The BIBLE & Our Perspective
 

The Bible is the means by which God directly communicates with us. Nothing else clearly and accurately reveals his nature and his will.

Though God may communicate to us indirectly through other means (as shown in Psalm 19:1 and Romans 1:20), and we ourselves reflect his "image" (Genesis 1:26-27), it takes the Bible to show us how to interpret this other communication. It also takes the Bible to mold our hearts and minds, so that we can accept this other revelation in the way that God intends. (We, by nature, suppress the true significance of this revelation - Romans 1:18-20.)

Our perspective

It is our conviction that the Bible was written in a manner that makes it possible for all people everywhere to understand it (to whatever degree they are capable of clear thinking). The one requirement is that they humbly submit to it, rather than superimposing their own opinions and interpretational schemes upon it. Those who submit to it will eventually reach similar conclusions, as to its teachings and their obligations - though it may take more time for some, than for others. (The process of growth occurs at different rates in different people.) This will be true regardless of the person's culture, background, academic level, etc.

The reason that there is so much disagreement between people who call themselves "Christian" is because so few are doing this (accepting what God said, and humbly submitting to it). For some, it is just a matter of time - they just need to grow a little, and the rest of us just need to be patient. But there are others who are too proud to give-up their opinions and schemes, or who are not willing to take the time and effort - combined with patience - to reach this goal. (We live in an impatient age, in which most people demand "instant results" in everything they do.)

The place of prayer

Prayer is the means by which we communicate with God. It is an important part of studying the Bible. This topic is examined under the main section, "Expressing Love for God."

About this section

This is the most important section on this website, because it focuses on foundational issues. If we have the right foundation, everything else will find its proper place, and the final outcome will be glorious. But if we have the wrong foundation, we may be able to develop some fine-sounding arguments, but in the end, there will be total loss. We may have half truth, but we won't have God's Word. Because of these things, this section focuses on various issues that will enable us to understand God's Word clearly.

It should be mentioned that, if accepted, the foundational issues examined here will have an impact on all areas of our thinking. The Bible will become the foundation on which all other knowledge is built. Many of the principles described in the section about "clear thinking" and "helps and resources" will have direct application to the way we think and interact in any other area of life.

The Bible - God's Word INTRODUCTION

This sums it all up. Included is our "manifesto" that briefly describes all that a person needs to do, in order to understand the Bible. Also included is a "flow chart" that shows the relationship between various issues involved in how we got the Bible and how we can understand it without falling into error.

From GOD TO US - How We Got The Bible

A more in-depth look at some of the technical issues involving how we got the Bible, why it is reliable, translations, etc.

UNDERSTANDING & Studying the Bible

A deeper look at various issues related to understanding and studying the Bible.

MEDITATION - Thinking About the Bible

We need to think about what the Bible says and apply it to our lives. This section focuses on "meditating" - thinking and applying what the Bible says. It is not to be confused with the false concept of "meditation," which is taught by various "Eastern religions" (and has been introduced into Western society under many different guises), which encourages us to "empty" our minds of thoughts. (The Bible tells us to replace wrong thinking with right thinking, not to empty or "clear" our minds.)

INTERPRETATION & O.T./N.T. Issues

There is a lot of confusion as to the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. These articles focus on some of these issues.

The Need for CLEAR THINKING

Sin has had far-reaching effects - not only on our actions, but also on our minds. It affects the very nature of how we think. Part of repentance (the first step toward salvation) involves changing the way we think, so we have a section that deals with the issue of "clear thinking." (More about the concept of repentance can be found at this page: The Issue of Repentance.)

The use of Bible Study HELPS & RESOURCES

This section focuses on understanding the relationship between God's Word and people's words. Our goal is to benefit from truths that others have learned from the Bible, without falling into the trap of accepting the errors which may also be present. The principles described in this section apply even to this website. (See also the "disclaimer" - a link to it is at the bottom of this page.)

Jesus says...

"Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn't fall, for it was founded on the rock.

Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell-and great was its fall." (Matthew 7:24-27)

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