Ironworks

                    Over the past few weeks, there have been some who have asked about tips on taking notes in your Bible. This is a great thought, especially for those who purchase a new Bible. If you are beginning to take notes and highlight it is a pretty big commitment as you probably would like a system that you can use consistently. We will look at some tools in order to help in your note taking, as well as give a little guidance for writing in your Bible. Tools to Consider           There are several tools that you may want while writing in your Bible. You may want to start by purchasing a small ruler to go with your Bible (a Bible bag may also be preferred). You need this so that you can underline in a straight line (if you want to be particular). Some people may not care, but if you want things neat and you don’t have a steady hand, this is a must.           T...

          Where do you begin when starting a study of any book of the Bible? The average person is just going to jump right into the text of that book and start looking at it verse by verse. Maybe you grab a trusted commentary and start reading through the text. Another option might be to find someone who has recorded a class about that book (why not glean from someone else’s teaching). You might even read the book through a few times before really studying. Obviously, there are several ways that a person could begin a study, and you can’t really be dogmatic about how to begin a study. We all learn in different ways, but I would like to share with you another way. How to Read a Book           Years ago a friend introduced me to a book. It was written by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren and the title was simply, “How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading.” How to read a book? Really?! Aren’t you suppose...

  Honesty is the best policy. This is the old adage that many people have valued for many years. In our employment we are expected to be honest. To be dishonest would be an offense that could lead to punishment including dismissal from that work. How many of us want to deal with dishonest people in commerce? None of us do. We recognize that honesty plays a large role in dependability, faithfulness, and love.  Lying in every instance is a sin, and, because of that, we must avoid lying at any time.  Occasionally, there are members of the Lord’s church that lie to one another. This takes varying forms. Some brethren will overtly lie. This can be premeditated or compulsive. The intent is what makes it such. This would be the case if a brother or sister seeks to defraud another. This, in most cases, would be very infrequent. Lying is condemned in such a clear fashion it seems almost elementary regardless of one's maturity in Christ. However, the events of Acts 5:1-11, in p...

      One of the most crucial parts of your car is your headlights. Without them, you simply cannot see at night. Without lights, you put yourself and others in danger.  However, lights do not have to be out to be ineffective. Lights, over time, become dim as the plastic that houses the light degrades. When a headlight dims, it becomes harder to see, and others on the road are in danger because they need to see your lights at night.  Can Anyone See You Coming      As a Christian, your light can fade over time. Jobs, sickness, hurt, and brokenness all can endanger yourself and others. The world needs to see the Christian because the world is exceedingly dark. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house”  Matthew 5:14-15. Routine Maintenance      The Lord’s church is not dar...

       We often speak of how important it is to study God’s Word. New Testament Christians must remember some basic rules of Bible study to help us to, “handle aright the Word of truth. (cf. 2 Tim 2:15). Who Is the Speaker?      A fundamental rule to Bible study is to consider who is speaking. Could you imagine what would happen if we did not consider the speaker? Take for instance Job 2:9. “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still hold fast thine integrity? Renounce God, and die. “  The speaker is certainly important wouldn’t you say? Who Is It Given To?      We would all agree that certain imperatives and instructions in the Word of God were given to specific people at a specific time. If I were to apply Genesis 6 to myself and start searching for Gophar wood to make an ark, someone would clearly say that this passage is not applicable to you. Let's remember to apply that same reasonable logic to other passages.  What Is ...

                Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned the space of a month in Samaria.    And Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead . 2 Kings 15:13-14                         What would you do if you were king for a month? Would you be able to right some wrong. Would you try to enact policies and decrees to fix some of the issues ailing mankind? King Shallum of Israel reigned for the space of a month; that was it. His reign was so inconsequential that all that is said of him is that he reigned for a month and then Menahem executed him and took over the throne. It is certainly not the happiest of outcomes, bu...