Myth, 125

 ~ A Degree Is Required To Study The Bible ~

 

Myth  ~  The lay person cannot effectively study the Word of God because it requires a theological degree. 

 

Comment  ~  This is a huge misconception / error which was taught for centuries by some groups within Christianity.

 

Reality  ~  Anyone who has the Holy Spirit within them (i.e. anyone who has trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior) can be effective in their study of The Holy Bible.  In fact, some of the greatest Christian leaders and teachers throughout history had no formal training.  The Word of God was not given to a select few but to all who trust Jesus Christ.

 

Scripture  ~  Jesus Christ said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26-27).

 

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony [God’s Word] of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).

 

“Oh, how I love Your law!  It is my meditation all the day.  You, through Your commandments [God’s Word], make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me.  I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies [God’s Word] are my meditation.  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts [Your Word]” (Psalm 119:97-100).

 

Quotes  ~  “Don’t say God is silent when your Bible is closed.” ~ Matt Brown

 

“The more reverence we have for the Word of God, the more joy we shall find in it.” ~ Matthew Henry

 

“In regard to this great book, I have to say, it is the best gift God has given to man.  All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book.  But for it we could not know right from wrong.  All things most desirable for man’s welfare, her and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it.” ~ Abraham Lincoln, 1864 

 

Comment  ~  This post is to in no way devalue the worth of formal theological training.  Bible School, and particularly Seminary training provide huge benefits for those who seek correct and deep understanding of Scripture. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Is Christ God? 2of12

 ~ Isaiah Called Jesus Christ God! ~

 

Scripture  ~  “Then he said, ‘Hear now, O house of David!  Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also?  Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel [God with us]’” (Isaiah 7:13-14). 

 

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Binary, 5

 ~ Binary Foundations, 2: Permanent or Temporary ~

 

Series Comment  ~  When it comes to spiritual paths it is strictly a binary choice. 

(1)   It is a choice between the True or False.  “Jesus said to him [Thomas], ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).  [See Post #1 in this series.]

(2)   It is a choice between Do or Done.  Jesus said, “It [the work of salvation] is finished!” (John 19:30).  Your Doing can add nothing to what Christ has Done for you.  [See Post #2 in this series.]

(3)   It is your choice between Religion or Relationship.  Religions are geared toward self-effort whereas Christianity is an intimacy with the only One who can save.  Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).  [See Post #3 in this series.}

 

Scripture  ~  “For we [believers] are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.  According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it.  But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.  If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.  If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:9-15). 

 

Comment  ~  This passage is directed at believers and is about their works for God AFTER they are in the family of God.  This is not about eternal salvation.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW  

 

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