IMPROVING MY BIBLE IQ (part 1)

On this site, I’ve posted a couple of articles about the lack of biblical literacy among Christians   (See last week’s post as well as my post about “Bible Knowledge At All Time Low" ). Well a person is either part of the problem or part of the solution.  I choose to be the latter.

My goal is not to create a theological debate.  It is to encourage believers to become committed to reading and studying the Bible.  The New Testament writers, as well as Jesus himself, spent some time warning us about false prophets and teachers. I am convinced that those who succumb to false teaching are lacking in Bible knowledge resulting in biblical illiteracy.

There are many ways Believers can fight personal biblical illiteracy. In this post and the next, I intend to recommend a course of action for improving one’s Bible IQ.  All of these recommendations have been successful with either myself or with others.  A good place to begin is with my story.

Even though I had been raised in the church and was frequently a candidate for “perfect attendance” in Sunday School, at 28 years of age I found myself suffering from a lack of Bible knowledge.  I was not serving in any church at the time (in fact I was going through a time of rebellion against God). 

After renewing my focus on Him, God began to convict me about my need for Bible study.  The first thing I learned is: “I don’t know as much as I think about The Bible or God.” 

I began slowly and simply to study The Scriptures.  I began with a “Men’s Devotional Bible.” I tried to begin every day reading the daily devotional and all of the supporting scriptures.  I didn't realize it at the time, but I was growing in spirit and in Bible knowledge.

During Army basic training and MP school, I carried my Gideon’s Bible and a copy of “Open Windows” (now called “Daily Bread”) everywhere I went.  I kept those books wrapped together in a plastic freezer bag and stuffed into my BDU cargo pocket. Whenever I had a break (usually after lunch), I’d move over somewhere alone and read the devotion and it’s scripture.  To this day I have a page from that devotion book stuck in my study Bible.  Later I learned of the positive effect this had on my fellow soldiers and even on one Drill Sergeant.

Each year since my revival, I have chosen a different yearly devotional book to guide my study. Some of my favorites have been used multiple times. Over the years I have used Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost For His Highest, C. H. Spurgeon’s Morning By Morning, several different devotionals by A.W. Tozer, Dallas Willard, and others. Most of these are available now on a smart phone, but I’m kinda “old school” in this area preferring paper and ink over bits and bytes.    

The important thing is to choose a study plan and stick with it.  The number of good plans far outweigh those that are not so good.  I am convinced that God is most honored by our perseverance and our obedience to read and study HIS Word!

KNOW THE WORD

We shouldn't let the fact that we can’t know everything about the Bible deter us from learning as much as we can about God’s Word!  By the same token, we shouldn't allow the thought that we can never know everything about God keep us from developing an intimate relationship with Him.

Theology teaches us about God.  Who He is, His attributes, His values, and His nature.  However, it is through personal interaction with God, primarily through His Word combined with prayer, that we get to know God.  That is to say, knowing about God is not the same as knowing God.

Granted, the Bible does speak of a “saving knowledge” (see Hebrews 10:26), however, it’s not the knowledge that saves rather it is hearing the message of available forgiveness.  A. W. Tozer addressed this very thought when he wrote:

The uncomprehending mind is unaffected by truth. The intellect of the hearer may grasp saving knowledge while yet the heart makes no moral response to it. (Born after Midnight, p.62)

The modern church, for the past 100 years, has communicated that the goal of the church is to convert unbelievers to believers.  Our efforts should not terminate with another’s salvation, instead we are to guide the unbeliever through salvation to holiness! Don’t get me wrong, salvation is important. But it’s the first step.  I am convinced that it’s our sanctification, that is to say, our holiness that is God’s goal for us.

We are indeed saved by grace and not by our intellect (or sight).  It is not how much we know, but rather it is who we know that counts.  However, our salvation is the beginning of our relationship with God.  We need to “mature in Christ” and that requires Bible study.

God provided the Scriptures as a way of displaying His nature and character to us.  He interacts with us through the Bible to guide us to understand Him (to some degree) and know how to please Him.

We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28 (HCSB)

Peter writes, “Be Holy . . .” (1 Pe. 1:16) and in doing so  quotes from three different texts in Leviticus (Lev. 11:44;  Lev 19:2;  Lev 20:7) all of which command us to do that very thing.  So holiness should be our goal and that will not be achieved without the work of the Holy Spirit accomplished through Bible study.

Holiness is often confused with perfection or sinlessness. To be holy is to be “set apart for God.”  To be sanctified.  Our path to holiness involves developing an intimate relationship with God.  Growing in our understanding of His nature and character.  The primary way of doing this is through Bible study.

There is among church attendees an epidemic of  biblical illiteracy.  The results of this biblical illiteracy is a shallow relationship with God.  This shallowness is displayed through apathy, marginal participation, diminished giving among believers.
 
Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, wrote:

Christians who lack biblical knowledge are the products of churches that marginalize biblical knowledge. Bible teaching now often accounts for only a diminishing fraction of the local congregation's time and attention. (“The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy: It's Our Problem” www.christianity.com/print/1270946)

If we, as obedient followers of Christ, are to fulfill “The Great Commission” (Mt. 28:19-20), if we are to “make disciples”, then we have to know God’s Word.  More importantly, we need to know God!  Knowing about God isn't enough, we need to know Him like a child knows it’s father, like a loving wife knows her loving husband.  That is the only way we can function as obedient children of a loving Father.

AND the only way we can do that is by reading, studying, meditating on The Bible.

After all it’s not rocket science.

Therefore, get your minds ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance  but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct;  for it is written, "Be holy, because I am holy."  1 Peter 1:13-16 (HCSB)

CRIME AND INJUSTICE

How long, Lord, must I call for help and You do not listen, or cry out to You about violence and You do not save? Why do You force me to look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Oppression and violence are right in front of me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates. This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted. Habakkuk 1:2-4 (HCSB)

I find it amazing that the same complaints Habakkuk expressed in 620 BC can be truthfully expressed in the United States today. **  For us to find an acceptable resolution to these complaints, we have to acknowledge that the problem begins with each individual person.  

The Old Testament book of Habakkuk (wedged in between Nahum and Zephaniah), like Jonah, is a story about God molding the character of an individual.  The text begins with ranting, raving, and complaining, then concludes with a statement of renewed faith in a sovereign God.

We read Habakkuk’s complaint (verses above) and then, beginning in verse five, God replies basically saying, “Habakkuk, I’m about to do something that you wouldn’t even if I personally tell you what I’m going to do.  I’m gonna send the Chaldeans to discipline Israel.” (Hab.1:5-11 paraphrased)

By the end of the text, Habakkuk with renewed confidence declares, “I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us. . . . I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:16,18 (NIV)

OK, so what does that mean to us?  Habakkuk was frustrated as he looked at the world around him, specifically Israel, and saw that things are not as they are supposed to be.  We are indeed in the same situation today!  Things are not as they are supposed to be. 

We proclaim our freedom but we really want entitlement! We protest for justice, but we really just want to have our own way! 

Our problems are not the crime and injustice so common in our society.  It is not the incompetence that exists in our elected officials. Our problems are not the slanted and one-sided reporting epidemic in the media.  Our problems begin with us, each of us. 

 Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4 (NASB)

What I’m saying is that change, real change, “THE CHANGE WE NEED” must begin with you and me.  Real change must occur in the heart and mind of each individual citizen. That kind of change can only occur by God’s power. When I decide to submit to God’s plan for life and  God’s rules for living, I will then experience the heart change needed to affect change. 

Submission begins with humility.  Admitting that I don’t have the answer or the power to implement the answer even if I had it.  When we reach that place, we naturally turn to God.  But just turning to God doesn’t provide change, we need tune-in to HIM as well.



This is what happened to Habakkuk, his heart was changed. He went from a moaning, grieving, sniveling, complaining man, to a man of gratitude, living in confidence and faith.  Habakkuk tuned-in to God and discovered real peace. 







It’s not too late.   Let us begin right now to tune into God and then “watch to see what He [God] will say to me.”  Habakkuk 2:1 (HCSB)

**Personal note: originally I listed several specific examples of “wrongdoing, oppression, and violence” not to mention other examples of strife and escalating conflict.  But I decided that my examples were inflammatory and that is not the goal of this article or of this blog.

FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY (part 2)

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and
do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NASB)

In my last post I wrote of freedom and responsibility from a social point of view.  In this post I’ll write regarding freedom and responsibility within the church specifically and Christianity in general. 

There is much freedom in Christianity.  We are free from meaningless rituals. We are free from human or animal sacrifices. We are free from legalism and what I call “behavior management” religion.  There is freedom is styles of worship, posture in prayer, and places to serve. Most importantly we are free from working to be “good enough” for Heaven.  Also, while we are commanded to tell others about God’s FREE gift of salvation, we are not held accountable for their free choice. 

However, like our nation (click see previous post), the church has failed to “keep standing firm” thus succumbing to inconsistencies.  It is quite possible that these inconsistencies within the church have been instrumental in supporting the inconsistences which exist in our society.  To be blunt, where society may have some excuse for being inconsistent, the church has none. 

Twenty-first century Christians gather weekly to declare our loyalty to God.  We sing praises to The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.  We proclaim the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the offer of salvation that results from that sacrifice. But when the service is over, we depart the gathering to live like everyone else. 

In our daily lives, no appears to be no significant difference in our behavior and the behavior of those who don’t believe.  More importantly, for all of our singing, clapping, teaching, preaching, and other activities designed to exalt God, once we are away from church, we tend to live lives of secret agent Christians, fearing to reveal our true identities. 

We will never speak louder or more clearly about our faith as when we live it out openly and without shame.  It is not enough to say “God is my top priority.” we must demonstrate it in our choices.  Not just the choices we make publicly, but also the choices we make privately. 

If I want a better World, we have to have a better nation.  If I want to have a better nation, we have to be a better state.  If I want to have a better state, we have to be a better county.  If I want to have a better county I have to be a better city.  If I want to have a better city, we have to be a better community.  If I want to have a better community, we have to be a better church.  If I want to have a better church, our families have to be better families.  If I want to have a better family I have to be a better me.  If I want to be a better me, I have to commit to living like Jesus! 

In our freedom to live, we cannot neglect our responsibility to imitate Jesus.  In our freedom from the punishment of sin, we cannot neglect our responsibility to make disciples of Jesus.  So it all comes down to who I want to be like.  Do I want to be like me or do I want to be like Jesus?

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO START!

The second week of this year is not too late to have a new start for this year! The calendar year is still young and we can still commit to a new or renewed determination to grow in Christ!

 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.2 Peter 3:18 (HCSB)

Here are four things we can focus upon if we are desiring to mature as followers of Jesus Christ.

1. Grow in faith.
Most people I meet express that growing in faith is the most difficult thing for them to do in their life.  The truth is we can grow our faith the same way we would get to Carnegie Hall.  How does one get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice!  In short, we increase our faith by practicing faithful behaviors.

First, establish a daily time to spend in communion with God by reading His Word and reflecting on what it says.  Then be faithful with attending corporate worship service.  Then join and faithfully attend a Bible study.  Be sure to tithe from your time, talents, and possessions. Start with these things and watch what God will begin through your faithfulness!

2. Grow in love.
To grow in love, we should discipline ourselves to inspect every word before we speak it, manage every action before we do it, and evaluate every situation before we ignore it.  In every situation ask, “What is the most loving thing to do?”  Another way to grow in love is to question, “Am I pointing someone towards Christ or away from Christ, through my behavior?”

3.  Grow in humility.
Grow down in humility, by growing up in prayer.  Humility is seeing myself two ways: first, being honest about seeing myself as what I would be like without Christ; second, seeing myself as what I am with Christ.  Once I understand those two things it will be easier to become humble since I will begin understand that I am nothing without Christ. The more humble I become, the more dependent I will be upon God to provide the things I need to accomplish HIS will. Also the more devoted I will become to prayer and interaction with God.  Brother Lawrence spoke regarding the simplicity of developing a prayer life when he said,

    He [God] does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can. Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think.
    -- Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God

Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (HCSB)

4. Grow in knowledge.
Seek to know more about Jesus.  Study on the things that he said and the things that he did while on Earth.  Don’t be afraid to ask, “Why did Jesus say what he said and why did he say it that way?”  Observe his actions and flesh out ways to imitate Jesus day by day. 

Final note: We may never see how much we have grown, but those around us will.

WHY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FAIL

What is your New Year resolution?  A common question among Americans during the first two weeks of January.  Many people, in hopes of self improvement, at the start of a new calendar year, resolve to live, think, behave, differently than they did the previous year.  A noble cause to say the least, but equally common as making a resolution is the failure to achieve our goal.

I am convinced that the majority of resolutions fail because they are motivated by selfish ambition. They commonly have an inward focus. We choose our goal(s) because of a benefit we will receive.  We choose to get in shape because we will become more attractive.  We choose to be kinder because we will gain more friends.  We choose to donate more time or money because we want to feel less guilty.  I think you get my point. 

Just because a resolution is inwardly focused doesn’t mean it’s bad.

For example, among the top ten resolutions is “to lose weight” in the coming year. We may chose to do this for several reasons: for our own health; for comfort; for our appearance; or to encourage and motivate others to do the same.

When we look at these reasons we may notice that they mostly focus on the positive results enjoyed by ourselves. However we all have a responsibility to those who love us to maintain good health. We have a responsibility to God to be a good "care taker" of  the body that He has provided for us to use. Also we have a responsibility to those who are and will be in need of help, to be available to provide the help they need.

HOW TO MAKE A RESOLUTION WE CAN KEEP

First, realize we all have a natural human tendency to be selfish and prideful.  So begin to think of making others a priority over myself.

¹³ You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. ¹⁴ So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. John 13:13-15 (HCSB)

Second, make a (short and realistic) list of ways I can make a difference this year in my church and community. Start with obvious areas where volunteers are needed.  Be aware that I may need to think in terms of which person or family, instead of an entire church or community.           

Third, pray about which single difference to get involved in and commit to playing a role in that activity for the entire year.

 ¹⁷ Pray constantly. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (HCSB)

¹²“ I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.¹³ Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.¹⁴ If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:12-14 (HCSB)

Finally,  avoid the "spot light", resist the desire to draw attention to how hard we are serving or the difference we may or may not be making.

 ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 1 Peter 4:9 (HCSB)

Remember, it's not us, it's about serving God and making a difference in SOMEONE ELSE'S life.

³⁴ “I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (HCSB)