Iron Sharpens Iron: The Urgent Need for Fellowship

It is absolutely crucial that, as members of the body of Christ, we fellowship with each other. Especially now, when Christendom is witnessing unprecedented abject rebellion against the truth of God’s word. The apostle Paul warns us what the world will be like as we get closer to the Lord’s return in 1 Timothy 4:1–3. And we are very close!

‘Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times* some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ‘

I Timothy 4:1-3

*“the latter times” refer to the time period of the Lord’s first coming and His return.

As believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith and remain steadfast in the face of deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” In other words, just as iron sharpens iron, we can strengthen and encourage one another through sharing God’s word and building each other up in our faith.

Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

These verses emphasize the importance of not only holding fast to our faith but also of coming together (In a local church, Bible Study, or Prayer meetings, anywhere) and exhorting one another as we see the day of the Lord’s return approaching. When we share God’s word and build each other up in our faith, we are able to stand strong in the face of adversity and remain steadfast in our walk with the Lord.

Devotion:

Dear Lord, help us to remember the power of sharing your word and building each other up in our faith. May we not neglect the importance of coming together and exhorting one another, so that we may remain steadfast in our walk with you. Help us to hold fast to our faith and to stay strong in the face of adversity. Amen.

Thank you for reading.

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Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?