HELL IS FOREVER!

All who enter hell — abandon all hope!

The horror of hell — for even one second is unbearable — but FOREVER!

Jesus says in Matthew 25:41: ". . . Depart from me, ye cursed, into EVERLASTING fire, . . ."

Rev. 14:11: "The smoke of their TORMENT ascendeth up for EVER AND EVER: and they have NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT."

What could possibly be worth eternity in hell? No wonder Jesus Christ warned so much about hell! No wonder Jesus said in Mark 8:36, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and LOSE HIS OWN SOUL?"

Jesus Christ took hell very serious. . .
Jesus Christ says in Mark 9:43-47,

43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Jesus Christ took hell so seriously — He could say without the slightest hesitation — to remove your eye, cut off your hand or foot, if that would keep you out of hell!

If hell is not real — Jesus Christ was the most deceived man that ever lived!

I’ll challenge anyone to read the words of Jesus Christ and tell me they are the words of a deceived man!

Jesus Christ knew exactly what He was talking about!

How did Jesus describe hell?
Jesus Christ spoke more on hell than any other subject..
Just look at how Jesus described hell:

WHAT JESUS CHRIST SAYS ABOUT HELL! "fire" Matt 7:19, 13:40, 25:41 "everlasting fire" Matt 18:8, 25:41 "eternal damnation" Mark 3:29 "hell fire" Matt 5:22, 18:9, Mark 9:47 "damnation" Matt 23:14, Mark 12:40, Luke 20:47 "damnation of hell" Matt 23:33 "resurrection of damnation" John 5:29 "furnace of fire" Matt 13:42, 50 "the fire that never shall be quenched" Mark 9:43, 45 "the fire is not quenched" Mark 9:44, 46, 48 "Where their worm dieth not" Mark 9:44, 46, 48 "wailing and gnashing of teeth" Matt 13:42, 50 "weeping and gnashing of teeth" Matt
8:12, 22:13, 25:30 "torments" Luke 16:23 "tormented in this flame" Luke 16:24 "place of torment" Luke 16:28 "outer darkness" Matt 8:12, 22:13 "everlasting punishment" Matt 25:46
WHAT IF JESUS IS RIGHT?
Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this THE JUDGEMENT:"

it is appointed unto man once to die . . . and one day — YOU will die . . .
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments . . .
As you leave your body — you realize something is happening. You hear a sound. . . getting louder and louder. . . screaming .. . .weeping. . . wailing. Terror and fear beyond anything you could imagine overtakes you. "This can’t be happening!" you scream. Your nostrils are filling with the awful stench of burning souls. Your face ignites from the heat. Flames are now blazing from your eyes, nostrils, ears, mouth — every opening in your body, flames are roaring out. Your body is sizzling and crackling from the flames.

Your body is now madly thrashing and convulsing from the horrible pain. "Why don’t I die?", you scream. You begin weeping and gnashing your teeth with the millions. "When will this pain stop?" But know this: it will never stop. . .

The darkness is so terrifying, it begins engulfing you.. You feel something moving in the darkness. . . something horrible is happening. "No! No! This can’t be happening" you scream — as your worm is emerging.

You begin cursing the day you were born. You scream — "Oh God, why didn’t you warn me?"— but you remember the preacher pleading with you to receive Jesus Christ. You remember reading that gospel tract. You cry — "God don’t you care?" — but you remember John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,. . ." "God is a God of love — He won't allow this", you cry — but you remember John 3:36, ". . . he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

And you soon realize, that Jesus Christ was right!
There is a place called hell.

AND YOU ARE THERE — FOREVER!

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But God is a God of LOVE. . . Why would a GOD OF LOVE send me to hell? Yes, God is a GOD OF LOVE — but God is also a HOLY GOD. A HOLY GOD demands payment for sin. Otherwise God would NOT and could NOT be HOLY.

Because God is holy — sin MUST be condemned. Joshua 24:19 says, ". . he is an HOLY GOD;. . . he will NOT forgive your transgressions nor your sins."

BUT FRIEND I HAVE GOOD NEWS!
God does NOT want you in hell
Hell was not made for man. Matthew 25:41 says, hell was, ". . . prepared for the devil and his angels:"

Because God is a GOD OF LOVE, and He LOVED YOU so much, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth to die a cruel death on a cross to pay the price a HOLY GOD demands for your sins.

Romans 5:8 says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

God does not send someone to hell. You choose hell when you reject Jesus Christ. When you refuse God's love gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ. . .

YOU CHOOSE HELL!
Millionaire Ted Turner, said in an interview, "I’m looking forward to dying and being cast into Hell. That's where I belong." You say — he’s a fool! But friend, when you say "No"; to Jesus Christ and His payment for your sin — you are saying the same thing! You’re telling God — I don’t need Jesus Christ — I’ll pay for my sins in hell! You WILL pay..an un-ending eternal payment!!!

If you reject God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ
ONE DAY YOU WILL BE IN HELL!
Dr. Rawlings has watched as thousands of people depart into eternity. Most people think they'll somehow "sneak" into heaven, but Dr. Rawlings claims most people descend into the flames of hell!
Jesus Christ gave a solemn warning in Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. . . MANY will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
If it was for a few days, a few months, a few years or even a million years, but to be tormented — FOREVER! You will despair of ever expecting any deliverance! You will beg for death itself to come and take you away! You will curse the day you were born! Revelation 14:11 says, "The smoke of their TORMENT ascendeth up for EVER AND EVER: and they have NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT."

What could possibly be worth eternity in hell?
No wonder Jesus Christ said in Mark 8:36: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"Mark 8:36: God has something far better than words can describe for those who love Him. I Corinthians 2:9 says:
". . . Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."I Corinthians 2:9 Friend, there is a place called hell! And, if you continually refuse God's gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ — just as sure as you live and breathe — ONE DAY YOU WILL WAKE UP IN HELL!

Don't wait until you die to find out the truth about Hell! Tomorrow may be too late! Proverbs 27:1 says, "Boast not thyself of tomorrow: for thou KNOWEST NOT what a day may bring forth."

Three people die every second, 180 every minute, since you started reading this — 2000 more people have gone into eternity! An automobile accident. . . A heart attack. . , A stroke. . .One thing is CERTAIN — you will DIE — today. . . tomorrow . . . a week. . . a month . . . a year. . . 5 years. . . 10 years. .. . 20 years. . . 50 years — ONE THING IS CERTAIN —" . . .it is appointed unto man once TO DIE . . ."

DON'T BE CAUGHT DEAD WITHOUT JESUS!
You may have made some terrible mistakes in your life. There may be some things in your life you would give anything to be able to change. But friend, I assure you — if you die without Jesus Christ — it'll be the worst mistake you could possibly make!

Has there ever come a time and a place in your life, when you received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?

If not, you are on the way to hell!
Don't let anyone convince you that when you die it will be all over, and you will cease to exist and know nothing! The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this THE JUDGMENT." Hebrews 9:27Revelation 20:15 says: "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the LAKE OF FIRE." Revelation 20:15 If you've never received Jesus Christ as your Savior, bow your head this minute and ask the Lord Jesus Christ to save you. Don't put it off another second!

NOTHING'S WORTH TAKING THE CHANCE!

It's simple to be saved ...

Admit in humility that you are a sinner.

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" Romans 3:10

"... for there is no difference. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

Realize you CAN NOT save yourself. "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; ..." Isaiah 64:6

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, ..." Titus 3:5

Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins. "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, ..." 1 Peter 2:24

"... Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," Revelation 1:5

Simply by faith receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" John 1:12

" ...Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."" Acts 16:30,31

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

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cclose1944e

A Pure heart, and how do we get one ?

Good question, think for a minute.

A PURE HEART, IS A HEART THAT HAS NO IMPURITIES,

NO NOT ONE ! PURE IS PURE ! A PURE HEART, IS A

HEART FULL OF THE ABUDANCE, THOUGHTS, AND

DESIRES OF EVERY PURE WORD OF GOD, FOR EVERY

WORD OF GOD IS PURE ! THY WORD O LORD, HAVE I

HID IN MY HEART, THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST

THEE ! AMEN !

A good place to start is to look around.

What do you see that you know brings you

closer to God ?

Your car, house, boat, garden, your position in

the office, your pc, your pets ? No ! ! !

But your relationship with these and all else

does. I think you see what I'm getting at here.

If you had none of the things that invade your

space and make you 'think' about going

to fellowship, rather than just going without

thinking it, do you believe your heart would be

renewed as you sit, stand, sing or Praise the

Name Of Christ ?

Would you begin to see a Pure Heart grow

within you ? My bet is a strong "Yes."

Think about this.....

You are late for work, the freeway is moving

ok, not great, but ok. You have your thing

together, and you are feeling good about

today. 'Listening to Praise and Worship,' or

Hosanna music in the car........suddenly someone

pulls right in front of you and cuts you

off. Do you become enraged? Do you spit a few

words off that you wouldn't use in public, and

then calm down and start singing with the

radio again? Do you begin to ask for

forgiveness, do you feel weird going back to

singing Praise after poison just came from your

mouth, or maybe ran through your thoughts ?

A right heart ? I don't think so.

Maybe that person on the freeway just lost a

mother to cancer, and is leaving the hospital

in tears and just barely is keeping it together.

How would you act in the same situation ?

Would you follow your heart? Is your heart

right enough to feel for that person? Maybe

they lost a child, or found out their husband

or wife is cheating and has just filed for

divorce after 2o years of marriage. Maybe they

were just reunited with a sister or brother

after 30 years and are so happy they can't

contain their joy.

No matter what, driving in this condition is not

safe, but a kind heart can make it safer, and

easier to forgive and understand.

Take a look around this week......

Begin to let God change your heart......let Him

show you how to let your children and wife

into that changing heart. How to look at the

person in the pew next to you as a valuable

friend, someone you have never hugged or

shaken hands with till now.

Help someone put groceries in the car at the

Supermarket. With God in your heart, no one

will fear you.

Purify the gifts that God has given you,

strengthen the talents that He has shown and

taught you to use.

I tell you these things from experience. I do

these things, and I am elated when I hear a

'Thank you so much,' or I see a smile that out

shines the noon sun. It is such a pleasure to

help others, and to know that God has given

me the heart that lets me push the flesh aside

and help a brother or a sister whom I have

never met, but still I also have a long walk

down this path, but what a joy to be on this

path

Seek and desire a pure heart. Seek and desire a

heart that does not care to be a part of that

which is of the flesh, unless the drive to

become pure requires that knowledge. A heart

that continually seeks the spiritual well

being and needs of others, and strives to help

meet those needs and minister to that well

being.

Think of this.....if every saved and spirit filled

heart on earth were combined as one, it would

still not attain the Pure Heart Christ had for

33 years of life, but He gave us the right to

obtain that purity. Grab it, let it be yours.

Seek God and His Son, for there are no other

riches worthy of ours or God's time beside His

Son and His compassion.

Then we become like Jesus, and we are the ones

who preach the Word-God's Son, Whom God sent

unto His children, even as Jesus, the Son of man

was. Acts 10:36 & 37.

Seek a Pure Heart.

FOR BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART,

fOR THEY SHALL SEE gOD ( MATTHEW 5; 8 ) !

(JOHN 1; 1) AND THE WORD IS GOD !

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART ( IN DESIRE )

THEY WHO DESIRE TO KNOW AND OBEY THE WORD OF GOD,

FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD WHO IS THE WORD, FOR THEIR

UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORD ( OF GOD ) SHALL BE

OPENED ( LUKE 24; 45 ) ! AND THE WORD, IS THE LIFE

THAT IS THE LIGHT WITHIN EVERY MAN ( JOHN 1; 1, 4, 9 ),

THE INWARD MAN OR CHRIST WITHIN, WITHIN US ALL !

THE PURE IN HEART SHALL SEE THE INWARD MAN FROM

ABOVE, WHO IS THE LIFE THAT IS THE LIGHT IN THEM, AND

ASLO FIND AND SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD ( OF THE WORD,

OF THE INWARD MAN ) THAT IS ALSO WITHIN THEM

( LUKE 17; 21 ) THAT WE ARE TO SEEK FIRST ABOVE AND

BEFORE ALL THINGS, KNOWING THAT HE WHO SEEKS,

WILL FIND ! AMEN AND AMEN !

No God ? No Peace !

Know God ! Know Peace !

i_amgodschild

Cross Roads

Cross Roads:You have arrived at a very important juncture. You and I
have traveled a long roads journey which often times been put in
place and a form of "Denial" when this has been so wide and so deep
that we couldn't face it own truths deep with in self. We have to
take a very long deep pentrating truths to open up that kind of door
and be looking within one self at that very moment in time. When we
see that truth whats in front of ones own heart at that very moment
to accept as it stands at the door of our heart and step into it
right away. If we don't our own life will continue to slip away
further into that deep dark hole and going on down to where we can't
even see No light of God it just fades away till it's right there
staring at us once again then what it does is to see where we self
will do at that moment once again. If self will surrender to it and
come unto Jesus Christ and be totally honest with "Self" and go
through it by confessing and sharing with Him of our own wrong
doings as being humbled enough to allow to make those very strong
needed changes that often time are huge in us for we ourselves will
be able to make admends to those whom have hurt us and have caused
harm to someone else and that means to self as well. WOW! What a
journey we have taken which at times seemed to be very impossible
for us to take nor could we have grown without this taking place
with in our own heart. Don't let it decieve us at any time ! If you
think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall
into the same sin. (1Cor.10:12 N.L.T) We then reserve a daily time
with God for self -examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order
to know God and His will for My life and to be gaining His power to
be absolutely follow His will in our lives today. And by doing that
we would be right and on the right paths in ones life or otherwise
we would never have made it without Jesus Christ much less having
His own power to carry us through in reaching more aggressively in
Him than without Him. When we first of had come unto Jesus Christ
and have had made it thus far only because we HAVE given "Self" to
Jesus Christ in ones life.And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I
plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and
holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he
has done for you, is this too much to ask? (Rom.12:1N.L.T). This is
a "Decision that each of us has made unto Him at that very moment.
Because without it we would be in full throttle of ones own sanity!
So we know right then that his verse is standing at that very moment
of which we want to do inside of self and which way will determine
our lives. Here is a verse that would guide us all. For God is
working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to
do what pleases him.(Phi.2:13 N.L.T) RIGHT THEN WE find self at
a "Crossroad" ! Which one will self take is a question that we must
ask self at those very moments in time. I would think that a person
would want to fordge ahead and looking back of which we had and then
sense those things that had taken us down forasmuch to be wanting to
move ahead in ones own life and not repeat those things of what we
know to be very true about self. Think about all of those actions we
had done and go beyond it slowly as we may want to move on ahead of
what we've had been doing in those things in us being in control of
what we will No longer do as we move forward in Jesus Christ. This
is the fractions that cripples us in trying to accomplish certain
things in him.We know that "Ignorance, power, pride had become a
very deadly mixture to one self, it totally creats a false pride
that runs rampant in self and we fall within those destruction the
scriptures shares this vital information as we will see Pride ends
in humiliation, while humility brings honor. (Prov.29:23N.L.T.)
Pride, Only If's, Escape, Resentment, Loneliness, Emptyness,
Selfishness, Serparation is what we have seen if we look at it with
an honest heart. We worry about all or certain things that just
don't do any good whatsoever. Or we worry about issues that never
happens ! All this is unto us is "Fears" when we do them then we are
not ever trusting Jesus Christ at all! When that happens then begin
to repeat this:"God, grant me the serenityto accept the things I
cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,and the wisdom to know the
difference.
Living one day at a time,enjoying one moment at a time;accepting
hardship as a pathway to peace;taking, as Jesus did, this sinful
world as it is;not as I would have it;trusting that You will make
all things righti f I surrender to your will;so that I may be
reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever
in the next" AMEN.- Reinhold Niebuhr -For God has expressed this
scripture unto us about being "Anxious" "So don't worry about
tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble
is enough for today.(Matt.6:34 N.L.T.) We know to only follow Him
just on a daily basis by living one day at a time! Because He will
take care of us all. By us as God's children we don't have to hide
from our hurts, hang-ups, or getting back with very unhealthy people
in those kinds of relationship, by abusing self in drugs, alcohol,
or abusive people at all. By those ways of escapng it really totally
drains our very lives and it's never a true escape plan or route for
us to follow at all. God's only light is this: "For the light is
capable of showing up everything for what it really is. It is
possible for the light to turn the thing it shines upon into light
also"(Eph.5:13,14 -Phillips). We don't want to repeat this in us or
it will contiue to grow and fester in us and that's not Jesus Christ
way that He (Himself) wants for us at all!Being at a place in our
very own lives which don't ever gives anyone permision to stop and
be resting on all of those past issues in our lives and those past
accomplishments either. We ought to be praising Him in worship for
many victories that has been won in our battles in ones true
devotions. And continue in a brand new way of living. First of just
as a great reminder to self is : 1. The What( Continue to look at
self) 2. Where we wrong? 3. The what again ( Promptly admit) all of
those things. TAKE that very necessary steps do daily inventory
self, Evaluate ( good & bad), Need to admit them all (promptly).
Another thing is this: 1. What did I do today? 2. In what areas di I
just blow it today? 3. Did I do or say anything that hurt anyone
today? 4. Do I owe anyone amends? 5. What did I learn from my
actions today? When I do this on a daily basis I then reflect on my
day to see if I harmed someone, acted or reacted out in fear or
selfishness, or have went out of my way to show someone some
kindness. It's being "Balanced" in someones way in living those ways
that God has for us all to follow daily. Then we will know that what
we had done is those right things of living in God. "WARNING" If we
don't and are not careful, we can slowly slip back to those ole'
dark habits, hurts, hang-ups, and that very grinding dysfunctional
issues in our life. We need to be doing this on a daily basis,
regular, on-going inventories of self. This is called: "Evalute"
Often times we just don't want to do it at all, but when we do it
then we find self to admit and make mistakes. ' Would you rather be
right or well" If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling
ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our
sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us
from every wrong.If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God
a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.
(1John1:8-10 N.L.T.) For God just has said that we all have sinned
in that verse but the great thing is that He's already
have "Forgiven" us of them. If we don't then what we have done is
this" called" him a liar. For he has washed them all away in the
first place that had been cleansed away and out of us in our lives.
This is when that light bulb moment has come to light inside of
self. Once we see it then we have now come to a [Choice] and then we
just cannot ignore it ! For a time I had been just like that I was
at that very same "Crossroads" Either I followed Jesus Christ in my
life or for Me to completely turn and head straight back in that
ugly life of what I didn't want No More. I had to make that choice
of what I wanted for me or for Me to simply turn it back to where I
had come from which really wasn't a life of what I had just heard of
Jesus Christ and all of those promises that can only be attained by
him in me. I didn't want to miss my own mark in my own life at all
nor did I want to be continue in that awful ways of life that I can
see right then laying in front of me at that very moment. I handn't
known what steps to take in growing in the Lord at all but I had
been desperate enough to continue on in him. Jesus Christ shares
with me in this verse" This is how I want You to conduct yourself in
these matters. If You enter your place of worship and, about to make
an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against
You, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and
make things right. Then, and only then, come back and work things
out with God". I had then to keep track of all of my good behaviors
and bad ones in my own journal. So I could see all of those good and
bad behaviors in being an overcomer and then being very "Thankful"
for it and seeing progress in my day so that I wouldn't be
constantly making admends to my fellow human beings. That was the
greatest news to me and I do this in my life in the Lord Jesus
Christ from time to time today. It's not so much an overbearing
thing as it once was to me as it was when I had first started. I say
to Jesus Christ.... Thank You ever so much! My own life is very
valuable to me and to other human beings of which I'm around in my
daily life which down right makes it easier to attain through Jesus
Christ which is living inside of me today and a worth living that's
the best it has ever been. It's been a freedom deep inside of me!
Close1in1956






ACCOUNTABILITY: God will judge our work: (2 Ch.19:5-10). Sin has Consequences (Ezek.18:20). God will hold us accountable for our sins (Ezek.18:30). We are accountable for every word we speak (Matt.12:36). Confronting others with their sins should be done in private (Matt.18:15). We should hold each other accountable (Lk.17:3). We are accountable for what we believe (Jhn.3:18). God holds Christians accountable (Ro.14:11,12). God will reward Christians for their good deeds ( 1 Cor.3:8). God will examine our actions (2 Cor.5:10). The Bible: Jesus Christ is the Highest Authority (Matt.28:18). The Bible is our Authority (2 Tim. 3:16). Attitudes: Bad Attitudes hurts our relationship with God (Gen.4:6,7). Bad Attitudes leads to poor decisions (Num.14:1-4). Always Trust God for Your Life (Prov.29:25). Choose A Postive Attitude ( Hab.3:17-19). God will Reward the Meek (Matt.5:5). God gives Christians a New Attitude ( Phil.1:20-25). We should imitate Jesus Christ'Attitude (Phil.2:5). Christians should Always Rejoice (Phil.4:4). Never be anxious (Phil.4:6,7). The Blood: Jesus Christ's Blood seals God's Relationship with His people (Matt.26:28). Jesus Christ's Blood allows us to have access to God (Ro.5:8,9). Christians are Redeemed by Jesus Christ' Blood (Eph.1:5-7). The Blood is Required for forgivness (Heb.9:22).

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

Lesson Four: How to Interpret the Bible
The study of the 'rules' of Bible interpretation is called hermeneutics. Hermeneutics is the science of Bible interpretation. This strange theological term comes from the Greek word hermeneuo which means TO INTERPRET OR EXPLAIN. The reason for studying the Bible is to properly interpret what God is saying to us.
Two other technical terms are important here. Bible scholars often refer to the 'exegesis' of Scripture, which means allowing the truth to come out of the text without the filter of our own ideas. The word "exegesis" is also derived from a Greek word, which means "explanation " or "to lead OUT of." This means we approach to the Scriptures to learn what they say and mean, not to prove our own point.
The opposite term is "eisogesis" which is from a Greek word meaning "to read INTO". This is probably the most common (and dangerous) error of casual Bible students. It is even the error of many well-known television evangelists. This means that a person approaches the Scripture with a pre-conceived idea and uses the Scripture to prove their point, even if the Scriptures have to be "bent" to make them fit.
What we mean by Bible interpretation is the correct meaning of the passage as it was intended by the original author. In other words, we must allow the Bible to speak for itself. While this sounds simple, we must realize that we all have some pre-conceived ideas and that we must work carefully to see that we arrive at the Truth instead of seeking to prove that we are right. We must seek to understand what the original author had in mind--in his context of life and history.
The eighteenth century scholar J. A. Ernesti set the stage for what we call today "rules of Bible interpretation." For Ernesti, a correct understanding of the Bible mean discovering (1) the use of words, (2) the historical circumstances controlling their usage, and (3) the intention of the author strictly governed by his own words. (See Toward an Exegetical Theology, by Walter C. Kaiser.)
Rules of Bible interpretation:
(1) We must interpret the Bible in the light of its LANGUAGE AND HISTORY.
Language, or 'literary setting,' means that language has different meanings in different social, historical, and cultural settings. We must know what Bible words meant to the writers of the Bible. Understanding something of the meaning of the original languages is necessary for correct Bible interpretation, although you should also know that no new or novel doctrines are hidden in the Greek and Hebrew.
Second, "historical setting" means the time and place when a passage of the Bible was written.
This first rule brings up the need for Bible dictionaries and commentaries. They are helpful in obtaining background material as to the culture, setting and the history of the passage in question.
Some examples of how to apply this rule.
(a) Read carefully 2 Corinthians 12:2. What is the third heaven? The Mormons build a whole doctrine of levels of eternal reward based on this verse. But if you just understood something of ancient astronomy, you would know that the first heaven was the sky and clouds, the second heaven was the realm of the heavenly bodies (sun, moon, stars), and the "third" heaven, beyond the sun, moon and stars, was the realm of God. The third heaven is paradise, which Paul indicates in verse 4.
(b) Mark 1:1-21. Why did the disciples so quickly and readily leave everything and follow Jesus? Because they were so committed to him? No. Israel was under the iron yoke of Roman domination and occupation and everyone was expecting the Messiah who would liberate Palestine and rule the world. The disciples probably followed Jesus for very selfish reasons. Even later they were arguing over who was going to be the greatest in the kingdom, and who would sit at the right hand of the throne of the Messiah!
(2) We must interpret Scripture by Scripture
In other words, the whole Bible must speak for itself. We cannot build doctrines on isolated portions of Scriptures. It’s easy to quote individual Bible verses to prove your point. It is a much greater challenge to see how individual verses fit into the whole picture.
Examples:
(a) Does Acts 2:38 teach that baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sins? Yes, by itself. But many other passages about water baptism in the Bible make it clear that baptism is necessary for discipleship and Christian growth, but it is not necessary to get into heaven.
(b) Does James 2:24 teach that works are necessary for salvation? Yes, by itself. But James 2:24 must be understood in the larger context of New Testament grace.
(3) Individual verses of the Bible must be understood in the context of OTHER VERSES IN THAT PASSAGE.
Two examples which will probably ruffle your feathers are;
(a) Matthew 24:40-41 says, "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left." Does this sound like the rapture? It has been used that way for years. But look again at the verses ahead of these famous words. See verses 36 - 39, especially 39. In 39, who is taken away, the righteous or the unrighteous? And who is left? Read carefully. The rules of language apply to Scripture and dare not be bent or ignored. Just because it does not fit with what we want it to say, we must take it for what it does say.
(b) Romans 10:17 is not about building your faith by hearing the word, even though it is used by many preachers to "prove" just that. This verse is about salvation. In other words, faith in Christ unto salvation comes by hearing the Word. Just look at the context!
(An old proverb used in Bible School - "Text, without context, is pretext.")
(4) Each passage of scripture has one INTERPRETATION, many APPLICATIONS.
Interpretation is WHAT THE BIBLE MEANS. The "literal" meaning of each passage of the Bible understood on the basis of the rule of interpretation, must be our starting point for applying the Bible to our daily lives.
Application is WHAT THE BIBLE MEANS TO ME. One of the great Bible scholars of this century, F. F Bruce, wrote, "The place of the Bible in the life of the church has constantly added to it a wealth of fresh and practical meaning which the interpreter cannot ignore."
(5) We cannot build major Doctrines on isolated or unclear verses of the Bible.
Passages of Scripture in which a doctrine is merely touched on must be interpreted by those passages where a doctrine is expressly taught. An example is 1Corinthians 11:6. Another example is the idea that the gifts of the Spirit "died out" with the Apostles. There is no Bible verse in the New Testament that teaches this very popular idea, even though some preach it as a fact.
(6) In most cases, like the rest of the Bible, parables have ONE BASIC MEANING.
A more contemporary example is Aesop's fable of the fox and the grapes. You know the story. Is the lesson, or the moral of the story, that foxes actually eat grapes? No. That's just part of the story to illustrate a single moral principle. If you focus on whether or not foxes actually eat grapes you miss the whole point of the story.
Just so with the parables in the Bible. The parable of the ten virgins is a Biblical example. The parable is full of unique symbolism: the number ten, virgins, lamps, oil. But the whole point of the story is that we should "watch" or "be spiritual alert." Whatever else all the symbols mean is not clear, and to start building doctrines on this parable (like a doctrine of a partial rapture) is theological thin ice.
(7) Two guard rails along the highway of correct Bible interpretation: THE HOLY SPIRIT and THE CHRlSTIAN COMMUNITY.
We have the Holy Spirit to guide us, but this does not mean we don't need other Christians, especially well equipped and informed Bible teachers. And we have the established, historical teachings of the Church, but this does not mean we don't need the Holy Spirit!
Lesson One Lesson Two Lesson Three Lesson Five Lesson Six Lesson

Names Of God

The great purpose of man, especially the believer in Christ, is to glorify God. “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Essential to our ability to glorify God is the knowledge of God and knowing Him personally in view of that knowledge.

The word “glory” in the Greek New Testament is doxa which means an opinion, an estimation, or reputation in which one is held. It refers to that which should accrue to God as praise, thanksgiving, obedience, reverence, and service because of who God is and what God does (past, present, and future). In other words, giving glory to God is tied in with the knowledge of God (revelation of God), and knowing God personally (response to God).

The Lord Jesus said in John 17:3, “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” The many names in Scripture constitute additional revelation of God’s character, His works, and His relationship to us based on His character and works. The names which God chose for Himself and which are ascribed to Him in the Word of God are additional revelations of the who and what of God that we may know and relate to God.

Note David’s declarations about God’s name and word in Psalm 138:1-2. God’s name declares much about His person, but it is God’s Word that reveals God and His name.

We know what God is like, not only by His perfections and works, but also by His names. They tell us many things about God’s care and concern for his own. This is one of the fascinating studies of Scripture. The various circumstances which bring forth each of the names of God are important.¹

The Significance of
the Names of God in Scripture

In our twentieth century Western culture, personal names are little more than labels to distinguish one person from another. Sometimes nicknames are chosen which tell something about a person, but even this is a poor reflection of the significance of names in the Bible.

Unfortunately, to many the names God or Lord convey little more than designations of a supreme being. It says little to them about God’s character, His ways, and what God means to each of us as human beings. But in Scripture, the names of God are like miniature portraits and promises. In Scripture, a person’s name identified them and stood for something specific. This is especially true of God. Naming carried special significance. It was a sign of authority and power. This is evident in the fact that God revealed His names to His people rather than allowing them to choose their names for Him. This is also seen in the fact that God often changed the names of His people: Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel. Note also how this concept of authority and power is seen when Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of Daniel and his three friends.

The Name of God in General

There are a number of instances where no name of God is employed, but where simply the term “name” in reference to God is used as the point of focus:

(1) Abraham called on the name of the Lord (Gen. 12:8; 13:4).

(2) The Lord proclaimed His own name before Moses (Ex. 33:19; 34:5).

(3) Israel was warned against profaning the name of the Lord (Lev. 13:21; 22:2, 32).

(4) The name of the Lord was not to be taken in vain (Ex. 20:7; Deut. 5:11).

(5) The priests of Israel were to minister in the name of the Lord (Deut. 18:5; 21:5).

(6) The name of God is called “wonderful” in Judges 13:18.

(7) To call on the name of the Lord was to worship Him as God (Gen. 21:33; 26:25).

Consequently, from this we can conclude that such phrases as “the name of the LORD” or “the name of God” refer to God’s whole character. It was a summary statement embodying the entire person of God.²

When we turn to the New Testament we find the same. The name Jesus is used in a similar way to the name of God in the Old Testament:

(1) Salvation is through His name (John 1:12).

(2) Believers are to gather in His name (Matt. 18:20).

(3) Prayer is to be made in His name (John 14:13-14).

(4) The servant of the Lord who bears the name of Christ will be hated (Matt. 10:22).

(5) The book of Acts makes frequent mention of worship, service, and suffering in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:18; 5:28, 41; 10:43; 19:17).

(6) It is at the name of Jesus that every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).

So, just as the name of God in the Old Testament spoke of the holy character of God the Father, so the name of Jesus in the New Testament speaks of the holy character of God the Son.³

Overview of the
Names of God in Scripture

(1) Elohim: The plural form of EL, meaning “strong one.” It is used of false gods, but when used of the true God, it is a plural of majesty and intimates the trinity. It is especially used of God’s sovereignty, creative work, mighty work for Israel and in relation to His sovereignty (Isa. 54:5; Jer. 32:27; Gen. 1:1; Isa. 45:18; Deut. 5:23; 8:15; Ps. 68:7).

Compounds of El:

• El Shaddai: “God Almighty.” The derivation is uncertain. Some think it stresses God’s loving supply and comfort; others His power as the Almighty one standing on a mountain and who corrects and chastens (Gen. 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; Ex. 6:31; Ps. 91:1, 2).
• El Elyon: “The Most High God.” Stresses God’s strength, sovereignty, and supremacy (Gen. 14:19; Ps. 9:2; Dan. 7:18, 22, 25).
• El Olam: “The Everlasting God.” Emphasizes God’s unchangeableness and is connected with His inexhaustibleness (Gen. 16:13).

(2) Yahweh (YHWH): Comes from a verb which means “to exist, be.” This, plus its usage, shows that this name stresses God as the independent and self-existent God of revelation and redemption (Gen. 4:3; Ex. 6:3 (cf. 3:14); 3:12).

Compounds of Yahweh: Strictly speaking, these compounds are designations or titles which reveal additional facts about God’s character.

• Yahweh Jireh (Yireh): “The Lord will provide.” Stresses God’s provision for His people (Gen. 22:14).
• Yahweh Nissi: “The Lord is my Banner.” Stresses that God is our rallying point and our means of victory; the one who fights for His people (Ex. 17:15).
• Yahweh Shalom: “The Lord is Peace.” Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest (Jud. 6:24).
• Yahweh Sabbaoth: “The Lord of Hosts.” A military figure portraying the Lord as the commander of the armies of heaven (1 Sam. 1:3; 17:45).
• Yahweh Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.” Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes (Ex. 31:13).
• Yahweh Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture (Ps. 23:1).
• Yahweh Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.” Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness (Jer. 23:6).
• Yahweh Shammah: “The Lord is there.” Portrays the Lord’s personal presence in the millennial kingdom (Ezek. 48:35).
• Yahweh Elohim Israel: “The Lord, the God of Israel.” Identifies Yahweh as the God of Israel in contrast to the false gods of the nations (Jud. 5:3.; Isa. 17:6).

(3) Adonai: Like Elohim, this too is a plural of majesty. The singular form means “master, owner.” Stresses man’s relationship to God as his master, authority, and provider (Gen. 18:2; 40:1; 1 Sam. 1:15; Ex. 21:1-6; Josh. 5:14).

(4) Theos: Greek word translated “God.” Primary name for God used in the New Testament. Its use teaches: (1) He is the only true God (Matt. 23:9; Rom. 3:30); (2) He is unique (1 Tim. 1:17; John 17:3; Rev. 15:4; 16:27); (3) He is transcendent (Acts 17:24; Heb. 3:4; Rev. 10:6); (4) He is the Savior (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2:3; 4:10). This name is used of Christ as God in John 1:1, 18; 20:28; 1 John 5:20; Tit. 2:13; Rom. 9:5; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:1.

(5) Kurios: Greek word translated “Lord.” Stresses authority and supremacy. While it can mean sir (John 4:11), owner (Luke 19:33), master (Col. 3:22), or even refer to idols (1 Cor. 8:5) or husbands (1 Pet. 3:6), it is used mostly as the equivalent of Yahweh of the Old Testament. It too is used of Jesus Christ meaning (1) Rabbi or Sir (Matt. 8:6); (2) God or Deity (John 20:28; Acts 2:36; Rom. 10:9; Phil. 2:11).

(6) Despotes: Greek word translated “Master.” Carries the idea of ownership while kurios stressed supreme authority (Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; Rev. 6:10; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4).

(7) Father: A distinctive New Testament revelation is that through faith in Christ, God becomes our personal Father. Father is used of God in the Old Testament only 15 times while it is used of God 245 times in the New Testament. As a name of God, it stresses God’s loving care, provision, discipline, and the way we are to address God in prayer (Matt. 7:11; Jam. 1:17; Heb. 12:5-11; John 15:16; 16:23; Eph. 2:18; 3:15; 1 Thess. 3:11).

The great purpose of man, especially the believer in Christ, is to glorify God. “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Essential to our ability to glorify God is the knowledge of God and knowing Him personally in view of that knowledge.
The word “glory” in the Greek New Testament is doxa which means an opinion, an estimation, or reputation in which one is held. It refers to that which should accrue to God as praise, thanksgiving, obedience, reverence, and service because of who God is and what God does (past, present, and future). In other words, giving glory to God is tied in with the knowledge of God (revelation of God), and knowing God personally (response to God).
The Lord Jesus said in John 17:3, “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” The many names in Scripture constitute additional revelation of God’s character, His works, and His relationship to us based on His character and works. The names which God chose for Himself and which are ascribed to Him in the Word of God are additional revelations of the who and what of God that we may know and relate to God.
Note David’s declarations about God’s name and word in Psalm 138:1-2. God’s name declares much about His person, but it is God’s Word that reveals God and His name.
We know what God is like, not only by His perfections and works, but also by His names. They tell us many things about God’s care and concern for his own. This is one of the fascinating studies of Scripture. The various circumstances which bring forth each of the names of God are important.1
The Significance ofthe Names of God in Scripture
In our twentieth century Western culture, personal names are little more than labels to distinguish one person from another. Sometimes nicknames are chosen which tell something about a person, but even this is a poor reflection of the significance of names in the Bible.
Unfortunately, to many the names God or Lord convey little more than designations of a supreme being. It says little to them about God’s character, His ways, and what God means to each of us as human beings. But in Scripture, the names of God are like miniature portraits and promises. In Scripture, a person’s name identified them and stood for something specific. This is especially true of God. Naming carried special significance. It was a sign of authority and power. This is evident in the fact that God revealed His names to His people rather than allowing them to choose their names for Him. This is also seen in the fact that God often changed the names of His people: Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel. Note also how this concept of authority and power is seen when Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of Daniel and his three friends.
The Name of God in General
There are a number of instances where no name of God is employed, but where simply the term “name” in reference to God is used as the point of focus:
(1) Abraham called on the name of the Lord (Gen. 12:8; 13:4).
(2) The Lord proclaimed His own name before Moses (Ex. 33:19; 34:5).
(3) Israel was warned against profaning the name of the Lord (Lev. 13:21; 22:2, 32).
(4) The name of the Lord was not to be taken in vain (Ex. 20:7; Deut. 5:11).
(5) The priests of Israel were to minister in the name of the Lord (Deut. 18:5; 21:5).
(6) The name of God is called “wonderful” in Judges 13:18.
(7) To call on the name of the Lord was to worship Him as God (Gen. 21:33; 26:25).
Consequently, from this we can conclude that such phrases as “the name of the LORD” or “the name of God” refer to God’s whole character. It was a summary statement embodying the entire person of God.2
When we turn to the New Testament we find the same. The name Jesus is used in a similar way to the name of God in the Old Testament:
(1) Salvation is through His name (John 1:12).
(2) Believers are to gather in His name (Matt. 18:20).
(3) Prayer is to be made in His name (John 14:13-14).
(4) The servant of the Lord who bears the name of Christ will be hated (Matt. 10:22).
(5) The book of Acts makes frequent mention of worship, service, and suffering in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:18; 5:28, 41; 10:43; 19:17).
(6) It is at the name of Jesus that every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).
So, just as the name of God in the Old Testament spoke of the holy character of God the Father, so the name of Jesus in the New Testament speaks of the holy character of God the Son.3
Overview of theNames of God in Scripture
(1) Elohim: The plural form of EL, meaning “strong one.” It is used of false gods, but when used of the true God, it is a plural of majesty and intimates the trinity. It is especially used of God’s sovereignty, creative work, mighty work for Israel and in relation to His sovereignty (Isa. 54:5; Jer. 32:27; Gen. 1:1; Isa. 45:18; Deut. 5:23; 8:15; Ps. 68:7).
Compounds of El:
El Shaddai: “God Almighty.” The derivation is uncertain. Some think it stresses God’s loving supply and comfort; others His power as the Almighty one standing on a mountain and who corrects and chastens (Gen. 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; Ex. 6:31; Ps. 91:1, 2).
El Elyon: “The Most High God.” Stresses God’s strength, sovereignty, and supremacy (Gen. 14:19; Ps. 9:2; Dan. 7:18, 22, 25).
El Olam: “The Everlasting God.” Emphasizes God’s unchangeableness and is connected with His inexhaustibleness (Gen. 16:13).
(2) Yahweh (YHWH): Comes from a verb which means “to exist, be.” This, plus its usage, shows that this name stresses God as the independent and self-existent God of revelation and redemption (Gen. 4:3; Ex. 6:3 (cf. 3:14); 3:12).
Compounds of Yahweh: Strictly speaking, these compounds are designations or titles which reveal additional facts about God’s character.
Yahweh Jireh (Yireh): “The Lord will provide.” Stresses God’s provision for His people (Gen. 22:14).
Yahweh Nissi: “The Lord is my Banner.” Stresses that God is our rallying point and our means of victory; the one who fights for His people (Ex. 17:15).
Yahweh Shalom: “The Lord is Peace.” Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest (Jud. 6:24).
Yahweh Sabbaoth: “The Lord of Hosts.” A military figure portraying the Lord as the commander of the armies of heaven (1 Sam. 1:3; 17:45).
Yahweh Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.” Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes (Ex. 31:13).
Yahweh Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture (Ps. 23:1).
Yahweh Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.” Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness (Jer. 23:6).
Yahweh Shammah: “The Lord is there.” Portrays the Lord’s personal presence in the millennial kingdom (Ezek. 48:35).
Yahweh Elohim Israel: “The Lord, the God of Israel.” Identifies Yahweh as the God of Israel in contrast to the false gods of the nations (Jud. 5:3.; Isa. 17:6).
(3) Adonai: Like Elohim, this too is a plural of majesty. The singular form means “master, owner.” Stresses man’s relationship to God as his master, authority, and provider (Gen. 18:2; 40:1; 1 Sam. 1:15; Ex. 21:1-6; Josh. 5:14).
(4) Theos: Greek word translated “God.” Primary name for God used in the New Testament. Its use teaches: (1) He is the only true God (Matt. 23:9; Rom. 3:30); (2) He is unique (1 Tim. 1:17; John 17:3; Rev. 15:4; 16:27); (3) He is transcendent (Acts 17:24; Heb. 3:4; Rev. 10:6); (4) He is the Savior (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2:3; 4:10). This name is used of Christ as God in John 1:1, 18; 20:28; 1 John 5:20; Tit. 2:13; Rom. 9:5; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:1.
(5) Kurios: Greek word translated “Lord.” Stresses authority and supremacy. While it can mean sir (John 4:11), owner (Luke 19:33), master (Col. 3:22), or even refer to idols (1 Cor. 8:5) or husbands (1 Pet. 3:6), it is used mostly as the equivalent of Yahweh of the Old Testament. It too is used of Jesus Christ meaning (1) Rabbi or Sir (Matt. 8:6); (2) God or Deity (John 20:28; Acts 2:36; Rom. 10:9; Phil. 2:11).
(6) Despotes: Greek word translated “Master.” Carries the idea of ownership while kurios stressed supreme authority (Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; Rev. 6:10; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4).
(7) Father: A distinctive New Testament revelation is that through faith in Christ, God becomes our personal Father. Father is used of God in the Old Testament only 15 times while it is used of God 245 times in the New Testament. As a name of God, it stresses God’s loving care, provision, discipline, and the way we are to address God in prayer (Matt. 7:11; Jam. 1:17; Heb. 12:5-11; John 15:16; 16:23; Eph. 2:18; 3:15; 1 Thess. 3:11).

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

Lesson Three: New Testament Overview
The New Testament consists of 27 books. The word "Testament" means a "covenant, agreement, contract". "New" is used as in contrast to the "Old" Testament, or the way God related to men and women after the coming of Christ.
Perhaps the we could title the Bible God's Plan. The "Old" Testament would be Volume One: The Plan Begins. And the "New" Testament would be called Volume Two: The Plan Completed.
The Purpose of the New Testament: TO REVEAL THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST, as the fulfillment of Old Testament history, ceremony and prophecy.
The General Content of the New Testament (Open your Bibles to the 'Table of Contents" as we work through this material.) The New Testament is very similar in its structure to the Old Testament. Last week we learned the Old Testament has three major sections: history, poetry, and prophecy. The New Testament also has three major divisions:
a. HISTORY, including .the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and Acts.
b. TEACHING, or the Epistles (personal letters) of Paul, Peter, James and John
c. PROPHECY, the Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse of Saint John.
The Specific Content of the New Testament Books.
History: The Gospels
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are not biographies in the pure sense, although they are historical in every sense. Perhaps "portraits" is a better word than "biographies." In each of the Gospels, Jesus is painted in a different pose. Each Gospel writer saw Jesus from a different angle and wrote his Gospel for a unique purpose.
MATTHEW was the tax collector. He wrote his Gospel for the purpose of showing a Jewish audience how Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, More than in any other Gospel. Matthew uses the phrase, "This was to fulfill ..."
See Matt. 1:22.
MARK was the first Gospel account to be written, and it seems quite clear that Matthew and Luke borrowed material from Mark. Mark begins with the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river and contains no Christmas story. Some feel Mark was addressed more to the Roman mind. His use of "straightway" throughout the book, and his direct "get to the point" writing style may be a reflection of the Roman attitude.
LUKE was a physician and the only non-Jewish author in the Bible. He also wrote Acts. He was not one of the original apostles, but was a traveling companion of Paul. Luke's Gospel is the most detailed and carefully organized of the four gospels. See Luke 3:1. Luke also has the most extensive material on the birth and early childhood of Jesus.
JOHN is very different in its content and style from the other Gospels. It is the most theological, in that it is almost entirely teaching. You can see this stand out in a red letter edition of the Bible. In fact, of the 21 chapters in John, the last 10, almost half the book, are about the last week in Jesus life. Chapters 13, 14, 15, 16, arid 17 are composed of teaching that took place in the Upper Room the night before Jesus' crucifixion. A key phrase in John is "I am ..." The purpose of John is clearly stated in John 20:30-31: BELIEVE.
History: Acts
ACTS is Luke's record of the events that took place in the early church, Underlying the special events is a powerful explanation and defense of Christianity, to the Jews, the Greeks and the Romans. If you read the book carefully you can "see" where Luke joined Paul by change of the tense (from "they" to "we").
IMPORTANT NOTE: The pivotal event in each of the Gospels is the baptism of Jesus, when the Holy Spirit came on his life. The pivotal event of Acts is the Spirit baptism of the disciples. Acts is the story of God's people, receiving what Jesus received (the power of the Holy Spirit) in order to do what Jesus did.
The Epistles: Paul
ROMANS, written to the Christians in Rome, is the most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine in the Bible. Its themes are judgment and righteousness, Jew and Gentile, law and grace, free will and predestination.....or in one word, salvation,
1 CORINTHIANS, written to the Christians in the Greek city of Corinth, is about a myriad of seemingly unrelated issues--like law suits, communion, spiritual gifts, women in the church, matters of conscience, the resurrection. But the unifying theme is the community, or how Christians are to relate to one another in all kinds of settings and situations.
2 CORINTHIANS. It seems that there were some leaders in Corinth who were questioning Paul's authority, so much of 2 Corinthians is autobiographical, defending Paul's calling and right to apostolic authority.
GALATIANS was written to the Christians in the Roman province of Galatia, or modern-day Turkey. It is the declaration of the Christian's independence from the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament. The theme of Galatians is that salvation is by grace..Jesus plus nothing.
EPHESIANS, written to the Christians in the Greek city of Ephesus, is about the church - what it is and how God wants to use it. See Ephesians 3:10.
PHILIPPIANS, which Paul wrote from prison to the Christians in the Greek city of Philippi, is about the joy of our salvation.
COLOSSIANS, written to the Christians in the Greek city of Colosse, is about the magnificence of Christ.
PHILEMON is a short personal letter from Paul to a wealthy Christian by the name of Philemon. Paul had somehow met Philemon's runaway slave, and sent this letter back to Philemon, imploring him to receive back his former employee - as a brother in Christ.
1 & @ TIMOTHY and TITUS are personal, instructional letters from Paul to his young understudies.
The Epistles: Hebrews
HEBREWS is in a class by itself in that no one really knows who wrote it. Written to Jewish Christians, it is perhaps the most profound book of the New Testament. The letter presents a comparison between the Old Covenant of law and ceremony and the New, or "better" Covenant of grace in Christ.
The Epistles: James
JAMES is a short but powerful letter about the importance of how you live out your faith. It is a kind of New Testament book of proverbs.
The Epistles: Peter
1, 2 PETER, among other things, focus on how the Christian is supposed to respond in adversity. Keywords in the book are sanctification, suffering and obedience.
The Epistles: John
1,2,3 JOHN are three little letters by the "Apostle of Love" ...the same John who wrote the Gospel of John. The theme of the
The Epistles: Jude
JUDE is a fiery little letter about serving God with purity and integrity.
Prophecy
REVELATION is the most mysterious book in the Bible. It has been understood and misunderstood many ways! It's purpose, if it can be simply stated, is that Jesus and his kingdom will triumph, no matter how bleak life becomes. This was an incredibly important message at the time, because the church was going through one of the most fierce persecutions in its history.

The FAMILY is the oldest of three institutions ordained of God, the others are human government and the church. The family and the church are complementary institutions. The greatest home is one built around a church, and the greatest church is one made up of families. Satan realizes the most effective way to stifle the church is to attack the families. Consequently, we see tremendous perversion and disintegration of the family today. This section of the course consists of two parts, marriage and parenting. We begin with the foundation of the family institution, marriage.I) MARRIAGE
A) DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE
"The act of uniting a man and a woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children."
1) Commendable (Heb 13:4)
2) Companionship "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Gen 2:18) cf. (Mal 2:14)
3) Compatibility "I will make him an help MEET for him" (Gen 2:18)
4) Combination "Therefore shall A MAN…cleave unto his WIFE" (Gen 2:24)
a) It is to be heterosexual, not homosexual (one MAN + one WOMAN)
b) It is to be monogamist, not polygamist (ONE man + ONE woman)
c) One man + one woman = a marriage
5) Commitment "Therefore shall a man…CLEAVE unto his wife" (Gen 2:24)
The word cleave implies no future separation. One man + one woman + one LIFETIME = a marriage.
6) Communion "they shall be one flesh" (Gen 2:24)
a) Marriage is a SPIRITUAL union (Gen 2:22; Mark 10:9; 1 Cor 7:39)
b) Marriage is a CIVIL union
1. The espousal (engagement) (Matt 1:18-20,24)
The word of God considered, and the angel of the Lord called, Joseph and Mary husband and wife although they were only espoused to one another. The espousal was the only legal part of marriage in Jewish society, and could not be broken except by a bill of divorcement. In the espousal, all legal documents were signed and contracts completed, specifying the time between the espousal and the actual marriage.
2. The ceremony (Jud 14:15-16,20; 15:1,6)
The word of God considered Samson and a woman of Timnath husband and wife as they proceeded through the week-long wedding feast (ceremony) (Jud 14:10,12). Some argue that a ceremony is not necessary if two people love each other, but the Lord Jesus Christ attended a wedding ceremony in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-11). The ceremony is: (1) PRESCRIBED, in order to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 The 5:22); (2) PRACTICAL, in that it provides an opportunity for the two parties to publicly declare their love and commitment to each other; and (3) PROPHETICAL, in that it pictures the marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-8).
c) Marriage is a PHYSICAL union (Gen 2:24)
1. For propagation (Gen 1:28)
2. For prevention (1 Cor 7:2,9; Heb 13:4)
As previously stated in the dictionary definition, one of the purposes of marriage is to prevent promiscuous sexual relations. Sexual intercourse is one of the privileges and pleasures of the marital relationship. Sexual intercourse outside of marriage has serious consequences, including that the word of God considers a man who has committed fornication with a harlot to be married to her (1 Cor 6:15-16,18).
3. For pleasure (1 Cor 7:3; Heb 13:4)
B) DECISION OF MARRIAGE (Pre-Marital Considerations)
1) Receive wise counsel
There is a need for pre-marital counseling. Most marital counseling programs are secular and non-Biblical, and even most of those that are Biblical focus on existing marriages. But even if Biblical counseling is available, the individual(s) must be willing to receive it. There are two main sources of counseling for the Bible-believing Christian:
a) Godly parents
Godly parents have experience, wisdom, want what is best for their children, and see the "big picture".
b) A godly pastor
The pastor can be more objective than parents, understands the Bible better than anyone else, and is specially gifted and positioned by God to counsel on marriage (Amo 3:7; Heb 13:7,17).The Christian should not seek counsel from the world's marriage counselors, sociologists, psychologists, or psychiatrists. These individuals may be sincere in their desire and effort to help people, but they are not adequately equipped, nor are they divinely appointed, to address spiritual matters, and a Christian marriage is a SPIRITUAL matter.
2) Regard the PURPOSE for the marriage
a) The wrong reasons
1. To CONVERT the other person to Christ
Desiring to see the other person saved is commendable, but using marriage as a means of achieving that end is unwise and unscriptural (2 Cor 6:14). Seek to win them to Christ BEFORE marriage, or even dating.
2. To CONFORM the other person to a physical, social, or philosophical ideal
Many have made the mistake of assuming they could change the other person if they married them. Both parties need to be willing to marry the other person "as is", not "as they may be". Marriage should not be considered based on a person's POTENTIAL character but their PRESENT character.
3. To COMPLY with the expectations of others
a. Due to pregnancy (the Christian should NEVER be in this situation)
b. Due to promises (including engagement)
c. Due to perceptions
4. The COMELINESS of the other person (i.e.- physical attraction)
There should be a degree of physical attraction between the two parties, but beauty is vain and temporal (Pro 31:30) and should not be the sole or primary reason for marriage.
a. Time and gravity will eventually defeat the plastic surgeon and cosmetologist
b. Illness or injury can permanently disfigure or disable
5. The CLASS of the other person (i.e.- social status or wealth)
Marriage should be with a PERSON, not their POSSESSIONS. Riches and power are temporal (Pro 23:5; 27:24).
6. To CONFRONT feelings of desperation
a. Abstinence- some marry because they cannot control their sexual lusts any longer
b. Acceptance- some marry the first person that shows an interest in them because they do not believe any one else ever will show an interest in them
c. Age- some marry because they believe they are at an age where if they do not marry now they never will
b) The right reason
The right reason for marriage is because the two parties LOVE each other unconditionally and want to spend the rest of their lives together, including raising a family together. Love is not the same thing as lust. Two people can have "lust" at first sight, but not love. Love is the result of spiritual and physical compatibility between two people, and the reason the two people desire to commit themselves to each other for a lifetime.
3) Regard the PERSON for marriage
a) The wrong person
The information below applies to dating also since dating is the beginning of a relationship that eventually ends in marriage.
1. A non-Christian
a. It is against the COMMAND of God (1 Cor 7:39; 2 Cor 6:14)
b. There will be no spiritual COMPATIBILITY (2 Cor 6:15-16)
c. There will be no spiritual COMPANIONSHIP (Job 21:14; Psa 10:5; 2 Tim 3:4)
d. There will be spiritual COMPROMISE in order to appease the unsaved spouse
The saved usually embrace the gods of the lost in a "mixed marriage" (Num 25:1-3; 1 Kin 11:4).
e. There will be spiritual CONFUSION among the children (Neh 13:23-24; 1 Cor 14:33)
The Bible instructs us not to have fellowship with the following individuals; therefore, they are professing Christians. If this instruction applies to fellowship, it would certainly apply to marriage since it is the highest form of fellowship.
2. A person living in sin (Pro 24:1; Eph 5:11; 2 Tim 2:21)
3. A person with a bad temper (Pro 21:19; 22:24-25; 29:22)
4. A trouble-maker (Pro 6:19; Rom 16:17)
5. A heretic (Rom 16:17; Tit 3:10)
A heretic is, "one who holds or teaches doctrine contrary to scripture". Teaching doctrine contrary to the fundamentals of the Christian faith would certainly constitute heresy. Things become uncertain when non-fundamentals are considered. Marrying a person who does not believe in all the fundamentals of the Christian faith, especially doctrines related to the Lord Jesus Christ and salvation, is PROHIBITED. Marrying a person who is saved, believes in all the fundamentals of the faith, but belongs to a different denomination, is NOT PREFERRABLE. The Christian who does so anyway, will experience spiritual compromise and confusion in the family.
6. A fornicator (1 Cor 5:9,11)
Marrying a fornicator will result in a relationship based on mistrust, many long and lonely nights wondering if the other person is sleeping with somebody else, and constant fear of potential contraction of venereal disease or AIDS.
7. A covetous person (1 Cor 5:11; 1 Tim 6:5)
Marrying a covetous person will result in a relationship filled with financial problems, including unpaid bills and skyrocketing debt (Pro 21:20; Hag 1:6).
8. An idolator (1 Cor 5:11)
9. A railer (1 Cor 5:11)
The word railer is translated from the Greek word blasfhmos (transliterated blasphemy) (1 Tim 6:4; 2 Pet 2:11; Jude 9). The word means, "to jab; to molest; to revile; to scoff; to use insolent or reproachful language; to insult". Marrying a railer will result in a relationship where there is frequent cussing and verbal abuse.
10. A glutton or drunkard (includes alcohol and drugs) (Pro 23:20;1 Cor 5:11)
Marring a glutton, drunkard, or druggie, will result in a relationship headed for financial ruin due to the need to support the other person's "habit" (Pro 23:21). There will also be constant health and safety issues (Pro 4:17). The family could be in constant fear of their lives, not knowing which "person" will come home to them, or even if they will come home.
11. An extortioner (1 Cor 5:11)
The word extort means, "to gain by force, oppression, violence, or any illegal means". Marrying an extortioner, will result in a relationship where there is physical abuse and constant bouts with the law.
12. A lazy person (2 The 3:6,11,14)
a. There will be financial and food problems (Pro 20:4; 2 The 3:10)
b. There will be hygiene and housekeeping problems (Pro 24:30-31)
c. There will be disharmony (Pro 26:16)
WHAT ABOUT INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE BETWEEN CHRISTIANS?There are two things to consider regarding this highly sensitive subject: (1) the testimony of scripture, and (2) the testimony among men. The various races originated through Noah's sons after the Flood, and proliferated shortly thereafter. Since that time, God has determined boundaries for the various nations and races so that they would seek after him (Acts 17:26-27). The tower of Babel and the subsequent judgment (Gen 11:1-9) are indications of what will happen when man fails to recognize the boundaries and distinction God has made in the races. Interracial marriage not only violates the boundaries God has established, but more importantly, it will eventually result in a hybrid race that does not seek after God. The question is, does this racial distinction apply to Christians? If there is no clear New Testament testimony superseding this Old Testament distinction, then it is reasonable to conclude it applies to the Christian. But there are numerous New Testament scriptures indicating that all physical distinctions are done away with in Christ (Rom 10:12; 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11). Man may look on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart (1 Sam 16:7). In addition, contrary to popular opinion, there is no New Testament scripture prohibiting interracial marriage between two Christians. Many argue that the prohibition God placed on Israel regarding interracial marriage is a principle that ought to be followed by God's people today. But God did not prohibit the Israelites from marrying ALL Gentiles (Deu 21:10-13), just the Canaanites and other occupants of Canaan (Deu 7:1-4). The New Testament corollary is the prohibition of marrying an unbeliever (2 Cor 6:14-18). Therefore, the testimony of scripture is that interracial marriage between two Christians is NOT PROHIBITED. However, the Christian's testimony among men must also be considered. The Christian must keep in mind that his conduct has an effect on others, believers and unbelievers alike (Rom 14:7). Although something may be lawful, it may not be expedient or edifying (1 Cor 10:23). Just because the Christian has liberty to do something does not mean he ought to do it. Christians should not do anything that purposely offends another person (1 Cor 10:32) and gives place for them to think or speak evil of Christ. Most aspects of society and the church frown upon interracial marriage and consider it wrong. Consequently, if a Christian marries a person from another race, they will be viewed as doing something wrong, and that creates a poor testimony among men. Both the husband and wife, as well as any children, will have their fair share of "trouble in the flesh" (1 Cor 7:28). Therefore, the testimony among men, and the conclusion of the matter, is that interracial marriage between Christians is NOT PREFERRED.
b) The right person
The right person is GOD'S CHOICE (Gen 24:14), will be found in the right PLACE in the right WAY (Gen 24:27). For example, the right person can be found in church or church related functions, as opposed to bars or nightclubs. The right person may be introduced by a mutual spiritual friend, but is not waiting on the list of a dating service.
1. Reverse the characteristics of the wrong person (a Christian, a Christian serving the Lord, a person of self-control, sound in doctrine, similar beliefs, faithful, financially prudent, kind, honest, and industrious)
2. A person who has the right relationship with the Lord (see: PERSONAL DEVOTIONS)
3. A person who has the appropriate conduct of a brother or sister in Christ (see: FELLOWSHIP)
4. A person who has the appropriate conduct of a friend (see: FRIEND)
5. A person of virtue (Pro 31:10-31) NOTE
4) Regard the PERIOD of the marriage
a) The wrong time
It is possible to have the right person, but if the marriage takes place at the wrong time, it will probably end in divorce.
1. A time of spiritual, financial, or physical INSTABILITY (Luke 14:28-30; 1 Cor 7:26)
Cont: (Gen 24:35-41)
2. A time of UNCERTAINTY
a. Uncertain of the right purpose
b. Uncertain of the right person
c. Questions to help make decision
* Is the woman ready and willing to submit to the man as unto the Lord? (Eph 5:22)
* Is the man more spiritual than the woman? (Eph 5:23)
* Is the man ready and willing to be the head of the home? (Eph 5:23)
* Does the man love the woman sacrificially? (Eph 5:25)
* Is the man ready and willing to independently provide for the woman? (Eph 5:31)
* Does the woman revere the man? (Eph 5:33)
* Are the man and the woman best friends? (Song 5:16)
* Is there peace from the Lord? (Phl 4:6-7)
* Are the man and the woman willing to submit to the word of God as the final authority in their marriage? (2 Tim 3:16-17)
* Are the man and the woman willing to spend the rest of their life with each other? (Gen 2:24)
b) The right time
1. A time of spiritual, financial, and physical stability
2. A time of certainty
C) DUTIES OF MARRIAGE (Post-Marital Conduct)
1) The husband
a) To preside over his wife (Gen 3:16; 1 Tim 3:5)
The husband is responsible for being the spiritual and physical head of the family (1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:23). This does not mean he is a dictator, or that he makes all the decisions, it does mean he is responsible for the decisions that are made.
b) To provide for his wife (Gen 3:16; 1 Tim 3:5; 5:8)
The husband is responsible for taking care of his family, and ensuring all their needs are met, physically, financially, and spiritually.
c) To love his wife (Eph 5:25)
1. As Christ loved the church (i.e.- sacrificially) (Eph 5:25)
2. As their own bodies (i.e.- unselfishly) (Eph 5:28-29,33)
3. As a sister in the Lord (1 Pet 3:8)
d) To render due benevolence to his wife (1 Cor 7:3)
He should not treat her like a possession or object of personal pleasure.
e) To defraud not his wife (1 Cor 7:5)
He should not refuse to give her physical intimacy.
f) To give honor to his wife (1 Pet 3:7)
g) To be compassionate to his wife (1 Pet 3:8)
h) To show pity to his wife (1 Pet 3:8)
i) To be courteous to his wife (1 Pet 3:8)
j) To render blessing to his wife instead of evil for evil or railing for railing (1 Pet 3:9)
k) To treat his wife like a sister in Christ (see: FELLOWSHIP)
l) To treat his wife like a friend (see: FRIEND)
2) The wife
a) To submit/be in subjection to her husband as unto the Lord (Eph 5:22,24; Tit 2:5; 1 Pet 3:1)
This does not mean that the wife is a slave to the husband and is obligated to obey anything and everything he tells her. The submission is "as unto the Lord", and the Lord would never tell us to do anything sinful or harmful. If the husband tells the wife to do something unscriptural, unlawful, unethical, or harmful, she is not obligated to obey. The same principle of submission applies in our relationship with government or employer.

b) To reverence her husband (Eph 5:33)
The word reverence means, "to give honor and respect". The wife should never criticize her husband in the presence of others.
c) To bear children for her husband (1 Tim 5:14)
d) To guide and keep the house for her husband (1 Tim 5:14; Tit 2:5)
The wife is responsible for "housekeeping" and taking care of the children. This truth is offensive to many contemporary women, who have been poisoned by the philosophy of the N.O.W. Today, it is very difficult for a family to get by on just the income of the man. It requires tremendous self-discipline and sacrifice on the part of the entire family. However, the benefits are invaluable. Our society is beginning to reap the results of having someone other than the wife raise the children.
e) To love their husband (Tit 2:4) as a brother in Christ (1 Pet 3:8)
f) To render due benevolence to her husband (1 Cor 7:3)
She should not treat him like a possession or object of personal pleasure.
g) To defraud not her husband (1 Cor 7:5)
She should not refuse to give him physical intimacy.
h) To be modest in appearance for her husband (1 Tim 2:9-10; 1 Pet 3:3-4)
i) To be compassionate to her husband (1 Pet 3:8)
j) To show pity to her husband (1 Pet 3:8)
k) To be courteous to her husband (1 Pet 3:8)
l) To render blessing to her husband instead of evil for evil or railing for railing (1 Pet 3:9)
m) To treat her husband like a brother in Christ (see: FELLOWSHIP)
n) To treat her husband like a friend (see: FRIEND)
II) PARENTINGA billboard on the side of the road contained a picture of a mother and father, and their baby, with a subtitle that read, "Its too bad they don't come with an instruction manual". The truth is, they do, but it is not Dr. Spock's books. The instruction manual on raising children is THE BIBLE.
A) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS
Although the following responsibilities are applicable to both parents, the Bible places ultimate responsibility on the father as the head of the family (Eph 6:4; Col 3:21; 1 Tim 3:4,12).
1) To TREASURE their children (Psa 127:3)
The word heritage means, "an inheritance; objects of special care". Children are a gracious gift from God (Gen 33:5; 48:9; Ruth 4:12-13; 1 Sam 1:27; Heb 2:13), but come with tremendous responsibility. God has entrusted the parents as stewards of the wonderful heritage of children; therefore, parents should seek the Lord for guidance and assistance in being faithful stewards (1 Cor 4:2) of their children.
a) Cherish them (1 The 2:7)
b) Exhort, comfort, and charge them (1 The 2:11)
c) Love them (Tit 2:4)
2) To TRAIN their children (Pro 22:6)
a) The PROCEDURES of the training ("Train up a child…")
1. The METHOD
a. Instruction (Pro 13:1)
* By word
* By deed
b. Correction (Discipline) (Pro 3:11-12)
* Verbal (admonition and rebuke) (Eph 6:4; Heb 12:5)
The word admonish means, "to warn or notify of a fault; to reprove with mildness; to counsel against wrong practices; to caution or advise; the first step in discipline".The word rebuke means, "to chide; to reprimand; to reprehend for a fault; to criticize sharply; to check; an expression of strong disapproval" . A rebuke is much stronger than an admonishment or reproof. Following the Lord's example with his children, parents should almost always begin the disciplinary process with VERBAL correction.
* Physical (Eph 6:4)
The word nurture means, "to feed; to nourish; to train; to educate". The Greek word paideia that is translated as "nurture" (Eph 6:4) is also translated as "chastening" (Heb 12:7-8,11). The world calls child discipline of any physical form "child abuse". They insist "time outs", revoking of privileges (e.g.- no Internet, GameBoy, PlayStation, etc.) and grounding will sufficiently correct deviant behavior in a child. While these various forms of discipline can be effective, and certainly have their place in the disciplinary process, the Bible teaches that chastening with the "ROD of correction" (Pro 22:15) is necessary and right if it is done appropriately.
2. The MANNER
a. Child discipline must be done in the right PLACE
Parents should never strike their children on the back, chest, face, etc. The most common scenario is a parent striking a child on the mouth for lying or talking back. While this may be traditional in some families, it is inappropriate. The appropriate place is the buttocks. Apply the "board of education" to the "seat of learning".
b. Child discipline must be done for the right REASON
Parents should never discipline their children in anger or as a means of taking out their frustrations. If the parent feels they are on the verge of losing control of their emotions, they should send the child to their room until they regain control. A child is not going to learn from their parents if they are screaming at them. All discipline should be carried out because the parent LOVES their child (Pro 13:24), and wants the deviant behavior corrected. Parents who have disciplined their children know the old saying, "this is going to hurt me more than it is going to hurt you" is true. Parents should never apologize for disciplining their child, but should reassure them of their love and have a time of prayer with them, especially after the child has apologized.
c. Child discipline must be done in the right WAY
* Persistently
Parents should not avoid disciplining their children or sparing the rod, either partially because the child cries or accuses them of being mean and hateful (Pro 19:18), or completely (Pro 23:13) because they want to be their "friend". If the parent eases up on the discipline the moment the child begins to cry, the child will recognize this and will begin to cry (or fake it) almost before the first lick occurs.
* Consistently
Parents also need to be consistent in their form of discipline. One parent should not spank while the other does not, when the child does the same thing wrong. Parents should not spank their children for acting or speaking ignorantly. A good example of this is spanking a child for cussing when they are completely unaware they are doing so. Parents need to keep their word. If they have specified that a particular form of discipline is forthcoming to their child, it must be carried out.
d. Child discipline must be done at the right TIME
* Early
Parents need to begin disciplining their children as soon as it is apparent that the child KNOWS they are doing wrong (Pro 19:18). If parents wait until their children are at the end of, or no longer in, their formative years, to begin disciplining them, it could have counter-productive results.
* Expeditiously
Parents also need to carry out discipline in an expeditious manner. If the parent needs to wait a moment to "cool off", that is fine, but if the discipline is "put off", it will lose its desired effect and could breed anger and discouragement in the child when it is carried out. The Bible says, "he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes" (Pro 13:24). The word betimes means, "in good season or time; before it is too late; in a short time". Agag thought he would be spared any punishment because nothing happened to him within a reasonable amount of time; he was wrong (1 Sam 15:32-33).
3. The MODELS of poor discipline
a. Jacob (Gen 34:5; 35:22)
b. Eli (1 Sam 2:22-25,29)
c. David (2 Sam 13:21; 1 Kin 1:5-6)
4. The MODEL of good discipline- Solomon (1 Kin 2:36-46)
Solomon clearly communicated the "house rules" to Shimei and the consequences for breaking them (1 Kin 2:36-37). Shimei responded that he fully understood (1 Kin 2:38). Three years later, circumstances arose whereby Shimei inadvertently broke the "house rules" (1 Kin 2:39-40). When word came to Solomon of Shimei's disobedience (1 Kin 2:41), Solomon immediately confronted Shimei. Solomon reviewed their original conversation regarding the rules and the consequences for breaking them, and the fact Shimei expressed that he understood them all (1 Kin 2:42). He then gave Shimei the opportunity to explain why he broke the rule (1 Kin 2:43). Finally, Solomon kept his word and enforced the consequence of breaking the rule (1 Kin 2:46). The lesson to learn here is that children will learn to respect authority and laws if the parents give appropriate instruction and correction.
b) The PRINCIPLES of the training ("…in the way he should go")
1. Social training
a. To obey authority
b. To work (Lam 3:27)
c. To have good personal hygiene and physical habits (eating, sleeping)
d. To manage their time wisely (God, family, school, friends, pleasure)
e. To manage their money wisely (tithing, saving, spending)
f. To respect others' possessions
g. To share with others
h. Not to scream and fight
i. To be polite to others ("please", "thank you", "sir", "ma'am")
j. To forgive and ask for forgiveness
2. Spiritual training
Every man's motto for his family ought to be, "…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Jos 24:15). In order for this to become a reality, the word of God needs to be given a prominent and prevalent place in his heart and home (Deu 6:6-9).
a. Faithful walk with the Lord
Children will receive the spiritual training they need if the parents faithfully walk with the Lord before them. Parents should read the word of God and pray every day, they should be active witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ, and they should faithfully attend and serve in a local Bible-believing church. They should be prepared to answer their children's questions regarding spiritual things (Exo 12:26-27).
b. Family altar
The FAMILY ALTAR is a specific time each day that the family assembles together around the word of God and prayer. The responsibility for the family altar rests upon the father, as the spiritual head of the home (Eph 6:4; Col 3:21). But if he is unable to carry out the responsibility for any reason, then the responsibility rests upon the mother. Family altar time should consist of scripture reading and prayer, but could also include testimonies and singing. It is important to be consistent in maintaining family altar. The children will learn: (1) how to pray, (2) the word of God, (3) to make time for the Lord each day. In addition to
c) The PROMISE of the training ("…when he is old, he will not depart from it")
1. Salvation to the children (Pro 23:14)
Raising children "by the Book" does not guarantee your children will be right at any given time. But if parents stay by the Book, pray with and for their children, and remain faithful themselves in their relationship with the Lord, their children will be right in the end. God had two children, Adam and Eve, and he raised them in a perfect environment, in perfect fellowship with him and they still disobeyed. But by the grace of God things worked out in the end for them (the coats of skins) and for all those who trust Jesus Christ as Savior.
2. Wisdom to the children (Pro 29:15)
3. Rest and delight to the parents (Pro 29:17)
3) To TAKE CARE of their children (2 Cor 12:14; 1 Tim 3:4,12)
This is self-explanatory. Taking care of children includes providing them with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, medical attention, and even gifts (Matt 7:11).
B) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHILDREN
1) Honor their father and mother (Exo 20:12; Deu 5:16; Mal 1:6; Matt 19:19; Eph 6:2)
2) Obey their parents (Eph 6:1; Col 3:20)
catcmo2006 would like to Thank You for allow in this site,group sites, web sites and other prayer sites as well in holding one another up for prayer's being totally united in everyone around this world, it's about Jesus Christ first and prayers,intecessory prayer's and at other times about this vast world we live in today which this old world as we all know it is slowly departing to be reaching our home in glory.
God will hold us all accountable for our sins (Eze.18:30); We should hold each other accountable (Luke.17:3,4) ;We are Accoutable in what we believe(John. 3:17,18,19) ,God will examine our actions (2Cor.5:10); Armor for physical battles (1Sam. 17:38); Weapons cannot stop God's power ( Eze. 38:4); Spiritual armor prepares us for life (Ro.13:12);Righteou sness is a spiritual weapon (2Cor.6:7);God' s weapons conquerors Satan's strongholds (2Cor.10:4); Put on the Armor (Eph.6:11-18) Jesus Is the Highest Authority (Matt.28:18) ;Choose a postive attitude (Hab.3:17-19) Bad attitudes hurts our relationship with God (Gen.4:6,7); Bad attitudes leads to poor decisions (Num.14:1-4) ;God gives christian a new attitude (Hab.3:17-19) More Than Conquerors (Ro.8:37)Christians should always rejoice (Phil.4:4)__._,_.___