| How to Study and Understand the Bible (Part 1) (Copyright 01-12-2025) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri) |
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| The word disciple is often used of the followers of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. “Disciple” in English versions of the New Testament is translated from the Greek mathētḗs, which means a learner, student. “A ‘disciple’ was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher” (Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). Jesus commanded “Learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). The Greek word from which “Learn” is translated in this verse is in the imperative mood, the mood of command. Jesus Christ is our teacher (Matthew 10:24-25), we are commanded to learn from him, to be his students, and adherents, learning and following his teachings. Where are his teachings found? They are found in the Bible, the Word of God. Jesus himself is the living Word of God (John 1:1, 14). Jesus Christ is the Spokesman, the Revelator, for the God family, the one through whom the Scriptures were inspired and communicated to mankind through the written word of God preserved in the Bible. A student is expected to study and learn from the instructions of the teacher. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). The Greek word for “be diligent” in the NKJV is translated “study” in the KJV. Both meanings are implied by the Greek, and thus we are to diligently study to properly understand and apply the word of God. How many who claim to be Christians actually read and study the Bible regularly, or daily, as we are admonished, indeed commanded, to do, and how may that be accomplished? In “How to Study and Understand the Bible (Part 1)” find important keys to help guide you in effective Bible study. The source of godly wisdom is the Word of God, the Scriptures, the Bible. “…the Holy Scriptures …are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Effective Bible study then can lead you to eternal salvation (Proverbs 3:21-23; 4:5-6, 13). Sermon Link: How to Study and Understand the Bible (part 1) | COGMessenger Unless otherwise noted Scripture taken from the New King James VersionTM Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. ————————————————————————————————————————- See Rod Reynolds other articles at: Reynolds, Rod – The “New” Church of God Messenger (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission from: Messenger Church of God https://www.cogmessenger.org/ ————————————————————————————————————————- |
| How to Study and Understand the Bible (Part 2) (Copyright 01-19-2025) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri) |
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| Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31). The “word of God” has been preserved in the Scriptures, the Holy Bible. In it are found the words, the teachings, of Jesus Christ, and the words of God sent to the prophets and others and which together make up the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Paul wrote to Timothy, “… from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:15-17). If we are to abide in God’s word, if we are to be indeed the disciples of Christ, if we desire the salvation spoken of in the Bible, we need to diligently study the Bible so we can learn of its teachings and apply them in our lives as our knowledge of God and genuine godly faith grows. The second part of the message “How to Study and Understand the Bible”, providing keys to help guide listeners to effective Bible study is posted here. Sermon Link: How to Study and Understand the Bible (part 2) | COGMessenger Unless otherwise noted Scripture taken from the New King James VersionTM Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. ————————————————————————————————————————- See Rod Reynolds other articles at: Reynolds, Rod – The “New” Church of God Messenger (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission from: Messenger Church of God https://www.cogmessenger.org/ ————————————————————————————————————————- |
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