Understanding the Bible - Help for Your Bible Study

The Bible is not always easy to understand. And we are held accountable for how we absorb it into our lives. Proverbs 4:23 makes it clear that each of us is responsible for his own heart. Consequently, many of us begin our study by reading comments and articles by those who we figure should know what they are talking about. These supplementary studies can be very valuable, if we adhere to a few simple rules at the outside.

First and foremost, beware of opinions presented as truths. The views of men can and do end up becoming the teachings of men, which then become the traditions of men and the traditions of men render the Word of no effect (Mark 7:13; Romans 4:14; Mark 7: 8,9; ). * Begin with prayer, a good place to begin any endeavor! Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to understand (Ephesians 1:18) and your heart to receive the incorruptible Word (1 Peter 1:23). Pray for wisdom (James 1: 5) to rightly divide the Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15).

* Now read everything the Bible says about the subject, or the particular Scripture you are attempting to rightly divide, by following any references to supporting Scriptures in both Old and New Testaments and using your concordance. At this point, you are filling your spirit with the Word. Do not make the mistake of being angry about understanding all of it at this point.

* Be sure to read the passage precedent and following each Scripture to gain an awareness of the passage's context.

* Be diligent in your word studies, using your comprehensive concordance to understand the nuances of the original Bible languages.

* Finally, formulate a statement in your own words, a paraphrase based on your study. Check and recheck to make sure you have not put your own spin on it. This exercise alone may be enough to illuminate the study for you, to open up the confusing Scripture or to provide you Biblical continuity of teaching. If not, and you are looking for some supplementary teaching on the subject, continue reading.

* Now read what others have to say. Stay with teachers who consistently stand firmly on what the Word has to say and who do not veer off into the realm of opinion, those who have shown to be careful in their study and trustworthy in their interpretations.

* Immediately discount any comments based on negativity or criticism of others. There may be a germ of veracity, sincerity or authenticity buried underneath, but those who resort to a negative approach pass along with it a spirit Christians do not need to embrace. Their approach will absolutely tear down any truth and sincerity they may have begun with.

* Be wary of absolute attitudes relating areas of Scripture that are in question among trusted Bible scholars. It is necessary for each of us to remain teachable, open to the Holy Spirit giving us interpretation beyond what may have become (disputable) denominational doctrine.

* Make it a rule never to argument Scripture. The Word of God is not debatable; it is revelatory. God does not need your abilities as a disputer to bring about revelation in another. He says, for I am watching over My Word to perform it. (Jeremiah 1:12). He only needs you to speak the uncompromised Word, to say what He says - the Holy Spirit will reveal to others (Ephesians 1:17) and God will perform it (Isaiah 55:11)

Above all, do not become discouraged by any lack of understanding or by discrepancies among Bible teachers. The Word of God is meant for you and with the help of the Holy Spirit, spending time each day in the life-giving, delivering, encouraging, empowering, comforting Word of God, will lead you to understanding. Know that God has promised it will accomplish His will and He Himself will bring it to pass.

Copyright 2006 So-lu'shunz Leadership Services

Best Friend Gift Ideas For Christmas and Beyond

Has there been an individual in your life that has crossed the threshold of the common into the exclusive realm of "Best Friend"? Is there someone a breed apart from the ordinary that has had a unique effect in your life above all others? If so, there might now be a need to get best friend gift ideas by Christmas Day or beyond.

Are you at a standstill regarding this opportunity to show your gratitude for being associated with this noble friend above friends? Have you hit a roadblock trying to find a gift that is particular to the recipient's sphere of interests or hobbies? Well, there is a unique category of gifts that cover a wide territory of themes that could include a bulls-eye idea for you. What is it?

Gift Baskets can be the answer to the riddle that you are trying to solve. These can display the desired best friend gift ideas that are unique to your ol 'pal's individuality. There are gift basket examples that include the interests of golf, gardening, NASCAR, casinos, spa, movies, picnics, cigars, motorcycles, handyman and more.

Let's also not forget the favored one's choice of food or beverage. There are best friend gift ideas of gift baskets packed with products relating to coffee, tea, and beloved chocolate to consider. The ultimate may be found with those baskets that are filled with nothing but gourmet food to satisfy the most discriminating of palates.

The occasions of Christmas and even birthdays can also be met with gift baskets that express your best wishes specific to those very special dates of the year. You may even engage in some good-natured ribbing by sending an "Over the Hill" birthday gift basket to somebody who would know what you really mean behind the innocent prank.

Take the advice of aGiftbasketParadise.com and find yourself a worthy online purveyor of high quality gift baskets that has a generous variety of best friend gift ideas to choose from. Pick the one that says it all for you without you saying a word. Fill in the billing, shipping and credit card information and make it all happen for the one that would do the same for you.

Do not let this chance slip away for you never know if tomorrow will give you another!

How to Choose a Study Bible

What is a study Bible and what are the reasons to purchasing one? A study Bible is a Bible that has various footnotes and other study helps to explain verses of scripture or shed more light on a certain word that is used. Study bibles do not explain an entire passage or book, that is reserved for Bible comments, but do help when reading through the Bible and a simple question comes to mind.

Perhaps you've been reading through the Bible and saw that something measured ten cubits. You surprised what cubit was but did not know where to look it up or you did not have the time. If you are reading from your study Bible, you can look beneeth the passage at the footnote and find that a cubit is approximately 18 inches. Suddenly you have a great understanding of the passage because you can picture the size of an object when before you had no clue.

There are a number of things that should be factored when selecting a Bible. Probably the first decision that needs to be made is for what Bible version are you looking. There are numerous different translations of the Bible available and each one has their own strengths and weaknesses.

After you select which version you are looking for, you should decide how you will use your Bible. Most people just want a general study Bible such as the Life Application Study Bible or Zondervan's NIV Study Bible. However your options go far beyond general studies if you desire. There are now study Bibles for children, teens, men, and women. Each Bible has notes that are meant to specifically help the group it is focused on.

Or you may prefer study notes by a particular person. There are numerous study Bibles with notes written all by one person. Some of the popular versions are ones written by John MacArthur, Charles Ryrie, and CI Scofield.

Finally you must choose whether you want a hardback Bible or a leather bound Bible. Your cover options may be more limited with a study Bible as these Bibles tend to be bigger than ones without the notes. Many general study Bibles also are available in large print and some are offering a smaller personal size but you should look out for tiny print in these. Depending on the publisher and the overall popularity of the Bible, some Bibles may only be available in hardcover. A limited number of study Bibles are available in paperback as well.

After you have an idea of ​​what you are looking for start shopping for the best study Bible prices. With a bit of searching you will find a Bible that not only meets your needs but also your budget.

Wedding Cakes for Your Big Day

One of the most important events for any couple would be their wedding. This is the start of a new journey for the both of them and their wedding day is when they exchange vows to love and cherish and stick with each other through the tests of time. That is why it is just fair to make this event memorable for the two of them. Every detail of the wedding should be perfected and one thing that should not be missed is their cake. Wedding cakes have been a part of every marriage as this symbolizes a charm for their good fortune for their happy married life and fertility to produce beautiful kids.

Getting married is definitely a big day for couples, most especially for the women. As most people say, women only gets married once and this big day should really be unforgettable and really one of a kind. Preparation for this day may take months as the couple should look for the perfect venue, fit their gowns and the groom's clothing, decide who will be included in their entourage, create their souvenirs and invitations, distribute their invitation cards, and of course, find the perfect catering service and wedding cakes.

There are several kinds of wedding cakes that a couple can choose from. Couples can also find a design that they want to match the personality of the both of them. Different sizes and tiers are also available depending on what they want. Couples can choose from white cakes, chocolate flavored cakes, marble cakes, lemon cakes, and carrot cakes. For most weddings, white cakes or vanilla flavored cakes are preferred.

When it comes to frosting, couples can choose from butter cream frosting, fondant, gum paste, and royal icing. The most common frosting used before was the butter cream frosting which is, of course, tastes buttery and sweet. If the couple wants a more smooth finish for their frosting, then they should opt for fondant wedding cakes. At present, this is the most in demand type of cakes or frosting as this gives it a perfect satiny finish compared to other frostings and the colors for this kind are lighter.

Apart from the flavor and frostings, the design of the cake can be personalized. Couples can decide if it will be a simple 1-layer cake or tiered cake. They can also opt for a different shape depending on their want. For most couple, how their wedding cake looks like is important as this is one of the highlights of the event.

There are several bakers who can do cakes for your wedding. Most of the time, these are already included with the package you get from a wedding coordinator. You can also find cakes for wedding over the internet which will definitely fit your budget.

A wedding reception without a wedding cake is somewhat boring as it has already been a tradition to have it. No matter how small or simple the cake is, your wedding will never be complete without it. So whenever the occasion is just a simple one, find the perfect cake that will match your wedding.

Comments: Tips On How To Plan A Fun Theme Birthday Party For Kids