Freedom Family Church: Going Deeper: Recent Episodes
freedomfamily
A podcast of Freedom Family Church (in North Carolina) that expands more on the Sunday sermons and talks about specific topics within the Christian Life!
Pasor Ben shares with FFC Siler City the work and importance of cultivating community in our lives...
(7-12-20 - Siler City, NC) Sometimes, when a computer system gets bogged down with extra programs and tasks that were never intended to be, you have to do a system reboot so you can get back to it's original intent. We open up Acts 2 to see what the church of the New Testament looked like so that we can do the same thing for the CHURCH as we look into a postmodern, mid-pandemic, internet age that we're called to spread the Gospel within.
(7-5-20 • Siler City, NC) As we celebrate Independence Day in an increasingly DIVIDED States of America, Pastor Ben Suggs preaches out of 1 Peter 3 a message of the transcendent UNITY that Jesus calls His people to.
We're talking in more detail this week about the phases of "discipleship" with Pastor Ben and special guest FFC Lead Pastor Randy Hand. Today we discuss the important of PRAYER in the process. Check back each day for more!
(4-19-20) Pastor Ben reminds us of the ONE JOB we have as Christians, to MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, and talks about what is needed to make it happen!
(4-5-20) As this world faces struggles that are unprecedented for our lifetime, Pastor Ben shares how following the way of Jesus as he begins his darkest hour can help us to be PRESSED but not STRESSED.
(3-29-20) Deacon Richard Cobb reminds us that Jesus' command to LOVE comes with no exceptions! How can YOU love the people in your life BETTER??
(3-22-20) Pastor Ben Suggs shares some perspectives we should have as our world deals with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic that come from the writings of the prophet Isaiah, who dealt with some tragic situations in his own time.
Listen to this week's Study Hall by Pastor Jason to learn about the FIRST TIME "Fear" was used in the Bible!
(3/8/20) An apple tree produces APPLES. A banana tree produces BANANAS. Just like that, if you are truly a born-again, redeemed and regenerated follower of Jesus - you will bear a certain kind of FRUIT in your life. To wrap up "How To Know That You're Saved", Pastor Ben examines what that fruit will look like.
(3/1/20) God WILL NOT save us unless we ask! In part 4, Pastor Ben revisits Peter's cry for help as he sinks in the waves of the sea to find out what a SAVING PRAYER looks like.
(2/23/20) Romans 4:5 say “people are counted as righteous, not because of their [goodness], but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.” What does it look like to have a SAVING FAITH that moves you from feeling bad and wanting to change to being changed and made new? Join Pastor Ben in this message to find out!
(2/16/20) One of the most common things "Christians" skip in the salvation process is REPENTANCE. Why do we need repentance and what does it look like? Pastor Ben explores the words of 2 Timothy 2 to make sure we have SAVING REPENTANCE.
(2/9/20) Have you ever felt the SAVING CONVICTION of God? Conviction is painful and hard in the moment, but it's an essential part of the salvation process. No conviction? No salvation. In this sermon, Pastor Ben Suggs takes a look at the words of Jesus to understand what conviction is so that we can examine ourselves and see whether we have it or not!
(2-2-20) We wrap up our final principle of SOUL REST this week (Slowing) with a message about "pumping the breaks" by refusing to keep pace with the world so that we can keep pace with God.
(1-26-20) In Part 4 of "Soul Rest", Pastor Ben tackles the main "competition" for the love and attention that God deserves, OUR STUFF. Materialism or love of money always gives us a 'quick fix' but never provides the lasting joy and satisfaction we get when we rest in our relationship with Jesus. So it's time to CLEAR THE CLUTTER and embrace a life of SIMPLICITY.
(1-19-20) As we continue looking at the principles of SOUL REST, Pastor Ben lays out the Biblical meaning of a "sabbath rest" and brings in Pastor Don Schenkel to talk more about what it can look like when we actually seize the sabbath like God intended.
(1-12-20) As we continue on the road to "Soul Rest", Pastor Ben examines some often-overlooked habits of Jesus that will help us "dethrone our phones" and embrace the gift of silence and solitude.
(1-5-20) FFC Siler City kicks off a new year with a series on how to find "rest for your soul" - a promise Jesus made to us when we follow His ways. In week 1, Pastor Ben identifies the ENEMIES of Soul Rest including idolatry, distraction, and passivity.
(12-22-19) As FFC Siler City gathers for Christmas, Pastor Ben explores the fortuitous interaction Mary and Joseph had with an old man named Simeon as they dedicated Jesus at the temple after His birth. In it, we see how the FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT all have roles to play in our Christmas celebrations!
(12-15-19) As we hurtle towards the Christmas holiday, Pastor Ben gives us a "gift guide" for the things that the Birthday Boy (ya know...JESUS) would want this year. Turn to Psalm 116 with us and let's see!
(12-8-19) Pastor Ben opens explores the motivations behind why those in the Christmas story were searching and seeking a Savior and what that means for us.
(11-24-19) We finish out the book of Romans exploring the often overlooked chapter 16 and why the Apostle Paul would end such a theologically important book on such a personal note and what we can learn about how to treat our fellow "people of the Good News".
(11-17-19) We take a dive into Romans 12 to identify what it looks like to be a LIVING SACRIFICE that is "holy and pleasing to God." And also, why should we desire to be one!
(11-10-19) What kind of CONVERSATIONS do you need to have surrounding SALVATION? Pastor Ben breaks down the Apostle Paul's admonition to CALL on the Name of the Lord and take that saving Gospel to the world!
(11-3-19) We are living under a CURSE, which explains why life isn't what we would want. So how do we REVERSE THE CURSE? Pastor Ben shares the words of the Apostle Paul on the reality of the "Already/Not Yet" and what lies ahead...
(10-27-19) What MASTER do you serve? We normally don't like the idea of being a slave or servant, but in Part 4 of our Romans series, Pastor Ben reveals through Paul's writings in Romans 6 that one way or another, you WILL be a slave to SOMETHING. Why not choose the Master that gives eternal life as a result!
(10-13-19) FFC Deacon Richard Cobb shares from Romans 3 about having a right perspective on what you are so you can see yourself through God's eyes!
(Siler City, NC - 10/6/19) We kick off an 8-week series walking through the book of Romans to find out how to "make the Gospel "Good News" again". In week one, Pastor Ben preaches on Romans 1:16-17 on what it would look like to have a "Start To Finish" faith!
(Siler City, NC - 9/29/19) WORSHIP may mean different things to different people, but Pastor Ben reminds us what "TRUE WORSHIP" is according to the ONE our worship should be FOR!
(9-22-19) At our Siler City campus, Pastor Ben explained what it means to be a Biblical Deacon, how important they are to the church, and set aside two of our own to serve as Deacons as we move into a new season of ministry at FFC!
As our Siler City campus turns 2, we hear from some of our congregation about what God has done in and through our church this year and then turn to 1 Corinthians 12 to see what the church should look like!
Love your neighbor. It's a foundational charge that God hands out to ALL of His people. But how? What does that look like? In this series of sermons, Pastor Ben (with some help from FFC Deacon Richard Cobb) look to God's word and Jesus' example for how to "neighbor" people that are different, poor, and lonely; as well as how to set biblical boundaries so that you're not burnt out in the process.
Love your neighbor. It's a foundational charge that God hands out to ALL of His people. But how? What does that look like? In this series of sermons, Pastor Ben (with some help from FFC Deacon Richard Cobb) look to God's word and Jesus' example for how to "neighbor" people that are different, poor, and lonely; as well as how to set biblical boundaries so that you're not burnt out in the process.
Love your neighbor. It's a foundational charge that God hands out to ALL of His people. But how? What does that look like? In this series of sermons, Pastor Ben (with some help from FFC Deacon Richard Cobb) look to God's word and Jesus' example for how to "neighbor" people that are different, poor, and lonely; as well as how to set biblical boundaries so that you're not burnt out in the process.
What can the story of Joseph in Genesis teach us about the God who "allows good people to suffer"?
Are you missing the point of being a Christian? Far too many believers end up focusing on the WRONG things and end up missing the whole point of WHY Jesus saved us and WHY we are here on this planet. DON'T MISS IT!
So much of what happens in this world is affected by the role of FATHERS in the home and family. It's so important that God choose specifically to refer to HIMSELF as THE Father. So on Father's Day weekend, Pastor Ben issues a challenging message to all the DADS, as well as the rest of us who are called to value, encourage, and support the Father's in our life.
For too long, The Church (overall) has run from awkward, tense topics that our society faces like POLITICS, SEX, ABORTION, AND MONEY. But now more than ever, the world needs the truth of God on these topics, and that's Pastor Ben's goal in this series - THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM!
For too long, The Church (overall) has run from awkward, tense topics that our society faces like POLITICS, SEX, ABORTION, AND MONEY. But now more than ever, the world needs the truth of God on these topics, and that's Pastor Ben's goal in this series - THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM!
For too long, The Church (overall) has run from awkward, tense topics that our society faces like POLITICS, SEX, ABORTION, AND MONEY. But now more than ever, the world needs the truth of God on these topics, and that's Pastor Ben's goal in this series - THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM!
For too long, The Church (overall) has run from awkward, tense topics that our society faces like POLITICS, SEX, ABORTION, AND MONEY. But now more than ever, the world needs the truth of God on these topics, and that's Pastor Ben's goal in this series - THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM! Apologies for the LQ audio
(Siler City, NC) We normally see FEAR as a negative thing, but just like most other principles in the Bible, there is an exception to that rule. Today Pastor Ben shares how a healthy fear of God can bring many BLESSINGS to your life!
(Siler City, NC) It's Easter Sunday! But this year, Pastor Ben focused on some of the few but important conversations that Jesus had with his followers AFTER His resurrection to see how WE TOO can live the "Resurrection Life"
(Siler City, NC) What IS Palm Sunday? And what can we learn from the cohesive but slightly unique perspectives of this meaningful pre-Easter event retold through the different Gospels. As Pastor Ben looks through Matthew, Luke, and John's accounts, you may be surprised what you learn!
(Siler City, NC) In the final message of "My Church Is Full Of", Pastor Ben talks about what a real SERVANT looks like and how that servant's heart can change the lives of others and even our own ETERNITY!
(Siler City, NC) Part 5 of our series "My Church Is Full Of", Pastor Ben talks about rare gift of ACCOUNTABILITY and how the Church can encourage and discipline in a way that leads to LIFE.
(Siler City, NC) Part 4 of our series "My Church Is Full Of", Pastor Ben talks about the importance of FORGIVENESS within the family of God..
(Siler City, NC) In part 3 of "My Church Is Full Of", Pastor Ben finishes out Ephesians 4 looking at how we as the church should be full of RIGHTEOUSNESS by choosing the TRUTH, controlling our TEMPER, WORKING for what we have, and making sure what we SAY is a BLESSING!
(Siler City, NC) In Part 3, we look at how LANGUAGE effects how we understand the Bible and we talk about a 4-Step Process that will help us accurately understand and get more out of our Bible reading.
TRUTH: In order to know the_____________________ of a passage, we must know the meaning of the words within it. Ex. “Salty” and “lit”: 2019 vs Matthew 5
Ex. “Grace”(Greek: charis ) Ephesians 2:8: “For it is by grace (charis) you have been saved…” Luke 1:30: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor (charis) with God.”
10 Considerations When Trying To Define a Word:
(Note: You don’t have to go THIS DEEP every time you read, just when you’re unclear)
- How does the author usually use the word? This does not guarantee your verse uses it this way.
- If the word is repeated by the author in the same book, he probably had the same meaning in mind, especially if he uses it near your verse.
- How is the word used in other books?
- If your selected meaning undermines the meaning of other verses, you got it wrong.
- Does the author’s argument suggest a meaning?
- Does the historic situation give us insight?
- Does the theme of the book give us a hint?
- Consider nuances of a word.
- Look for an immediate contrast.
- How do other first-century writers use the word?
4-Step Process to RIGHTLY DIVIDE Scripture:
1) ________________________ : What’s going on surrounding that verse? - Author & Target Audience? - Historical & Literary Context?
- New Covenant vs Old Covenant?
Note: ____________________ of speech are important.
Ø Simile: A comparison of two things using like or as.
Ø Metaphor: A comparison introduced by a “be verb.”
Ø Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration with an impossible fulfillment.
Ø Overstatement: Deliberate exaggeration that some might think could be imagined.
Ø Irony, personification, anthropomorphism, sarcasm, etc.
Order of Observation:
- Observe your text.
- Observe verses around your text.
- Observe other texts that talk about your subject.
- Then consult other sources: commentaries, dictionaries, lexicons, concordances, etc.
2) ________________________ : What does it mean in that context?
- What is the overall point of what is being said to the audience?
3) ________________________ : What main idea can be universally useful? - What does this say about God or humanity? - Does this still apply to me?
- How does the interpretation change with time and covenant?
- How does it fit in with the rest of the Bible?
4) ________________________ : How does God want to apply it to MY circumstance? - How am I like and unlike the intended audience of this passage?
- What parts of this universal truth come into play in my life?
Remember: Lose your presuppositions.
Remember: The purpose of the book.
Remember: History and culture study.
Remember: Read several paragraphs before and after the text.
EXAMPLES
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV): “Therefore, (NLT: “And so”) I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Observation: - Author & Target Audience? Paul to the church in Rome - Historical & Literary Context? Paul hadn’t been there yet, church enduring persecution, Rome was a superpower, Ch 1-11 = LOTS of theological explination, talking about being made right with God (OT law vs NT grace)…
Romans 11:33-36: “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” - New Covenant vs Old Covenant? New (full of grace!)
((Breakdown))
Romans 12:1-2: “I urge you, (urge = stronger than request, not a command) brothers and sisters, (not looking down on them, addressing them as equals) in view of God’s mercy (aka salvation), to offer your bodies (ALL of it!) as a living sacrifice (not like an OT sacrifice) , holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (not just a song, not just attendance - see Amos 5:21-24) 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world (You will have to actively resist some worldy things), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (must engage your mind, HS changes your MIND first). Then you (connecting the follwing to your transformation) will be able to test and approve what God’s will is (you’re involved in this, so you can get it wrong) —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (must be important because you get 3 adjectives to describe!)
Note: We seem to have to “bring this about” and work towards God, yet we know John 15:5: “apart from me you can do nothing.” and Isaiah 64:6: “all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment” — sooo you work WITH the power of the Holy Spirit that comes from the blood of Jesus to be a living sacrifice that pleases God.
Interpretation: Don’t be like the world, worship God with everything you are/have, through knowing what Jesus has done, we change the way we think and that will change our lives.
Principle: Christians aren’t worldly, but should worship God with all we are, and we do that through knowing who God/Jesus is and letting it change our thinking.
Application: I must be willing to give up worldly things so that I can be dedicated 100% to God. - What do I need to do to worship God more fully? What parts of the world am I being conformed to? Am I being changed/transformed?
_____________
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Observation: God is writing to Israel (“quid-pro-quo” covenant people). Was punishing His people for violating Mosaic Covenant but kept faithful to Abrahamic Covenant to deliver chosen people to occupy a land, be a nation, an produce a “seed” (Jesus). Jeremiah “the weeping prophet” was timid in nature but was made courageous by the Spirit of God to speak the truth of God’s judgement on His people. The book of Jeremiah contains poetry (Ch 1-25) with symbolism, but also hads a sermon (Ch 7), some prophetic FORTH-telling (Ch 11:1-17), an some historical/biographical sections (Ch 26-29, 32, 34-44) which recounted real life current events.
Interpretation: - God plans/knows the future - God always keeps His promises - Old Covenant: Physical blessings comes with obedience - New Cov: Peace that surpasses all understanding
Principle: When God makes a promise meant for US, He will NEVER fail to deliver on it.
Application: God has promised us many wonderful things. He doesn’t promise physical prosperity in the New Testament (although He doesn’t forbid it) but He promises to guide us through whateverever may come (including inevitable sacrifice, persecution, and loss) while calling us to focus on our “future hope” in Heaven.
_____________
Exodus 21:28-29: “If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must be stoned, and its flesh may not be eaten. In such a case, however, the owner will not be held liable. But suppose the ox had a reputation for goring, and the owner had been informed but failed to keep it under control. If the ox then kills someone, it must be stoned, and the owner must also be put to death.”
Observation: God was laying ground work for people with new rules/regs to make them holy. Moses was informing the Jewish people what God was commanding. Old Covenant - still showing the weight of sin, pointing to Jesus.
Interpretation: Law for certain people/time. Doesn’t apply DIRECTLY. Was a CIVIL law directed at every day life not church. If animal kills someone, kill the animal
Principle: First time, animal is punished not owner. (animals=unpredicatable) If a person’s animal is a known killer/hurting others. OWNER is responsible. New Testament changes this application. God VALUES human life so death penalty is BIBLICAL. We are RESPONSIBLE for our stuff!
Application: You are responsible for your animal (make it right if they attack). Dog has to GO if it continues. Treat humans better than animals.
In this lesson, Pastor Ben Suggs continues helping us know how to read and interpret the Bible correctly by emphasizing the important role of the HOLY SPIRIT and highlighting the different GENRES within the Bible that help us know how to approach what's inside each book.
Follow along below!
RIGHTLY DIVDED: How To Read Your Bible Part 2: The Holy Spirit and the Spirit of the Authors
TRUTH: It is_____________________ to read God’s Word without God’s Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 2:14: “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
- “But can’t a lost person come to Christ through the Bible?” John 16:8: “(The Holy Spirit) will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment.”
- Note: The HS doesn’t ALWAYS give us the completely correct interpretation every time. We still have to use our BRAINS.
Ex. Baptism vs Christening - both “sides” still Spirit-filled
ACTION STEP: Before beginning to read the Bible, pray and ask God to _______________ with His Holy Spirit so that you may hear from Him as you read.
What To Do With Your Extra-Biblical “Baggage”
- Keep your PRESUPPOSITIONS - unshakable, ______________, non-compromisable beliefs about the Bible. (Like inspiration, infallibility, sufficiency, inerrancy, non-contradiction. )
- LOSE your _________________________- all of your preconceived beliefs and opinions about the Bible. (Attitudes, experiences, location, media, gender, politics) You MUST be willing to adjust these if that’s what the text shows.
- Don’t “blank your slate”, just don’t let them _______________ how you INTERPRET.
ACTION STEP: Before reading, make sure you are prepared to read it _________________.
TRUTH: When reading the Bible, CONTEXT is _______________.
(Historical, literary, New vs Old Covenenant, author’s intent)
FACT: Just because it’s______________________in the Bible, doesn’t mean it’s___________________. (Sometimes the author describes an event that is bad without telling us)
TIP: Don’t say “I read the Bible literally.” Instead, we should say, “I read the Bible based on the genre of literature is being used.”
GENRES OF THE BIBLE:
Historical Narrative: Genesis, first half of Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1/2 Samuel, 1/2 Kings, 1/2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, possibly Jonah & Acts
Old Testament Law: Last half of Exous, Leviticus, Deuteronomy Wisdom Literature: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
Poetry: Psalms, Song of Solomon, Lamentations
Prophecy: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Exekiel, some of Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
Apocalypse: Revelation, some of Daniel
Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
New Testament Epistles: Romans, 1/2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1/2 Thessalonians, 1/2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1/2 Peter, 1/2/3 John, Jude
Historical Narrative This is the accurate telling of the history of the Jewish nation, out of which the promised Seed of Genesis 3 would come. There is some theology (term meaning “the study of God”) in these books, but it must be carefully lifted from the narritive.
NOTE: These books were written to be read LITERALLY not ___________.
(Actual 7 days, Adamn/Eve not a “typology”)
Old Testament Poetry This is our “feelings” literature. Poetic literature is designed to help us understand God on an emotional level. We do NOT want to base theology on experience or emotions, but we do want to rightly enjoy and deal with the emotions that God has given us (joy, anger, sorrow).
FACT: We don’t base our theology _________ on experience or emotions.
Old Testament Prophecy Prophecy differs from New Testament apocalyptic literature (vivid images/symbolism). Very little of the OT prophecy is predictive, it mainly spoke the voice of God to His people.
Gospels A theological, historical biography of Jesus by eyewitnesses.
NOTE: Biographies were different then than now...they didn’t include every detail or even write in order. The ________________ dictated the content.
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MATTHEW wrote to Jews to proclaim Jesus as King.
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MARK wrote to Romans to present Jesus as a servant.
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LUKE wrote to the Greeks (Theopholis) to declare that He was the ideal man.
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JOHN wrote to the world to announce Jesus is God.
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What about “inconsistencies”? Ex. Car Crash: 2-car-collision vs 16 car pile-up
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Why four books? Different perspectives and lessons are seen.
Gospel Miracles VS Gospel Parables
Miracles: The authors did not write about miracles as myths, but ____________________________.
Speculation: No Gospel gives every detail of every event, and we must be careful not to speculate on something God clearly didn’t want us to know.
Parables: A long, fictitious story that moves from the known (every day stuff) to the unknown (the
spiritual or moral lesson). As a rule, parables have just ______________________.
TIP for PARABLES: Consider the _____________, not the ____________. (Matthew 25:14-30).
Acts (of the Apostles)
Acts is mostly Historical Narrative mixed with theology and teaching.
Determining PRESCRIPTIVE vs DESCRIPTIVE:
- Does it sound like a command?
- Is the activity repeated and not just a one-time event?
- If it is repeated, are the details the same? (Ex. The Holy Spirit in Acts 2, 8, 10, 19)
- If the action is something new, proceed with caution.
- Interpret historical narratives with the Epistles in mind.
- If the narrative contradicts Scripture, it is not intended to be repeated.
Epistles
For the most part (but not entirely) instructive, the Epistles apply directly to the modern church. However, there are some things that are cultural or specific.
Ex. Timothy’s wine for his stomach (1 Timothy 5:23)
Epistles are legal documents written for a specific reason. “If you forget the occasion (correction, encouragement, rebuking), then you are just listening to one side of a phone conversation.”
TRUTH: God had us___________________, but they were not written directly _________________.
The Book of Revelation Revelation is apocalyptic literature. This form of literature was quite common from
the 7th century BC until the 2nd century AD.
TIP for Revelation: Read it like an editorial _____________________. - Not that you don’t take it seriously, just that it’s symbolic. Ex. Election cartoons
RULE: If the symbol is not _____________________, it is probably a symbol. Ex. “Raining cats & dogs”
Example: Revelation 9:7-8: “The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. They had what looked like gold crowns on their heads, and their faces looked like human faces. They had hair like women’s hair and teeth like the teeth of a lion.”
_______________________________________
Howard Hendricks’ Ten Principles of Bible Interpretation:
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Use the literal sense unless there is some good reason not to.
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Use the figurative sense when the passage tells you to do so.
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Use the figurative sense if a literal meaning is impossible or absurd. Figurative language can be both descriptive and precise.
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Use the figurative sense if a literal meaning would involve something immoral. (Ex. Jesus: “Eating flesh, drinking blood”)
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Use the figurative sense if the expression is an obvious figure of speech. (“like”, “as”)
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Use the figurative sense if a literal interpretation goes contrary to the context and scope of the passage. (Example: “Lion of Tribe of Judah” in Reveleation = Jesus)
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Use the figurative if a literal interpretation goes contrary to the general character and style of the book. (“Shadow of His wings” = God is not a chicken!)
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Use the figurative sense if a literal interpretation goes contrary to the plan and purpose of the author – understand the context of the text.
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Use the figurative sense if a literal interpretation involves a contradiction of other Scripture.
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Use the figurative sense if a literal interpretation would involve a contradiction in doctrine. (It needs to be consistent)
(Siler City, NC) Pastor Ben Suggs begins a series of 4 lessons on how to READ and INTERPRET the Bible in order to help us gain more hope, joy, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; along with being able to KNOW GOD better!
--- Below is a copy of the note sheet given to all attendees --
TRUTH: Understanding the Bible takes ____________________.
- 2 Timothy 2:15: “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
Old KJV = “rightly dividing” means “to make a straight cut, i.e. to dissect correctly.” + Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
- The Bible is__________________:
How The Bible Was Compiled
____________________________: The process by which God protected the inspired writings to be the books we currently have in our Bibles.
FACT: The Bible “canonized” already agreed upon scripture around _______________ AD to guard against false teachings. (See: Council of Carthage)
________________________: Original, or replications of the original documents. (None survive) Remember: Aunt Sally’s Special Sauce
a. “Textus Receptus”: Best manuscript available in_____________. (KJV & NKJV)
b. “Eclectic Text”: Modern text that consists of ____________________ sources determined to be most accurate. (NLT, ESV, NRSV, NIV, NASB)
How A Writing “Makes The Cut”
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Written by an ___________________ or a close disciple.
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______________________ to the actual event.
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___________________ accepted in the church.
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It ___________________ established Scripture.
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The Bible is__________________: God supernaturally inspired all of the authors of the Bible to communicate His words without violating their own personalities and contexts.
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2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
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The Bible is without ___________________: (infallable / inerrant)
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Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
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The Bible is ________________________:
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Psalm 19:7-8: “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.”
TRUTH: Interpreting Scripture is an ________ and a ______________.
(There are both METHODS to use and SKILLS that improve)
Rules For Reading & Interpreting
We are NOT going to be __________________________: (Making a conclusion and then finding evidence to support the conclusion)
We are going to be __________________________: (Examining the data and then drawing a conclusion and then an application. AKA “the parts to the whole.”)
We do NOT do “Eisegesis”: Reading ____________ Scripture. (Making the text what we want the verse to say, versus what the author intended.
We do “Exegesis”: Reading ____________ Scripture. (Understanding what the author intended to say to his original audience.)
Analogy of Scripture: The Bible interprets the Bible. The clear interprets the unclear.
Why is it important to “rightly handle” God’s word?
So we can “___________________________”.
- Psalm 119:9 & 105: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word…Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
So we can ____________________________________.
- John 5:39: “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about (Jesus).”
(11/27/18 - Pastor Randy Hand - Liberty, NC) . Did you know that the gifts of GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, and MYRRH that the wise men gave to Jesus weren't random? Let's dig in to find out how we can bring our own gifts to our King this Christmas season!
(11/13/18 - Liberty, NC) Pastor Randy Hand shares howe we can identify and defeat our "Herod Hearts" that stop us from embracing Godly change.
In our final teaching from the "What's The World Coming To?" series, Pastor Don Schenkel digs deeper into what HEAVEN will be like for Christians and how we can prepare for it now!
In the last sermon of the series, Pastor Ben talks about what we know ETERNITY will be like and why we should be looking forward to it! (If you're a believer!)
FFC's Lead/Liberty Campus Pastor Randy Hand continues to explore the 1,000 years that Jesus will reign on earth AFTER the Tribulation and BEFORE Eternity...
(Recorded live on 10/16/18 at Freedom Family Church in Liberty, NC)
After the 7-year Tribulation but before the eternity begins, there is to often skipped "Thousand Year Kingdom" where Christ reigns on earth and the world is how it was meant to be. In Part 3 of 4 of "What's The World Coming To?" we find out more about this future kingdom and what it means for us TODAY...
FFC Exective Pastor Jason Keller delved into the details of what we know about the 7 year tribulation that the Bible tells us will follow The Rapture of Christians.
After the Rapture, comes 7 years of "hell on earth" meant to show God's wrath and be one last chance for those that remain to come to Christ. In part 2 of this series Pastor Ben explores the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 about what is to come...
During this week's "family night" Bible study at FFC Liberty, Pastor Ben dives deeper into the idea of The Judgement Seat of Christ and what that means for Christians after the Rapture.
(Pastor Ben Suggs / 9-30-18 / Siler City, NC) What will happen at the end of the world? While there is plenty we DON'T know, God has revealed plenty about what is to come. We kick off our 4-week series with what will be the beginning of the end - The Rapture.
Back in Siler City, Pastor Ben finishes explaining some of the things that God CAN'T do - not because he's not able, but because it's not who He is!
Pastor Don joins Pastor Ben in the pulpit at FFC's main campus in Liberty, NC to talk about some things that God CAN'T Do - like lie to you, NOT love you, and ignore our sin.
How have you been dealing with STORMS in your life?!? In this week's message, Pastor Ben reveals how when we pray, submit, worship, and minister, we can leave our storms CLOSER to God!
Are you sacrificing the RIGHT things when you worship?!? In this week's message, Pastor Ben reminds us that we must FREELY GIVE away our presence, possessions, and praise to truly honor God at the altar.
Have you been living the AMAZING life God has saved you for?!? In this week's message, Pastor Ben gives us a Beginners Guide to how we can live EXTRAORDINARILY!
Have you ever wondered why you're alive? What purpose do you have? In this week's message, Pastor Ben explains how our FAITH will bring God joy and honor!
On the 1-year anniversary of FFC Siler City's launch, Pastor Ben reminds us of what the church is supposed to be and what we can expect in the next year!