The Pledge Story

What answer do you give to religious pluralism?

What answer do you give to religious pluralism?

Join us tonight as we discuss the answer to this question and put into practice the Seven Steps in Searching the Scriptures. We will be applying those principles to Luke 21:1-3

Luke 21:1-4
1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,
2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.
3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all;
4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

7 Steps in Searching the Scriptures:

1. Context Review:

2. Compare Versions:

3. Cross Reference:

4. Consider Key Words:

5. Check Background:

6. Consult Commentaries:

7. Contemplate:

Ball Girl

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"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

It is both good and glorious to see someone put their best efforts to doing their job, even when their job does not require spectacular effort. Most of the time we do not notice the ordinary folks who do their job in the background so that the “stars” can perform their job. From the people selling the tickets to the guys cleaning the stadium each has an important role to do. Usually they are noticed only wPublish Posthen they do not do their job.

As Christians we have an additional motivation to fulfill our responsibilities because the character of our work uniquely reflects the character of God.

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17)

Kirk Cameron's Testimony with John MacArthur

Bible Study

This Wednesday we will be putting into practice the procedures we discussed on how to study the Bible. Enclosed is the summary of the steps involved. For those joining us please review 2 Corinthians 12:9 and apply the study principles in sequence. Please join us and share your conclusions.

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

7 Steps in Searching the Scriptures:

The essence of this Bible study method is an approach that focuses on the text of the Bible. Bible study tools are used for secondary guidance. Commentaries are considered as a third level. Finally, careful meditation is encouraged for personal enrichment, clarification, and application.

1. Context Review:

Usage determines meaning. The text of Scripture must be read in light of its original setting in order to discover the authors meaning. The context of a passage includes its immediate, intermediate, and remote environment.

2. Compare Versions:

It is helpful to see how various translators treat a Bible passage. Keep in mind the translations utilize different translation theories such as formal equivalence (word for word), dynamic equivalence (thought for thought), and free (idea for idea, paraphrase).

3. Cross Reference:

Scripture interprets Scripture. It is helpful to see a similar passage or concept treated in another section of the Bible. Sometimes a particular passage is actually a direct quotation.

4. Consider Key Words:

Understanding a particular word an author chooses can make a significant contribution to ones understanding. It is also helpful to notice the grammatical construction in which those words are used.

5. Check Background:

The historical setting of a passage gives clues to various references in the text that are expected to be understood by the culture and the time in which the text was written. In addition, the type of literature will also influence ones understanding of the authors meaning.

6. Consult Commentaries:

Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun. Consulting commentaries may help keep ones interpretation analogous to the faith. Consulting them last, from an informed position, may help one to achieve a greater level of understanding.

7. Contemplate:

The blessed man in the first Psalm meditated on the Bible day and night. Thinking about the Word of God will allow ones thoughts to be clarified. Meditation gives the Word a chance to take root in your life, and blossom into spiritual fruitfulness.

It is more essential to spend time in the Word of God and in prayer than to follow any particular study method. It is hoped that this model may be an encouragement for you to find a greater satisfaction in Christ through Bible study. It is my prayer that this method helps you to cherish God more deeply and communicate His grace more fully. Grace be with you, Wayne Layton

Happy Fathers Day

Library Giveaway

I subscribe to Giveaway of the Day. This site is dedicated to distributing free software. I suppose the purpose of doing this is to get you interested in their product and at some point get you to purchase an upgrade. In the end the software functions just a little bit better than a demo. It does not expire and you can really work with the product to see if it is helpful.

I ignore most of the daily offers, but I found today’s offer to be really helpful. I have a library that is divided up between my home, insurance office, church office, and I suppose the trunk of my car. In addition I loan books to other people. The software that is offered today provides a way convenient way to keep track of your books.

Instead of typing them in one by one you can use the software to find the details of the book by using a search engine. Once the book is found then it can be added by a simple double click of the mouse. All of the detailed information concerning the book is transferred to the database. The only thing left to do is just record where the book is located at this moment by selecting a location in a drop down box or by adding a new location.

If you want a good way to keep up with your personal library this link may be worth a look.