How to Read the Bible?

[PART 1]

1. Every word must have its proper bearing on the subject presented in the Bible. (Matt 5:18)

2. All Scripture is necessary, and may be understood by a diligent application and study. (2 Tim 3:15-17)

3. Nothing revealed in Scripture can or will be hid from those who ask in faith, not wavering. (Deut 29:29; Matt 10:26-27; 1 Cor 2:10; Phil 3:15; Isa 45:11; Matt 21:22; John 14:13-14, 15:7; James 1:5-6; 1 John 5:13-15)

4. To understand doctrine, bring all the Scriptures together on the subject you wish to know; then let every word have its proper influence and, if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you cannot be in error. (Isa 28:7-29, 35:8; Prov 19:27; Luke 24:27, 44, 45; Rom 16:26; James 5:19; 2 Pet 1:19, 20)

5. Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound to me, and he should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed, or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed, or wisdom, is my rule, and not the Bible. (Ps 19:7-11, 119:97-105; Matt 23:8-10; 1 Cor 2:12-16; Eze 34:18-19; Luke 11:52; Matt 2:7-8)

6. God has revealed things to come, by visions, in figures and parables, and in this way the same things are oftentimes revealed again and again, by different visions, or in different figures and parables. If you wish to understand them, you must combine them all in one. (Ps 89:19; Hos 12:10; Hab 2:2; Acts 2:17; 1 Cor 10:6; Heb 9:9, 24; Ps 78:2; Matt 13:13, 34; Gen 41:1-32; Dan 2nd, 7th & 8th; Acts 10:9-16)

7. Visions are always mentioned as such. (2 Cor 12:1)

8. Figures always have a figurative meaning, and are used much in prophecy to represent future things, times and events such as mountains, meaning governments (Dan. 2:35, 44) beasts, meaning kingdoms (Dan. 7:8, 17) waters, meaning people (Rev. 17:1, 15) day, meaning year (Eze 4:6).

Part 2 ➡️

#Study

How to Read the Bible?

[PART 2]

9. Parables are used as comparisons to illustrate subjects, and must be explained in the same way as figures, by the subject and Bible. (Mark 4 :13)

10. Figures sometimes have two or more different significations, as day is used in a figurative sense to represent three different periods of time, namely, first, indefinite (Eccl 7:14) second, definite, a day for a year (Eze 4:6); and third, a day for a thousand years (2 Pet 3:8). The right construction will harmonize with the Bible, and make good sense, other constructions will not.

11. If a word makes good sense as it stands, and does no violence to the simple laws of nature, it is to be understood literally; if not, figuratively. (Rev 12:1-2; 17:3-7)

12. To learn the meaning of a figure, trace the word through your Bible, and when you find it explained, substitute the explanation for the word used; and, if it make good sense, you need not look further, if not, look again. (1 Cor 2:13)

13. To know whether we have the true historical event for the fulfilment of a prophecy: If you find every word of the prophecy (after the figures are understood) is literally fulfilled, then you may know that your history is the true event but if one word lacks a fulfilment, then you must look for another event, or wait its future development for God takes care that history and prophecy shall agree, so that the true believing children of God may never be ashamed. (Ps 22:5; Isa 45:17-19; 1 Pet 2:6; Rev 17:17; Acts 3:18)

14. The most important rule of all is, that you must have faith. It must be a faith that requires a sacrifice, and, if tried, would give up the dearest object on earth, the world and all its desires, character, living, occupation, friends, home, comforts and worldly honours. If any of these should hinder our believing any part of God’s word, it would show our faith to be vain. Nor can we ever believe so long as one of these motives lies lurking in our hearts. We must believe that God will never forfeit his word and we can have confidence that He who takes notice of the sparrow’s fall, and numbers the hairs of our head, will guard the translation of his own word, and throw a barrier around it, and prevent those who sincerely trust in God, and put implicit confidence in his word, from erring far from the truth.

15. Always pray before reading the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a teachable spirit, understanding, and divine guidance as you search the Holy Scriptures like you are looking for lost treasure.

⬅️ Part 1

Discernment of Duty

"Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Revelation 3:17

"What is it that constitutes the wretchedness, the nakedness of those who feel rich and increased with goods?--It is the want of the righteousness of Christ. In their own righteousness they are represented as clothed with filthy rags, and yet in this condition they flatter themselves that they are clothed upon with Christ's righteousness. Could deception be greater? As is represented by the prophet, they may be crying, "The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are we" (see Jeremiah 7:4), while their hearts are filled with unholy traffic and unrighteous barter. The courts of the soul-temple may be the haunt of envy, pride, passion, evil surmising, bitterness, and hollow formalism. Christ looks mournfully upon His professed people who feel rich and increased in the knowledge of the truth, and who are yet destitute of the truth in life and character, and unconscious of their destitute condition. In sin and unbelief, they lightly regard the warnings and counsels of His servants, and treat His ambassadors with scorn and contempt, while their words of reproof are regarded as idle tales. Discernment seems to have departed, and they have no power to discriminate between the light which God sends them and the darkness that comes from the enemy of their souls... When Jesus went away, He intrusted to men His work in all its varied branches, and every true follower of Christ has some work to do for Him, for which he is responsible to his own Master, and that work he is expected to do with fidelity, waiting for command and direction from his Leader. We are the responsible agents of God, and have been invested with the goods of heaven, and we should have an eye single to the glory of Him who has called us. On our part there should be a faithful execution of duty, doing our appointed task to the full measure of our intrusted capability. No living being can do our work for us. We must do our work through a diligent use of the intellect which God has given, gaining in knowledge and efficiency as we make progress in our work." -Review and Herald, 08/07/1894

#Devotional

⚖️ Science in the Bible 🌬

Q: Does wind have weight?

Job 28:25 KJV
To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.

Confirmation:
"The air around you has weight, and it presses against everything it touches. That pressure is called atmospheric pressure, or air pressure. It is the force exerted on a surface by the air above it as gravity pulls it to Earth." - National Geographic

#Science

Bible 📖 Encouragements 💪🏻 №20

Ezekiel 36:22-27 KJV
Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. 23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

#BibleEncouragements

⚠️ PROPHECY ALERT ⚠️

""The world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point," warns Francis in an 11-page letter noscriptd Laudate Deum ("Praise God"). [...] "If we consider that emissions per individual in the United States are about two times greater than those of individuals living in China, and about seven times greater than the average of the poorest countries, we can state that a broad change in the irresponsible lifestyle connected with the Western model would have a significant long-term impact," writes Francis. [...] The letter's goal, writes the pope, is "to express bluntly that this is no longer a secondary or ideological question, but a drama that harms us all." Citing a 2022 decree from African bishops, he says that inaction on climate for Catholics is "a tragic and striking example of structural sin."

https://www.ncronline.org/earthbeat/faith/pope-francis-takes-climate-deniers-irresponsible-americans-new-climate-letter

If you are a student of prophecy you know that the Bible says that the United States of America, which is the Second Beast of Revelation, will enforce the Mark of the First Beast (Sunday law of the Vatican) as the first country in the world. And this article proves that this prophecy WILL be fulfilled. The US is supposedly worse than the rest of the world in terms of 'pollution', which now makes America to be in the crosshair of the world, making it to be under much pressure to act on the issue of Climate Change. Christian prophecy is THAT accurate!

Learn more:
https://news.1rj.ru/str/BIBLETruthChannel/144

@BIBLETruthChannel

🧭⬆️ Science in the Bible 🌬🥶

Q: Does cold air come from the north?

Job 37:9 KJV
Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.

Confirmation:
"The combination of fresh Arctic cold air under the lobe of the Polar Vortex against the warmer and moist air from the south leads to dangerous winter storm formation." - Severe Weather Europe

#Science

🌬 Science in the Bible ☁️🧹

Q: Does wind cleanse the clouds? If so, how?

Job 37:21 KJV
And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.

A few points to note on this verse, the word "men" here is added and doesn’t help understanding. Elihu is asking Job some questions and this last question should read as "And now see not the bright light which is in the clouds? but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them". The word “light” is also translated earlier in the chapter as lightning.

Answer:
"Mature Phase. As the top of the cloud reaches great heights, precipitation begins to fall. The falling rain, snow and/or ice (Hail) cools the surrounding air creating downdrafts. The friction between ice particles descending through the cloud, and ice particles being carried aloft by the updrafts, creates a static charge in the cloud with the top of the cloud having a positive charge and the bottom of the cloud having a negative charge. Eventually the difference in potential is so great that powerful electrical discharges (Lightning) occur, accompanied by Thunder. The top of the cloud begins to flatten out and Cirrus like cloud, consisting of ice crystals, spreads out creating a distinctive anvil shape.

Dissipation Phase. The cooling effect of the downdrafts on the air beneath the cloud reduces the strength of the updrafts until the updrafts eventually stop and the lower cloud begins to dissipate. The upper cloud will then linger for some time afterwards." - Skybrary

#Science

Walking With the Unseen God

"Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man." Psalm 31:20

"Notwithstanding God's Word is so little practiced, this is the only remedy for the healing of individual and national woes. Man cannot bow upon his knees in the streets and in the market place to offer up his prayers to God, but never forget, wherever you may be, that there is a God upon whom you may call for wisdom. . . . "Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name" (Revelation 3:8). Enoch walked with the unseen God. In the busiest places of the earth, his Companion was with him. Let all who are keeping the truth in simplicity and love, bear this in mind. The men who have the most to do have the greatest need of keeping God ever before them. When the tempter presses his suggestions upon their mind, they may, if they cherish a "Thus saith the Lord," be drawn into the secret pavilion of the Most High. His promises will be their safeguard. Amid all the confusion and rush of business, they will find a quiet resting place. Take God with you in every place. The door is open for every son and daughter of God. The Lord is not far from the soul who seeks Him. The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temptation is because they do not set the Lord ever before them. It is in the places where God is least thought of that you need to carry the lamp of life. If God be left out of sight, if our faith and our communion with God are broken, the soul is in positive danger. Integrity will not be maintained. The Lord is our Helper, our Defense. God has provided that no soul that trusts in Him shall be overcome by temptation. Christ is just as much with His believing ones when they are compelled to be associated in any sense with the world as when they meet in His house to worship Him. Think of these words: "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life" (Revelation 3:4, 5)." -Manunoscript 97, 08/11/1898

#Devotional

"David prayed, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law." This prayer is no less pertinent at the present time. The world has gone astray from God, and its lawless state should strike terror to the heart, and lead all who are loyal to the great King to work for a reformation. The papal power has thought to change the law of God by substituting a spurious Sabbath for that of Jehovah; and all through the religious world the false Sabbath is revered, while the true one is trampled beneath unholy feet. But will the Lord degrade his law to meet the standard of finite man? Will he accept a day possessing no sanctity, in the place of his own Sabbath, which he has hallowed and blessed? No; it is on the law of God that the last great struggle of the controversy between Christ and his angels and Satan and his angels will come, and it will be decisive for all the world. This is the hour of temptation to God's people; but Daniel saw them delivered out of it, every one whose name is written in the Lamb's book of life.

Men in responsible positions will not only ignore and despise the Sabbath themselves, but from the sacred desk, will urge upon the people the observance of the first day of the week, pleading tradition and custom in behalf of this man-made institution. They will point to calamities on land and sea—to the storms of wind, the floods, the earthquakes, the destruction by fire—as judgments indicating God's displeasure because Sunday is not sacredly observed. These calamities will increase more and more, one disaster will follow close upon the heels of another; and those who make void the law of God will point to the few who are keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment as the ones who are bringing wrath upon the world. This falsehood is Satan's device that he may ensnare the unwary." - ST January 17, 1884, par. 11-12

Ecclesiastes 7:10 KJV
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

Discovery of planet-like objects in Orion by James Webb Telescope

On October 2, 2023, BBC News reported that a “Jupiter-sized ‘planets’ free-floating in space, unconnected to any star, have been spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). What’s intriguing about the discovery is that these objects appear to be moving in pairs. Astronomers are currently sturggling to explain them. The telescope observed about 40 pairs in a fabulously detailed new survey of the famous Orion Nebula. They’ve been nicknamed Jupiter Mass Binary Objects, or “JuMBOs” for short.”

See the video.

This discovery is another interesting fact that really inspired all obedient Christians to strive to that “better country, that is, an heavenly” (Hebrews 11:16).

The Orion Nebula is a popular target for astronomers and astrophotographers according to space.com. Even the Vatican has a telescope called Lucifer in Arizona focused on the Orion Nebula for a long time. Orion is located on the celestial equator and is visible throughout the world. Observers from the Northern Hemisphere can see it in the southwestern skies, while in the Southern Hemisphere, Orion can be found in the northwestern skies. Check this out.

So, What’s special about Orion Nebula?

Those who diligently study their Bible, especially prophecy, will find that “on the sides of the North” refers to the Orion Nebula, home to the city of our God.

Psalms 48:1-2 “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.”

Amos 5:8 “Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name:”

This is why, in order to be like the most High, Satan wanted to set up his throne “in the sides of the north.”

Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I (Satan) will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Remember, Satan was the covering cherub in heaven before he fell, so he knows where heaven is.

Now, we have a last-days prophet who reveals information about Orion that scientists have only lately discovered. She said:

“Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. The atmosphere parted and rolled back; then we could look up through the open space in Orion, whence came the voice of God. The Holy City will come down through that open space. I saw that the powers of earth are now being shaken and that events come in order. War, and rumors of war, sword, famine, and pestilence are first to shake the powers of earth, then the voice of God will shake the sun, moon, and stars, and this earth also. I saw that the shaking of the powers in Europe is not, as some teach, the shaking of the powers of heaven, but it is the shaking of the angry nations.” –Early Writings page 41

Yes, the open space in Orion is where the Holy City, the New Jerusalem will come down.

Intriguingly, astronomers also captured a massive cloud coming from the Orion nebula: Yahoo news

So, what does that cloud in Orion suggest? Again, the diligent Bible student knows that near the end, we will see with our eyes the cloud in which our Lord Jesus sits.

Matthew 24:30 “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

We don’t know if this is that cloud, and I’m not going to guess but given that we are seeing the fulfillment of all prophetic events, plus we still have to deal with the mark of the beast and the time of trouble, we do know Jesus is “even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33) to save us as He promised. We’re almost home!

Never Talk Discouragement

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Faith is taking God at His word. The Son of God is preparing a place for you in the mansions above. Let thanksgiving be expressed for this. Do not feel that because you do not always feel uplifted, that you are not His child. Take hold with humility and zeal to do the work He asks of you. Appreciate every opportunity to do a work that will make you a blessing to those around you. Let it be your determination to do your part toward making the place where you are a place that God can approve and bless. Unite with your companion in searching the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit will help those who seek the Lord in order to know how to do His work. While you seek to obtain perfection of Christian character, be helpers wherever you are. Praise the Lord at all times. Look on the bright side of circumstances, not on the dark side. Be watchful and prayerful, and the Lord will bless and guide and strengthen you. See how much you can do to bless others. You are precious in the sight of God. He wants you to cherish the grace of humility and thankfulness of heart. Improve every opportunity of gaining an education, that you may impart what you learn to others. There are many who need your help. The Holy Spirit will use all who will be used. Truth is purifying in its nature. Let truth and righteousness prevail in your life, and faultfinding will be banished. I pray that the Lord may guide you and strengthen you. Study the words of Christ. Act upon them, and you will be safe. As you study the Word, and allow the sanctification of the truth to mold your life, the Lord can make you an acceptable worker for Him. All who come together in church capacity should be among the Lord's army of workers. But if the natural traits of character are left unsubdued, in times of crisis, when strong, hopeful words are needed, words of discouragement and hopelessness will be spoken, that bring heavy burdens on the church... Look constantly to Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of your faith. Walk humbly with God, and do not talk discouragement." -Letter 246,08/13/1908

#Devotional

"The abuses of the stomach by the gratification of appetite are a fruitful source of most church trials. Those who eat and work intemperately and irrationally, talk and act irrationally. It is not necessary to drink alcoholic liquors in order to be intemperate. The sin of intemperate eating—eating too frequently, too much, and of rich, unwholesome food—destroys the healthy action of the digestive organs, affects the brain, and perverts the judgment, preventing rational, calm, healthy thinking and acting." - CTBH 155.3

https://youtu.be/Rmzxj3dEUOY

Read along: https://news.1rj.ru/str/EGWOriginals/19

#ReadSOPv4

Can You Claim God's Seal?

"Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth." Psalm 78:1

"We have a message to bear to those who have not had the light of present truth; and in our work we must make no denial of our faith. A study of the history of the children of Israel will help us to learn lessons that will keep us from repeating the mistakes that spoiled their record. The Lord wonderfully delivered this people from their bondage to an oppressive king, and Himself took charge of their vast army. He guided them by a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night--a cloud which enshrouded His own presence. He provided them with food in the wilderness; and men did eat angels' food... Soon after Israel's encampment at Sinai, Moses was called up into the mount to meet with God. Alone he climbed the steep and rugged path, and drew near to the cloud that marked the place of Jehovah's presence. Israel was now to be taken into close and peculiar relationship to the Most High God. As a nation they were to come under the special government of God... Amid thunders and lightnings God spoke His law in the hearing of that vast multitude. God gave the occasion of the giving of the law one of awful grandeur. He desired that the people should understand the exalted character of His law. The people must be taught that everything connected with His service must be regarded with the greatest reverence... The time left to us is very short. Let us put away all selfish indulgence; for this weakens the physical, mental, and moral strength, and makes the human agent unable to have a true sense of the sacredness of God's requirements... Can you claim the seal of the living God? Can you claim that you are sanctified by the truth? We have not, as a people, given the law of God the preeminence as we should. We are in danger of doing our own pleasure on the Sabbath day. Precious instruction has been given to our people in the books I have been charged to write. How many read and study these books? The light that God has given may be regarded with indifference and unbelief, but this light will condemn all who have not chosen to accept and obey it." -Letter 258, 08/16/1907

#Devotional