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Worksheet #1 (112-1) (Part 1 & 2)Standards of Christian Faith

By Kathy L McFarland

1. What are the standards of Christian Faith? (Teachings)
A. Rules of behavior
B. Gives Christians the guidelines to emulate Christ
C. Helps develop righteous behavior
D. All the above

2. Who assists Baptized Christians in walking according to the standards of Scripture? (Teachings)

A. LORD God
B. Lord Jesus Christ
C. Holy Spirit
D. Believers in Christ

3. What type of path should Christians walk to assure their behavior is according to Christ’s expectations? (Teachings, Matthew 7:14)

A. Narrow
B. Wide
C. Long
D. Short

4. (Fill in the blank) ____________________ is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things __________ ____________ (Hebrews 11:1).

A. Faith, seen
B. Faith, NOT seen
C. Forgiveness, seen
D. Forgiveness, NOT seen

5. (Fill in the blank) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were _______________ of them, and ________________ them, and ____________ that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13).

A. Amazed, awed, respectful
B. Overcome, burdened, yoked
C. Persuaded, embraced, confessed
D. None of the above

6. What is remembrance of something that has already happened? (Teachings)

A. Old Testament
B. Faith
C. History
D. All the above

7. What is a Christian’s faith? (Hebrews 11:1)

A. Hope that the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass
B. Certainty that the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass
C. Blindness of what the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass
D. Proof of what the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass

8. (True or False) Either the Word of God is evidence of things we cannot see as it reflects God’s full Truth, or it is error that gives victory to the devil. (Hebrews 11:1)

A. True
B. False

9. (True or False) Hebrews 11:13 gives Christians the full standard of faith.

A. True
B. False

10. (Fill in the blank) Christians must be _________________ to the promises of the LORD God, _____________________ them, and __________________ them. (Hebrews 11:13)

A. Persuaded, embrace, confess
B. Memorized, symbolized, and historicized
C. Attached, memorized, learn
D. None of the above

11. What does the Greek word σκολιός (skolios) “untoward” mean that is found in Acts 2:40?

A. Unscrupulous
B. Corrupt
C. Morally crooked
D. All the above

12. What does the LORD God promise that called Christians can do about their sins? (Acts 2:38-40)

A. They can forget them
B. They can sacrifice worship for them
C. They can repent of them
D. They can be re-baptized

13. What does the LORD God promise that can happen to called Christians after repentance? (Acts 2:38-40)

A. Baptism
B. Confirmation
C. Communion
D. Restoration

14. What extra help comes to comfort and guide called, Baptized Christians? (Acts 2:38-40)

A. Church chosen specifically for them
B. Kind Christian teachers that help them become mature
C. Money flowing as manna from God Himself
D. The Holy Spirit

15. What ability does the LORD God’s promise to give called, Baptized Christians with the troubles of the worldly generation that are immoral, corrupt, and crooked surround them? (Acts 2:38-40)

A. Power to overlook
B. Ability to separate your presence from the world
C. To cause your enemies to die
D. To let you dance in their presence

16. What is the LORD God’s promise concerning works saved Christians do in His name? (Hebrews 6:9-12)

A. There are no promises about works
B. He will NOT forget your works and labors of love that you do in His name
C. Only those directed by the Bishop can be counted as official works for the LORD God
D. Works outside of church are vanity

17. What are the LORD God’s promises to righteously keep for those with faith and patience? (Hebrews 6:9-12)

A. Full assurance
B. Diligence
C. Hope
D. All the above

18. (Fill in the blank) You are the ______________ of the living God. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Temple
B. Ark
C. Tabernacle
D. All the above

19. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will ________________ in you. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Supervise
B. Remove you
C. Dwell
D. Dance

20. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will _________________in you. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Run
B. Walk
C. Dance
D. Sing

21. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will be your ________________. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Savior
B. Spirit
C. God
D. Friend

22. (Fill in the blank) You shall be part of the LORD God’s _________________. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Club
B. Army
C. Clique
D. People

23. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will receive you if you separate yourself from the _____________________. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

A. Cults
B. Unclean things of the world
C. All things of the world
D. All people of the world

24. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will be a __________________. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

A. Father
B. Friend
C. Buddy
D. Lucky Lottery Guru

25. (Fill in the blank) You will be a part of the LORD God’s _____________and ____________. (2 Corinthians 6:18)

A. Little Gods, Lords
B. Sons, Daughters
C. Angels, Saints
D. Kings, Queens

26. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God PROMISES to give the Lord Jesus Christ power to _________________. (Luke 5:24)

A. Destroy the Earth
B. Save all people from Hell
C. Forgive sins on Earth
D. All the above

27. (Fill in the Blank) The LORD God promises to all the __________________________ to receive forgiveness and cleansing. (1 John 1:7-10)

A. Allowance for people who are good
B. Allowance for people who are repentant
C. Allowance for people who promise to obey if they receive from Him
D. Allowance for the Blood of Jesus Christ

28. (Fill in the Blank) The LORD God promises to accept those that _________________ and _______________. (1 John 1:7)

A. Walk in the Light, fellowship with other Christians
B. Tithe to the Church, perform dances on the stage to draw more people in
C. Do good and give money to the poor
D. All the above

29. (Fill in the Blank) The LORD God promises to allow ______________ to cleanse His Followers from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

A. Christ
B. Repentance
C. Spiritual Restoration
D. Good works

30. What doctrine becomes part of all other doctrines that help contribute to Christians becoming righteous? (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. Justification
B. Salvation
C. Works
D. Faith

31. (True or False) The Lord Jesus is NOT the LORD God. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

32. (True or False) When we have faith, we are saying that we believe all the promises that the LORD God has made to us in the Word of God.

A. True
B. False

33. (True or False) The Trinity members are the LORD God, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

34. (True or False) The Trinity is equal in nature, distinct in Person, and submissive in duties. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

35. (Match) The Trinity is equal in _____ (1) ______, distinct in _______ (2) _____, and submissive in _______ (3) ____________. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. Duties
B. Nature
C. Person

36. (Match) (1) Omniscience) (2) Omnipresence (3) Omnipotence

A. Powerful
B. Everywhere
C. Holy

37. (Match) If you uphold the three standards of faith to be _______ (1)_________ of the LORD God’s promises, _______(2)______ them, and _______(3)______ them after seeing them from afar off.

A. Embraced
B. Persuaded
C. Confessed

38. When a Christian has full faith, what will they feel like on the earth? (May be more than one answer)

A. Pilgrims
B. Thorns
C. Strangers
D. All the above

39. What Christ’s Parable in Matthew 13:22 talks about separating from the World?

A. Parable of the Sower
B. Parable of the Talents
C. Parable of the Hidden Pearl
D. Parable of the Prodigal Son

40. How does the world trick the Believers according to Matthew 13:22? (May be more than one answer)

A. Brings the cares of the world to their hearts
B. Tricks them with the deceitfulness of riches
C. Bribes them to live both spiritual and physical lives
D. Challenges them to be good people in the world and outside the church

41. What could result if the whole world of riches is gained? (Matthew 16:26) (Think this one out)

A. Loss of soul
B. Loss of salvation opportunity
C. Loss of Heaven and the New Earth
D. All the above

42. (Small Essay) Describe how it is poor people that so often succumb to the riches of the world. (Matthew 16:26 and Kathy L McFarland teachings)

43. (Small Essay) Why do people that have the riches of the world NOT have a need for God? (Mark 10:23-25, Kathy L McFarland teachings)

44. (Small Essay) Why does the world hate followers of Jesus Christ? (John 15:17-19)

45. What does the mercy of the LORD God ALLOW you to do?

A. Be a living sacrifice
B. Give yourself fully
C. Yield to His control
D. All the above

46. What are the six standards listed in Romans 12:1-3 used for by the LORD God and Christians?

A. To measure how much reward to give to the Believer
B. To measure how much punishment to give to the Believer
C. To measure how much faith to give to the Believer
D. To measure how much glory to give to the Believer

47. What are the first three standards called in Romans 12:1-3?

A. Reasonable Service
B. Exceptional Service
C. Faithful Service
D. None of the above

48. Who measures the six standards of living sacrifice of a Christian to determine how much faith to give? (Romans 12:1-3)

A. The LORD God
B. The Lord Jesus Christ
C. The Holy Spirit
D. All the above

49. (True or False) Giving the LORD God full control over your being is part of the living sacrifice and will produce holiness in you. (Romans 12:1-3)

A. True
B. False

50. (True or False) Reasonable Service means that a reward or notice will be given by God for holiness for doing His will. (Romans 12:1-3)

A. True
B. False

51. (True or False) Reasonable Service means the LORD God does NOT necessarily expect Believers to seek His will deeply to live as He wants, rather than follow their own heart. (Romans 12:1-3)

A. True
B. False

52. (True or False) It is acceptable for a Believer to take credit for holiness since it is based on his living sacrifice to the LORD God. (Romans 12:1-3)

A. True
B. False

53. What three measures fall under the Reasonable Service standard that receives rewards from God? (Romans 12:1-3)

A. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice
B. A measure of how holy a Believer develops
C. A measure of how acceptable a Believer is to the LORD God
D. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a Believer exists
E. A measure of how much a Believer transforms through renewal of mind
F. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God

54. What three standards of faith DO NOT fall under the Reasonable Service standard, that will be rewarded by the LORD God with additional faith? (Romans 12:1-3)

A. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice
B. A measure of how holy a Believer develops
C. A measure of how acceptable a Believer is to the LORD God
D. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a Believer exists
E. A measure of how much a Believer transforms through renewal of mind
F. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God

55. (True or False) When a Believer is given higher-level faith, then confidence can be assured the Believer has the adequate amount of spirituality to handle the faith award or increase perfectly! (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

56. (True or False) It should be the goal of the Church, Christian leaders, Pastors, Counselors, Teachers, Chaplains, Parents, and Mentors to help develop the six-steps of standards of faith to prepare Believers to receive the granting of more faith from the LORD God. (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

57. (True or False) Being a Living Sacrifice is NOT your faith! (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

58. (True or False) Being a Living Sacrifice is NOT your works! (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

59. (Fill in the Blank) So then faith cometh by _________________, and _______________ by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

A. Hearing; hearing
B. Good works; good works
C. Holiness; holiness
D. Holy Spirit; Holy Spirit

60. (True or False) It is the human sense of feeling that faith is delivered by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

A. True
B. False

61. (True or False) A Believer must hear the Word of God to develop the six standards of faith and spiritual growth. (Romans 10:17)

A. True
B. False

62. (True or False) Scripture is the Word of God. (John 1:1-3)

A. True
B. False

63. (True or False) If an unbeliever is unable to hear and understand God’s Word, then that is a person that DOES NOT have faith given by the LORD God. (Romans 10:17)

A. True
B. False

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1 Corinthians

The City of Corinth was a thriving metropolis filled with a pluralistic society and many cult religions. It also had a synagogue and a large contingency of Jews. The city’s moral depravity was legendary, and it was filed with every sin and immorality imaginable. In the midst of this cesspool, Christians assembled together in their faith and practice of following Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, these assembled Christians became divided over misconceptions regarding the nature of the body of Christ, the message of the gospel, and the nature of the ministry. Paul responded to their questioning letters and reports of dissent by writing the assembled at Corinth to put a stop to the division, and to instruct, correct, rebuke and edify where it was needed. Throughout 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks on the need for discipline and submission to the authority of Christ, as he uses words such as knowledge, wisdom, discern, love, holy and sanctify often in his epistle.

1 Corinthians 1

1:1-9 Introduction and greeting
1:10-12 The Corinthian problem: divisions
1:13-31 Paul speaks against divisions

1 Corinthians 2

2:1-16 Wisdom is God’s gift

1 Corinthians 3

3:1-4 Carnal minds hinder the growth of the spirit
3:5-10 Christians are co-laborers
3:11-15 Jesus Christ the only foundation
3:16-23 You are God’s temple

1 Corinthians 4

4:1-5 Real judgment
4:6-21 The authority of the apostles

1 Corinthians 5

5:1-13 Moral standards

1 Corinthians 6

6:1-8 Christians and the civil law
6:9-20 Purity among believers

1 Corinthians 7

7:1-40 Problems of the married and the unmarried

1 Corinthians 8

8:1-13 Christian freedom and brotherly obligations

1 Corinthians 9

9:1-6 Paul’s apostleship
9:7-18 Apostolic rights and obligations
9:19-27 All things to all men

1 Corinthians 10

10:1-13 Israel: a warning example
10:14-22 Flee from idolatry
10:23-33 Do all to the glory of God

1 Corinthians 11

11:1-16 The veiling of women
11:17-34 Concerning the Lord’s supper

1 Corinthians 12

12:1-11 Spiritual gifts
12:12-26 The body and it’s many members
12:27-31 Ye are the body of Christ

1 Corinthians 13

13:1-13 The wave of love

1 Corinthians 14

14:1-25 Prophecy superior to tongues
14:26-40 Order in worship

1 Corinthians 15

15:1-19 The resurrection of Christ
15:20-34 The assurance of the believer
15:35-58 The spiritual body

1 Corinthians 16

16:1-4 The contribution of the saints
16:5-12 Personal plans
16:13-20 Exhortations
16:21-24 Salutation and benediction

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Standards of Christian Faith – Lecture 112-1(Part 2)

By Kathy L. McFarland

Hebrews 11:13 (KJV 1900)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

8. If you uphold the three standards of faith to be persuaded of the LORD God’s promises, embraced them, and confessed them, then you will feel like “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

Think about that for a moment. Throughout the teachings of Christ, we are told that we must separate ourselves from the world, right? “The Parable of the Sower” says…

Matthew 13:22 (KJV 1900)
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

9. The world tricks most with the “deceitfulness of riches.” Even if the Word of God is heard, it is choked by the care of the world. When the Word of God is choked, the hearer of the Word becomes unfruitful. If the Christian is unfruitful, then no works are done to glorify the LORD God. Fruitful, living works can never be accomplished based upon the riches of the world.

Matthew 16:26 (KJV 1900)
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

10. If the whole world of riches is gained, it will cost the loss of your soul. Poor people who struggle to live day-by-day in poor countries that are filled with corruption and political ignorance, watch as their portion of simple living expectations are stolen from them. It is those that worry about feeding and clothing their family members that so easily succumb to seeking the riches of the world. The unfairness of others having resources when your family is starving creates a culture of seeking after the riches from the world.

Mark 10:23–25 (KJV 1900)
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

11. People that have the riches of the world, do NOT have a need for God. Their souls can be lost.

Many of the countries in the continent of Africa and South America, and many of the southern states in the USA have a road of poverty that far-exceeds the imagination of the rich. The devil sows his thorns amongst the people who seek the Word of God and strangle the message of God from reaching their understanding. It is the common attack by Satan toward the poor to keep them from serving their Lord Jesus Christ and creating works through Him and the Holy Spirit to glorify the LORD God in Heaven.

John 15:17–19 (KJV 1900)
17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

The world hates followers of Jesus Christ. The world hates Christ. If you walk the way of the world, you will have riches, but you will lose your soul. The standard of faith requires you to love fellow Christians and support them in their walk with Christ. The standard of faith requires you to reject the world and all its riches. The standard of faith requires you to understand that Christ chose you
OUT OF THE WORLD, so you are hated, and no longer a part of the world.

Romans 12:1–3 (KJV 1900)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

12. The LORD God’s mercy allows you to be a living sacrifice, giving yourself fully and yielding to His control.

13. The Reasonable Service of a Believer that gives control fully to God must become holy.

14. Reasonable Service means a reward or notice will not be given by God for holiness for doing His will.

15. Reasonable Service expectations of God require Believers to seek His will deeply and live as He wants.

16. It is the LORD God that deals to each man a measure of faith!

17. It is unworthy for a holy believer of God to take credit for holiness that comes from God alone.

18. There are six standards measured by the LORD God to determine how much faith a person is to receive.

a. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice

b. A measure of how holy a Believer develops

c. A measure of how acceptable a believer is to the LORD God

d. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a believer exists

e. A measure of how much a believer transforms through renewal of mind

f. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God

19. Consider these six standards. There are just three measurements that the LORD God considers Reasonable Service.

a. The first is the measure of living sacrifice
b. The second is the amount of holiness that is achieved by the Believer
c. The third is the degree to which the Believer is acceptable by the LORD God.

20. There are NO rewards for achievement given by the LORD God or by the Lord Jesus Christ for the three standards of Reasonable Service.

21. There are three measurements for faith that DO NOT fall under the Reasonable Service standard.

a. Be non-conforming to this world
b. Be able to transform yourself by the renewing of your mind
c. Be able to prove what is the good, acceptable, perfect will of God

Teaching by Kathy L McFarland:
The six measurements that the LORD God uses to determine the amount of faith given to a person directly develops a Christian’s standards of faith for spiritual growth. When a person is given higher level faith, then confidence can be assured the believer has the adequate amount of spirituality to handle the faith award or increase perfectly.

This important concept contrasts those who receive just a little faith. It should be the goal of the Church, Christian leaders, Pastors, Counselors, Teachers, Chaplains, Parents, and Mentors to help develop the six-steps of standards of faith to prepare Believers to receive the granting of more faith from the LORD God.

Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS your spirituality. It is the amount of yourself that is given to the LORD God by your choice.

When you are a “Living Sacrifice,” your spirituality is measured, and faith given to you by the LORD God. What you do as a “Living Sacrifice” is spiritual works directed by the LORD God.

Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS NOT your faith!

Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS NOT your works!

Romans 10:17 (KJV 1900)
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

22. It is the human sense of hearing that faith is delivered by the LORD God.

23. A Believer must hear the WORD OF GOD to develop the six standards of faith and spiritual growth.

24. Scripture is the WORD OF GOD. (John 1:1-3)

25. If an unbeliever is unable to hear and understand God’s Word, then that is a person that does not have faith given by the LORD God.

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Romans

Romans has been called “The Constitution of Christianity,” “The Christian Manifesto,” and “The Cathedral of the Christian Faith.” It is known as the most complete collection of Christian doctrine. The Epistle of Romans was written by Paul during his third missionary journey to Corinth. Paul was intending on making a fourth missionary journey to the western extremity of the Roman Empire. He wanted the Roman church to assist him with making that journey and wrote this epistle to establish contact with the Roman church in preparation for the anticipated visit. The church at Rome was primarily made up of Gentiles and had very little central organization or local church government. Small groups of believers met all over the city, and this is the reason that Paul addressed his epistle to the “saints” rather than to the “church”.

Romans 1

1:1-7 Greetings
1:8-15 Paul’s affection for the Roman Christians
1:16 The power of the gospel
1:17-32 The guilt of mankind

Romans 2

2:1-9 To judge others is to condemn self
2:10-16 God is no respecter of persons
2:17-29 The Jew and the law

Romans 3

3:1-8 What advantage has the Jew?
3:9-20 There is none righteous
3:21-31 Righteousness through faith

Romans 4

4:1-12 Abraham’s justification
4:13-25 The promise realized through faith

Romans 5

5:1-11 Results of justification
5:12-21 Sin through Adam-Salvation through Christ

Romans 6

6:1-13 Freedom from sin’s power
6:14-23 Christians are under grace, the Spirit’s law

Romans 7

7:1-6 The law and sin
7:7-12 The problem of indwelling sin
7:13-25 The struggle of two natures

Romans 8

8:1-27 Life in the Spirit
8:28-39 More than conquerors

Romans 9

9:1-33 The Jew and the Gospel

Romans 10

10:1-5 Zeal but no righteousness
10:6-21 Righteousness is by faith in Christ

Romans 11

11:1-10 The remnant of Israel
11:11-12 Salvation is come to the Gentiles
11:13-24 The Gentiles are warned
11:25-33 The restoration of Israel
11:34-36 The almighty God

Romans 12

12:1-2 Living sacrifices to God
12:3-21 The service of love to all

Romans 13

13:1-7 Honor authority
13:8-14 Walk in love

Romans 14

14:1-8 Let every man be fully persuaded in his mind
14:9-23 Christ is the only Judge

Romans 15

15:1-6 Unity in Christ
15:7-13 The Gospel to the Gentiles
15:14-21 Paul speaks of his ministry
15:22-33 Paul hopes to visit Rome

Romans 16

16:1-24 Personal greetings
16:25-27 Concluding doxology

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Standards of Christian Faith

Lecture 112-1(Part 1)

By Kathy L. McFarland

The standards of Christian faith are the standards that our LORD God and our Lord Jesus Christ expects for us to emulate in our Christian journey with Him. The Holy Spirit, given to each Baptized Believer, assists us to walk in the way of Christ at every step we take in our natural and spiritual lives. However, busy lives often lead us off the path of Christian faith and into the control of the world and sometimes even the enemies that would wish harm to come to us.

It is critical that you walk the narrow path of Christ through this life, grow in spiritual maturity through that practiced pace and knowledge, and one day be rewarded greatly for the works you have done to bring glory to the LORD God.

But first, you must understand what the standards of Christian faith are expected by our Lord Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV 1900)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:13 (KJV 1900)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

1. Sometimes, Christians confuse surety of faith with absolutely “already happened, thus their faith is strong.” If something has already happened, it is not faith, but history that is reflected.

2. When a Christian has faith, he is hoping that all the LORD God said in His Word will come to pass. Either the Word of God is evidence of things we cannot see as it reflects God’s full Truth, or it is error that gives victory to the devil. Christian’s faith stands strongly on choosing the winning team of the LORD God because they have been called closer to Him, and through His Word, given them hope of salvation to come.

3. Hebrews 11:13 gives us the full standard of faith. You must be persuaded to the promises of the LORD God, embrace them, and confess them.

Let’s breakdown the standard of faith in the promise of the LORD God listed in Hebrews 11:13 that must be persuaded, embraced, and confessed.

The Promises of the LORD God

Acts 2:38–40 (KJV 1900)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as
many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

4. The LORD God promises:
a. If you are called by God, you can repent of your sins.
b. If you are called by God, you can be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. (Please note: Remission means you are released from the power of sin through your baptismal grave)
c. If you are called by God, you can receive the Holy Ghost.
d. If you are called by God, you can save yourselves from the immoral, corrupt, crooked, worldly generation (Separate your presence from them).

Hebrews 6:9–12 (KJV 1900)
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

5. The LORD God promises through salvation:
a. To NOT forget your works and labors of love that you did in His
name
b. To righteously keep His promises for those with faith and patience, full assurance, and diligence to the end

2 Corinthians 6:16–7:1 (KJV 1900)
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 7 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

6. The LORD God promises:
a. You will be the temple of the living LORD God.
b. The LORD God will dwell in you (through the Holy Spirit).
c. The LORD God will walk with you (through the Holy Spirit).
d. The LORD God will be your God.
e. You shall be part of the LORD God’s people.
f. The LORD God will receive you if you separate yourself from the unclean things of the world.
g. The LORD God will be a Father to you.
h. You will be a part of the LORD God’s sons and daughters.

Luke 5:22–24 (KJV 1900)
22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? 23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? 24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

1 John 1:7–10 (KJV 1900)
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

7. The LORD God promises:
a. To give the Lord Jesus Christ power to forgive sins on earth,
b. To allow the blood of Jesus Christ to forgive and cleanse all those that walk in the light with his Son and have fellowship with other Christians.
c. To allow Christ to cleanse His Followers from all unrighteousness

Romans 4:21–5:2 (KJV 1900)
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Teachings from Kathy L McFarland
When we teach young Christians who are beginning their faith walk with Christ, we talk most often about our beloved Lord Jesus Christ. After all, it is His blood that brings salvation to all of us, and is the most important doctrine that becomes a part of all the other doctrines that help contribute to us becoming righteous. But, as we mature, we must understand deeper, the things of God through His Word.

The Lord Jesus Christ shed His blood for the remission of sin in those that follow Him. Jesus Christ was given the power by the LORD God to forgive sins on this earth. The Lord Jesus Christ is our teacher, our mentor, our Lord, and our King. He is the risen Lord from His crucifixion, and that contributes to our hope of one day following Him in Resurrection into Eternal Life. His teachings and examples contributed to us becoming righteous, a condition necessary for us to serve our LORD God.

But the Lord Jesus Christ is NOT the LORD God. He is separate. He has His purposes, goals, and ways that enforce the things of the LORD God and contribute to God’s program.

The Trinity members (the LORD God, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit) are equal in nature, distinct in Person, and submissive in duties. They are ONE GOD with THREE PERSONS.

That distinct “in Person” is the knowledge that mature Christians must understand before they can achieve full enlightenment of the Word of God. So let me make it a bit easier.

Check out points four to seven. All those points show some (but not all) of the important promises of the LORD God. Not Jesus Christ. Not the Holy Spirit. Those promises come from the LORD God of Omniscience (Holy), Omnipresence (Everywhere), and Omnipotence (Powerful).

If we believe those promises, if we have hope of those promises then that is called faith. When we have faith, we are saying that we believe all the promises that the LORD God has made to us in the Word of God.

The forgiveness of sin on this earth by the Lord Jesus Christ has happened to us as Christians. And the going to our Baptismal grave and resurrection in eternal life has been promised when our physical bodies die. We have faith that it all works because the LORD God promised it. He promised that His only begotten Son would lead us to Him.

So, though faith as a young Christian is expressed in the surety of forgiveness of sin and eternal life through Jesus Christ, as mature Christians, we must understand it more deeply. When we say we have faith, we are saying that we believe without doubt that the LORD God will keep His promises. Then as mature Christians, we start exploring the Word of God, to sort out exactly what those promises are, and what they mean to us as we seek after righteousness.

Updated Feb 15, 2024 10:24:51am

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Acts

The Acts of the Apostles in the King James Bible presents an extensive view of early church life and history. It’s focus is primarily on the acts of two apostles, Peter and Paul. It’s purpose is to show the continuation of works through the teachings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the establishment of the church. The author is the same as the author of Luke, with the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts forming a single, two-volume work. Luke wrote to convince Theophilus, probably a Gentile official, of the certainty of the Things of Jesus Christ that had been told to him. He also wrote to provide a unity between Christ’s works in the Gospels and the apostles’ labors after His ascension. And finally, Luke wrote to show the Roman world that Christianity is not a subversive political movement. Few biblical books are as misused as the Book of Acts, and some denominations have created distinctive and divisive teachings from their interpretations.

Acts 1

1:1-5 The continuing ministry of Christ
1:6-11 The Ascension
1:12-14 The upper room
1:15-26 The selection of Matthias

Acts 2

2:1-13 The coming of the Holy Spirit
2:14-42 Peter’s address at Pentecost
2:43-47 Life among the believers

Acts 3

3:1-11 The lame man healed
3:12-26 Peter appeals to the Jews to repent

Acts 4

4:1-4 Peter and John imprisoned
4:5-12 Peter before the high priest
4:13-22 Threatened and released
4:23-37 Unite in praise and prayer

Acts 5

5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira
5:12-16 Many signs and wonders
5:17-32 The apostles imprisoned and liberated
5:33-42 Gamaliel’s advice

Acts 6

6:1-7 Provision is used for the widows
6:8-15 Stephen is arrested

Acts 7

7:1-53 Stephen’s defense
7:54-60 The martyrdom of Stephen

Acts 8

8:1-4 Saul persecutes the church
8:5-25 The Gospel preached in Samaria
8:26-40 Philip and the eunuch

Acts 9

9:1-18 The conversion of Saul
9:19-22 Saul testifies in Damascus
9:23-31 Saul escapes to Jerusalem
9:32-35 Aeneas healed
9:36-43 Dorcas restored to life

Acts 10

10:1-8 The vision of Cornelius
10:9-23 The vision of Peter
10:24-33 Peter meets Cornelius in Caesarea
10:34-43 Peter preaches to the Gentiles
10:44-48 The Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit

Acts 11

11:1-18 Peter is rebuked by the Jewish Christians
11:19-30 The church in Antioch

Acts 12

12:1-19 Herod kills James and imprisons Peter
12:20-25 The death of Herod

Acts 13

13:1-3 Paul’s first missionary journey
13:4-13 Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus
13:14-43 Paul and Barnabas at Antioch of Pisidia
13:44-52 Opposition by the Jews

Acts 14

14:1-7 Paul and Barnabas at Iconium
14:8-23 Paul stoned in Lystra
14:24-28 Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch

Acts 15

15:1-35 The council at Jerusalem
15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas part company

Acts 16

16:1-10 Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy
16:11-18 Lydia is led to believe
16:19-24 The imprisonment at Philippi
16:25-40 The conversion of the Philippian jailer

Acts 17

17:1-9 The uproar in Thessalonica
17:10-15 Paul and Silas at Berea
17:16-21 Paul at Athens
17:22-34 Paul on Mars’ Hill

Acts 18

18:1-22 Paul at Corinth and Ephesus
18:23 Paul begins his third missionary journey
18:24-28 Apollos at Ephesus

Acts 19

19:1-23 Paul at Ephesus
19:24-41 Demetrius causes trouble at Ephesus

Acts 20

20:1-5 Paul goes to Macedonia and Greece
20:6-12 Paul at Troas
20:13-16 Paul’s voyage to Miletus
20:17-38 Paul address the Ephesian elders

Acts 21

21:1-26 Paul warned about returning to Jerusalem
21:27-36 Paul seized by the Jews
21:37-40 Paul’s defense before the people

Acts 22

22:1-5 Paul’s defense before the people (continued)
22:6-16 Paul tells of his conversion
22:17-29 Paul’s call to the Gentiles
22:30 Paul before the council

Acts 23

23:1-11 Paul before the council (continued)
23:12-22 The Jews vow to kill Paul
23:23-35 Paul sent to Felix the governor

Acts 24

24:1-27 Paul before Felix

Acts 25

25:1-9 Paul before Festus
25:10-12 Paul appeals to Caesar
25:13-27 Paul before Agrippa and Festus

Acts 26

26:1-11 Paul before Agrippa
26:12-26 Paul testifies of his conversion
26:27-32 Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian

Acts 27

27:1-13 Paul sails for Rome
27:14-38 The storm at sea
27:39-44 The shipwreck

Acts 28

28:1-15 Paul on Melita
28:16-31 Paul in Rome

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Culture Shock in Missions:

Does Facebook Missionaries experience part of the same “lostness” with cultural ideas that are foreign to them?

What ways can we become part of the Facebook cultures that we are witnessing Christ to?

What are some specific culture shocks that you have experienced on Facebook that posed a challenge to your ministry?

What are some of the specific solutions to overcome culture shock on Facebook with your ministry?

By Kathy L. McFarland

I remember my first overseas assignment in Tokyo Japan so well, that if I close my eyes I can still recall the sounds, smells, sights, and confusion. The minute we stepped off the plane, I smelled a fishy odor in the air; by the time I reached customs, every one of the Japanese, Koreans, and Thais that I met smelled the same way. I had not prepared for that. But I had prepared for cars driving on the road in the opposite direction as Americans; I was so proud that I remembered that until I stepped off my first curb and forgot to remember that pedestrians must look different ways because of different lanes of travel. When I looked left, I saw no cars, stepped out into the road, and almost got slammed by the car moving forward in its correct lane. You think you can prepare, but you cannot think about it all.

Our military rank did not permit base housing, so we had to go off base and live among the locals. We found a really nice, brand new, Japanese apartment with a 2ft wide x 4ft tall bathtub, a 1ft x 1ft stove with a tiny 1ft oven underneath, and a strange contraption coming out of the wall that had a nozzle and gas that had to be turned to high to get a bit of hot water. It was winter, and there was no heat; we did not know about kerosene heaters from the start, and the walls of our cold, cold apartment began to mildew all over the wallpaper as the still hardening concrete stayed wet without heat. The TV and radio didn’t speak anything that I could understand, and the noise of the traffic, bicycle horns, and drums preparing for a night festival penetrated my mind.

I started to experience culture shock; it is a real disordered process in one’s mind that can’t adapt because things are so strange. It was not homesickness (of which I also began to experience), but another physical/mental obstacle added atop that. The people living on base had a little bit of one; mine was full-fledged. Unless you have tried to establish a home in a foreign country without knowing the language, you cannot understand how crippling culture shock is until you experience it.

If someone had asked me about Jesus that first month, I doubt I would have had the proper words formed. But, during that first month, because I was so lost, I got a great deal of help from my local neighbors. They all delighted to have a young American amongst them (back then they liked it anyway), and went outside their comfort to help me adapt. These neighbors became some of my best and life-long friends; I never established closer ones when I finally made enough rank to live on base and just commute outside the gates into the culture even after being inside the country for eight years.

As I read the Brewster article on the difference bonding makes, I immediately thought of this time in Japan.[1] They recommend immersion into the culture immediately; basically, they are advising to initiate the culture shock hard and fast, and deal with all the conflicting, emotional, confusing, scary signals that overload a foreign brain.[2] Did I mention that it is common for those with culture shock to become sick with flu-like symptoms as the body must do without the brain’s usual clues to keep fit because it is preoccupied with survival from the shock? So in the thick of shock overtaking your brain, most also have nausea, congestion, and an achy body to go with it. And always, for everyone I’m almost certain, there will be tears. And, these authors are asking missionaries to subject themselves to that shock without much of a safety net; at least I had the U.S. Military ready to save me should I get in over my head.

Missionaries have two choices; they settle into the culture by staying away and isolated or they dwell amongst them. The “foray” method usually allows the missionary to live in a missionary compound that is familiar and safe; as the missionary goes out several times a week to spread the Gospel of Christ, there is always a familiar, safe haven awaiting the return of the expatriate.[3] Or, the missionaries bond with the culture and people, live their lives with them, and experience the horror of culture shock from the beginning.[4] This shock usually leads to a deep bonding, just as the author’s example of a newborn baby bonding to the parents at the moment of birth, and eventually establishes a sense of belonging with potent relationships with people developing in this shocking vacuum.

The authors warn that total culture immersion into a foreign language culture is not without risk.[5]But, it is this risk that starts the process of a bonding relationship, and eventually becomes the foundation of mission work that has the best potential of gaining the culture’s trust. It is trust within a relationship that best serves the delivery of the Gospel of Christ, and compels the listeners to walk toward Him. Author Reyburn calls this point-of-contact connection by the German words der Anknupfungspunkt which designates a deep process that connects the speakers with the listeners.[6] The identification of the missionary must adapt to the culture’s connection, or the message will never be heard. The unconscious habits and culture traditions become critical introductions to the missionaries’ presence, and offers the freedom to witness the Gospel to them when all of the pieces of connection fall together.[7]

But, even the concept of der Anknupfungspunkt might be misleading when it stresses the need to have common ground to bridge the gap between Christians and non-Christians. Karl Barth and Emil Brunner have deep divisions in necessity for this to occur.[8] Some argue that God makes that “common ground” connection, and the missionaries should stay out of the way of the culture. Barth stresses that every human being, believer and unbeliever, can have philosophic axioms and theorems that are contrary to each other, yet, the image of God is born inside them, ready for access to lay the common ground for the Gospel to be heard.[9]

Thus, a case could be made that missionaries can live in secluded compounds and still do a good job when they go out into the cultures, without having to absorb the actual culture understanding into their lives. But, my experience in Japan argues against this; a comparison of the close connections I made with the Japanese compared to my peers that lived on the military base prove that close living and sharing makes a difference, in my mind at least.

Bibliography

Brewster, Elizabeth S. and E. Thomas Brewster. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: The Difference Bonding Makes. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1992.

Henry, Carl Ferdinand Howard. God, Revelation, and Authority. Vol. 5. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1999.

Henry, Carl Ferdinand Howard. God, Revelation, and Authority, Vol. 1. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1999.

Reyburn, William D. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: Identification in the Missionary Task. Pasadena, CA: William Perry Library, 1992.

Footnotes

[1] Elizabeth S. and E. Thomas Brewster Brewster, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: The Difference Bonding Makes (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1992), 467-469.

[2] ibid., 466.

[3] Ibid.

[4] ibid., 466-467.

[5] ibid., 469.

[6] William D. Reyburn, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: Identification in the Missionary Task (Pasadena, CA: William Perry Library, 1992).

[7] ibid., 474-476.

[8] Carl Ferdinand Howard Henry, God, Revelation, and Authority, Vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1999), 396.

[9] Ibid.

Note to Facebook Readers: Please be brave and wrestle with the questions at the beginning of this post. Then answer them in reply my friends. I want to know your experiences on mission work on Facebook and how you learned to adapt to different culture difficulties.

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John

John, the son of Zebedee, and one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ is thought to have been the author of this book. His gospel is different by nature from the other three. It is an interpretation of the facts of Jesus’ life rather than a presentation of its facts in historical sequence. His purpose in writing is unique, as is his interpretation of the life of Jesus. He emphasizes the deity of Jesus, as well as focuses on the words “signs” (miracles), “believe”, and “life”. John’s gospel is evangelistic and written so others might believe. He also writes for the believers that they may be sanctified, as he speaks of the promise of the Holy Spirit, the truth that Jesus is the True Vine, and Simon Peter’s denial and restoration. Most think this was the last gospel to be written, perhaps while the “beloved disciple” of Jesus Christ was at Ephesus about A.D. 85.

John 1

1:1-5 The Word
1:6-18 The true light
1:19-34 The testimony of John the Baptist
1:35-51 The first disciples

John 2

2:1-12 The miracle at Cana
2:13-25 Christ cleanses the temple

John 3

3:1-21 The new birth
3:22-36 John the Baptist testifies of Christ

John 4

4:1-23 The Samaritan women at the well
4:24-42 “God is a Spirit”
4:43-54 Christ heals a nobleman’s son

John 5

5:1-16 The pool of Bethesda
5:17-38 The Son’s relationship with the Father
5:39-47 “Search the scriptures”

John 6

6:1-14 Jesus feeds five thousand
6:15-21 Christ walks on the water
6:22-30 Teaching in Capernaum
6:31-65 “I am the bread of life”
6:66-71 Peter’s confession

John 7

7:1-53 Christ causes division

John 8

8:1-11 Jesus forgives an adulteress
8:12-30 “I am the light of the world”
8:31-47 Abraham’s true descendants
8:48-59 “Before Abraham was, I am”

John 9

9:1-41 Jesus heals one blind from birth
John 1010:1-21 “I am the good shepherd”
10:22-42 “I and my Father are one”

John 11

11:1-16 Jesus raises Lazarus
11:17-46 “I am the resurrection, and the life”
11:47-57 The Pharisees fear Christ

John 12

12:1-11 Mary anoints Jesus
12:12-19 Christ enters Jerusalem
12:20-50 We would see Jesus

John 13

13:1-20 Jesus washes his disciples’ feet
13:21-30 Christ foretells his betrayal
13:31-35 The new commandment
13:36-38 Peter’s denial foretold

John 14

14:1-14 Jesus the way to the Father
14:15-31 The promise of the Holy Spirit

John 15

15:1-17 The vine and the branches
15:18-27 The hatred of the world

John 16

16:1-3 Jesus warns of persecution
16:4-15 Jesus speaks of leaving and coming Comforter
16:16-24 Sorrow to turn into joy
16:25-33 “I have overcome the world”

John 17

17:1-26 Jesus prays for his own

John 18

18:1-14 The betrayal and arrest of Jesus
18:15-18 Peter denies Christ
18:19-27 Christ before the high priest
18:28-37 Christ before Pilate
18:38-40 Christ sentenced to die

John 19

19:1-15 Crucify him!
19:16-30 The crucifixion
19:31-37 Jesus’ side pierced
19:38-42 The burial of Jesus Christ

John 20

20:1-10 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

20:11-18 Christ appears to Mary Magdalene
20:19-23 Christ appears to his disciples
20:24-31 The unbelief of Thomas

John 21

21:1-14 Jesus appears to seven disciples
21:15-19 “Feed my sheep”
21:20-25 The beloved disciples

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How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: A Guide to Understanding the Bible by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 1993. 265 pages, softcover.

Critiqued by Kathy L. McFarland

Fee and Stuart’s book How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth guides the beginning Bible student into the world of exegesis and hermeneutics in a practical approach that encourages a deep study of Scripture. It confronts a popular but faulty approach to the modern-day interpretation of Scripture that focuses upon philosophical analysis to make existential significance of Scripture to today’s world that is changing the definition of hermeneutics from a systematic study of the principles of interpretation of Scripture.[1] These “new hermeneutics” confuse the definition and encourage a man-centered interpretation allowing society to change the meaning of the Word of God.[2] Fee and Stuart’s book counteracts that error-prone hermeneutical interpretation effort as it guides students of the Bible with a progressive development of solid study tools that are designed to orientate readers to Scripture themes in each Book, then offers advice and tools in navigation with exegetical and hermeneutical context that provide a solid foundation to base Scripture interpretations upon.

The modern-day faulty approach to hermeneutics is tamed by the authors as they separate the exegesis of Scripture from the second process of hermeneutical analyses; this narrows the definition of hermeneutics considerably and provides a solid foundation for Scripture interpretation to occur. Fee and Stuart’s division of the hermeneutical processes into two parts allows exegesis to determine what was said back then with an analysis of the original intent of the author and only then apply the hermeneutics examination of its connection of God’s Word to the here and now.[3] Their approach to good exegesis requires the reader to carefully read the text and then form the right questions to fully understand context (historical and literary) and content (common meaning and grammar) to evaluate a good translation of Scripture text properly.[4] Then the hermeneutic efforts of interpretation are ready to be applied to a foundational truth-filled exegetical analysis of Scripture that contributes to application development from good interpretation from its meaning. This gives students of the Bible opportunity for applying the Word of God with a better understanding and obedience to Scripture, as well as placing the significance of its results in present-day applications that are separated from the examination of the role of the author and original readers.[5]

The nature of the Bible as being the revealed, inerrant Word of God given to human beings in their language creates a tension between the eternal relevance and its historical particularity.[6] While the original authors wrote specific words for a certain time, they were writing those words through the inspiration and direction of the LORD God; it is He that chose to express eternal truths in common vernacular words with a connection to particular circumstances in human history.[7] These eternal truths remain valid today, and give application to Christians’ lives when the words are evaluated with full attention paid to the author, the audience, and the purpose of words delivered to a specific people in specific times for specific purposes. According to the Fee and Stuart, that process follows exegesis, and progresses into hermeneutics, to give surety to the application of God’s Word with modern day understanding, association, and connection that was given to mankind through forty inspired authors in a 1500 year period from the time of Moses of the Old Testament to the times of the Apostles Paul and John of the New Testament era.

It is the full examination of the different genres that leads the reader on the path of hermeneutical application taught by Fee and Stuart to encourage the reading of the Bible and then living His Word. They fully develop their exegetical hermeneutical process through the detailed examination of the character and God’s intentions concerning the Epistles (pg. 55-88), Old Testament Narratives (89-106), Historical writings (107-126), the Gospels (127-148), Parables (149-162), Laws (163-180), Prophets(181-204) , Psalms (205-224), the Wisdom Books (225-248), and Revelation (249-264). They also offer comparisons concerning the different translation choices (33-54) with a bias toward their preferred TNIV translation, and a handy appendix that evaluates both Old and New Testament Commentaries (265-275).

Epistles

Scripture epistles are difficult to interpret, according to Fee and Stuart, because of their occasional nature that answers problems of an audience that the modern-day interpreter might be unaware.[8] The effective tools developed by them to address this epistle issue are to examine the historical event through contextual evaluation with a Bible dictionary and commentary, followed with a reading and re-reading of the letter.[9] A literary evaluation should then be performed through a focused examination of paragraphs within the epistle to determine their specific reason for being written.[10]

Fee and Stuart believe this controlled exegesis is beneficial because it relies upon context within the document, without the need to go outside of the epistle to determine meaning of the specific words and ideas.[11] But, this benefit seems unclear since a consultation of historical commentaries is recommended before the exegesis of the specific literary contexts of the epistle. It seems the exegetical analysis would be more effective if the reverse were applied; first, attention paid to the Scripture according to its words, sentences, and then paragraphs, with a consultation of historical accounts to supplement the questions developed in the word study from the start. Also, their diversion from specific word meanings to paragraph exegesis might remove the likelihood of the deeper things of God from discovery by placing the epistles into a category of merely historical letters without the supernatural revelation of God contained within them.

Accordingly, the authors appear to recognize the deficient position of analyzing epistles through the lens of an occasional document; thus, they form rules that make real sense to focus upon the meaning of text to the original audience, and keep that meaning throughout the exegetical process when the same meanings that are shared in modern-day.[12] But, those rules do not prevent exegetical mistakes especially in the case of extended application in situations that are not shared with the original receivers of the letter that live in a different culture than us.[13] So, Fee and Stuart throw out any sense of extra-revelatory Scripture in the epistles, questioning its veracity by concluding that any extended application alone might not be the Truth of God.[14]

Narratives

Fee and Stuart define the most prevalent genre of narratives in Scripture as “powerful stories retelling the historical events of the past that are intended to give meaning and direction for a given people in the present.” With this definition in mind, they identify three levels of narrative within Scripture, identified as the metanarrative that deals with the universal plan of God through creation, the narrative of the first covenant that God made with His chosen people, and then the first level narrative that combines them both.[15]

Once again, Fee and Stuart remove any sense of mystery from the exegesis of narrative Scripture; they reject hidden meanings within narratives and the connection of narratives to moral lessons.[16] They encourage the interpreter to be aware of the implicit teaching of the narrative that contains elements that are explicit elsewhere in Scripture.[17] The consideration of the narrative as a story with scene, characters, dialogue and scenes is beneficial to the interpreter, but, Fee and Stuart warn against the common errors of allegorizing, decontextualizing, selectivity, moralizing, personalizing, misappropriation, false appropriation, and false combination.[18] Most important to Fee and Stuart’s technique of exegesis is the avoidance of consideration that the Bible narrative was specifically written about you[19] thus possibly restricting the possibility of the Word of God speaking to a person’s heart through the moving of the Holy Spirit by just literally stating the facts.

Historical

The historical Book of Acts follows the same hermeneutical goals as the narratives in Fee and Stuart’s assessment with an important assumption that unless Scripture explicitly tells us to do something, we cannot assume that it is so.[20] However, some of their general principles in evaluating the Book of Acts address the condition of relationship that exists between a believer and His Spirit that can reveal an inspired message that is not of primary doctrinal significance that is explicitly stated in Scripture.

It is in Fee and Stuart’s careful explanation of the difference between primary and secondary doctrinal issues that holds some room for the teachings of the Holy Spirit to inspire believers through the Word of God; but, admittedly, Fee and Stuart take great care in avoiding the act of interpretation based upon this personal religious insight.[21] In that regard, the authors develop specific principles to govern valid illustrative, experience, and repeated patterns experienced through Christian relationship with God that connect with His Word, with strict guidelines of accountability first and foremost to literal Scripture reference.[22]

Gospels

The four Gospels of Jesus Christ were written by four different men that were not connected with each other in their writings, yet they are harmonized in their presentation. A horizontal reading with historical context and literary contemplation is encouraged by Fee and Stuart, with a vertical reading that considers both Christ and the evangelist as each playing an important part in the accounts. [23] They encourage the same cautious exegesis based upon a literal, historical evaluation with the Gospels as they do for the evaluation of narratives; their tools used for Old Testament Scripture analysis work just as effectively with the teachings of Christ. But there is one important detail that must be noted; the Kingdom of God and Christ’s relationship to it must be understood fully if the full Truth of God is to be realized.[24]

Parables

The parables are unique in hermeneutical interpretation because of their nature that presupposes the original audience understood exactly the meaning through their immediate connection to them. Fee and Stuart surprisingly recommend a retelling with modern inclusions to have the same type of impact they had on their original audience.[25] They also stress the nature of parables that always portray the Kingdom of God through Christ’s teachings, and important point that must be heeded when interpretations of parables are undertaken.[26]

Other Genres

Fee and Stuart have prepared reliable tools and cautions for the hermeneutical application through careful exegesis of the Laws, Prophets Psalms, Wisdom Books, and Revelation. Each genre demands a different approach in some of their unique aspects; however, as a whole, the tools used for the Epistles, Narratives, and Gospels apply equally to them. Fee and Stuart encourage the use of careful exegesis based upon historical and literal examination of the original author’s intentions to deliver a specific message to a specific people for a specific reason in a specific time.

Conclusion

Fee and Stuart have developed specific tools to guide interpretation of Scripture with scientific precision in order to discern the intentions of God through the authors of His Word to their audiences. These tools are excellent for determining the literal meaning of Scripture, a necessary act if the Truth of God is to be known. However, Fee and Stuart are weak in their explanations of the contribution of the Holy Spirit within a believer to guide interpretation to greater depths that bring the mysteries of God to light. Probably, there are no tools that can be developed in this regard, since the relationship between a believer and their LORD God is governed by the Holy Spirit on a very individual basis. Fee and Stuart wisely approach the interpretation of Scripture by developing tools that can be used consistently and correctly by readers of the Bible without need of additional theological instruction and training.

If the Bible is read for all it’s worth, based upon the tools provided by Fee and Stuart, it is unlikely that there will be error within Scripture interpretations. It is also unlikely that you will have a Spirit filled journey of deep learning and experience the Mysteries of God that permeate His Inspired Word and await the Holy Spirits infusion into the mind and heart of the Believer, if their tools are used without relationship with Him. But, mere humans cannot make rules for that supernatural process since it is controlled by God alone. So, Fee and Stuart seem to have gone as far as they can in offering the best tools for the hermeneutical expression of the Word of God in the modern-day lives of believers, with careful exegesis rules and repeatable steps towards applying the Word of God in today’s Christian walks based upon sure exegesis of Scripture.

Bibliography

Fee, Gordon D., & Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003.

Klein, William W., Craig L. Blomberg, Robert L. Hubbard. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2004.

Shealy, Brian A. “Redrawing the Line between Hermeneutics and Application.” Master’s Seminary Journal 8, (1997).

Footnotes

[1] William W. Klein, Craig L. Blomberg, Robert L. Hubbard, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2004), 6.

[2] Brian A. Shealy, “Redrawing the Line between Hermeneutics and Application,” Master’s Seminary Journal 8, (1997): 83-105.

[3] Gordon D. Fee, & Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003), 23.

[4] Ibid., 23-29.

[5] Ibid., 29.

[6] Ibid., 21.

[7] Ibid., 22.

[8] Ibid., 58.

[9] Ibid., 59-62.

[10] Ibid.64-67

[11] Ibid., 67.

[12] Ibid., 74-75.

[13] Ibid., 76-87.

[14] Ibid., 76-77.

[15] Ibid., 91.

[16] Ibid., 92.

[17] Ibid., 92-93.

[18] Ibid., 103-105.

[19] Ibid., 105.

[20] Ibid., 119.

[21] Ibid.

[22] Ibid., 123-125.

[23] Ibid., 135-139.

[24] Ibid., 145.

[25] Ibid., 160-161.

[26] Ibid., 162.

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