy set before us (Heb. 12: 1-2). Examine the Scriptures and you'll see this over and over again.
Christian Hedonism is not a contradiction after all. It is desiring the vast, ocean-deep pleasures of God more than the mud-puddle pleasures of wealth, power or lust. We're Christian Hedonists because we believe Psalm 16:11, "You show me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy, in Your right hand are pleasures for evermore."
Join us in this pursuit of satisfaction in God, because God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.
So what do you think? Based on what you've read so far about how Solomon has pursued satisfaction in life, and what Piper says about pursuing satisfaction, what's the difference? Also, how does "Christian Hedonsim" play out practically in life? Is it possible to view every aspect of our life as an avenue by which we can please God? If it is indeed possible, and we can take pleasure in pleasing God through everything we do, then you should begin to understand why Solomon says that everything NOT done with this divine perspective is "vanity," and a "chasing after the wind," because the only things in life that provide lasting pleasure and satisfaction are those things that please God. Think about this in regards to your marriage, your family, your job, your school, your church, your thought life, your speech, your desires, your aspirations, etc. Are they set on pleasing God? Can / do you find joy in such things?
If the idea of Christian Hedonism intrigues you, you can read more about it here.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Seeing Through A Biblical Worldview
Here's an article by Ray Baumann from the Christian Worldview Network that talks about the differences between looking at life through man's wisdom, and looking at it through God's wisdom (his word). He makes an interesting comparison to looking through corrective lenses for the first time. Consider what he says in light of what you studied / are studying this week: the differences between man's wisdom and God's wisdom, man's perspective on life and God's perspective on life etc, and how Solomon was speaking from "natural man's" persepctive Check it out.
I was about 14 years old when my parents took me to the optometrist to have my eyes checked. They’d noticed that I was straining to see things. Personally, I was in no hurry to get glasses and figured I could see well enough. Plus, it was all about maintaining my cool factor in Junior High. It was not surprising when the optometrist told us that I could not see very well. To them, it was very strange that all of a sudden I couldn’t see. It was no shock to me because every time I would have my sight checked at school, I squinted just enough to read the lines on the chart.
For years I could not see clearly. The only thing I could read on the letter chart without squinting was the big E. I wasn’t sitting in the front of the classroom to be the teacher’s pet; it was because I couldn’t see the chalk board! I was very active in sports and other activities and never thought anything about not being able to see clearly because I thought my vision was good enough. As a result, I was missing a lot of life’s details. The doctor didn’t know how I was functioning without contacts or glasses. Not knowing what clear vision was, I didn’t know any better.
The day my prescription came in I could not believe what I had been missing. I could see the leaves on the trees, the stars in the sky, and reading things from a distance made me feel like a superhero. Looking in the mirror was not a fun sight because now I could see every imperfection on my teenage face. Being able to recognize someone before they were two feet in front on me was very helpful. It was like someone flipped on a high definition switch. Everything was crystal clear and I kept wondering, “Why didn’t I get contacts sooner?”
Why didn’t I tell the school nurse or my parents that I needed corrective lenses? I had no comparison of good eye sight to bad eye sight and had no idea that it would make a difference. The same thing would happen to me 15 years later with my worldview.
Having someone tell you that your worldview is out of whack is an offensive message. It’s like telling someone that they’re a glutton or an alcoholic; no one wants to hear it. I thought a person’s worldview consisted only of their opinions. I believed I was allowed to have an opinion and that my worldview was good enough. Every person has their opinion or worldview shaped by something good or bad. How I viewed politics, education, government, biblical principles of money, education, on becoming a Christian family, social and national relationships, and resolving conflicts, were all based on my opinion.
After taking a worldview test and shrugging off that my worldview was in serious need, I wanted to hide behind the misquoted scriptures of Matt. 7:1-5. By my results, I was very politically correct and biblically incorrect. I had two choices--either examine my worldview a little closer and align it with scripture, or find someone that agreed with what I believed in and hang out with them. The latter was my normal response when I received counsel that I didn’t agree with. I had to do some serious thinking and studying. The scripture I used was always in my own context, not God’s. It now had to be my road map and nothing else--not tradition, evangelists, authors, family, or friends. I’d discovered that there was no way to have a God-honoring worldview unless I used the scripture as the authority in my life, even if it was not the most popular. I had to properly interrupt scripture and apply it to my own life. My opinions and beliefs are worthless without scripture backing them up. My worldview had been based on my own experiences and my preferences and not the Bible. Whatever works took authority over what the Bible said. I had no idea of my blindness and I was surrounded by many that viewed the world the same way.
My worldview had to be crushed and rebuilt, one truth at and time. A lot of rethinking went on regarding my ministry and family, salvation, and who God is. No one enjoys the corrective beating that God and His Word dish out when it is read as the measuring stick of life. I didn’t know what sacrifice meant or picking up my cross daily, even though I believed I was doing both of those. By looking at the world and myself through a biblical worldview, I saw everything in a new light. The spoiled rotten churchgoer had now become the prodigal son returning to the truth with great reverence and humility, truly embarrassed of the past. When I looked in the mirror I could see that undeserving wretch the song talked about. I could see the log in my own eye that I had never noticed before. I was no longer the main character of a movie about me, but a mere extra in God’s divine documentary. Today is not the end of shaping my worldview--it’s just the beginning.
For it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Ephesians 5:14-17
I was about 14 years old when my parents took me to the optometrist to have my eyes checked. They’d noticed that I was straining to see things. Personally, I was in no hurry to get glasses and figured I could see well enough. Plus, it was all about maintaining my cool factor in Junior High. It was not surprising when the optometrist told us that I could not see very well. To them, it was very strange that all of a sudden I couldn’t see. It was no shock to me because every time I would have my sight checked at school, I squinted just enough to read the lines on the chart.
For years I could not see clearly. The only thing I could read on the letter chart without squinting was the big E. I wasn’t sitting in the front of the classroom to be the teacher’s pet; it was because I couldn’t see the chalk board! I was very active in sports and other activities and never thought anything about not being able to see clearly because I thought my vision was good enough. As a result, I was missing a lot of life’s details. The doctor didn’t know how I was functioning without contacts or glasses. Not knowing what clear vision was, I didn’t know any better.
The day my prescription came in I could not believe what I had been missing. I could see the leaves on the trees, the stars in the sky, and reading things from a distance made me feel like a superhero. Looking in the mirror was not a fun sight because now I could see every imperfection on my teenage face. Being able to recognize someone before they were two feet in front on me was very helpful. It was like someone flipped on a high definition switch. Everything was crystal clear and I kept wondering, “Why didn’t I get contacts sooner?”
Why didn’t I tell the school nurse or my parents that I needed corrective lenses? I had no comparison of good eye sight to bad eye sight and had no idea that it would make a difference. The same thing would happen to me 15 years later with my worldview.
Having someone tell you that your worldview is out of whack is an offensive message. It’s like telling someone that they’re a glutton or an alcoholic; no one wants to hear it. I thought a person’s worldview consisted only of their opinions. I believed I was allowed to have an opinion and that my worldview was good enough. Every person has their opinion or worldview shaped by something good or bad. How I viewed politics, education, government, biblical principles of money, education, on becoming a Christian family, social and national relationships, and resolving conflicts, were all based on my opinion.
After taking a worldview test and shrugging off that my worldview was in serious need, I wanted to hide behind the misquoted scriptures of Matt. 7:1-5. By my results, I was very politically correct and biblically incorrect. I had two choices--either examine my worldview a little closer and align it with scripture, or find someone that agreed with what I believed in and hang out with them. The latter was my normal response when I received counsel that I didn’t agree with. I had to do some serious thinking and studying. The scripture I used was always in my own context, not God’s. It now had to be my road map and nothing else--not tradition, evangelists, authors, family, or friends. I’d discovered that there was no way to have a God-honoring worldview unless I used the scripture as the authority in my life, even if it was not the most popular. I had to properly interrupt scripture and apply it to my own life. My opinions and beliefs are worthless without scripture backing them up. My worldview had been based on my own experiences and my preferences and not the Bible. Whatever works took authority over what the Bible said. I had no idea of my blindness and I was surrounded by many that viewed the world the same way.
My worldview had to be crushed and rebuilt, one truth at and time. A lot of rethinking went on regarding my ministry and family, salvation, and who God is. No one enjoys the corrective beating that God and His Word dish out when it is read as the measuring stick of life. I didn’t know what sacrifice meant or picking up my cross daily, even though I believed I was doing both of those. By looking at the world and myself through a biblical worldview, I saw everything in a new light. The spoiled rotten churchgoer had now become the prodigal son returning to the truth with great reverence and humility, truly embarrassed of the past. When I looked in the mirror I could see that undeserving wretch the song talked about. I could see the log in my own eye that I had never noticed before. I was no longer the main character of a movie about me, but a mere extra in God’s divine documentary. Today is not the end of shaping my worldview--it’s just the beginning.
For it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Ephesians 5:14-17
Reminder
This is just a reminder and a little encouragement to get into your study guide (if you haven't done so already) and begin working on lesson 1a. Be thinking about what you studied. I'm already getting excited to talk about this on Wednesday night. Be sure to bring your observations and thoughts. See you then.
-Joel-
-Joel-
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
How To Study The Bible
As we begin our study in the book of Ecclesiastes, it may be beneficial for a brief refresher (or maybe a primer!) on how to study the Bible effectively. I would recommend the following resources to you:
1) This website gives very thorough (and long) explanations and instructions for the three steps of inductive Bible study: observation, interpretation, and application. While you may not read each section in its entirety, there is much material here that can help you study your Bible effectively.
2) This article, by John MacArthur. In it, MacArthur gives suggestions about Bible reading plans, how to interpret scripture, common mistakes in studying the Bible and how to avoid them, and some basic steps to follow for effective Bible study.
3) If you really want to get down to business and learn the art and science of hermenuetics (ineterpreting the scriptures), check out the book, "Grasping God's Word." This was my textbook for my hermeneutics class in college. It's very well written and very easy to follow and understand.
The important thing about any Bible study you do is that you approach God's word knowing that it can and will speak to you, and that you keep your heart, mind, and spiritual ears open to hear what God has to say.
God bless you in your study.
-Joel-
1) This website gives very thorough (and long) explanations and instructions for the three steps of inductive Bible study: observation, interpretation, and application. While you may not read each section in its entirety, there is much material here that can help you study your Bible effectively.
2) This article, by John MacArthur. In it, MacArthur gives suggestions about Bible reading plans, how to interpret scripture, common mistakes in studying the Bible and how to avoid them, and some basic steps to follow for effective Bible study.
3) If you really want to get down to business and learn the art and science of hermenuetics (ineterpreting the scriptures), check out the book, "Grasping God's Word." This was my textbook for my hermeneutics class in college. It's very well written and very easy to follow and understand.
The important thing about any Bible study you do is that you approach God's word knowing that it can and will speak to you, and that you keep your heart, mind, and spiritual ears open to hear what God has to say.
God bless you in your study.
-Joel-
New Study: Ecclesiastes
Our Wise Guys men’s ministry is moving! For the past couple of years, the Wise Guys men’s ministry at Riverview has been meeting once a month for Bible study and prayer. The Bible study and prayer will continue, however we’ll now be meeting on a weekly basis. Beginning December 3rd the Wise Guys will be meeting on Wednesday nights at 6:00 PM in Pastor Wick’s office.
We’ll begin our weekly meetings with a study of the book of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes looks at questions such as “What is the meaning of life?” and “Where can man find happiness?” and gives us answers to these questions that come directly from God. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon leads us on a journey “under the sun” (life from man’s perspective) as we examine the life goals of human wisdom, pleasure, and career success. What do we discover? Man’s whole purpose for living. So guys, join us for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship on Wednesday nights starting in December.
We’ll begin our weekly meetings with a study of the book of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes looks at questions such as “What is the meaning of life?” and “Where can man find happiness?” and gives us answers to these questions that come directly from God. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon leads us on a journey “under the sun” (life from man’s perspective) as we examine the life goals of human wisdom, pleasure, and career success. What do we discover? Man’s whole purpose for living. So guys, join us for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship on Wednesday nights starting in December.
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