Learning the Bible

Question:

 Since I am employed in a secular job and unable join a Seminary, can I get Bible training in some way by being at home, so that I can know more about the Lord?

 Answer:

The love we have for God's Word, the place and priority we give the Bible in our lives is the indicator and measure of our love for God (John 14:21, 23).The more we know God's Word, and more the importance we give to God's Word in our daily lives, the more useful and beneficial it will be for our daily activities and needs (Psalm 119:97-105).

The best, easiest, and most effective method of learning God's Word is to read and study it personally, to meditate or to ponder upon it regularly, and to practically apply it in our day-to-day lives continually. If you are a Born Again Christian Believer by repenting of your sins and submitting your lives to the Lord Jesus, then the Holy Spirit of God resides in you (1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1:13), and to the followers or disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit Himself not only teaches all things about the Lord, but also makes them understand those teachings and to put them to practical use in their lives (John 14:26; 16:13-15). The fundamental and unalterable fact is that without the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, no one can learn anything about God and His Word (1 Corinthians 2:11-14), from anywhere and from anyone. Hence the basic preliminary requirement to learn and understand the Bible is to be a Born Again Christian Believer so that the Holy Spirit of God can help and teach God's Word to you. Often people have a false fear that they are not good enough, or are not up to the moral standards required to learn God's Word. Such fears are false and from Satan; see from Psalms 25:8-14 a list of the kind of people God teaches His Word; and you will find that God does not withhold the teaching of His Word to us due to any weaknesses or shortcomings in us – He is ready and waiting, if we are ready to fulfill the preliminary requirement of being Born Again and come to Him in faith, to learn from Him.

I too am a person employed in a regular secular, and have never been to any Bible School or training program. I just trust in the Lord ask Him for His Word as per the need at hand, and whatever He gives, I share it with others, and endeavor to apply it in my own life as well. I regularly read the Bible according to a Bible Reading Plan, and by God's grace and guidance am able to read through the Bible from the beginning to the end, once every year. This has been going on for the last about thirty years, i.e. since the time I was Born Again, although by birth I belong to a 'christian' family, and was brought up observing all the traditional 'christian' rites and rituals. Whatever study and preparation is required to answer Biblical questions and for other Word related Ministry, is over and above this daily Bible reading. The desire to share with others, whatever God teaches me has resulted in God using me in this manner in this ministry of sharing and teaching His Word – on a voluntary basis, not for any remuneration, or for any status or position etc. in any Church or organization, but just so that I can help people learn and understand the Word of God and about our Lord God, and thereby learn more of God’s Word myself. I have found that the more I share God’s Word with others, the more I benefit from it personally, in many different ways.

Based on my own life experiences it is my suggestion that you begin by starting to read the Bible regularly and orderly – whether or not you are able to understand all that you read. The first time I read through the Bible, it was out of obstinacy born out of humiliation, that at least once in my life I will read through the Bible end to end, because a Hindu friend of mine had ridiculed me that you yourself have neither read nor know the Bible and you are trying to tell me about it – and since that first reading, I developed an interest and liking for the Word of God. But always do read God's Word with a prayerful, honest, seeking and submissive heart; ask God to teach and educate you (James 1:5) as you read His Word; and then whatever He tells or teaches you, apply it in your life as well as share it with some one, and you will find that as you do this regularly a change will come within you, you will develop an understanding about God's Word, and as you properly utilize whatever God has taught you, God will continue to teach you more and deeper things from His Word.

But beware, because fear of man do not hesitate or compromise in following, obeying and conveying whatever God has taught you from His Word – that will be detrimental (Proverbs 29:25; Jeremiah 1:9-10, 17-19; Galatians 1:10). It will take some patience and time in the beginning, because God will start by teaching and telling you the basic things in His way, as to a spiritual beginner (1 Peter 2:1-2). While He does this, you may have to 'unlearn' much of what men may have taught you, so as to be able to learn from God. He will give you that which is required in your life, and is according to the ministry He has planned for you. As you remain committed and faithful to Him, as you endeavor to use His Word honestly and correctly (2 Corinthian 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:15-16; 2 Timothy 3:14-16), gradually He will start taking you deeper into His Word, and using you more and more effectively for His service.Therefore have patience and never become complacent or lax in fulfilling your responsibility towards the Lord and His Word. Persevere in His ways, and you will never regret it in your life (Isaiah 40:31).

There is no better and easier way than this to learn God's Word.

Lent and Fasting

Question:

Should one fast during Lent?

Answer:

   Easter, Lent, fasting during Lent, Christmas etc. are traditions or festivals that are not mentioned anywhere in the Bible, and neither are there any teachings or instructions about believing on them or observing them. Nor is it indicated or mentioned anywhere that by believing in them or observing them anybody was considered righteous by God; or that by not believing or not observing them anyone was considered unrighteous; nor is it anywhere stated that there was any gain or loss in a person’s blessings from God, by observing or not observing them.

   God in His wisdom did not have the date of birth, or of crucifixion of His Son documented in the Bible –although time-keeping and recording has been present since the days of Genesis –Genesis 7:4, 11; 8:4-5, 13-14. Therefore if these were so important and useful, then God would have had these so important dates of Christmas and Easter, related to His only begotten Son, recorded in the Bible. But He did not do so, nor has He ever expressed the desire that men ought to determine a date for them and observe these days and festivals; nor has He given any instructions or methodology of observing them. Christmas and Easter etc., initially were pagan days which those who converted to Christianity in a superficial manner did not stop observing but continued to observe in the name of ‘Christ’ instead of in the name of their former deities, after their becoming ‘christians’.। All these feasts, festivals and traditions are man-made rituals, that tend to promote appearing righteous by works; but their observances are vain according to the Bible (Matthew 15:8-9). Because all are self-righteousness is like filthy rags in the sight of God (Isaiah 64:6), and no can ever be righteous in God’s eyes through any kind of works (Romans 3:20, 28; Romans 4:2; Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). The only thing that pleases God is obedience to Him and His Word (1 Samuel 15:22). He hates vain feasts and festivals "Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them" (Isaiah 1:14; see Isaiah 1:11-18). God wants a good character and humility, and a true submission, commitment and obedience towards Him, not the observance of man-made and self-devised festivals (Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:8).

   If the fast in Lent is in accordance with the forty day fast of the Lord Jesus then the things written in the Bible related to this fast by the Lord Jesus should also be a part of this Lent fasting. The description of this fast by the Lord Jesus is found in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. From these portions of God’s Word we learn that:

·         The Lord Jesus observed this fast of 40 days only once, and that too at the begining of His Ministry, not at the time of His being caught and crucified. Neither did He repeat the fasting on certain deignated days, although the Passover feast was observed annually by the Israelites.

·         As it says in Matthew 4:1 during this period of fasting the Lord was alone in the wilderness, and the purpose of His being in the wilderness was for Him to be tempted by the devil. He had gone into there by the leading of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 4:1), not to fulfill any tradition or observe any ritual.

·         In that period of 40 days He did not take any food (Luke 4:2).

·         During that fast of forty days the Lord was also tempted by the devil throughout those forty days (Luke 4: 2). At the end of those forty days the devil tempted Him with the three temptations mentioned in Matthew 4:3-11 and Luke 4:3-13, the ones we are commonly aware of.

   In the observance of the Lent and the fasting in the Lent period, is even one of any of the above ever seen? If not, then how can it be in accordance with the fast of the Lord Jesus? In that case, would it not be telling lies to the people in the name of the Lord and teaching them wrong doctrines, and deceiving them for a fruitless endeavor?

   Before His crucifixion the Lord and His disciples were not fasting, they observed the Passover; they sacrificed and ate of the Passover Lamb (Matthew 26:17-21). Therefore to observe the time preceding the Lord’s crucifixion as a ‘fast’ and abstain from eating meat in that time has no Biblical basis or precedence.

   We also see that the Lord never asked any of His disciples to do anything like what He had undergone at the beginning of His Ministry, when they started their ministry with Him. Neither later, in the book of Acts or in any of the Epistles, where under the guidance of the Holy Spirit many teachings and instructions have been given for the learning and improvement of Christian Believers, never has there been any mention or instruction regarding any such fast or practice.

   Such a ‘fast’ has neither any basis nor has any necessity, nor is it of any use, nor does God give it any consideration or reward – because such a ‘fast’ is neither given by nor desired by the Lord. Presently people traditionally observe a contrived a ‘fast’ and with a contrived purpose, but they disregard the admonition of Isaiah 1:14-15. But still they expect, and also teach to others, that when they observe it God will take it into consideration and bless them for it, as if God is under a compulsion to do so – which He most certainly is not!

   Why is it that people so enthusiastically accept and observe man-devised and contrived rituals and traditions but do not care about learning and obeying what God actually wants from them (1 Thessalonians 5:21)? Why do they blindly follow and remain committed to man devised rituals that have no Biblical sanction or standing, but are not committed and faithful in obeying God? Why?

   “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:1-6).

How can we Christian Believers be victorious in our struggle with feelings and emotions like anger, jealousy and hatred etc.

The feelings and emotions enumerated are "works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-20), and it says in Galatians 5:16 "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." The Lord Jesus, after giving a list of evil things that defile a person, in Mark 7:20-21, concluded with the statement: "All these evil things come from within and defile a man"(vs.23). So if our mind and thoughts are preoccupied with the works of the flesh, with wrong and sinful ideas that cause defilement, then at the opportune moment, Satan will have us act accordingly and commit sin. We  can overcome these through the power of the Holy Spirit of God – given to every Born Again child of God to help and guide him in his Christian life (John 16:13). Therefore the first thing we need to do is be sure that we actually are a Born Again child of God, a Christian Believer, by confessing our sins before the Lord Jesus, asking for His forgiveness for them, and submitting our life to Him.

Unless one has experienced God’s forgiveness, we cannot be forgiving ourself, and the way to be victorious against such emotions and feelings is only through forgiveness – ask God to forgive us for being unforgiving, and we too forgive the person for whatever wrong he has done to us, just as the Lord has forgiven us all the wrong that we have committed against Him (Matthew 6:11, 14-15; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Colossians 3:13).

Next, since what is inside our heart and mind controls our thoughts and deeds, therefore we need to, fill our hearts and minds with Godly thoughts and God's Word. Spend time reading and studying God’s Word the Bible and listening to Christian songs and worship, and Christian messages. Also utilize our time in keeping company with God’s Born Again children, through Bible studies, Prayer meetings, and House fellowship meetings etc. as often as we can. We need to ask God to help us change our thoughts and desires into those in line with His Word and will for us. For doing this, Philippians 4:4-9 shows us the way:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! – Stay preoccupied with and rejoicing about the Lord – the things He has done, is doing, the help and security He provides, His continual presence with us, His promises for us, the eternal benefits He has bestowed upon us etc.

 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. – With the thoughts of the Lord Jesus and His attributes taking hold of our mind, strive to behave like Him – be tender and gentle to all, not just to some specific ones, and let this be evident in our behaviour.

 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; – Thank God for everything, good or bad, even the unexplainable and incomprehensible in our life, since there is nothing that happens in a Believers life that will not eventually work for his good (Romans 8:28) through the grace and will of God. Being thankful is being trusting and faithful to God. Therefore put forth our requests to God with thankfulness. The verse says - " let your requests be made known to God" i.e. neither be demanding or impatient about them nor instruct God how to go about doing His job, just inform Him and let Him do the rest. God has a method and timing for everything, and it is the best (1 Peter 5:6-7).

 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Our not being anxious, rather being thankful for everything, will ensure that God's peace will control and guard our heart and mind, so Satan will not be able to place his thoughts within us, nor draw us into doing anything wrong.

 8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. – To meditate upon something, it has to be within us, within our heart and mind; so, fill our mind with the things of God, and virtuous thoughts stated in this verse, and remain pre-occupied with them. Even when that offending person comes our way, if we are thinking and meditating upon good things, the wrong things will not find place in our heart.

 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. – Emulate the people of God, practically live the Christian life as taught in God’s Word and seen in the life of God’s people, and witness about the Christian Faith through our life – it will help us overcome Satan’s ploys (Revelation 12:11).

Living according to Philippians 4:4-9 will bring a radical transformation in our thoughts and desires, and help us overcome our negative thoughts. We should take this a step further by fulfilling Romans 12:17-21 as well, and ask God to provide us with opportunities to go and help the person we have problems with, and to give us the grace and strength to actually help him when the opportunity comes.

As a child of God, we have God’s Holy Spirit within us to help us be overcoming and victorious (1 Corinthians 6:19), and “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7), therefore fearlessly live a Christian life of power, love and sound mind.