Coffee With The Lord

It’s been awhile since I posted this and made it available to those who access and participate in “Coffee with the Lord” ,,, My core convictions about Scripture… Enjoy!!!

12 Basic Presuppositions and Convictions About Scripture That I Embrace

1. The Bible is inspired… Its message is sourced in God – it comes from God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
2. The Bible is both a divine book (inspired by God) and a human book (written in human language by human writers).   Both aspects are essential and must be affirmed and held in tension.
3. The text of Scripture is completely trustworthy and true (“infallible” – true – “inerrant”)
4. The text of Scripture originally came to us in the languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek
5. The language of the biblical text should be taken seriously, examined carefully – Therefore a largely literal version of Scripture (a “standard version”) is best for serious study
6. Close examination / analysis of a passage of Scripture in foundational to quality Bible study and interpretation of Scripture (i.e. what does the passage say and how does it say it)
7. Quality Bible study requires consideration of the “then and there” of a text (i.e. the “situation” to, from or about which, a passage was written).   That should always precede consideration of the message to us “here and now.”.
8. Biblical writers had a purpose in what they were led to write – therefore consideration of the writer’s purpose in a biblical passage is critical.
9. An understanding of a complete literary unit of Scripture (i.e. a “book” of the Bible) provides the background for understanding the individual units within it (i.e. passages).  
10. Both the broader context and immediate context of Scripture must be taken into account in interpreting Scripture… context rules in interpretation!
11. The message of Scripture, although ancient and spoken to particular situations and for particular purposes in the past, is a timeless message and the truths) expressed therein apply to all humankind and cultures.
12. In Bible study and the task of interpretation, we come to the biblical text to examine what it says and by the time we have finished God has examined us!   The Holy Spirit makes the truth of Scripture real to us.   We encounter the Living God as we study and apply the message of Scripture.   Scripture points beyond itself to the Living God!!!

Expressed by LeRoy R. Bartel, DMin

Compare the parallel references in the Gospel records: In Matthew Jesus is recorded as saying… “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven GIVE GOOD THINGS to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11) In Luke’s account we are told what one (and probably a most significant) “good things” are… “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father GIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13) Of all the things I might ask for as God’s child, the Holy Spirit is one of the very best things! (He transforms, empowers, comforts, leads us, corrects us, and is our Divine helper and advocate!) Praise the Lord!

In my time of “Coffee with the Lord” this morning I read Ephesians 6:10-20 – a wonderful passage that addresses “Spiritual warfare” and how to resist and overcome “THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL.”

I couldn’t resist… In this day of computer technology and cybersecurity I gave the passage the following title… (For those who have some background in computer technology, cyber attacks and utilities to assist cybersecurity this will make sense – and will probably prompt a sermon series or group of Bible studies )

Here’s the title that came to mind (followed by the Bible passage itself)…

“God-defender Complete Security” – Ranked best against satanic attacks!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (From Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV)