Unlocking The Scriptures

Christians often ask; "I want to read the Bible; where do I start from?"

Here's my story:

I got born again and baptized with the Holy Spirit in the year 1994 , in a charismatic Baptist Church. The only available Bible was my sister's NIV(New International Version). The only parts I enjoyed reading were the story parts of the Bible.

In 1999, I started cultivating the habit of reading the Bible consistently. Even when I didn't understand much; at least, I knew most of the Bible stories.

Thank God, In 2006 for the first time; my understanding popped open and I started understanding the Bible.

I know many Christians are where I used to be(read the Bible but don't understand) if that's you; this article is for you.

The Old Testament part of the Bible was completed 400 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us about how the Jews were expecting an all knowing man whom they called the Messiah. This Messiah was expected to know all things.

"The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). When he comes, he will explain everything to us." (John 4:25 HCSB).

The next verse, Jesus boldly declared: "I am He, the One speaking to you."

Praise God, Jesus was that all knowing Messiah; who had a mission to come and teach and explain everything to humans.

This definitely means, the Old Testament doesn't contain all truth and still requires further explanation, since someone(the Messiah) was coming to teach and give further explanations.

The Messiah did His job but, had a limitation. The people couldn't understand him because, they were still natural men. We know, "the natural man can't receive the things of the Spirit of God...because they are spiritually discerned". (1Corinthians 2:14).

In John 16:12-13, Jesus told His disciples

"I still have many things to tell you, but you can't bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth..."

The Holy Spirit showed up on the day of Pentecost(Acts 2) and guided them into all the truth, which they couldn't understand before then. These men moved by the Spirit wrote the Epistles.

The entire Bible will be unlocked if you follow these prescriptions:

1. Read and Study the Epistles thrice:

These are letters from mature Christians to growing Christians. The Epistles were written specifically to inform Christians about why they are here, what God(through Christ) has done for them and what kind of life they should live.

By starting with the Epistles; you will easily understand the entire Bible, since the Epistles explain every other part of the Bible.

Follow a book by book approach: taking it chapter to chapter. By doing so, you'll discover that each Chapter has a two lessons.

A central topic: the main discussion and,

A side lesson: writers often deviated from the central topic to side lessons, then, they'd return to their central topic or theme.

The Epistles are the Books from Romans to Jude. They are two types;

Pauline Epistles: written by Apostle Paul to Churches and individuals. Starts from Romans to Philemon.

General Epistles: written by other Apostles to Christians in general. Starts from Hebrews to Jude.

2. Read and Study the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles twice:

By reading the Gospels(Matthew to John) and Acts you'll get to see how the Disciples understood Jesus' teachings. Concerning Baptism; Jesus said to baptize in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit(Matthew 26:19) and those who heard that; didn't go dipping people three times in the water(representing Father, Son and Holy Spirit); but, dipped people only once and in the Name of Jesus(Acts 8:16, 10:48, 19:5).

The Parables will become really easy to comprehend, if you've already studied the Epistles thrice.

The New Testament didn't begin at Jesus' birth; it started from His resurrection from death. Many of Jesus' teachings were for Old Testament people and a lot of things changed after His resurrection.

Jesus taught two kinds of prayers:

1. The Lord's prayer: this was the first way He taught His disciples to pray until He taught them the second way to pray.

2. Praying in Jesus Name: It's amazing that many Christians still hold unto the Lord's prayer; when the people who were taught it, didn't pray that way after learning this second prayer.

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive it, so that your joy may be complete." (John 16:24 NET).

Notice, how Jesus starts "Until now..." showing us, they were still praying the Lord's prayer until when He taught them this new prayer.

I love Jesus! Hallelujah!!

3. Read the Old Testament once:

The part labeled "New Testament" in the Bible has explained everything about "the Old Testament" and has given us rules(spiritual principles) used in unravelling the Old Testament. The life people lived in the Old Testament(covenant) is different from the life we live today.

Don't use the Old Testament to counter what the New Testament teaches. Neither should you use the Old Testament to interpret the New Testament. The New Testament should be used in interpreting the Old Testament.

Those who wrote the New Testament books; read the Old Testament and they read that verse you want to use to counter the New Testament. Find out the Spiritual Principles they used to explain the Old Testament.

Don't be selfish with such precious teachings; do well to share on Facebook and Twitter.

Send your questions to emmapyano@yahoo.com

God Bless You.