Jul
26
2011
Jim
Being prideful men (and women) we do not like to be reproved by our fellow brethern. But let us take a brief look at a short Biblical survey of the matter.
Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked. (Psalms 141:5 NKJV)
Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. (Proverbs 9:8 NKJV)
He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray. (Proverbs 10:17 NKJV)
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid. (Proverbs 12:1 NKJV)
By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. (Proverbs 13:10 NKJV)
The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. (Proverbs 15:31-32 NKJV)
Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool. (Proverbs 17:10 NKJV)
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 NKJV)
Tags: Bible, Christian Living
Aug
29
2010
Jim
The following reading, Steps in the Christian Life is taken from F.E. Marsh’s, 500 Bible Readings.1
THERE are some terms that relate to the Christian life which are of pressing importance, because of the issues involved in relation to them. The following seven words indicate a few aspects of the Christian’s life, namely, “Believe,” “Pray,” “Abide,” “Walk,” “Take,” “Stand,” “Watch.”
- To believe on Christ is the secret of the Christian life (Galatians 2:20 NKJV).
- To pray to Christ is the stay of the Christian life (Philippians 4:6 NKJV).
- To abide in Christ is the strength of the Christian life (John 15:4 NKJV).
- To walk as Christ is the shining out of the Christian life (1 Peter 2:21 NKJV).
- To take from Christ is the supply of the Christian life (Isaiah 27:5 NKJV).
- To stand with Christ is the staple of the Christian life (Ephesians 6:14 NKJV).
- To watch for Christ is the standing order of the Christian life (Mark 13:33 NKJV). The term watchfulness is a comprehensive one. It signifies far more than merely holding the truth of the Lord’s coming. It covers the whole trend of the spiritual life in the variety of its traits.
1. 500 Bible Readings, Marsh, F.E., (London: Marshall Brothers, 1897). Reading number 382.
Tags: Christian Living, Marsh, Theology
Sep
04
2009
Jim
The following was adapted from F.E. Marsh’s 1000 Bible Study Outlines1
In his letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:4-21), Paul gave three “F’s” to Timothy when he would set him on his guard. Look at them:
- “Flee these things” (1Ti 6:4-11).
- Swelling of pride (R. Y.). “Puffed up.”
- Folly of ignorance.
- Dotage of questionings (margin, “sick”).
- “Strifes of words” (R.Y., “disputes”).
- Envy of jealousy.
- Strife of temper.
- Railings of incrimination.
- Surmisings of evil.
- Love of money.
- “Follow after” (1Ti 6:6, 11).
- “Righteousness” of life.
- “Godliness” of character.
- “Faith” of devotion.
- “Love” of faithfulness.
- “Patience” of endurance.
- “Meekness” of manner.
- “Contentment” of thankfulness.
- “Fight the good fight of faith” (R.V., “The faith”).
- By “a good profession” (1Ti 6:12).
- By keeping “this commandment” (1Ti 6:14).
- By charging the rich not to be “high-minded” (1Ti 6:17).
- By being “rich in good works” (1Ti 6:18).
- By laying “hold of eternal life” (1Ti 6:19).
- By keeping “the faith” of the Gospel (1Ti 6:20-21).
- By being “ready to sympathise” (margin, R.V., 1Ti 6:18).
1. 1000 Bible Study Outlines, Marsh, F.E., outline 349.
Tags: Christian Living, Marsh, Teaching Ideas
Aug
09
2009
Jim
The following reading, Cleaving to Christ is adapted from F.E. Marsh’s, 500 Bible Readings.1
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.—Acts 11:23
The following seven ways will indicate how we can cleave to Christ:
- By prayerful dependence upon Him (Phil 4:6).
- By being taught by Him (Matt 11:29).
- By ready response to His word (John 14:21).
- By whole-hearted surrender to Him (Rom 12:1).
- By separation from the ungodly (2 Cor 6:17).
- By living a life of faith upon Him (Gal 2:20).
- By waiting for Him (1 Thess 1:10).
1. 500 Bible Readings, Marsh, F.E., (London: Marshall Brothers, 1897). Reading number 51.
Tags: Christian Living, Marsh, Teaching Ideas
Jun
12
2009
Jim
The following reading, Christ, Our Life,
is from F.E. Marsh’s 500 Bible Readings1.
There are many words and phrases that are peculiar to John; for
instance, the double “verily,” “excepts,” and “true” things. John’s
Gospel is peculiar in itself. Matthew shows us Christ as “King,”
Mark as the “Servant,” Luke as the “Man,” and John as the
“Life.” This may be traced right through John.
| Chapter 1 |
The Source of life (John 1:4). |
| Chapter 2 |
The Glory of life (John 2:11). |
| Chapter 3 |
The Power of life (John 3:5). |
| Chapter 4 |
The Gift of life (John 4:14). |
| Chapter 5 |
The Assurance of life (John 5:24). |
| Chapter 6 |
The Bread of life (John 6:48). |
| Chapter 7 |
The Blessings of life (John 7:38). |
| Chapter 8 |
The Liberty of life (John 8:36). |
| Chapter 9 |
The Testimony of life (John 9:37). |
| Chapter 10 |
The Security of life (John 10:28). |
| Chapter 11 |
The Energy of life (John 11:43). |
| Chapter 12 |
The Union of life (John 12:24). |
| Chapter 13 |
The Holiness of life (John 13:13-15). |
| Chapter 14 |
The Hope of life (John 14:3) |
| Chapter 15 |
The Fruitfulness of life (John 15:4). |
| Chapter 16 |
The Spirit of life (John 16:13). |
| Chapter 17 |
The Abode of life (John 17:24) |
| Chapter 18 |
The Rejection of life (John 18:40). |
| Chapter 19 |
The Humility of life (John 19:17). |
| Chapter 20 |
The Peace of life (John 20:19). |
| Chapter 21 |
The Instructions of life (John 21:15). |
1. 500 Bible Readings, Marsh, F.E., (London: Marshall Brothers, 1897). Reading number 72.
Tags: Bible, Bibliology, Christ, Christian Living, Marsh, Teaching Ideas