Coffee With The Lord

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

I’m encouraged today by “THE ACCESSIBLE JESUS!”… And He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.  And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.” (From Luke 6:17–19 ESV)

PROPER PROTOCOL IS IMPORTANT!  When entering the presence of a king or the president of a country wise people check to see what is required – what is consider proper – upon accessing their presence.  Failure to follow the expected decorum can result in embarrassment, loss of favor, and disappointment.  Thought of that as I read Psalm 100 this morning.

It seems to me that Psalm 100 addresses this issue on two levels:  1) The corporate level – when we gather together for worship in places dedicated to that purpose (i.e. houses of worship), and 2) On the personal level – when I “enter His presence” in times of personal devotion.

In both cases…

Joy and gladness is appropriate – a “joyful song” is proper protocol for corporate worship (and private worship as well (I’m humming “How Great is our God” right now to myself 🙂

A deep awareness of who God is, what He is like – His character is essential – Silent, meditative, reflection a upon His character sets the stage for entering His, divine presence.  It builds faith and sets the stage for effectively presenting our needs and request.  Our God-focus, in part at least, needs to be upon what verse 5 expresses:  “For the Lord is good, and His love endure forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations!”

On the other hand, it is important for me to have a deep inner awareness of who I am… His creation, one of “His people” – one of the “sheep in His pasture – a part of His flock” (and He is the “good Shepherd” – the Lord is “my Shepherd” – our Shepherd, if you please)

Heartfelt thanksgiving and praise should be the FIRST thing out of our mouths when we enter His presence personally, and it needs to be the FIRST thing we do in corporate worship gatherings as well.  It is pleasing to the Lord, it orients our hearts correctly, and it postures our heart appropriately for “asking and receiving “ ANYTHING from the Lord!

So this morning, I’m standing at the door of His divine presence, ready, I believe, to enter!!  I’m tingling with excitement and anticipation… The Holy Spirit is right here beside me to help me do this right (He is “the Helper you know).  Here we go…