Christian Basics

Christian Basics

Before one can run, we must walk. Before one can understand God’s Word, we must understand basic Scriptural concepts and words. Below the principles we use, we will begin adding short concepts and words that with the help of the Holy Spirit can help make the Bible come alive. They will be done in random order, then alphabetized, with verses added to verify the meaning. We use the NIV, King James, and American Standard Bibles to help us understand the meaning of God’s Word.

Words – Concepts

Conception - In The Womb – 9/25/08

Heaven – 10/8/08

Human Race – 9/25/08

Principles for reading and studying God’s Word

1. Only through the Scriptures can we find the truth about our great God. Only through the Holy Spirit can we begin to understand the Word of God. We must ask the Spirit to help us put aside our sinful will, our human thoughts, our preconceived ideas, and open our eyes to the true knowledge our Savior reveals to us. Then with an open heart we should accept these truths. Let them continually enrich our lives, as we love and follow our Master.

2. We must let the Spirit show us the intent of our God through the context of the Scriptures. The two most important disciplines in understanding God’s Word are:

Actions – show God’s intent (not man’s) in what has taken place, in what will happen, in how He would have us live. Scripture defines words, holds words to the spiritual truth through the actions, the intent of our God. We should always be aware what is happening, why it is happening.

Context - the meaning of the whole Bible must be considered, be used, be put in perspective, and be consistent to understand God’s intent, His will, the truth. Using isolated passages alone allows one to change, spin, alter the true meaning to fit their own ideas, their own purposes.

3. The two main obstacles of Scriptural truths are:

Traditions - beliefs held for a long time. More truths in Scripture will continually be revealed to us, we will continue to gain new insights into Biblical truths. Previous inaccurate interpretations, sometimes congregational doctrines, become traditions, are hard to change back to spiritual truths. These older misplaced beliefs are often tolerated to keep the numbers up, for financial benefits, though they hide the light of truth.

Worldly ideals – can dilute or change the real meaning of the truth. People overestimate their own human intelligence, they try to use their own meager human minds to determine, explain what God wants, what the Bible says. They believe their intelligence can help God manage the world more efficiently, create better social values. These worldly believers pick and choose their way through the Scriptures. Accepting what fits into their lifestyle, while ignoring that which doesn’t.

4. We must take the time to dwell in God’s Word. Let the Spirit through the Word open our hearts, our love to the Lord. The battle for our souls is between God, Satan, and every sinner. We can only be saved by Christ’s atoning death on the cross. We can only learn about our Savior’s grace through the Scriptures. The more we learn, the more we grow. Jesus told us the truth would set us free. We should diligently seek out the truth in God’s Word and settle for nothing less.

5. We also must have the love, the faith, to trust our all knowing Lord. Accepting the many spiritual truths our human minds will never be able to comprehend.

Home