Conference yukon::christian_v7

    Steve, I'll be willing to post some info, but won't get to it until
    tonight.
    
    Mike

    (thanks...)
    
    Also - note that in .210, the proposed heading is just that, proposed. 
    I suppose we could add another line after "Your Name:", that of
    "Teacher's Name & Credentials" if you're posting something you're read
    from a Bible scholar - just be sure to post the reference too.
    
    Steve

Note string moved here from 423.210-.212, as Steve's suggestion seemed 
good, and no further exlanation necessary!

						Andrew Yuille
						co-moderator

Name:  Mike Heiser
Credentials: I attend an Expository Church, next best thing to Seminary ;-)
Topic: Bible Exegesis 
Methodology/Hints: How-To's
Reference Materials: Pastor Chuck Smith - Word for Today tape,
                     Pastor Mark Martin - How to Study the Word tape,
                     International Inductive Study Bible

There are 3 basic skills involved in Word Study: Observation, Interpretation,
and Application.

Observation - teaches you to see precisely what the passage says.  It is the
basis for accurate interpretation and correct application.  Observation answers
the question: What does the passage say?

Interpretation - answers the question: What does the passage mean?

Application - answers the question: What does it mean to me personally?  What
truths can I put into practice?  What changes should I make in my life?

Observation
-----------
1. Begin with Prayer.  This is one of the most common missing elements in Word
   Study.  It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who will guide you in the
   truths of the Bible.

2. Ask the "5 W's and an H."  For each passage you study ask: Who? What? When?
   Where? Why? and How?  These are the building blocks of precise observation,
   which is essential for accurate interpretation.  Many times Scripture is
   misinterpreted because the context isn't carefully observed.  When we rush
   into interpretation without laying the vital foundation of observation, our
   understanding becomes colored by our presuppositions - what we think, what we
   feel, or what other people have said.  We must be careful not to distort the
   Scriptures to our own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).  Accurate answers to these
   questions will help assure correct interpretation:

   a.) Who is speaking?  Who is this about?  Who are the main characters?  For
       example, look at 1 Peter 5.  In this chapter, "I" is speaking.  Verse 1
       tells us that "I" is a fellow elder, a witness of the suffering of
       Christ, and a partaker of the glory to follow.  We can conclude that
       "I" is Peter.
   b.) to Whom is it speaking?  Verse 1 refers to "the elders," verse 5 to "you
       younger men," and verse 6 to "yourselves" (the recipients of the
       epistle).
   c.) What is the subject or event covered in the chapter?  What do you learn
       about the people, the event, or teaching from the text?  What
       instructions are given?  In 1 Peter 5:2, Peter instructs the elders to
       shepherd the flock and exercise oversight.
   d.) When do or will the events occur?  When did or will something happen to a
       particular person, people, or nation?  When is a key question in
       determining the progression of events.  In 1 Peter 5:4, we learn that
       "when the Chief Shepherd appears," the elders will receive their
       "unfading crown of glory."
   e.) Where did or will this happen?  Where was it said?  In 1 Peter 5, the
       only reference to a place is in verse 13, where there is a greeting
       from "she who is in Babylon."
   f.) Why is something being said or mentioned?  Why would or will this happen?
       Why at this time?  Why this person?  First Peter 5:12 explains why and
       how Peter wrote this epistle, establishing the book's purpose: to
       exhort and testify that this is the true grace of God, that they may
       stand firm in it.
   g.) How will it happen?  How is it to be done?  How is it illustrated?  In 1
       Peter 5:2, note how the elders are to exercise oversight: voluntarily and
       eagerly, according to the will of God.

   Try to apply these questions to every passage you study.  Don't be concerned
   if you can't find the answer to every question every time.  Remember, there
   are many types of literature in the Bible and not all questions will apply.
   As you answer the questions, mark the answers in your Bible margins.

3. Mark key words and phrases.  A key word is one that is essential to the text.
   It might be a noun, descriptive word, or an action that plays a part in
   conveying the message.  A key word or phrase is one which, when removed,
   leaves the passage devoid of meaning.  These key words are often repeated to
   further convey the message.  In 1 Peter 5, the word suffering is used 3
   times.  Mark key words through the use of symbols, colors, or a combination
   of both.

4. Look for lists.  Lists reveal truths and highlight important concepts.  The
   best way to discover lists is to observe how a key word is described, or
   what is said about someone or something, or group related thoughts or
   instructions together.  1 Peter 5:2-3 contains a simple list for instructing
   elders on how to shepherd their flock.  Topical lists capture a truth,
   quality, or characteristic of a specific subject throughout a passage.
   Following the key word "suffering," we learn from 1 Peter 5 that:

   - Christ suffered
   - the brethren in the world are suffering
   - the recipients of the letter may also endure suffering

   You will also discover that God:

   - perfects
   - strengthens
   - confirms
   - establishes those who suffer

5. Watch for contrasts and comparisons.  Contrasts and comparisons use highly
   descriptive language to drive home significant truths and vital lessons.  The
   word pictures they paint make it easier to remember what you have learned.  A
   contrast is a comparison of things that are different or opposite.  The word
   "but" often signifies a contrast being made.  A comparison points out
   similarities and is often indicated by the use of words such as "like," "as,"
   and "as it were."  For example, 1 Peter 5:8: "Your adversary, the devil,
   prowls about *like* a roaring lion."  Highlight these in your margins as
   well.

6. Note expressions of time.  The relationship of events in time often sheds
   light on the true meaning of the test.  Exact observations are in statements
   like "on the 10th day of the 11th month" or "at the Feast of Booths."  Time
   is also indicated by words such as until, then, when, and after.  These words
   mark the relationship of one statement to another.  Mark these with a clock
   symbol in your margins.

7. Identify terms of conclusion.  These terms usually follow an important
   sequence of thought and include words such as wherefore, therefore, for this
   reason, and finally.  As the saying goes, when you see a therefore, note what
   it is there for.  In 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore..."  If
   you will look, you will discover that you should humble yourself under the
   hand of God because God "is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the
   humble."

8. Develop chapter themes.  The theme of a chapter centers on the main person,
   event, teaching, or subject of that section of Scripture.  Themes are often
   revealed by reviewing the key words and lists you developed.  Express the
   themes as briefly as possible.  Possible themes for 1 Peter 5 might be "Be
   Humble & Sober," "Exhortations to Elders, Younger Men, and the Suffering," or
   "God Gives Grace to the Humble."  When you answer "what does the passage
   say?" the theme summarizes the answer.  You can adjust your themes as your
   study deepens.

9. Discover lessons for life.  When you observe how God instructed people and
   dealt with individuals, the Holy Spirit will bring to your attention truths
   that God wants to be aware of and live by in your own life.

Interpretation
--------------
Here we take our observations a step further and determine what passages mean.
Like most people, you have been taught a system of belief before you ever
studied God's Word.  You may even have formed opinions of what the Bible teaches
before you carefully examined the Scriptures.  As you learn to handle God's Word
accurately, you will be able to discern if what you believe is in agreement with
Scripture.  If this is your desire and you come to the Word of God with a
teachable spirit, God will lead you and guide you into all truth.  As you seek
to interpret the Bible accurately, the following guidelines will be helpful:

1. Remember that context rules.  In other words, that which goes with the text.
   To understand context, you must be familiar with the Word of God.  If you lay
   the solid foundation of observation, you will be prepared to consider each
   verse in the light of:

   - the surrounding verses
   - the book in which it is found
   - the entire Word of God

   While you study, ask yourself if your interpretation is consistent with the
   theme, purpose, and structure of the book in which it is found.  Is it
   consistent with other Scripture about the same subject, or is there a glaring
   difference?  Am I considering the historic and cultural context of what is
   being said?  Never take a passage out of context to make it say what you want
   it to say.  Discover what the author is saying, don't add to his meaning.

2. Always seek the full counsel of the Word of God.  When you know God's Word,
   you will not accept a teaching simply because someone has used 1 or 2
   isolated verses to support it.  These verses may have been taken out of
   context or other important passages might have been overlooked.  As you
   become familiar with the whole counsel of God's Word, you will be able to
   discern whether a teaching is biblical or not.  Saturate yourself in the Word
   of God, it is your safeguard against wrong doctrine.

3. Remember that Scripture will never contradict Scripture.  The best
   interpretation of Scripture is Scripture.  Remember, all Scripture is
   inspired by God, it is God-breathed.  Therefore, Scripture will never
   contradict itself.  The Bible contains all the truth you will ever need for
   any situation in life.  Sometimes you may find it difficult to reconcile 2
   seemingly contradictory truths taught in Scripture.  An example of this would
   be the sovereignty of God, and the responsibility of man.  When 2 or more
   truths that are clearly taught in the Word seem to be in conflict, remember
   that we as humans have finite minds.  Don't take a teaching to an extreme
   that God doesn't.  Simply humble your heart in faith and believe what God
   says, even if you can't fully understand or reconcile it at the moment.

4. Don't base your convictions on an obscure passage of Scripture.  Because
   these passages are difficult to understand even when proper principles of
   interpretation are used, they should not be used as a basis for establishing
   doctrine.

5. Interpret Scripture literally.  The Bible is not a book of mysticism.  God
   spoke to us that we might know truth.  Therefore, take the Word of God at
   face value - in its natural, normal sense.  Look first for the clear
   teaching of Scripture, not a hidden meaning.  Understand and recognize
   figures of speech and interpret them accordingly.

   a.) Figures of speech -
       1. Identify the fact that the author is using figurative language.
       2. Identify the type of figurative language:
          Simile - expressed comparison of 2 different things or ideas -
                   "His eyes were like a flame of fire" Revelation 1:14b
          Metaphor - implied comparison between 2 things which are different -
                   "I am the Bread of Life" John 6:48
          Hyperbole - deliberate exaggeration for effect or emphasis.  These are
                   found in all languages, but are frequent among Semitic
                   peoples.  "My soul is crushed with longing" Psalm 119:20
          Metonymy - when the name of one object or concept is used for that of
                   another to which it is related.  This is a figure of
                   association.  "All the country of Judea was going out to
                   Him."  The metonymy is Country, which refers to the people
                   rather than the region itself.  Note also the hyperbole,
                   *All* the country.
          Synecdoche - another figure of association where the whole can refer
                   to part or the part to the whole.  This is often found in
                   the use of the term "the law" which can refer to the
                   Pentateuch (first 5 books of OT), the 10 Commandments,
                   or the whole OT.  A synecdoche can also be a singular for
                   a plural or a plural for a singular.  An example is in
                   Jeremiah 25:29.  God says He is going to summon "a
                   sword against all the inhabitants of the earth."  The
                   singular sword represents many swords.
          Personification - an object is given characteristics or attributes
                   that belong to people - for example, when the trees clap
                   their hands and the mountains sing for joy (Isaiah 55:12).
          Irony - a statement which says the opposite of what is meant and is
                  used for emphasis or effect.  When irony is difficult to
                  discern, first examine that it is a true statement as it
                  stands and does it make sense in its context.  Then examine
                  it as figurative irony.  If this makes sense and fits with
                  the context, then accept it as irony.  Otherwise, it is the
                  truth.  Examples of irony are in 1 Kings 22:1-23 and
                  1 Corinthians 4:8.  In 1 Kings 22:1-23, a true prophet tells
                  the king what he wants to hear, but it is a lie.  It's
                  obvious he is using irony because the king tells him to stop
                  prophesying falsely and to tell the truth.  In 1 Corinthians
                  4:8, Paul obviously does not believe the Corinthians are not
                  kings, nor does Paul desire to reign with them.
         Parables - a story that may not be actually factual, remains true to
                  life and teaches a moral lesson or truth.  Jesus used this
                  method to reveal truths to believers and hide truth from
                  those who rejected Him or the truth, or hardened their
                  hearts against Him or that truth.  Determine why the parable
                  was told, look for the intended meaning, don't impose your
                  meaning beyond what is stated, identify the central or
                  focal idea, interpret in the context of the culture of that
                  era, and do not use them for establishing doctrine when they
                  are the primary or only source for that teaching.
         Allegory - a description of one thing using the image of another - a
                  story with an underlying meaning different from the surface
                  facts of the story itself.  Some call this an extended
                  metaphor, and it can be a realistic or nonrealistic story
                  created to teach 1 or more truths which may not be related.
                  When interpreting, list the features of the allegory, note any
                  interpretation given in the text, study the features
                  according to sound principles of Biblical exegesis, do not
                  try to identify all the features of an allegory.  Do not
                  contradict the clear teaching of the Word of God by
                  interpreting an unexplained detail in an allegory in a way
                  contrary to other truths.
         Types - a prophetic symbol designated by God.  The word type comes from
               the Greek word tupos.  A tupos was a mark formed by a blow or
               an impression, creating a figure or an image on the object that
               was struck.  Therefore, a type prefigures something or someone
               to come.  That which it prefigures is called an antitype.  A
               type prefigures only one antitype, although it may parallel many
               points in the antitype.  An illustration of this is the
               tabernacle, a type of man's redemption.  According to Hebrews
               10:20, the veil that separated the holy place from the holy of
               holies prefigured the flesh of Jesus Christ.  When determining
               types, although it may not be formally stated, there should be
               some evidence of divine affirmation of the corresponding type
               and antitype.  For example, Romans 5:14 we read, "Nevertheless
               death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had
               not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a
               type of Him who was to come."  The word translated type is the
               Greek word tupos.  Adam was a type or figure of Christ, who was
               to come.  In 1 Corinthians 15:45, Christ is referred to as "the
               last Adam."  If the Word does not designate something as a type,
               then the Bible expositor should simply show the parallels
               without calling it a type.
         Symbols - a picture or an object that stands for or represents another
               thing.  For example, the 7 candlesticks mentioned in Revelation
               1:20 represent the 7 churches described in Revelation 2-3.  When
               noting symbols it is important to remember that:

               a.) Item used as a symbol can symbolize different things.  For
                   example, Water is symbolized to be the Word of God
                   (Ephesians 5:26) and the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).
               b.) Although a symbol can represent many things, when it does
                   symbolize something in a given passage, a single parallel
                   is intended.  For instance, in John 7:37-39 water
                   symbolizes the Holy Spirit, not the Word.
               c.) Interpret symbols in the light of a Biblical setting and
                   culture rather than the culture of the current interpreter.
               d.) Symbols are timeless and can symbolize something past,
                   present, or future.

       3. Follow the guidelines of interpreting what the author meant by his use
          of that particular figure of speech.

5. (continued)
   Consider what is being said in the light of its literary style.  For example,
   you will find more similes and metaphors in a poetical and prophetic
   literature than in historical or biographical books.  Interpret portions of
   Scripture according to their literary style.  Some literary styles in the
   Bible are:

   - Historical > Acts
   - Prophetic > Revelation
   - Biographical > Luke
   - Didactic (teaching) > Romans
   - Poetic > Psalms
   - Epistle (letter) > 2 Timothy
   - Proverbial > Proverbs

6. Look for the single meaning of the passage.  Always try to understand what
the author had in mind when you interpret a portion of the Bible.  Don't twist
verses to support a meaning that is not clearly taught.  Unless the author of a
particular book indicates that there is another meaning to what he says, let the
passage speak for itself.

Application
-----------
Now matter how much you know about God's Word, if you don't apply what you
learn, Scripture will never benefit your life.  To be a hearer of the Word and
not a doer is to deceive yourself (James 1:22-25).  Observation and
Interpretation are the "hearing" of God's Word.  With application, you will be
transformed into Christ's image.  This is the process which allows God to work
in your life.  Follow 2 Timothy 3:16-17 diligently.

1. Teaching (doctrine) is what the Word of God says on any particular subject.
   That teaching, whatever the subject, is always true.  Everything that God
   says in His Bible about any given subject is absolute truth.  The first
   step in application is to find out what God's Word says through accurate
   observation and correct interpretation of the text.  Once you understand
   the teaching, you are obligated before God to accept that truth and to live
   by it.  When you have adjusted any false concepts or teaching you may have
   believed, and embraced the truth revealed in God's Word, then you have
   applied what you have learned.

2. Reproof exposes areas in your thinking and behavior that do not align with
   God's Word.  Reproof is finding out where you have thought wrongly or have
   not been doing what God says is right.  The application of reproof is to
   accept it and agree with God, acknowledging where you are wrong in thought
   or in behavior.  This is how you are set free from unbelief, from sin.

3. Correction is the next step in application, and often the most difficult.
   Many times we can see what is wrong, but we are reluctant to take the
   necessary steps to correct it.  God has not left you without help or without
   answers in this step of correcting what is wrong.  Sometimes the answers are
   difficult to find, but they are always there, and any child of God who
   wants to please his or her Father will be shown by the Spirit of God how to
   do so.  Many times correction comes by simply confessing and forsaking what
   is wrong.  Other times, God gives very definite steps to take.  An example of
   this is in Matthew 18:15-17, in which God tells us how to approach a brother
   when he sins.  When you apply correction to your actions and attitudes, God
   will work in you to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).  Joy will follow
   obedience.

4. Training in Righteousness: although God's Word is profitable for reproof and
   correction, the Bible was also given to us as a handbook for living.  As we
   spend time studying His Word, God equips us through:

   - teaching
   - commands
   - promises
   - exhortations
   - warnings
   - and the lives of Biblical characters and God's dealings with man

   Scripture has everything you need to meet any and all situations of life, so
   that you "may be adequate, equipped for every good work."  The most effective
   application takes place as you go before the Lord and talk with Him about
   those things that you have read, studied, seen, and heard.

Insights on Applying Scripture
------------------------------
In applying Scripture to your life, the following questions may be helpful:

1. What does the passage say?  Is it general or specific?  Does it apply only
   to specific people?  To a cultural problem of the day?  To a certain time
   in history?  Has it been superseded by a broader teaching?  For example, in
   the OT, Jews were not allowed to eat certain foods or to wear certain
   combination of materials.  Are those prohibitions applicable to Christians
   today?

2. Does this section of Scripture expose any error in my beliefs or in my
   behavior?  Are there any commandments that I have not obeyed?  Are there
   any wrong attitudes or motives in my life that the Scriptures bring to light?

3. What is God's instruction to me as His child?  Are there any new truths to be
   believed?  Are there any new commandments to be acted upon?  Are there any
   new insights I am to pursue?  Are there any promises I am to embrace?

4. When applying Scripture, beware of the following:

   - applying cultural standards rather than Biblical standards.
   - attempting to strengthen a legitimate truth by using a Scripture
     incorrectly.
   - applying Scripture out of prejudice from past training or teaching.

   One of the apostle Paul's concerns for Timothy, his son in the faith, was
   that Timothy learn to handle God's Word in a way that would please the Lord
   (2 Timothy 2:15).  Someday we too will want to give a good account of our
   stewardship of God's Word.  Did we handle it accurately?  Were we gentle and
   reasonable about our faith, giving honor to those whom God has called to lead
   us, while at the same time searching Scripture ourselves to understand its
   truths?  Did we allow God's living and active Word to change our lives?
   Observation, interpretation, and application lead to transformation.  This is
   the goal of our study of the Word of God.  Through it we are changed from
   glory to glory into the image of Jesus.

Guidelines for Interpreting Predictive Prophecy
-----------------------------------------------
From Genesis to Revelation the Bible is filled with prophecy.  If you want to
handle the prophecies in the Word of God accurately, the following guidelines
will give you some important parameters.  The Greek word for prophecy,
propheteia, comes from 2 Greek words, pro, meaning "forth," and phemi, meaning
"to speak."  It means to speak forth from the mind and counsel of God.
According to this definition, all Scripture is in a sense prophecy.

Predictive prophecy points to a future fulfillment and is of divine origin.  In
"Understanding and Applying the Bible," Dr. Robertson McQuilken says: "There are
2 purposes for predictive prophecy.  The chief purpose is to affect the conduct
of those who hear the prophecy.  Another purpose is met only when the prophecy
is fulfilled.  That purpose is to build forth, to establish confidence in the
god who miraculously foretold events (John 13:19, 14:29, 16:4)."

Some scholars divide predictive prophecy into 2 categories: forthtelling and
foretelling.  Forthtelling prophecies contain a message about the present or
immediate time.  Often this is a call to godly living in the light of prophecy
yet to be fulfilled.  Foretelling prophecies contain a message about what God
will do in the future.  When a prophet spoke for God, the prophecy could refer
to the following:

- a present or near fulfillment.
- a future fulfillment.
- a twofold fulfillment: a near fulfillment and then a later, future
  fulfillment.

As you read the prophecies of the Bible, keep in mind the following guidelines
and discern whether the prophecy refers to:

- the prophet's own time and/or a future time.
- the captivity and/or restoration of Israel or Judah.
- the first coming of Christ and any events connected with it.
- the second coming of Christ.
- the last days or end time.

1. As you study prophecy, it is important to remember that the prophets did not
   always indicate intervals of time between events, nor did they always write
   their prophecies in chronological order.  For example, an OT prophecy could
   include the first and second comings of Christ without any indication of the
   time span between the 2 comings.  One such prophecy is found in Isaiah
   65:17-25.  In this prophecy, Isaiah first talks about the new heavens and
   new earth (in which we know there is no death), and then in verses 18-25 he
   refers to a time when a youth dies at age 100 and the wolf and lamb lie
   down together.  Chronologically, verse 17 will be fulfilled after verses
   18-25 become a reality.

2. Always approach a prophecy as literal (in its usual, ordinary meaning) unless
   one of the following occurs:

   - the grammatical context shows that it is figurative language by the use of
     similes, metaphors, parables, allegories, symbols, or types.
   - a literal interpretation violates common sense, is contrary to what the
     author is saying, or is contrary to what the rest of Scripture teaches.

3. When a prophetic passage cannot be taken literally, look for what the author
   is trying to convey through his figurative or symbolic language.  To discern
   what the author is saying, look for answers in the following places:

   - within the context of the book in which the passage appears.
   - in any other writings of that author.
   - in any other prophetic writings to which the author had access (for
     example, other prophetic books or passages in the Word of God).

4. Remember that often when a prophet refers to future events, he does not use
   the future tense.

5. When you interpret Scripture, consider the historical context of that
   writing, remembering that God was delivering His prophecy to a particular
   people at a particular time.  Granted, it might have been prophecy with a
   future fulfillment, but it would still be delivered in a way that was
   comprehensible to those receiving that prophecy - even though they might
   not understand the details, the symbolism, or the full implications of the
   prophecy.  Make a careful historical and cultural analysis of the text.
   Determine the identity of all historical events, proper names, and
   geographical locations before you attempt to interpret the text.

6. Remember that the meaning of a specific prophecy could not always be
   understood by the prophet or by the people who heard the message.  For
   example, Daniel could not understand what he had written, since it was to
   remain sealed until the end time (Daniel 12:8-9).  However, many prophecies
   will come to light through the following:

   - a fulfillment as recorded in history.
   - a fulfillment as recorded in the New Testament.
   - an explanation given by an Old Testament or a New Testament writing (for
     example, Acts 4:24-28).

7. Remember that many New Testament prophecies include Old Testament quotations
   and allusions.  Scholars estimate that at least 350 OT quotations or
   allusions appear in the book of Revelation alone.  Revelation is replete with
   the language of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the minor prophets.
   It is obvious that the author of Revelation was steeped in OT, for he talks
   in OT phraseology.  So to correctly interpret NT prophecy, check OT
   cross-references.

8. When you study prophecy, watch for phrases which indicate periods of time.
   For example, look for "in the last days," "day of the Lord," "day of wrath,"
   and "end of the age."  When you come across phrases such as these, carefully
   observe the things which occur during that particular time period.  Then
   ask the following questions:

   - have these events ever occurred in history?
   - do these events coincide with any other particular period of time?
   - do these events parallel any events mentioned in another place in the Word
     of God?

Name:  Mike Heiser
Credentials: I attend an Expository Church, next best thing to Seminary ;-)
Topic:  Starting a Bible Reference Library 
Methodology/Hints: Starter Kit (5 Best Books) Recommendations
Reference Materials: Pastor Chuck Missler - Personal Update newsletter

Everyone has their favorites, but begin with a good study Bible.  This is an
entire topic in itself, but look them all over and pick the one that most
appeals to you.  Then wear it out!

Next, I suggest an exhaustive English concordance.  I use the Strong's since
there are supplemental lexicons and other helps that key to the same reference
numbers.  There are also Greek and Hebrew concordances available that key to the
Strong's reference numbers.

Next, I would invest in a good "Bible Handbook," Bible encyclopedia, and/or
Bible dictionary.  There are many available in any well-stocked Christian
bookstore.  I particularly enjoy the 5-volume Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia.

Commentaries are entire discussion in themselves.  There are many that are
fruitful and we all have our favorites.  I generally prefer to select
commentaries *by book* rather than complete "sets."  One of the first sets I
acquired was the 5-volume edition of Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, and it still
is among my favorites.  But I'm spoiled: I collect them all.

Specifics:

Tenney, Merrill C., et all, "The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible,"
in 5 volumes, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids MI.

Strong, James, "The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible," Abingdon-Cokesbury
Press, NY, and others.

Wigram, George V., "The Englishman's Hebrew and Chaldee Concordance of the Old
Testament," Baker Book House, Grand Rapids MI.

Wigram, George V., "The Englishman's Greek Concordance of the New Testament,"
Baker Book House, Grand Rapids MI.

Brown, Driver, and Briggs, "The Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old
Testament," Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston.

Brown, Driver, and Briggs, "The Greek Lexicon of the New Testament,"
Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston.

Jamieson, Robert; Fausett, A.R.; & Brown, David, "Critical & Experimental
Commentary on the Old and New Testaments," in 5 volumes, Wm. B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, 1948.

    Steve, is this what you were looking for or did I totally blow it? ;-)

Hey, Mike, we need *time* to absorb this... ;-)

					Thx.
							Andrew

    I need time to absorb Andrew's response &*}
    
    Good start I 'spect...I was kind of also hoping to encourage (read:
    guilt him into doing it) Barry Dysert to drop a couple topics in here
    perhaps ;-) 
    
    (just kidding, Barry.....sort of ;-)
    
    I know there are some among us who've studied at seminary/bible
    college....any input, gang?
    
    Thanks for kicking things off, Mike,
    
    
    Steve

    Boy, talk about laying a load of guilt on someone! Seriously, I did
    notice when you posted .0, Steve, and enough thoughts fired off in my
    mind that caused me to decide not to contribute. Let me print off .0
    and see if those same thoughts fire again.
    
    	BD�

  Hi Steve,

  I have had several years of education both in secular as well as 
  theologically based schools. The last school I attended was :
  Calvary Bible College in KC Mo. An accredited liberal arts Bible based
  college, where I received a BA in Literature.

  After it was all said and done, I wondered (and still do) what, if any
  worth there was to it all. I know this wont fit to well with many folks,
  but I'm not saying a theological education is worthless and perhaps the
  "fault" is/was mine. I try to brave it out on my own.

  Here are a few verses which I've pondered over the years...

  If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God...   James 1:5 NKJV.
   
  But the annointing which you have received from Him abides in you
  and you do not need that anyone teach you...   I John 2:27

  Turn at my rebuke, surely I will pour out my Spirit upon you; I will
  make my words known to you.    Proverbs 1:23

  For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding
  Proverbs 2:6.
  
  Hear my children the instruction of a father, and give attention to know 
  understanding, for I give good doctrine, do not forsake my law. Proverbs 4:1.

  What I do now is ask for wisdom, study, use lexicons, grammars etc, 
  where I need to translate and determine if figures of speech or metaphors 
  are being used, etc.

  Then ask for wisdom again if I need a human teacher use the commentaries 
  (or just leave it alone).

  I guess what I'm saying is to put the Lord first, then spiritual teachers
  second (but who is spiritual, and how is that determined?).

   Hank

  
           

    Mike, I applaud your excellent work! Anyone who is interested in
    rightly dividing the Word would do well to go over the great stuff that
    you've shared. Thank you.

    I would not presume to add much to Mike's information (he's got book
    material there already!). Instead I'll re-post relevant pieces of
    something I wrote a while back. I also add a suggested resource list,
    i.e. books that I've used over the years that I can't imagine being
    without.

    Short biography: My studies (and shortly thereafter, teaching) started
    about 20 years ago. My major emphases have been: eschatology, textual
    criticism, ancient manuscripts, modern English versions, New Testament
    Greek, Bible book studies (e.g. let's study the book of 1 John), Bible
    topical studies (e.g. let's study about angels), Bible-related elective
    courses (e.g. How To Study The Bible, Dealing With Bible Difficulties).
    I am currently doing absolutely nothing (:-() because I'm trying to
    adjust to the MBA program in which I recently enrolled.
    
    Resources:
	o Study Bibles
	o Concordances: Strongs, Youngs, phrase
	o Dictionaries and Encyclopedias:
	  - New Bible Dictionary 
	  - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
	  - Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia
	o Word Studies:
	  - Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
	  - Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel)
	  - Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
	  - Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (Wuest)
	  - Word Pictures in the New Testament (Robertson)
	  - Vincent's Word Studies of the New Testament
	o Textual Criticism/Ancient Manuscripts/Versions
	  - Introduction to the New Testament in the Original Greek
	  - Selecting a Translation of the Bible
	  - So Many Versions
	  - The Text of the New Testament
	  - The Byzantine Text Type and New Testament Textual Criticism
	  - The Canon of Scripture
	  - Early Manuscripts & Modern Translations of the New Testament
	  - The Greek New Testament According to the Majority Text
	o Miscellaneous
	  - Nave's Topical Bible
	  - Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
	  - Interlinears
	  - Analytical lexicons
	  - Handbooks
	  - Atlases
	o Commentaries: a couple of single/double-volume commentaries on
	  the whole Bible, supplemented by individual commentaries for
	  each book

    A brief "how I do it" is entered as the next reply...

	BD�

    > 1. How do you prepare for a Bible study session?
    
    As has already been stated, you must start with prayer. It is the Holy
    Spirit that gives us wisdom (as He has given us the gift of teaching in
    the first place).
    
    Do you have a guide that you're going by? I mean, do you know what
    topic (or passage) you're going to talk about? Or is part of the
    challenge coming up with the lessons yourself? One thing you must do as
    part of the preparation is to decide what is the basic point (or
    perhaps a couple of basic points) that you want to leave with your
    class. If you spend an hour going all over the place but don't land on
    a major theme (what I call "the bottom line" to the lesson), then your
    class may have been filled with interesting info for the hour, but
    they'll likely forget most of it in the absence of an emphasized bottom
    line.
    
    When you have determined the bottom line, then you need to assemble
    your material (i.e. create an outline of sorts) so that your bottom
    line is supported. Think of it as writing a paper. You can start the
    paper with your conclusion and then support it later, or you can build
    the case and draw the conclusion at the end. (Doubtless there are
    many variations on this theme.)
    
    Since I almost always teach expositionally (i.e. go through a passage
    verse by verse as opposed to teaching topically), my "outline" is
    really just the verses I'm going to cover. I'll discuss various truths
    along the way, but I still want to emphasize a major application
    somewhere during the lesson.
    
    In going through the verses, you'll of course want to be sure that you
    know the meaning of all the words, understand the context of the
    passage, check out related passages, develop a valid application of the
    text, etc.
    
    You should also think up some methods of encouraging participation. We
    learn a lot more if we're actively involved in the thinking process.
    Sitting through a lecture results in very little real learning. Getting
    the participation is often the most difficult of the whole thing.
    Coming up with interesting, thought-provoking discussion questions is a
    challenge, but it does pay off.
    
    > 2. What are the rules to interpret Bible?
    
    I realize this is not a complete list...
    
    A. Realize that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
    
       If you don't realize this, then your teaching of the Bible will be
       no different from your teaching Shakespeare, and the resulting
       changes in peoples' lives will be similar (i.e. nil). I don't want
       to get into a rathole here, but I also believe you must realize
       that the Bible is inerrant. If you allow for errors, then you or
       your class will be tempted to second-guess what God has said, and
       His truths will be diluted (at best), or even corrupted.
    
    B. Understand the type of literature you're dealing with.
    
       You would not interpret the Psalms in the same way you'd interpret
       Leviticus. You would not interpret Acts in the same way you'd
       interpret Romans. Understand what type of literature it is so that
       you can "rightly divide" it. Some passages are didactic (i.e.
       intended to convey doctrine), some are poetic, some are historical,
       some include metaphor, hyperbole, etc.
    
    C. Know the context of the passage, and interpret accordingly.
    
    D. Compare Scripture against Scripture.
    
       The Bible is its own best commentary. When properly understood,
       no passage will contradict another passage. Rather, passages
       help to shed light on other passages. If you discover what you
       think is a contradiction between two passages (or between a
       passage and a known fact of life), then you do not have a
       proper understanding of at least one of the passages.
    
    E. Interpret difficult passages in the light of the easy ones, not
       the other way around.
    
    > 3. How do you conduct a Bible study session?
    
    Styles vary greatly. When I teach, I want to be sure that the class
    doesn't get bored. I want them to be actively participating in the
    lesson. This means I move around. I sit for a bit, get up and talk from
    standing, move around the room, write on the board, etc.
    
    A typical lesson in my class has me reading the passage (or asking for
    a volunteer - I never put someone on the spot to read or answer any
    question, because some people don't like to be called on) and then
    setting the stage, i.e. give background for the passage, perhaps give
    an overview of the lesson, perhaps show my hand (i.e. let them in on
    the bottom line) - or perhaps I'll start by asking some tough
    questions, the answers to which will lead the class to start thinking
    in terms that will support my bottom line.
    
    I then go through the passage, verse by verse, ensuring that everyone
    understands what is being said. The rule is: know what it says; know
    what it means; apply what it means. As we march through the passage, I
    always am writing on the board. Most of the time, I'll end up with a
    list of things that remain on the board, so that as we near the closing
    we can go over this list, and reinforce the bottom line
    
    	BD�

    I'm looking for more information on Hermaneutics - the practice of
    rightly dividing/interpreting God's Word.  I know there are several
    laws under this topic (i.e., Law of First Mention) and would appreciate
    some pointers or some discussion here on it.  Maybe Barry can help out
    here?
    
    thanks,
    Mike

    Hi Mike,
    
    I'd be glad to contribute where I can, but I'm not sure what you're
    looking for. Are you after pointers to books, content from the books,
    Scripture references, what?
    
    From memory, it seems the most important concepts (and seemingly the
    ones most frequently violated) include:
    	- be saved
    	- recognize that the Bible is the only authoritative, inspired,
    	  inerrant Word of God
    	- use Scripture to interpret Scripture
    	- use clear passages to explain the obscure, not the other
    	  way around
    	- let Scripture interpret your experiences, not the other way
    	  around
    	- read passages in the context in which they were written
    	  (paying attention to who wrote it, why, to whom, when, etc.)
    	- understand the type of literature you're dealing with
    	  (don't derive doctrine from narratives, don't treat parables
    	  like allegories, don't interpret poetic language as you would
    	  non-poetic, etc.)
    	- recognize that God revealed Himself progressively
    
    I doubt there's anything here that you don't already know, so I'm
    guessing you're looking for something else.
    
    	BD�

    Thanks Barry.  What I'd most interested in are the laws of
    hermaneutics.  I've heard of the law of first mention, but am not sure
    of the rest.  I guess I'm looking for some content from books that I
    might be interested in reading ;-)
    
    thanks again,
    Mike

    Re: .8
    
    If you've been wanting any of these reference volumes, CBD is having a
    50% sale on some of these items.
    
    Our church is putting together a major purchase (i.e., hundreds) of
    Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (already have this one) and the new
    Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Christmas comes early ;-)).  We're
    buying so many, we're getting each for $10!
    
    Mike

 Hey, my church is doing the same thing ;-)

John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he is that loveth me: and he
that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will
MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM.

    There are some real gold nuggets in here.  Digging into the God's Word
    has God drawing nigh unto you as you draw nigh unto Him.  It's as if
    God is drawing you into His inner circle.  
    
    In studying the disciples, it appears that Peter, James, and John were
    in that inner circle of God because of their desire for the things of
    God.  It's true God is no respector of persons, but He reveals Himself
    to those that diligently seek Him.  If you study the major miracles of
    Jesus, you will see that Peter, James, and John were there for all of
    them.
    
    Lord give us that insatiable desire for your Word!
    
    Mike  

    In any study of any subject one must understand the words that have
    been used to understand what has been said.
    
    The previous replies have very good information, but do not tell you
    where to begin.
    
    Begin with word studies.  Get a complete concordance and sit down with
    it, and a Bible that it is keyed to (ex. Strong's + King James).
    Pick a word that has some theological importance and look at every
    passage where that words is used (first trying to forget all
    presuppositions) and see let the scriptures and the spirit show you the
    meaning and how it is used.  If you come to a passage where the meaning
    is unclear, temporarily skip it and come back to it at the end of the
    study.  In other words, let the clear pictures shed light on the
    unclear; not the other way around.  Be sure to ask yourself questions
    that might put your doctrine in danger if you got a totally different
    answer than you expected.  If it is truth, then you will be stronger
    for it.  If it is false then you will be better for.
    
    Some example words you might find interesting.  Heaven, hell, satan,
    spirit, soul, rapture(just kidding its not in the Bible), kingdom,
    sheep, light, word, etc.
    
    It is important to use a concordance to be able to find the instances
    where the same word(in the original language) is translated into
    something else.  
    
                          Note on Concordance use.
    
    In a strongs definition in the back the words after the hyphen are the
    different english words that the original word was translated into.  
    example    sheol  ...-hell, grave, pit.
    So if hell was your word then you would also look up grave and pit and
    find the instances which had the same strongs number as hell.
    
    Here is a tantalizing start.  Go through the New Testament(you should
    do the Old also) and look at every occurence of the word taranslated
    into heaven, air etc.  Make note of the distinction of when it is used
    as "kingdom of heaven".  Using the clear passages to shed light on the
    unclear you might be surprised.  I found the kingdom of heaven and
    heaven to be entirely different things.
    
    You must understand the words in a passage before you can understand
    the passage - so start with the words.
    
    Rich

    What are the results of meditating on God's Word?  Look to Psalm 119
    for all the answers!

    Verse
    -----
    1. Sincerity, safeguard against defilement
    3. Saved from doing iniquity
    6. Not ashamed
    7. Praise
    9. Cleansing of one's way
    11. Avoidance of sin
    13. Release in communication about God
    15. Respect for God's ways
    16. Stops forgetfulness
    20. Increases longing for God
    23. Shelters from slander
    24. Counsel from the Word
    27. Freedom to talk of God's wondrous words
    28. Relief from heaviness
    29. Restraint from lying
    32. Enlargement of heart
    36. Saved from covetousness
    37. Turns away from vanity
    39. Protection from reproach of others
    40. Quickens in righteousness
    41. Understanding of mercies and salvation of God
    45. Liberty
    46. Freedom to witness
    49. Reason to hope
    50. Comfort in affliction
    51. Saves from wrong influence
    53. Gives an understanding of the horror of sin
    54. Inspires songs
    58. Basis for intercession
    63. One of the grounds for fellowship
    68. Increased understanding of God's goodness
    72. Gives one a right view of possessions
    73. Gives an understanding of God's creative purpose
    86. Confirms truth about God's faithfulness amidst adversity
    89. Proves the everlasting nature of God's Word
    96. Expands our understanding
    97. Increased love for the Word of God
    99. More understanding than teachers
    101. Determination to avoid evil
    104. Understanding of and hate for evil ways
    105. Enlightenment and guidance
    111. Content for worship
    113. Hatred for vain thoughts
    115. Avoidance of wrong company
    120. Fear of God
    134. Deliverance from oppression of man
    136. Compassion for the lost
    137. Understanding of God's righteousness
    138-144. Understanding of the character of the Word of God
    155. Source of salvation
    162. Source of great riches
    165. No stumbling-blocks
    172. Ability to testify

    What do folks in here think of the Matthew Henry commentaries?  Would
    you recommend them?  I'm interested in buying a parallel commentary
    that has Matthew Henry - Jamieson/Fausset/Brown - Adam Clarke as the 3
    major parallel sources.  I'm really only familiar with JFB.  I see Matthew
    Henry stuff everywhere but don't know much about him.
    
    thanks,
    Mike

    I haven't bought any Matthew Henry stuff, so if you knew how much I
    love books that tells you my opinion. I'm not saying he's bad, but I do
    know that his commentary is more "devotional" than "exegetical". I
    prefer the deeper stuff. Also consider that his commentaries have been
    on sale for many many years at quite reduced prices - that ought to
    tell you something. I guess I should double check with the ministers at
    my church, but I don't think I know anyone (who I consider a serious
    student of the Word) who has the Matthew Henry set.
    
    	BD�

    Re commentaries: I'm kinda partial to the following approach:
    1. Buy a few good whole-Bible commentaries
    2. Stock up on some good individual-book commentaries as the need
       arises.
    
    The great majority of my library is reference books (e.g. word-study,
    dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc.). It's only been the last several
    years that I started getting serious about commentaries. Seems that if
    you know your way around the reference material that commentaries
    aren't all that essential. That being said, I confess that as I've been
    buying the single-volume Tyndale commentaries I have gotten a lot out
    of them (not to mention John MacArthur's ! :-).
    
    	BD�

    Thanks for the info Barry!  What about the other names?  Since this is
    a parallel commentary, would it be safe to view Matthew Henry as a
    "throw-in"?
    
>    years that I started getting serious about commentaries. Seems that if
>    you know your way around the reference material that commentaries
>    aren't all that essential. That being said, I confess that as I've been
    
    well if I knew everything I guess that wouldn't be a problem! ;-)
    
    thanks,
    Mike

I'd second Barry's opinion there, though Matthew Henry is popular over here
with conservative baptists... ;-)  I, too, find a more analytical
exposition gives me more than his approach, though I've been looking
unsuccessfully for the single volume copy someone gave me once... 

								Andrew

    Did you know that Expository teaching was Biblical?
    
Nehemiah 8:7
Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the
people to understand the law; and the people stood in their place.

Nehemiah 8:8
So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and
caused them to understand the reading.

    Mike ;-)

    The Word also gives us the appropriate learning paradigm:
    
         Ezra 7:10 -> "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of
         the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in
         Israel."
    
    So we see the model: personal study (which involves a lot of different
    issues), application of what is learned, and the teaching of this to
    others.
    
    	BD�

Preparational Helps - compiled by Pastor Chuck Smith & Pastor Steve Mays
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Research Books
-----------------

   Bible Dictionary
   ----------------
1. Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Tyndale (3 vol)
2. Unger's Bible Dictionary, Moody Press
3. Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, Zondervan
4. Baker's Dictionary of Theology, Baker

   Bible Survey
   ------------
1. Explore the Book, J. Sidlow Baxter, Zondervan
2. Jensen's Survey of the NT, Jensen, Moody Press
3. Jensen's Survey of the OT, Jensen, Moody Press
4. Survey of the Bible, Baker
5. Living Messages of the Books of the Bible, Morgan, Revell
6. The Analysed Old Testament, G. Campbell Morgan, Hodder & Stoughton
7. The New Bible Survey, Eason, Zondervan
8. The Bible Digest, Slemming, Kregel
9. God's Plan of the Ages, Talbot, Eerdmans

   Bible Commentaries
   ------------------
1. Trapp's Commentary, R.D. Dickerson (15 vol)
2. Henry's Bible Commentary, Matthew Henry, MacDonald (6 vol), Expository
3. The Pulpit Commentary, Funk & Wagnals (23 vol), Exegetical and Homiletical
4. Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible, Poole, MacDonald (3 vol)
5. John Gill Commentary, Baker (9 vol) Exegetical
6. Barnes' Notes on the Old and New Testament, Baker (27 vol) Exegetical
7. Jameson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Eerdmans (3 vol) Exegetical
8. Christ in the Bible Series, Simpson, Christian Publications (21 vol) Devotional
9. Wm. Barclay's Commentary, Westminster (17 vol)
10. Commentary on the OT, Keil & Delitzsch, Eerdmans (10 vol) Exegetical
11. The Preacher's Homiletic Commentary, Baker (32 vol)
12. The Expositor's Bible, Armstrong and Son (23 vol)
13. Tyndale Old and New Testament Commentary, IVP (44 vol) Exegetical
14. Lenski's Bible Commentaries, Lenski, Augsburg Publishing (12 vol) Exegetical

   Sermon Helps
   ------------
1. Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, C.H. Spurgeon, Pilgrim (64 vol)
2. Maclaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture, Eerdmans (11 vol)
3. The Westminster Pulpit, G. Campbell Morgan, Revell (10 vol)
4. The Biblical Illustrator, Baker (57 vol)
5. Spurgeon's Sermon Notes, Revell (4 vol)
6. Handfuls on Purpose, James Smith, Eerdmans

   Greek Helps
   -----------
1. An Expository Dictionary of NT Words, Vine, Revell
2. Dictionary of NT Theology, Zondervan, (3 vol)
3. Theological Dictionary of NT Words, Kittel, Eerdmans (10 vol)
4. Word Studies in the Greek NT, Wuest, Eerdmans (3 vol)
5. Word Pictures in the NT, Robertson, Broadman Press (4 vol)
6. Word Studies in the NT, Vincent, Eerdmans (4 vol)
7. The Word Study Concordance, Wm. Carey Library
8. The Word Study NT, Wm. Carey Library
9. The New Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon, Evangel
10. Interlinear Greek-English New Testament, Baker
11. Greek-English Concordance, Smith, Herald Press
12. A Greek-English Lexicon on the NT, Baur, University of Chicago Press
13. Alfords Greek NT for English Readers

   Old Testament Word Studies
   --------------------------
1. OT Word Studies, Wilson, Kregel
2. Theological Word Book of the OT, Moody Press (2 vol)
3. An Expository Dictionary of OT Words, Vine, Revell
4. Hebrew and English Lexicon of the OT, Oxford Press
5. Englishman's Hebrew and Chaldee Concordance of the OT, Wilgram, Baker
6. The Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the OT, Gesenius, Baker
7. Index to Brown and Driver's Hebrew Lexicon, Einspahr, Moody

   Concordances
   ------------
1. Greek-English Concordance, Smith, Herald Press
2. Young's Analytical Concordance, National Foundation for Christian Education
3. Strong's Concordance, MacDonald
4. Guideposts' (Naves) Family Topical Concordance, Nelson Publisher

   Historical Background
   ---------------------
1. Eerdman's Handbook to the History of Christianity, Eerdmans
2. A Survey of Israel's History, Wood, Zondervan
3. History of the Christian Church, Schaff, Eerdmans
4. Works of Josephus, Baker
5. Bible History, Edersheim, AP and A
6. New Testament History, F.F. Bruce, Anchor Press
7. Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Edersheim, Eerdmans

   Bible Encyclopedias
   -------------------
1. Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Zondervan (5 vol)
2. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Eerdmans (5 vol)
3. New Schaff Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, Baker (13 vol)
4. Systematic Theology, Chafer, Dallas Theological Seminary (8 vol)

   Geographical
   ------------
1. Oxford Bible Atlas, Oxford Press
2. Zondervan Pictorial Bible Atlas, Zondervan
3. The MacMillan Bible Atlas, MacMillan
4. Baker's Bible Atlas, Baker

   Archaeology
   -----------
1. Archaeology and the OT, Unger, Zondervan
2. Archaeology and the NT, Unger, Zondervan
3. Archaeology of the Bible Book by Book, Cornfield, A&C Black

   Doctrine
   --------
1. Things to Come, J. Dwight Pentecost, Zondervan
2. The Words and Works of Jesus Christ, J. Dwight Pentecost, Zondervan
3. The Great Doctrines of the Bible, Evans, Moody Press
4. The Principles of Theology, Griffith Thomas, Longmans
5. Things Which Become Sound Doctrine, Pentecost, Zondervan
6. The Catholic Faith, Griffith Thomas
7. Systematic Theology, Chafer, Zondervan

   The Holy Spirit
   ---------------
1. Charisma vs. Charismania, Smith, Harvest House
2. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, Torrey, Zondervan
3. The Holy Spirit: Who He Is and What He Does, Torrey, Revell
4. The Holy Spirit or Power From on High, A.B. Simpson (2 vol)
5. The Holy Spirit of God, Griffith Thomas
6. How to Obtain Fullness of Power, Torrey, Whittaker House
7. Spiritual Gifts in the Work of the Ministry Today, Donald Gee, G.P.H.
8. Gifts of the Spirit, Horton, Gospel Publishing House

   Miscellaneous
   -------------
1. The Reese Chronological Bible, Bethany Fellowship
2. Chronology of the OT, Kregel
3. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Revell
4. Halley's Bible Handbook, Zondervan
5. Unger's Bible Handbook, Moody Press
6. Eerdman's Handbook to the Bible, Alexander, Eerdmans

    now.  how much of that is available for PCs?
    
    jeff

    The new Logos package on CD has builtin Strongs, several versions of
    the Bible, an Atlas, a commentary, and probably other things I've
    forgotten by now.

    Tony, you've referred to Isaiah 28 a lot lately.  Please show me what
    verses you have in mind.
    
    thanks,
    Mike
    
Isaiah 28:1
Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty
is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are
overcome with wine!

Isaiah 28:2
Behold, the lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a
destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to
the earth with the hand.

Isaiah 28:3
The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet:

Isaiah 28:4
And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a
fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that
looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up.

Isaiah 28:5
In that day shall the lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem
of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

Isaiah 28:6
And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength
to them that turn the battle to the gate.

Isaiah 28:7
But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the
way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are
swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in
vision, they stumble in judgment.

Isaiah 28:8
For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place
clean.

Isaiah 28:9
Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine?
Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.

Isaiah 28:10
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line
upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Isaiah 28:11
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

Isaiah 28:12
To whom he said, this is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and
this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

Isaiah 28:13
But the word of the lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon
precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little;
that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Isaiah 28:14
Wherefore hear the word of the lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people
which is in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:15
Because ye have said, we have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we
at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not
come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid
ourselves:

Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus saith the lord god, behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a
stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that
believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 28:17
Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the
hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the
hiding place.

Isaiah 28:18
And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell
shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall
be trodden down by it.

Isaiah 28:19
From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning
shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to
understand the report.

Isaiah 28:20
For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the
covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.

Isaiah 28:21
For the lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the
valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass
his act, his strange act.

Isaiah 28:22
Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have
heard from the lord god of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole
earth.

Isaiah 28:23
Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.

Isaiah 28:24
Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? Doth he open and break the clods of his
ground?

Isaiah 28:25
When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches,
and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed
barley and the rie in their place?

Isaiah 28:26
For his god doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.

Isaiah 28:27
For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart
wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a
staff, and the cummin with a rod.

Isaiah 28:28
Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it
with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen.

Isaiah 28:29
This also cometh forth from the lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel,
and excellent in working.

    I don't want to confuse other topics so I'll address Isaiah 28 here.  
    
    Tony, I don't necessarily disagree with your mode of study, but I do
    disagree with your interpretation of this chapter as it applies to
    Biblical study.  I'm extremely partial to the expository method of
    study which is supported by Nehemiah 8:7-8.
    
    Isaiah 28 shows the prophet warning Judah not to fall into the sin and
    fate of Samaria.  It was against the Law to take wine before entering
    the tabernacle.  In verses 9-10, the drunkards are scoffing at Isaiah's
    warnings: "Whom will he (does Isaiah presume to) teach knowledge?  And
    whom will He make to understand instruction?  Is it those (i.e., does
    he take us to be) just weaned, etc?  For (he is constantly repeating,
    as if to little children) precept upon precept," etc.  
    
    A "line" is a rule or law.  The repitition of sounds in Hebrew
    expresses the scorn of imitators of Isaiah's speaking; he spoke
    stammering (verse 11).  God's mode of teaching offends by its
    simplicity the pride of sinners (2 Kings 5:11-12, 1 Corinthians 1:23). 
    Stammerers as they were by drunkenness, and children in knowledge of
    God, they needed to be spoken to in the language of children, and "with
    stammering lips" (cf. Matthew 13:13).  A just and merciful retribution.
    
    The "rest" in a spiritual sense was to be found in obeying those very
    "precepts" of God which they jeered at.  In verse 13, God judges them
    according to their folly.
    
    This passage is not about Bible study, but about obedience to God's
    Word.
    
    Mike