Ways to Interpret Revelation The Book of Revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and theories about the meaning and significance of this enigmatic work. Even modern scholars approach Revelation in several different ways. Whether you find that intimidating or enticing, we need some guardrails to keep us from getting lost in Revelation’s prophecies, metaphors, and apocalyptic imagery. 5 approaches

So who first believed the Old Testament Apocryphal books did not belong in Scripture: 1) the Jews who did not include them in their canon; 2) Jesus and the Apostles who in their preaching mention many Old Testament events, but they never refer to any incidents or characters of the Apocrypha. They were Jews and used Jewish cannon. 3) Jerome who much later in 405 A.D. said they were not in cannon; 4) and Martin Luther over 1000 years after Jerome, at the Reformation when he tra

The fact of the inspiration of the Bible as God’s special revelation to man naturally leads to the question what particular books are canonical, that is, what books are inspired and should be recognized as a part of God’s authoritative revelation? This is especially true, since many other religious books were written during both the Old and New Testament periods. Are any inspired books missing? Are any books included that should not be in our Bible? Is our Old Testament Bible

Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. John 5:39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me... Acts 17:11-12 12Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great

(Acts 19:8-10) "And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." Paul had an exten

• He began his ministry by building relationships, and not programs. • He lived as an example by practicing what he preached. • He challenged the “this is how we’ve always done it” crowd. • He never backed down from defending God’s word and intention. • He invested in those around him with teaching. • He ministered to the hurting, the widows, the orphans, and the outcast. • He empowered those around him to lead.

1) Discipleship is possible in any church by using the most proven, time tested, and successful discipling process of all. The process Jesus, Paul, Peter and the early church used that was so effective: mentoring. 2) The biggest group Jesus ever spent a lot of time with was seventy; but He really focused on twelve. Sometimes those twelve were even reduced to three. Jesus did teach crowds, and He loved them and had compassion for them, but He trained the disciples. He did this

12I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. 14I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you h

Hearing God's Voice: Are You Ready to Listen? Hearing God's voice is something we all long for, but did you know that it's not hard to do? In fact, God wants you to hear His voice! Hearing the voice of God is as natural as hearing your best friend talk to you. We can hear Him every day, and not just on special occasions. He speaks to us in the natural moments of life. If you want to hear God's voice, then you must be ready to listen. Hearing God's Voice: Why Do You Want to He

18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” A) All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me: This commission that follows is given in light of the authority of Je