Hebraic Musing – Why
do we read our Bible in reverse order?
Do you
typically read a book by starting at the end?
Silly question, but on the other hand does that make us wonder why our
Bible knowledge, memorized verses, Sunday messages and Bible studies focus on
the New Testament. And aside from a few
classic stories in the OT, all too many Christians have not read, much less
studied the OT. As a result, our
foundational understanding of the NT is short-changed.
If God reveals himself progressively then we
cannot fully understand Jesus’ role without knowing the foundation. Do you build the second floor of a house
before building the first floor, or basement, or foundation?
Does
Christianity’s focus on the NT without full appreciation of the OT cause
confusing doctrines? Examples:
·
Promises to the nation of Israel, the Jews,
become teachings about the Church replacing the Israelites/Jews.
·
Sacrifices become temporary and thus obsolete
pictures, of the purpose of the Cross of Jesus.
·
Confusion between the symbolic natures of the
Land of Israel, Heaven and Jerusalem.
·
Not fully respecting the need for obedience to
laws because we have grace.
The
prophecies in the OT are the basis for credence in events fulfilled in the NT. History, math, geology, medicine, psychology,
sociology, etc. are all studied by examining the beginnings or chronological understandings
and the earliest information and then work forward building on a foundation.
Even a novel needs character and plot build-up in order to understand and appreciate
the climax.
With our
prior knowledge of the NT, it is hard to read the OT without constantly referencing
the NT either mentally or by skipping ahead.
Resist that urge. Read it for what it says to the people of that time. If
you do that, you will be amazed at the progressive teachings God provided for
His children. Then our adoption will be
even more meaningful!
Have you noticed
how many footnotes in the NT reference the OT?
This is despite the fact that many OT references and concepts are
‘givens’ and do not get footnoted. So…Read
it in the correct sequence.
I am so glad
that I found the study of the times and cultures of the OT to be so interesting
during the early years of my Christian walk.
Why bother carrying
around that thick, heavy Bible if we only pay attention to the last fourth?
Why do we
Christians read our bible in reverse order?
Could it be lack of time? Who
gave us time?
Point to ponder
A Bible
professor once told me –
“Don’t read the Bible to prove what you believe;
Read the Bible to see what it says.”
“Don’t read the Bible to prove what you believe;
Read the Bible to see what it says.”
Shalom March
10, 2015
Yosef a.k.a. Joe Brusherd Author:: (Hyperlinks are
now available!)
“Hebraic_Insights” (revision in process);
“Biblical_Marriage”
“Musings v.1 – A Victorious Life”
“Musings v.2 – The Torah and New Testament” JUST PUBLISHED – March 2015
Weekly e-mails “Hebraic Musings” or www.InsightsByYosef.com
“Hebraic_Insights” (revision in process);
“Biblical_Marriage”
“Musings v.1 – A Victorious Life”
“Musings v.2 – The Torah and New Testament” JUST PUBLISHED – March 2015
Weekly e-mails “Hebraic Musings” or www.InsightsByYosef.com
THE DEFINITION AND PURPOSE OF WATER BAPTISM BY STEVE FINNELL
ReplyDeleteWhat is the definition and the purpose of water baptism under the New Covenant?
THE DEFINITION?
Baptism as defined in the Scriptures.
Acts 8:36 And, as they went on their way they came to a certain water; and the eunuch said, Look, here is water; what is there to hinder me from being immersed? (Ref: The Better Version of The New Testament by Chester Estes)
The definition of baptism is to be immersed in water.
Acts 8:36 As they went along the road they came to some water;and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" (Ref: NASB)
The definition of water baptism under the New Covenant is immersion in water.
Romans 6:4 We were, therefore, buried with him by immersion into that death; that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, thus we also should walk in newness of life. (Ref: TBVOTNT by Chester Estes)
In water baptism, believers in Christ are buried by immersion in water. This symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Ref: NASB)
To be buried through baptism makes it clear that water baptism is immersion. Men cannot be buried under a sprinkle or by having water poured over them.
Colossians 2:12 Having been buried with him by immersion, by which also you were raised up with him, through the belief of the strong working of God, who raised him from the dead. (Ref: TBVOTNT by Chester Estes)
Water baptism is a burial by immersion.
Colossians 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. (Ref: NASB)
Baptism is a burial by immersion.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF WATER BAPTISM?
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Let each one of you repent and be immersed, in the name of Jesus Christ, in order to the remission of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Ref: The Better Version Of The New Testament by Chester Estes)
One purpose of water baptism is in order to have sin forgiven.
Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Ref: NASB)
A reason to be baptized in water is so your sins may be forgiven.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been immersed into Christ, have put on Christ. (Ref: TBVOTNT by Chester Estes)
One purpose of water baptism is to put on Christ.
Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Ref: NASB)
A purpose for water baptism is so men can be clothed with Christ.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed, and has been immersed, will be saved..... (Ref: TBVOTNT by Chester Estes)
A purpose of water baptism is in order to be saved.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved.... (Ref: NASB)
One reason to be baptized in water is so that you may be saved from the punishment of your sins.
YES, WATER BAPTISM (IMMERSION IN WATER) IS ESSENTIAL TO BE SAVED.
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