Wed.3.25.15 Jonah 3...Take Off!

You've Got What It Takes! Take Off!

Have you ever met someone who really believed in you? It just seems like they believed you would take off in life. You may have stalled and lost faith, but they still encouraged you to fly. They may have had more faith in you than you had in yourself. Those people are great to have as wingmen. Jonah certainly had crashed and burned, but God didn't give up on him. He still knew great things could be accomplished through Jonah if he would just trust and obey. I want to be God's spokesman to your heart. I believe great things for you and your future too because God has GREAT desires for you. As a matter of fact, I believe great things have already begun in your life. I'm seeing proof of it for example on the GREAT scoreboard- you're sharing God's word with others and encouraging others. That's great! I've also read such good thoughts you've shared from your study of Scripture. And think where we've flown together. Just over the last few weeks we've covered many BIG Bible Interpreting Guidelines. We also used the 3 key components for accurate Bible study- Observation, Interpretation and Application. You've done great! You've earned your wings and so I want you to fly solo and take off!

I want you to read through Jonah chapter 3 and then share anything from it that you wish. Perhaps the summary of what we've covered below will re-ignite your jet engines. Have God-confidence. You're going to do great! God believes in you and so do I. Take off! (Enjoy the Top Gun clip by clicking the link below. It starts in at the action- 2min.35sec. Picture me as the catapult "cat" officer cheering your take off- seen at 3min.22sec.:)

https://youtu.be/UVRUxtPKK-w?t=2m35s

Here’s a summary of our BIG Bible Interpreting Guidelines we've discovered so far-

Ask questions!

Give careful consideration to what you read.  

The purpose of rightly interpreting the Bible is to rightly obey it.

The Bible is the best interpreter of itself. So compare scripture with Scripture.

Being prayerful is commendable but it is not a dependable replacement for the careful study of Scripture.

It’s imperative that we know what kind of literature we are reading to interpret it and apply it correctly.

Knowing the background to what we are reading helps us better understand the passage. Commentaries and online resources can help us with such.

Knowing the mood of the author helps you better understand his message.

The apostles often quoted the OT from the Greek version of it called the Septuagint; thus don't be surprised that it doesn't line up exactly with our OT translated from the Hebrew. Plus,they paraphrased at times, all under the inspiration of God.

Since the Bible is God’s perfect word, if you think you’ve found an error in the Bible, it’s your error, not God’s! Many people think they’ve found a contradiction, when it may only be a contrasting statement, not a contradictory statement.

“Humbly accept the word” We don’t stand in judgment on it, it stands in judgment on us.

Keep in mind that the grand theme of the Bible is Jesus.

Don’t spiritualize the Scriptures. Those who spiritualize tell spiritual lies. Don’t read spiritual hidden meanings about Jesus into everything.

The plain thing is the main thing. And the main thing is the plain thing.

Recognize the progress of revelation. The NT supersedes the OT.

Understand Hebrew poetry- the second line gives insight into the first line.

The context of a word determines its meaning. A text without a context is a pretext.

Words also need to be understood in their historical context.

Interpret difficult verses in light of clear ones.
Look for repeated words or phrases to help you discover what the author is emphasizing. The main thing is the plain thing. 

Look for major Bible themes as you read. 

God is the true hero of the book. 

The Key Components of Accurate Bible Study

1.-Observation- (What does it say?) Get the F.A.C.T.S. like a CSI detective- Fast Facts- Ask Questions, Check for key words, Title and Summarize your report.

2.Interpretation- (What does it mean?) Like an explorer, interpret the ancient passageway passage by looking at such things as the Context, Cross references, Commentaries and Concordances. Tools such as Biblehub.com can be a great help here.

3.Application- (What does it mean for me?) Like a sports doctor, apply the remedy to where it is most needed. Ask the SPEAK questions to "hear from God's word."  

S- Is there a Sin for me to confess or a Song that comes to mind to sing?

P- Is there a Principle to follow or a Promise to claim or a Prayer to also utter?

E- Is there an Example to follow or an Error to avoid?

A-Is there an Answer to a problem I’ve had or an Action to take?

K-Is their Knowledge for which I can praise or thank God?

1.Share something from your study of Jonah chapter 3.

2.-Pick one verse from Jonah 3 or a cross reference you may have found elsewhere in Scripture and put that on your MP3 card. Then do the Did it. Please share that verse with us too. Thanks for enriching us with it!

See you on the GREAT scoreboard.

Please also go to the Contacts tab and type in the names of your 2 prayer warriors. Don't have two? Please recruit a second and send me their name and email address today. The enemy would love to keep us without air (prayer) support. 

Thanks also for your continued encouragement of your fellow coaches and Pros.
Please give a happy birthday shout out to Pro, Alex Dyckman! You'll find his contact info in the Contacts tab.