LET THE BIBLE SPEAK.

THE PUBLIC BIBLE TEACHER. In Acts 8, Philip asked a man traveling from Ethiopia to Jerusalem to worship, if he understood what he was reading. His reply was, "How can I except some man guide me?" He needed a TEACHER. The word "teacher" is in reference to "one who teaches, instructs, trains, directs, and guides." As we see from the definition, a great responsibility is placed upon a "Bible class" teacher, for he/she has a great part in forming the minds of our Children by instilling in them all things pertaining to God, such as creation, his purpose for man, his Son, salvation, heaven, torment, and living the good life. A. All Christians should study and strive toward the time they will be able teachers of God's word. The desire to be a Bible teacher (as elders desire the office of elder) is in my opinion the first qualification of a Teacher. As Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 5, we should "hunger and thirst after righteou...

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AS A PUBLIC BIBLE TEACHER. WHAT IS EISEGESIS? Eisegesis is a term used in biblical studies and literary analysis to describe the process of interpreting a text by reading one's own ideas, biases, or assumptions into it, rather than drawing out the meaning that is actually present in the text. CHARACTERISTICS OF EISEGESIS. 1. _Forced interpretation_: Eisegesis involves forcing a predetermined interpretation onto a text, rather than allowing the text to speak for itself. 2. _Reading into the text_: Eisegesis involves reading one's own ideas, biases, or assumptions into the text, rather than drawing out the meaning that is actually present. 3. _Ignoring context_: Eisegesis often involves ignoring the historical, cultural, and literary context of the text. 4. _Selectively quoting_: Eisegesis may involve selectively quoting passages or words to support a predetermined interpretation, while ignoring other relevant passages or context. EXAMPLES OF EIS...

Individuals and the Church In spite of all the teaching of the Bible on the subject, in spite of all the emphasis which has been placed on that teaching in recent years, brethren who should know better are continuing to teach that the church can do what the member does. Many who do not study for themselves accept this erroneous doctrine. The gist of their reasoning is that, since the church is composed of individuals, the church does what the individuals do. Some argue that since Christ said the kingdom is within us, therefore each Christian living and acting among men is the church. Others assume that since all congregational action is expressed by the combined individual action of its members, therefore all action of the members is congregational action. The Sommer position assumed that an individual could do only that which the church could do in religious activity. This doctrine is assumed for the most part in an effort to justify the church support of colleges, parochi...

TODAY'S TOPIC: Biblical View of Vigils and Cross-Over Night Prayers.  "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God..." "...And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him..." 1Cor.10:31; Col. 3:17. As a Disciple of Christ, it is essential to approach this question with Biblical authority (Colossians 3:17), and a commitment to practices explicitly commanded or authorized in the Scriptures.  Let us examine this topic through the lens of Biblical teaching! --- 1. Understanding "Vigil" and "Cross-Over Night Prayers". Vigils generally refer to late-night or all-night gatherings for prayer, worship, or reflection. Cross-Over Night Prayers are specific to New Year’s Eve, where individuals or Congregations gather to pray into the New Year. These practices are popular in many religious traditions, but we must ask: Are they authorized by Scripture, and can the Church of Christ...

THE BIBLE SPEAKS DAILY (DECEMBER 25th,2024) ANSWER FROM THE META AI:  Mithra and Saturnalia are two ancient pagan festivals that share some intriguing connections with Christmas. Mithra Mithra was an ancient Roman deity worshipped from the 1st to the 4th century AD. The cult of Mithra originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) and spread throughout the Roman Empire. Key aspects of Mithraism: 1. *Winter solstice*: Mithra's birthday was celebrated on December 25, coinciding with the winter solstice. 2. *Solar connections*: Mithra was associated with the sun and was often depicted with solar symbols. 3. *Initiation rituals*: Mithraic rituals involved initiation ceremonies, which included baptism, communion, and other symbolic acts. 4. *Moral code*: Mithraism emphasized a moral code, encouraging followers to live virtuous lives. Saturnalia Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. It was celebrated from December 17 to 23. Key aspects of Satu...