The BIG Picture (Shorts)

Rightly dividing is the key to proper contextual and accurate interpretation of Scripture. Without it, the Word is mixed together, blended across programs, and ultimately skewed. Passages meant for Israel under the law are wrongly applied to the Body of Christ under grace, and promises given to a nation are confused with instructions for the church. The result is spiritual instability, because truth has not been handled in its proper context. Yet notice this: rightly dividing is not the starting point, it is the outcome of study. Paul says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). When we truly labour in the Word, comparing Scripture with Scripture, we begin to see the distinctions God Himself has made. We see the difference between prophecy and mystery, between law and grace, between Israel’s earthly kingdom hope and the church’s heavenly calling. One will never truly grasp the importance ...

The Word says, “I’m not under the law but under grace,” but what does that mean? What's grace and how are you under grace? Well, consider this: The Bible says grace through what? Faith. Eph.2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith;". Then, faith comes by what? Hearing. Rom.10:17a "So then faith cometh by hearing,". Hearing by what? The word of God. Rom.10:17b "and hearing by the word of God."  So, ultimately, where is grace? It’s found in the Word. Thus, when you say you’re under grace, it means you are to place yourself under the authority of the written Word of God: study it, let it renew you, apply it in your life by faith. It's then that you'll experience God's grace, not only for justification, but for sanctification in this life too. 1Thess.2:13 "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the wo...

A BEAUTIFUL SOCIAL MEDIA STATEMENT: The gospel tells us that we must believe that Jesus died for our sins. The actual process of salvation is performed by the Holy Spirit which includes the Word of God renewing our mind and bringing us to obedience of Christ. So, it truly is good news. SOMEONE’S RESPONSE: Ridiculous! Show me a verse that says that!! MY REPLY: The bible tells us to study it line upon line, here a little, and there a little, Isaiah 28:10. No one verse is going to divulge the entire salvation process which involves justification, sanctification and glorification. Thus, one has to read the Bible and learn these things as the verses, throughout many pages, connect and confirm each other. I can give you a starting point by referring you to 1Cor.15:1–4 and Eph.2:8–9. Then, from these verses, allow the scripture to lead you into more cross-references and it will start to build a clear picture of the process of salvation in Paul’s epistles. ______________ Please share these wit...

An incorrect approach to Bible study begins with preconceived notions, seeking out verses to support existing beliefs. For instance, to demonstrate a revival, one might cite verses about the Spirit's power and revival. Similarly, to argue against Jesus' divinity, one might select verses highlighting his humanity, submission to God, and prayers to the Father. This method overlooks context, ignores contrasting verses, and the author's intent, aiming instead to validate personal opinions with scripture. Conversely, the correct method involves allowing the Bible to shape one's beliefs. Rather than cherry-picking verses to match our ideas, we should strive to comprehend the Bible's messages within their original context. The Bible enlightens us on God, the identity and mission of Jesus, the revelation of mystery, of grace, salvation, and judgement. The scripture itself advocates for these doctrines; our role is simply to convey its teachings. Hence, the Bible should not ...

The majority of Christians seem content in knowing just the basics of the Bible. Most of their knowledge is gained from listening to preachers, not reading the Bible for themselves. Interestingly, Bible skeptics are willing to read the Bible because their true motive is to “catch [God] in His words” Mk.12:13, “that they might accuse Him” Matt.12:10. Yet, compared to the minority of committed Bible students who find the deep truths of the Bible, these “self-confident” skeptics are ultimately blind to the truth and ignorant in spiritual understanding, 1Cor.2:14! Why is the Bible difficult to read? Why do Christians rarely read it? Why do skeptics hate the pure words of God? The problem is not with the King James Bible. The problem is with the heart of man. The Bible discerns his heart and motives, Heb.4:12. Reading scripture is like a mirror that reflects back his true image! Its only when 'self' dies, and Christ lives in us that the Bible makes sense and becomes a joy to stud...

Among Christians, there are those who aren't too concerned with what they read in the Bible, as long as it touches their hearts. For them, the Bible is like a 'pick your favourite verse collection', choosing only parts that appeal to them and ignoring the rest. This is not how the Bible should be read or treated. Although the Bible teaches many truths that we can readily accept, we cannot truly comprehend its message unless we study it as a whole. True faith seeks to continually deepen its understanding of God's Word. A person who isn't seeking to understand God's Word isn't truly interested in what God has to say. Such a person's faith is founded on personal preference rather than on truth, choosing any scripture that appeals to them and interpreting it as they please. Such "spirituality" is not authentic, and such "faith" can be considered blind, superstitious, and even dangerous. God desires that we intelligently believe what we...

Paul divides people, by the Spirit, into four classes: the natural man, the babe in Christ, the carnal believer, and the spiritual believer. All four of these are referred to in 1Cor.2:14-3:4 and they are classified by their ability to appreciate and assimilate “the things of God” as revealed in His Word. THE NATURAL MAN is unsaved and spiritual things are foolishness to him. THE SPIRITUAL MAN through diligent study of the Word, and with a sincere desire to obey it, has come to know God and Jesus Christ more and more intimately. BABES IN CHRIST and CARNAL BELIEVERS are saved, but cannot “discern” him, not being able to bear the milk, thus, they seek to know him through temporal things; through works, emotions, traditions, and ordinances. But he, having grown to spiritual maturity, is among those of whom it is written:  Heb. 5:14 “But strong meat [deeper doctrine] belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good...

Romans , Paul’s first epistle in the canon of Scripture, describes the Gospel of Grace by which we receive forgiveness, justification, sanctification, and redemption. His next three epistles— 1 and 2 Corinthians plus Galatians —expand on Romans and correct any misconceptions or confusions. Most church members, if they ever (!) grasp Romans through Galatians, never get beyond here. Remember, the Corinthians and Galatians failed to learn and apply Romans truth! Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are a higher plane of understanding. Very few gain this maturity, “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery” being the second step to establishment as per Romans 16:25,26. Finally, 1 and 2 Thessalonians are the ensample of established believers, operating in faith, love and hope. Paul’s last four epistles— 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon —are handbooks for running the local church efficiently, also rarely mastered. ______________ Join my WhatsApp channel...

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he praised them for their strong growth in faith, (2Thes.1:3). How did he know they were growing spiritually? Because of 3 important things: Paul commended them for their love and kindness to one another (2Thes.1:3). They displayed patience, They had unwavering faith in persecution and tribulations they faced for the sake of Christ (2Thes.1:4).  Without true love, there can be no real spiritual growth, (1Co.13:1-8). Also, staying positive in tribulation is a clear sign of spiritual growth. These attributes demonstrated their spiritual maturity and their reliance on Christ's indwelling life.  So, what caused them grow spiritually? Only one thing! They received the Word of God as the truth, not just the words of men (1Thes.2:13). They had genuine interest in the scriptures and allowed the truths they learned to transform their lives. From the above we can learn, 'What is true spiritual growth', and also, 'How does it come about'.