Vol. 04, No. 08

Mt. Baker Beacon - 2025

Steven J. Wallace
03/02/25 - Mt. Baker Beacon - 2025

WHEN YOU READ THE SCRIPTURES
Johnie Edwards

Paul said, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). The Bible can be understood if we will learn how to study. A few simple rules will help us as we study.

Read the Bible knowing that it is inspired of God. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Scriptures are authoritative. Christ has all authority (Matthew 28:18).

When you read the Scriptures, ask, “Who is doing the speaking?” In Genesis 3:4 we can read, “Ye shall not surely die.” If I know the Devil said this, then I will have no trouble understanding that this is not a true statement.

We need to know to whom the message is spoken when we read the Scriptures. Sometimes the Bible speaks to the Jews as under the Law of Moses, sometimes to the man, sometimes to the woman, sometimes to elders of the church, or the deacons. Some passages have their application in the life of the individual, like in the story of the Good Samaritan, and some to the church as a group.

One must love the truth when he reads the Scriptures. Paul said that some “perished because they received not the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Truth cannot be handled carelessly. If one loves the truth, he will study and accept the truth as it is without trying to pervert it.

When you read the Scriptures, read the context. This simply means read the passage before and after the one you are trying to understand.

Read all on a given subject. You will not understand the truth unless you read all that God has said about a given topic. For example, when you study the subject of faith, you should read every passage on the subject of faith. No passage contradicts another, but all Scriptures harmonize one with another.

John said, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3).

SENTENCE SERMONS

“The heart of education is the education of the heart.”

“Bad habits are like a comfortable bed; easy to get into, but hard to get out of.”

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THE CERTIFIED GOSPEL

AM: Luke 1:1-4

PM: Luke 24:36-48

What is meant by “the certified gospel”?
In the prologue to Luke’s gospel, we can learn the certified gospel is based on:
1. Luke 1:1 _______________________________________________________________________
2. Luke 1:2 _______________________________________________________________________
3. Luke 1:3 _______________________________________________________________________
4. Luke 1:4 _______________________________________________________________________
What did Jesus remark about Isaiah 61? (Luke 4:16-21)
What did Jesus say would be accomplished? (Luke 18:31)
Identify the Scripture Jesus referenced and explain the significance of what the statement “the things concerning Me have an end” means. (Luke 22:37)
Give some examples of the diverse witnesses of the life and death of Jesus.
Identify some key thoughts associated with Joseph of Arimathea and some lessons we can learn from him. (Luke 23:50-56)
What does Luke’s emphasis on "perfect understanding" and providing an "orderly account" tell us about the reliability of his writing? (Luke 1:3)
What are some areas that highlight Luke’s “perfect understanding” and “orderly account,” and how does this impact our confidence in the accuracy of the Gospel and Acts?

C. S. Lewis, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it, I see everything else."

What does Luke’s gospel underscore about the Lord’s word? (Luke 6:46-49; 7:7)
What does Luke’s gospel underscore about the Lord’s work? (Lk. 7:18-23)?
Name some things that saving faith is built on.