In Hebrew thought, there are a number of ways to express ideas that reinforce meaning and emphasize the importance of concepts. Unlike European languages, Hebrew contains no punctuation marks in the original language, so the language structure developed other ways to communicate such ideas. Read Genesis 1:26-27; and Isaiah 6:1-3. What words are repeated in these passages? … Continue reading –>
1. Understanding the Scriptures. We all agree, no doubt, that God gave us the Scriptures as a witness, but was a witness to what? And to whom? What role did the Greek language play in sharing the words and content of the Bible with the then known world? Does it ever trouble you that many languages exist beyond … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: The prophets wrote in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Interpreting the words, phrases, and narrative of Scripture within the original contexts help us more fully understand God’s message for us today. May 16, 2020 1. Have a volunteer read Genesis 1:26,27. Isaiah 6:1-3. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most … Continue reading –>
In every language there are words that are so rich and deep in meaning that they are difficult to translate adequately with a single word into another language. Such words require a wide study of their usage in the Bible to understand the breadth of meaning. Read 1 Kings 3:6, Psalm 57:3, Psalm 66:20, Psalm 143:8, and Micah 7:20. How … Continue reading –>
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. For what purpose was the Bible given to us? The Bible was written as a witness to God’s work in history, His plan for redeeming the fallen race of humanity, and to instruct us in all ways of righteousness. The Lord chose to do this in human language, making His thoughts and … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Deut. 32:46-47; 1 Kings 3:6; Num. 6:24-26; Gen. 1:26-27; Gen. 2:15-23; Gen. 15:1-5. Memory Text: “Take this Book of the Law, and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there as a witness against you” (Deuteronomy 31:26, NKJV). More than 6,000 languages are spoken among the … Continue reading –>
I suppose most Christians around the world would agree that the Bible takes precedence over culture as far as deciding what is right and wrong. At the same time I think all of us are sometimes confused, thinking we are following the Bible instead of culture, not realizing that our culture heavily influences how we … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “What to Do With Doubt”, pages 105-113, in Steps to Christ, and from the document “Methods of Bible Study” Section 1: “Bible Study: Presuppositions, Principles, and Methods”, Section 2: “Presuppositions Arising from the Claims of Scripture” and Section 3: “Principles for Approaching the Interpretation of Scripture”. (Methods of Bible Study can be … Continue reading –>
Read Nehemiah 8:1-3, Nehemiah 8:8. Why is a clear understanding of Scripture so important for us, not only as individuals but as a church? The most important question in the Bible is the question of salvation and how we are saved. After all, what else matters in the long run? What good is it, as Jesus Himself … Continue reading –>
Read John 9:39-41 and John 12:42-43. What hindered the people in these passages from accepting the truth of the biblical message? What words of warning and caution can we take away from these incidents for ourselves? It’s easy to look back with scorn at the religious leaders who rejected Jesus despite such powerful evidence. Yet, we need to … Continue reading –>
