CategoryExegesis

(FOOTSTOOL: Another Word Not Used Consistently By Bible Commentators) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Psalm 11:1 (Incidentally, that verse is quoted seven times in the New Testament. As I’ve mentioned in my earlier posts, the fact that it is quoted frequently in the NT should get our attention). I have heard this verse explained to mean that Jesus will conquer his enemy and place his foot on the neck of the defeated, as was the custom of conquerors in ancient times, in order to show complete subjection of the enemy. Here is. . . .

& THE DANGER IN RELYING ON COMMENTARIES We are continuing our discussion on HOW to study the Bible.  I mentioned in my previous post regarding Bible translations and Bible study tools, that one principle to follow is that words keep the same definition throughout the Bible. Let’s take, for example, the word “leaven”. Matthew, Mark and Luke record Jesus telling his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Herod.  The disciples reasoned amongst themselves thinking that Jesus meant actual bread.  Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding and. . . .

Some years ago, I was innocently telling my pastor that I thought my “gift” or talent, if you will, (as in gifts to use in the body of Christ) was the ability to write, especially on Biblical topics.  He said, “Oh, you want to write devotionals?”  I think I stuttered a bit, trying to figure out how to explain to him what I meant, but the conversation turned quickly and I was left crestfallen.  It was as if, because I was not in a position of authority, and because I am a woman, that my gift was reduced to just writing devotionals.  What I wanted to tell this pastor. . . .

So often I hear Christians say that they don’t get anything out of bible study unless it has a practical application to their life. That strikes me as self-centered, or at the very least, shallow. For me, it is just the opposite. Bible study has to reveal the character, the nature, the beauty of Jesus and what He stands for. What HE has done. How He has redeemed mankind. Bible study for me should show how the scriptures are harmonious throughout, building my faith that they are the inspired Word of God. After having seen the image of God and His goodness. . . THEN the correct attitude. . . .