To paraphrase a quote I ran across recently, if you want a Bible church, then you must read the Bible, preach the Bible, and teach the Bible. It makes sense that the Lord’s church would emphasize His Word (John 12:48). The Bible really does underlay every area of the church, as God intended:

• Bible classes. How wonderful to come together a couple of times a week for the sole purpose of Bible study! All ages have opportunities to grow their knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18).
• Sermons. Every Sunday morning and Sunday night, the gospel is proclaimed in worship (Rom. 10:15). Bible-centered preaching exhorts and convicts (2 Tim. 4:2)!
• Devotionals. These happen all the time (before class on Wednesday night, during youth activities, etc.) and help us keep our minds on things above (Col. 3:1-2).
• Vacation Bible School, Bible camps, Bible Bowls, Lads to Leaders and more. I couldn’t begin to name all the annual events and programs that are for the sole purpose of growing the faith of our youth in fun, engaging ways.
• Church leadership, acts of worship, plan of salvation, discipleship…Every aspect of the organization of the church and life therein is based on the pattern and commands found in God’s Word (1 Cor. 3:11).

This habit of continually referring to the Bible trains us to discern between truth and error (1 Tim. 2:4). Following the pattern of the Word keeps Jesus (and not men) in His rightful role as Head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). Emphasizing the Bible is good and right and essential.

Thank God for Bible-based churches!

“I am writing these things to you so that...you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

(1 Tim. 3:14-15)

“Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise in salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

(2 Tim. 3:14-15)

By Kathy Pollard

To paraphrase a quote I ran across recently, if you want a Bible church, then you must read the Bible, preach the Bible, and teach the Bible. It makes sense that the Lord’s church would emphasize His Word (John 12:48). The Bible really does underlay every area of the church, as God intended:

• Bible classes. How wonderful to come together a couple of times a week for the sole purpose of Bible study! All ages have opportunities to grow their knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18).
• Sermons. Every Sunday morning and Sunday night, the gospel is proclaimed in worship (Rom. 10:15). Bible-centered preaching exhorts and convicts (2 Tim. 4:2)!
• Devotionals. These happen all the time (before class on Wednesday night, during youth activities, etc.) and help us keep our minds on things above (Col. 3:1-2).
• Vacation Bible School, Bible camps, Bible Bowls, Lads to Leaders and more. I couldn’t begin to name all the annual events and programs that are for the sole purpose of growing the faith of our youth in fun, engaging ways.
• Church leadership, acts of worship, plan of salvation, discipleship…Every aspect of the organization of the church and life therein is based on the pattern and commands found in God’s Word (1 Cor. 3:11).

This habit of continually referring to the Bible trains us to discern between truth and error (1 Tim. 2:4). Following the pattern of the Word keeps Jesus (and not men) in His rightful role as Head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). Emphasizing the Bible is good and right and essential.

Thank God for Bible-based churches!

“I am writing these things to you so that...you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

(1 Tim. 3:14-15)

“Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise in salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

(2 Tim. 3:14-15)

By Kathy Pollard

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought, “Wow, she’s so good at that! I wish I had that gift.” Then, if you’re like me, you go along your merry way and don’t think anything else about it. This happened to me recently with my daughter, Ana. We were having a rare, calm day at home, and as I sat in the living room I couldn’t help but notice what she was doing. Ana had a massive stack of blank cards beside her, along with pretty pens and her prized wax stamp kit. She meticulously wrote out individual cards for probably a dozen different people. Some of those people were struggling with illness, some were down or discouraged, some were individuals who had blessed or served our family that she was thanking, and some were special people in her life whom she wanted to know she was thinking about.

As I silently observed her, I was definitely thinking, “She’s so good at that! I wish I was as thoughtful and intentional about encouragement as she is!” Then it dawned on me: This is my child whom I have watched literally since the day she was born. I know her better than anyone else on the earth, and I know for a fact that this is not some miraculous gift she was fortunate enough to be born with. This is something that, years ago, Ana decided was important, and since that day she has cultivated being intentional about encouraging others through card-writing. Now, years later, it is something that she excels at and with which she truly makes the world a brighter place for so many people.

The implications of this revelation were mind-blowing for me. Wait a minute! I can intentionally foster and grow gifts and talents?! I can learn to do something that doesn’t come naturally or easy to me?! And I can even do it well?! For real?! And then came the forlorn sound of rushing air as all my excuses were ripped away.

This got me to thinking of all the times in Scripture that God took people way outside their comfort zones, outside their talents and strengths, to serve His purpose. Just to name a few:

• Moses leading the Israelites (Exodus 4)
• Jeremiah, who was young and not a talented speaker, preaching (Jeremiah 1:6)
• A bunch of jewelry makers and perfumers, including women, building a really ugly wall (Nehemiah 3:8, 12, 31, 4:3)
• Gideon performing mighty deeds (Judges 6-8)
• Ananias going to Saul (Acts 9)

And truly, when we look back on these historical accounts with a bird’s-eye view, the entire point is that it wasn’t about these individuals. It wasn’t about what areas they were naturally gifted in or what was comfortable for them. The point was always that God was glorified through their obedience.

In thinking about this, I was hit with another profound truth: Never once in Scripture did someone step out on faith and fail. Not. Once. Especially when we view failure/success through God’s lens and not our own. In my mind, if I have a Bible study with a lost soul and their heart isn’t pricked, I’ve failed. If I speak a hard truth and the individual won’t listen, I’ve failed. If I don’t teach a Bible class as well as someone else, I’ve failed. If I’m speaking and my words get jumbled or I lose my train of thought (not that this has ever happened), then I’ve failed.

But God’s plumb line is so very different from ours. His measure has always been obedience. His measure has always been giving Him our best and being willing to try. Look at what Moses and Jeremiah, who both struggled with speech, were able to accomplish. A bunch of jewelry makers, perfumers and girls were able to build a really terrible wall that nevertheless kept God’s people safe and terrified the people of the land. Gideon was able to overcome great personal doubt, protect God’s people and destroy God’s enemies by stepping out on faith. 2/3 of our New Testament was written, and the apostle Paul is by the Lord’s side right now, because Ananias did something that terrified him.

One of my husband’s favorite sayings is, “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” Ladies, we have been called! 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” It’s not about what comes naturally or easy to us. It’s about being willing to put out the effort to do the Lord’s will even when it isn’t natural for us. Even when it isn’t easy. Like I learned through the example of my precious daughter, it’s about saying, “This is important, and so I’m going to work at it. Intentionally, deliberately, I’m going to develop this skill because the Lord, the brethren, and the lost are worth it.”

One of my favorite passages is Acts 17:6: “And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, ‘These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also…’.” Think about that for a moment. “These men who have turned the world upside down.” They weren’t talking about Paul or Peter. They weren’t talking about any of the other apostles. They were talking about Jason, who is only mentioned here and in Romans 16:21, and other brothers whose names we don’t even have.

These weren’t famous orators or rabbis. They didn’t have a lot of letters behind their names. They were just normal people doing the best they could do to serve the God who had saved their souls. And what was the result? Even the enemies of the cross acknowledged that they were turning the entire world upside down.

So, ladies, let me encourage you: The next time you see someone doing something, serving in a particular way, being an encouragement, and you think, “Wow, that’s awesome! I would love to be able to do that!”—do it. Will it be awesome the first time out of the gate? Doubtful. But does God care about that? Not even a little bit. Will it automatically become a wonderful new habit because you’ve decided it’s a good thing to do? Nope. But just think for a moment, think what would happen if we all took one uncomfortable step at a time, one day at a time, one intentional effort at a time. It wouldn’t be long until the darkness of the world looked at the bright, shining light of the Lord’s church and said, “Oh no, these women who have turned the world upside down, they have come here also!” And that, my sisters, will be an awesome day. May God bless you as you serve Him.

Lacy Crowell

Think back in your past to a time when you needed a support system. Was it at a death, an illness, a job loss, family problem? Who was there for you? Was it a family member, minister, church member, or someone else?

We can all relate to the need for support at various times in our lives. We understand the importance of someone to just listen, or even take charge and make sure things get done.

Because our Lord was human, I’m sure there were times when He needed a support system. He often went off to be alone in prayer, to spend time with God and know the comfort of His Heavenly Father.

But what about His human support system? Do you realize that Jesus had no human support system? Over and over Scripture tells us of His compassion for others, and how that often led Him to heal or raise someone from the dead. Yet, when He was lonely or in need of support, He could only depend on God the Father.

I am not saying that God’s support was not enough. We have that too, but it is so comforting to also have some human support in times of difficulty.

Though Jesus had twelve disciples, hand chosen by the Master, they were not there for Him. Their concern was for who would sit on His right and left hand in the kingdom. They were concerned about their own safety, fearing to go with Him lest they be labeled as one of His and be arrested or killed. They ran when He was arrested. Judas betrayed Him, and Peter swore he didn’t know Him.

His closest friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were not there for Him either. Mary and Martha complained that He didn’t arrive in time to save their brother. Later, they were probably in hiding since the Jews wanted to kill Lazarus after Jesus raised him from the dead.

The Jews were His people. Where were they? They were out in front crying “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” He didn’t bring about the changes they thought He would, so they killed Him.

Nicodemus and Joseph showed up after the fact. They were Pharisees. They were probably afraid of losing their place among the rulers, so they stayed away until someone needed to remove the body of Jesus from the cross. Yes, they used their own money. Yes, Joseph used his own tomb. But they were not there when He was dying for their sins.

Even the system failed Him. The rulers did not conduct His trial according to the law. They hired false witnesses for the trial and even paid the soldiers to lie about His body being stolen.

And where were all those whom Jesus healed, fed, and raised from the dead? They were surely aware of what was happening. They may have even been in the crowd crying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.”

No matter. Jesus had a support system. Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the mountain with Him; and there He was changed before their eyes. God sent Moses and Elijah. They knew some of what He was experiencing. They understood people of God deserting Him. Rulers attacking Him. People lying about Him. They understood His sorrow, His loneliness, His feeling of abandonment. Above all, He had God the Father. He knew this would soon be over, and He would be back with the Father.

We look to our friends and family for support when we are sick, lonely, distressed, in trouble, in the depths of despair. Often they fail to deliver. But there is one that never fails us—God the Father. Our prayers reach Him no matter the hour of the day. He is always there. He was the support system for Jesus, and He is our support system today.

Sandra Oliver

In a dark urban basement in downtown Detroit, the hilarious Second City Improv Troupe was wrapping up a coveted comedy class for aspiring comedians. During this last class, the students performed with members of the Troupe for a small group of family and friends. The audience, eager for entertainment, quieted as the performers walked onto the stage. One of the professional comedians explained to the audience the first rule of improv: “You can never say NO. If someone offers a suggestion or takes the skit in an unexpected direction, you have to say YES, AND…” It kills comedy to say NO, but it moves the storyline along if you accept the other idea (the YES) and add to it (the AND).

It makes sense. NO is like hitting a brick wall. It stops momentum and opposes one person to another. A power struggle ensues. Who is in charge? Which direction wins? On the other hand, YES unifies and builds momentum. It is collaborative in nature and together people move forward. YES, AND… takes the power of collaboration and adds to it. The sum ends up being more than the parts.

In improv comedy, the result is a cohesive, hilarious story. It’s an important tool in comedy, but does the YES, AND… principle apply anywhere else in life? The concept piqued my curiosity, and I often see it now working in situations ranging from the playroom to the boardroom.

Will YES, AND… work in every situation? Of course not, but YES, AND is a powerful tool to add to your toolkit. In fact, Paul knew the power of YES, AND…

During his second missionary journey, Paul visited Athens. It was a city known for philosophical debate and the worship of many gods. The many idols made it crystal clear the city was not worshiping God as He demanded. Paul, who was known to be a formidable teacher, took a different approach in this city:

So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ (Acts 17:22-28)

Paul could have begun with, “NO, you’ve got this all wrong.” That would have been a true statement, but perhaps not a helpful one. Instead, he started with a YES statement, one that met the people of Athens where they were by acknowledging they were attempting to be quite religious. He continues in verse 23, “I found also…” (emphasis added). There is Paul’s AND that followed his YES statement. By commending their religious nature, and then adding information about the “unknown god” they had an altar for, Paul was able to teach the people of Athens about the true God without alienating them or butting heads right away. He gently met them where they were, built off of their intuition that there was something they were missing, and then moved forward with them into deeper truth and understanding about our amazing God!

Along the Way Application

Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate the YES, AND… strategy into our daily lives:

Scenario 1: Family

Sibling A: I want to ride bikes.

Sibling B: You always want to ride bikes. I want to play a board game.

In the perfect world, a parent might be able to say YES to both, but often, time is not in our favor. Perhaps the parent could try, YES, I want to ride bikes AND play a board game. Additionally, the parent could add a third option in: YES, I want to ride bikes, play a board game, AND get ice cream. We don’t have time for everything today, so I’ll flip a coin to see which one we do today and we’ll do the other tomorrow.

Even though the result is the same (only 1 sibling is getting their wish today), there is power in not being told NO. Nobody was shot down, no idea was rejected. It’s small in semantics, but powerful in action.

Scenario 2: Business

Two very different ideas are being contested in a business meeting.

The boss might be able to say, YES, I’m interested in exploring these two ideas AND _______ (insert 3rd idea he/she is interested in pursuing). Let’s make a plan for how we can test the practicality/profitability/feasibility of each of these options.

It might take a couple more days to come to a conclusion, but by empowering ideas, employees feel heard leading to an increase in future ideas, collaboration, and buy-in.

Scenario 3: Church

An individual may come to you with a belief you know is not found in the Bible. For example, “I was baptized as a baby, I don’t need to be baptized again.”

Insead of a quick, “NO, look at these verses”, perhaps we could get farther by starting the conversation with something like, “YES, I have heard a lot of people are only baptized as infants. Would you be willing to meet me for lunch on Tuesday and teach me more about that? AND, after maybe we could look at some of the verses that led me to my decision to get baptized later in life. I’d love to hear your opinion on those verses too.”

Note: There are other ways to say/show the YES, AND… mindset. For the sake of clarity, I used those exact words in the examples, but there are so many possible ways the YES, AND… method can be applied in everyday life. Leave a comment if you try it. We’d love to hear how your experience goes.

Kristin Arbuckle

The brightest day in a garden

The accuser darkened and marred.

The tree of life was forbidden

Secured by the cherubim’s guard.

Another dark day in a garden

When God, for me, fell on HIs face.

And sweat fell as blood for my pardon

Could it be, at the tree, yet a place?

The dawn of redemption has broken.

A tomb’s stone has rolled from its head …

And sweet angel voices have spoken.

The living lie not with the dead!

The tree of life stands in a garden

Near a throne in the midst of the street

No cherubim stands in the east now

But covers my God’s mercy seat.

A garden, a tree….but forbidden for me.

Till the trembling earth gave up its prey.

The accuser is done and the Victor has won

And the cherubim taken away.

Cindy Colley

What’s not to love about young people? From children all the way up through college aged, many of them are joyful, enthusiastic, hard workers, servants, and VERY evangelistic. But there are a couple of qualities about young people that I especially appreciate:

They’re not afraid to ask questions. In class or in person, young people like to ask questions. They want answers so they can figure things out, and they expect those answers to come straight from the Bible. They ask about worship, baptism, women’s role, the second coming, angels, relationships, and Bible translations. And if they’re not satisfied with the answers, they’ll tell you so. If something doesn’t make sense to them, they’ll keep at it until it does. As a result, they are building their faith and their understanding of Scripture. Shouldn’t we all be so fearless and persistent? If we don’t really get why we do what we do, shouldn’t we be humble enough to ask questions and dig for answers (2 Tim. 3:17)? Shouldn’t it bother us if we don’t know enough to defend our faith (1 Pet. 3:15)? Spending time with young people challenges me to keep growing in my knowledge of God’s Word!

They love to be together. It really matters to them. There aren’t many things more beautiful than young people getting together to sing, sitting together in worship, or supporting each other. They act happy when they see one another. They don’t roll their eyes when another ‘youth activity’ is planned because they enjoy spending time with each other. They see togetherness as essential to their happiness.I remember feeling that way when I was young. Shame on me for the times when I forget that God wants His people to love being together (Heb. 10:24-25; Rom. 12:10).

I thank God for the energy, personality, and fun our young people bring to the church family table. And I’m eternally grateful for their inspiring examples of no-nonsense learning and close-knit community.

When my first child was two, we were waiting in the WIC lobby waiting to be seen. Compared to the bright sun outside, the room was dark and dingy and half-dressed little toddlers were waddling around the hot room. A young boy tottered over to my daughter and after they wordlessly stared at each other for a moment, without notice or provocation, the little boy swung his leg back and planted a firm kick on my daughter’s shin. She stepped back in shock and I ran over waiting for the cries to erupt. I picked her up and while I hugged her, I surveyed the room looking for this little boy’s mother. Mama tiger mode was fully activated and I was ready to have a word with his mother and at least demand an apology. My intuitive daughter must have sensed this because she cupped my face in her hands, looked me in the eye, and whispered calmly, “It’s ok Mama, he probably doesn’t know about Jesus.”

Like an untied  balloon, my anger deflated and I saw the face of Jesus on my child. She knew she was wronged. She had never been kicked or hurt by anyone before—she was pure and knew hurt came from not knowing the source of true love.

My sweet daughter was right, so instead of making a scene, I looked firmly yet calmly at the little boy and said, “it’s not ok to kick and hurt people.” I picked up our stuff and we moved to the far end of the room. I told my daughter she was right that most people who hurt others don’t know Jesus’ love, and I also explained that she has the power to call out what was wrong and protect herself by walking away when needed. It’s a conversation that continues to grow as her understanding and wisdom grows.

More than likely, we are each wronged EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. On the road, at school, in the workplace, in our homes, and unfortunately even within the church. We are fallen humans living in a fallen world and the results of sin are painful.

The world often reacts to injustice with anger, aggression, and revenge. God calls us to a very different response. Note the difference in those two words. Our REACTION is automated. It is how we think, feel, or desire to act when faced with an uncomfortable injustice. We have little control over this REACTION. It is often influenced by past situations, tramas, and our fear. On the other hand, our RESPONSE is the conscience/chosen decision and the course of action we decide to take. Sometimes there is no distinction between the two. We tend to feel the heat of our emotional reaction and immediately move to action accordingly. With practice, we can become skilled at pausing, and responding instead of reacting.

Jesus demonstrates the power of our choice in a situation. Let’s look at two situations where He was insulted and wronged yet chose a response instead of simply reacting. The first comes from Mark 11:15-18:

Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves, and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written,

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’?
  But you have made it a den of robbers.”

And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him, for they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching.

At first glance, this might look like a heated reaction. Jesus was angry at the way His Father’s house was being used. He walked in and started overturning tables. I’m sure you’ve seen this sort of anger on display in the world. What is the result of unbridled anger in the world? Most likely fear and more anger. The Scriptures show us that Jesus was not acting in a rage, but he was “teaching” (v 17) and the audience was “spellbound by His teaching.” John 2:15 adds another detail to this account: Jesus made a whip. There was at least a small amount of time (enough to make a whip) where Jesus considered how He would respond to the situation He saw. Uncontrolled rage does not produce teaching that creates a spellbound audience. Rather, we can conclude that this was a calculated response Jesus made when He saw a situation that angered Him and that there are times when it is ok to be “fired up” as long as it is controlled and the response that we believe will best reach souls.

The second example shows us the exact opposite response: calm, peace, and healing in the midst of wrong. Jesus goes to a garden in the night with His disciples as he often did. In the night, Jesus knew soldiers with lanterns, torches, and weapons were coming to arrest him (John 18:3-4). As his friend and follower turned traitor approached him with the soldiers, we see in Luke’s  account (22: 47-53) Jesus’ disciples were riled up and ready to fight.

When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.”

Jesus, in His humanness, was suffering too, but we see Him choose a different response. He did not lash out in frustration, but instead chose to heal and offer grace to the servant who was injured. Instead of fleeing, Jesus courageously walked alongside His accusers for God’s glory.

Most of us will not face such life or death circumstances, but we will face trials and be wronged. Just like Jesus, we have the opportunity to pause and respond instead of simply reacting.

When you are wronged

• Pause. Take a deep breath or 3. Sometimes we can recover our rational mind in seconds, other times we may need a lot longer.
• Pray. It might be a simple “work in me and through me” as you take your deep breath and respond to the situation or it may be an evening of prayer before you meet to resolve the conflict.
• Consider your situation and goal. Are you a representative of Christ trying to build relationships to save unbelievers? Are you among Christians who are in the wrong? What do you hope to accomplish in this interaction?
• Respond. Now that you know your goal, what response will best accomplish that? Respond accordingly.

Conversation starters for when someone else is wronged

• I’m sorry you had to suffer this unfair treatment. Were you wronged because of your faith? (If so, rejoice, 1 Peter 4:12-19)
• What happened was wrong. When Jesus was treated wrong, He sometimes walked away and went where His message would be respected, He sometimes stayed in peace to bring understanding and healing to searching souls, and sometimes He used His anger to help teach the truth. What course of action do you think would accomplish the best outcome for this situation?
• It sounds like someone considers you an enemy. God gives specific instructions for that. Love them (love as a choice and a series of actions, not as a feeling – see 1 Cor. 13). How can you demonstrate God’s love? What do you need to do to refill your cup and heal from this insult so you can continue serving in love?
• Hurt people tend to hurt other people. That doesn’t make it right. Is there a way you could help bring God’s healing to this situation for yourself and possibly for the other party?

May the God of peace bring each of you peace as you face challenging situations and choose to respond instead of react.

Kristin Arbuckle

Where do I start?

How do I get deeper into God’s word in order to grow?

Do these questions sound familiar? Many women feel inadequate when it comes to knowing how to study God’s word. We may read God’s word daily, but do we study it? It is vital for women of God to learn how to study the Bible. We are responsible for our own study and we are responsible for teaching our children the word of God (John 8:31; Deuteronomy 6:7). In the following series of articles we will be developing a methodology in simple steps that will help us to be better students of God’s word.

“Exegesis” may be a new word for some of you.

“Exegesis” comes from a Greek word that means “to lead or to guide out.” (ek “out” and egeisthas “to guide or lead out”) it is a process where we get out of the scriptures only what they are trying to say… Correct exegesis will keep the Bible interpreter from putting meaning back into the Bible text (Petrillo).

Exegesis, put simply, is what does the text say? (While hermeneutics deals with what the text means.)  In order to get to the application or meaning of a text, we must first know what that text says. The primary goal of Biblical exegesis is to find the author’s original purpose for writing.

Why do Exegesis?

Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:14-16,

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction (emphasis added).

1. Some things in the scriptures are hard to understand.
   We need to be able to accurately handle the word of truth, working diligently in this endeavor (2 Timothy 2:15) and it takes in-depth study and research to understand some of the words we find in scripture. Peter is upfront with the fact that it may be difficult, but by him saying this we can infer that we should be trying to understand.
2. Some people distort the Scriptures to their own destruction.
   What types of people distort the scriptures? The untaught and unstable. May we never be guilty of being either of these types of people. The “untaught” do not know what they are doing and are ignorant by choice because they do not seek out a teacher. The “unstable” are emotional and irrational, “tossed to and fro” (Ephesians 4:14)

Having a methodology will help us to know where to start when we open our Bibles to study. We will be able to get deeper and truly study God’s word instead of just reading it. This series of articles will be focused on developing this methodology. Through exegesis we can find out what the text says which will later help us to understand what the text means.

By Aimee Lemus

2 Corinthians 9:14-15 “And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” 

There is a saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” but gotta admit, receiving a gift has its merits. Gifts say, “You are special.” A useful gift requires forethought on the part of the giver and demonstrates a personal relationship with the recipient. And gifts come wrapped in beautiful packages. Truly, what’s not to love?

Unless……  the gift is never unwrapped.

Our family hosted a foreign exchange student who came home from an event one evening with a beautifully wrapped gift. It had shiny paper and a big bow with lots of curly ribbon. He had never received a wrapped present before, and his excitement was evident although he struggled to understand what he had done to deserve it. Assuming he would open it in his room, we forgot about the gift until weeks later when we spied it still wrapped and sitting on his bookshelf. We inquired as to why he had never opened his gift and his puzzled expression told us he did not understand. It seems he thought the gift WAS the beautifully wrapped box. He was totally unaware a treasure lay inside. We explained the gift was INSIDE the box. His opening it revealed something he needed and could have been using had he only unwrapped it.

So it is with our Heavenly Father. God bestows upon us many beautiful gifts. One is His gift of grace. Our sin separates us from God. It is His grace that draws us back to Him. We, too, struggle to see how we deserve it. But like a gift that sits on a shelf, God’s grace can remain undiscovered. It is only when we open the gift, we discover the essence of a God whose love defies comprehension.

God’s grace is never earned nor deserved. It is a gift. His grace surpasses our sins. It saves us, frees us from our lost state, and brings us back into His loving presence. And dear friend, that is a gift too wonderful for words.

Father God, may we never place your gift of grace on the shelf.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane