An Equipment Check for Holy Spirit Parasailing A guide for studying Scripture to weather the winds of uncertainty

2 Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet's own imagination, for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (NET)

2 Timothy 3: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. (NLT)

Safety First! Two principles should guide our interpretation of Scripture –Prayer and the Guidance of the Holy Spirit –Alignment with Christian Doctrine

Guidelines for your excursion The Bible has human authors-it is a message we can understand!The Bible has human authors-it is a message we can understand! The Bible has a divine author-it is God’s unified message!The Bible has a divine author-it is God’s unified message! The Bible has ultimate authority for doctrine and life!The Bible has ultimate authority for doctrine and life!

Buckle Up! Prayer/Holy SpiritPrayer/Holy Spirit –Expect God to reveal something to you (Psalm 119:125) –Expect God to challenge what you think you already know!! –Expect to put what you learn into practice! (James 1:22-25) Christian Doctrine –Expect what you discover to adhere to Christian doctrine –Expect to see Jesus as the “interpretive key” to any text –How well do you know the essentials? How can you get to know them better?

Christian Doctrine The Christian past holds a huge sum of information on spiritual formation. It is a treasure--- a God deposit---in Christ’s people. We must take the trouble to know it and to own it in ways that are suitable for today.

Can I trust my ‘chute? CanonCanon –A term that literally means “measuring stick” OT canon set by the end of the first centuryOT canon set by the end of the first century NT canon was set at the Council of Carthage in 397 ADNT canon was set at the Council of Carthage in 397 AD

Which type of chute is right for me? Understanding Bible translation methodsUnderstanding Bible translation methods –Literal (KJV, NKJ, NAS, ESV) –Readable (NIV, NRSV) –Paraphrase (LIV, NLT, Message) The one that helps you to understand the most is the best for you (sometimes that can mean more than one translation for a difficult text)!The one that helps you to understand the most is the best for you (sometimes that can mean more than one translation for a difficult text)!

Types of Parasailing BeachBeach BoatBoat PlatformPlatform

Narrative/StoryNarrative/Story –(OT History, NT Gospels) Epistle/LetterEpistle/Letter –(NT Letters---Paul, John, etc.) WritingsWritings –(Psalms, Proverbs, etc.) PropheticProphetic ApocalypticApocalyptic Types of Parasailing

Understanding the Different Types Narrative –Read through the whole story to get the flow Observe what is going on The message lies in the story (the author is presenting his message with his version of events)

Understanding the Different Types LetterLetter –Try to read in one setting to get the main idea –Read over and over to get a feel for the purpose Mark important words like “therefore”, “since”, “so that”, etc.Mark important words like “therefore”, “since”, “so that”, etc.

Understanding the Different Types WritingsWritings –Old Testament wisdom literature –Includes: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, etc. –These books describe our relationship with God as a way of life: both the good and the bad! –Look for: Examples of behaviorExamples of behavior Examples of prayer and lamentExamples of prayer and lament Examples of worship!Examples of worship!

Understanding the Different Types Prophets –Who is the prophet? Why was he called? –Who will God judge? –How will God show mercy? (Is it to the same group?)

Understanding the Different Types Apocalyptic---the hardest of all –Try not to be overly literal! –Look for messages of hope Apocalyptic was intended to provide hope for the community to which the book is written!

Steps to Success Observation –Slow down note what is going on Interpretation –Look for the meaning Application –Personalize it Proclamation –Learn so you can share with others

Psalm 119: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. … Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.

Enjoying the Fruits of your Labor Proper Bible study techniques help you to appreciate the Bible in a new wayProper Bible study techniques help you to appreciate the Bible in a new way Knowing the Bible enables you to share your faith with others confidentlyKnowing the Bible enables you to share your faith with others confidently

Enjoying the Fruits of your Labor Knowing the Bible allows you to grow as a follower of Jesus ChristKnowing the Bible allows you to grow as a follower of Jesus Christ Good Bible study habits take a lifetime to develop---Enjoy the process and the view!!Good Bible study habits take a lifetime to develop---Enjoy the process and the view!!

Tools of the trade Readable Bible –Choose one that you understand Book on Bible backgrounds Commentary –Use these last! –Pick one that focuses on application! Internet/Computer –Bible.org –Logos/Libronix