And these (Bereans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the Word with all readiness, daily studying and  examining (G350) the Scriptures if these things are so. The Greek word for “examine” is Anakrino. Please see the Strong’s Concordance definition.

Acts 17:11 (HRB)

Definition of the Greek word Anakrino G350:

1. examine or judge
2. to investigate, examine, enquire into, scrutinize, sift, question
   1. specifically in a forensic sense of a judge to hold an investigation
   2. to interrogate, examine the accused or witnesses.
   3. to judge of, estimate, determine (the excellence or defects of any person or thing.

Acts 17:11 (HRB) speaks of the people in Berea who were ready, eager, and excited to hear the Word of YHWH (YAHWEH) taught. The Apostle Paul and Silas, his brother in the faith, came to teach the good news and declare Yahshua (Yah is Salvation) the Messiah. For some, this was a controversial message. Still, the Bereans were eager to hear this revelation and the Holy Scriptures Paul taught. In this aspect, the Bereans do not differ from some modern-day believers eager to listen to the Word of (YAHWEH). Many believers attend church, conventions, and religious conferences such as “Women Thou Art Loosed” or the “Unleash Conference” with readiness of mind. However, this is where the similarity between Bereans and most modern-day believers ends.

Despite their enthusiastic eagerness and willingness to hear and learn, the Bereans did not blindly take Paul’s word for it (Colossians 2:8). They examined (G350) the Scriptures (Old Testament) to see if what they were hearing or being persuaded to believe aligned with the Scriptures. (Keep in mind that the New Testament did not exist yet.) The Bereans were daily studiers of the Scriptures. This daily studying afforded them the ability to check the accuracy of Paul’s teachings via the Scripture and confirm what Paul taught. Perhaps the Bereans confirmed the over 300 Old Testament prophecies Yahshua fulfilled in his earthly ministry. studying studying.

Although they were not ministers, they exemplified the practices of 2 Timothy 2:15, demonstrating a committed effort in studying and following the teachings of the Scriptures. See (Pt. 3) of the series for more on 2 Timothy 2:15 . They also personified Joshua 1:8(HRB) regarding their meditation on Scripture – This book of the Torah shall not depart out of your mouth, and you shall meditate on it (The Word of YAHWEH) by day and by night, so that you shall be on guard to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall prosper your way, and then you shall act wisely.

The Bereans showed great initiative in gaining more knowledge and understanding about YAHWEH and Yahshua. They did not become complacent or blindly accept things told to them. Daily, they took the time to delve into the Word of YAHWEH; this allowed them to learn it, grow in faith, and apply it to their lives. As BBB (Bible Believing Believers), we should follow in the Bereans’ footsteps when reading and studying the Word of YAHWEH. Our goal should be to further our understanding of the Scriptures and grow spiritually, which will take daily determination and discipline. Also, remember that it is YAHWEH who opens the mind to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45) so be prayerful and keep your will surrendered to His will. Keeping all of that in mind, there are a few things one should NEVER do.

Things to NEVER do

Ignore the front of the Bible:

The only way to fully understand the back of the Bible (The New Testament) is to read and understand it in light of the front of the Bible (The Old Testament). Would it not be strange if a person took a novel with 25 chapters, skipped to chapter 15, and started describing with pinpoint accuracy the intent of the main character, whom they know nothing about? It would be somewhat impossible. The same is strange for a person to skip or ignore 39 books in the Bible and start at Book 40, expecting to fully understand what they are reading. 

Over two hundred quotations from the Old Testament are located in the New Testament. When considering allusions and references to Old Testament verses, the number increases to nearly 1,000 or even more. Certain estimations surpass that figure. Also, Yahshua quoted or provided Allusions of the Old Testament in 180 of the 1,800 verses in the 4 Gospels, that’s 10% of those books.

Think about this, when Paul wrote 2 Timothy 3:16 – (Every Scripture is YAHWEH-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to YAHWEH’s will in thought, purpose, and action). So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.) there was no New Testament. There was just the Torah, the Old Testament, and the words of the Prophets, and yet people were accepting salvation through Yahshua. The Old Testament is critical; without it, there is no New Testament.

Ignore Context: 

Examine Scripture in light of the entire chapter and book to truly understand it. For example, most of The New Testament were letters written by Paul; therefore, you should not take one sentence from one of the letters to get a complete understanding of the letter. Unfortunately, this concept is not universal, and many believe they can interpret Scriptures their own way, even if the interpretation goes against other Scriptures in the Word of YAHWEH. Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, precept upon precept.

Place trust in man:

Is it possible that one or more of our beliefs could be wrong?

• How would we even know:
  • Do we go by the longest-held beliefs? 
  • Do we go by what the majority believe? 
  • Do we go by what the “smartest” people believe—Our pastors, teachers, and theologians? 
  • Are the long-held beliefs of large groups of smart people always right? 

The Answer to these questions is to use Scripture to determine the truth vs. falsehood. Place your trust in the Word of YAHWEH, not in fallible men or their traditions! Colossians 2:8.

Ignore Historical Context: 

Acknowledging the Hebrew or Israelite people, culture, and customs of that time helps bring clarity to the Scriptures and ensures that the actual message is not lost.

The Bereans also embodied 1 Thessalonians 5:21: “Test everything or prove all things, hold fast to what is true.” They tested everything Paul and Silas told them by the Scripture and accepted what was true. You cannot test anything if you don’t or are not willing to study the Bible. If you don’t test things, you will be led astray (Col 2:8) and eventually destroyed for your lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).

In conclusion, as you draw closer to YAHWEH (James 4:8) through studying the Bible and praying, you may question many of your previously held beliefs, things your pastor, a preacher, or televangelist (TD Jakes, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, etc.,) taught that were unbiblical or plain out wrong. This means that you have grown in knowledge and are beginning to test and prove all things according to Scripture. As you grow in your journey, pray to our Father YAHWEH for strength to make the correct decision, and remember He created us to be set apart, not like everyone else (Leviticus 11:45). Be holy, for I AM holy.

Things to think about: 

How and when do I implement what the Bible says? 

Do I continue to follow the majority or do what the Bible says? 

Do I give up my will for the will of YAHWEH, my desires for His desires, and my wants for His wants?

By David Edwards

The post How is your Study Life? Part 4 (Be as the Bereans) appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

And study to present yourself approved to Elohim, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 (HRB)

(2 Timothy 2:15 HRB) is part of a letter from Paul to Timothy telling him the requirements and what is expected of him as a young pastor. Timothy is instructed by Paul to carefully improve himself to the best of his ability for YAHWEH’s purposes. In other words, learn from and live by the Word of YAHWEH, making every effort to live a righteous life. Even though Paul wrote this letter to Timothy for the purposes of ministry, we must all take away the same message and personify it. Why? Because every believer is responsible for ministering the Good News to others (Matthew 28:19, 20, 1 Peter 3:15), and every believer will stand before YAHWEH on judgment day to give an account of what they have done. (2 Corinthians 5:10). 

Minister to others

The Word of YAHWEH is not a secret intended to be concealed or hidden in a Bible. However, instead, it should be read, studied, and hidden in your heart so that you can present the Good News of Yahshua to others to change their lives effectively. We, as believers, are living, breathing testimonies of YAHWEH that present ourselves to people (friends, family, co-workers, strangers, etc.) daily. Though people might not say anything to you, they watch and check the fruit you bear (Galatians 5:22, 23). Therefore we must allow the hidden Word we have stored in our hearts to come alive and guide us in the great commission to disciple all nations. 

Present yourself approved

Every human being will have to present themselves to YAHWEH on judgment day. The Bible is clear about judgment day and warns us that our work(s) will be examined at the judgment seat of Yahshua (2 Corinthians 5:10). As BBB (Bible believing believers), we should be “a workman unashamed” before YAHWEH on that day, which means we should not be ashamed of the life we lived and have no cause for shame when our life or the work we have done for the Kingdom of YAHWEH is inspected. Both believers and nonbelievers would agree that doing a job poorly or inadequately and then having it analyzed is embarrassing. As a result, we have additional reasons to work hard for YAHWEH so that we won’t feel embarrassed and ashamed when our life or work(s) are scrutinized (Hebrews 4:13). Therefore, if we adhere to Paul’s advice, we will be able to approach the Master without embarrassment because we will have lived a holy life and carried out the task that YAHWEH assigned to us.

Divide the Word

Paul continues by saying, “rightly dividing the Word of Truth,” which indicates Timothy’s diligent work in studying the Word and righteously living is purposeful for rightly dividing scriptures. The Word divide in this scripture means to dissect, cut straight, or slice correctly. He needed to become skilled (direct and precise) at rightly handling the Word of YAHWEH just as a skilled swordsman would be when wielding a sword. There must be more than knowing a few facts or scriptures to divide the truth. There needs to be more than just knowing what you heard from a friend or pastor. We must have a clear understanding of the full context of the scriptures. This understanding comes from the Holy Spirit, who will teach us all things, as we learned in (Pt. 2). You need to know what the Bible says and doesn’t say, or you risk being misled or deceived, which can lead to death or worst misleading others (Luke 17:1, 2). 

The dissecting and preparation of the Japanese delicacy fugu or blowfish is an excellent example of this scripture. The fugu fish is highly sought after and expensive due to its unique and exquisite flavor. However, the fugu is so poisonous that the slightest mistake or miscut in its preparation could be fatal and release tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin poisoning is rapid and violent. If poisoned, it starts with numbness around the mouth and fingertips, then advances to a headache and stomachache. It continues with violent vomiting followed by total conscious body paralysis, then finally death. Once eaten, death is inevitable because there is currently no antidote. 

Like the fugu fish, scripture, when not dissected and prepared or studied and divided correctly, can be detrimental at best and fatal at worst. Think about the enslavement, rape, and genocide of Africans in the Americas and Caribbeans. Many enslavers enforced these brutalities for years through misinterpretation and ill-use of scripture. This manipulation , twisting, and perversion of the Word of YAHWEH (2 Peter 3:16) has not stopped but has been compounded over time. Misinterpretations have ushered in and promoted homosexual ideas and practices, the forsaking of the 7th day Sabbath, the idealization of a wooden cross, preachers preaching prosperity to enlarge their wealth, and many other selfish things for personal gain.

Since everyone has their own interpretation of several scriptures, beliefs have grown quite muddled as a result of Satan the deceiver and our sinful nature. It all comes down to people interpreting the Bible in a way that suits their existing way of life or distorting it to suit their own purposes in an effort to continue living a wicked or self-centered existence. We must resist falling for the enemy’s manipulations. The appropriate method to divide the Word of Truth is through reading and studying it, praying, fasting, and depending on the Holy Spirit.

The fugu fish poison has no antidote; however, there is a cure for wrongly divided Word. We will find out next week as we review the last scripture of the three Acts: 17:11.

By David Edwards

The post Pt. 3 How is your Study Life? (Study and Divide!) appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

In (Luke 24:45 HRB) Scriptures says, “Then He (Yahshua) opened up their mind to understand the Scriptures.” Accordingly, we should take action when reading these words and understand that our Elohim alone can open our minds to understand His Holy Scripture. So undoubtedly, before opening the Bible to read, asks YAHWEH in prayer to open your mind to understand His Holy Scriptures in the name of His son Yahshua (John 14:14, John 16:23, 24). Your prayer should be followed with a disciple’s heart and mindset to learn humbly and gain spiritual insight from the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) about the word of YAHWEH.

The 3 Scriptures below embody the meaning of studying the word (s) of YAHWEH, as all three deal with actions that we BBB (Bible Believing Believers) must strive to do.

Draw near to Elohim, and He will draw near to you… 

James 4:8 (HRB)

And these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all readiness, daily examining the Scriptures if these things are so

Acts: 17:11 (HRB)

And study to present yourself approved to Elohim, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth 

2 Timothy 2:15 (HRB)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Today we will review the first scripture, followed next week with the other two YAHWEH willing.

James, the brother of Yahshua, shares one of the key elements to becoming a diligent Bible studier and a devoted believer. He says, “Draw near to Elohim, and He will draw near to you” meaning that if we gravitate or move toward YAHWEH, He will gravitate toward us or pull us into or closer to Himself. Let’s take a science break here and talk about gravity. Gravity is the force that attracts the center mass of a smaller object toward the center mass of a larger or greater object. An example would be how gravity attracts falling things downward toward the center mass of Earth. Gravitation also occurs between our Moon and Oceans. Water from the Earth bulges out toward the side closest to the Moon and the side farthest from the Moon during its rotation around the Earth, which is called tidal force. The tidal force or the Moon’s gravitational pull is what causes Earth’s high and low tides. Likewise, if you were an astronaut returning from space, you would notice the closer you got to the Earth, the stronger and stronger the gravitational pull from Earth would be. Once you get close enough and feel the weight of the gravitational force, you will undoubtedly realize that you can’t escape or avoid Earth’s gravity. So is the same with YAHWEH and you; the closer you move your center mass (your heart) toward Him, the stronger and stronger His pull will be toward you until you can’t avoid or sidestep Him. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true, the further you move away from YAHWEH, the weaker His pull will be in your life. If your distance becomes too great, you will eventually be floating weightlessly, disconnected from the Creator like an astronaut drifting in outer space. (Romans 1:28 – see Pt. 6 of To sin or not to sin series: Reprobate Mind.

So what does this have to do with studying the Word(s) of YAHWEH? 

If you answered “YES” to any of the reasons presented in last week’s Pt. 1 list or “NO” but still don’t read and study the Bible, the answer is the same and lies within your abilities and actions. YAHWEH is not going to make you pray, read and study the Bible, or love Him. Drawing near to YAHWEH is a voluntary actionable step you must initiate on your own. You must start studying the Bible and praying daily, which would be you drawing near to Father. As you commit yourself daily, you need to remember that YAHWEH is also drawing near to you. Will, you immediately start understanding what you are reading, “NO”, but with prayer and study, YAHWEH will begin to provide you with the understanding.

Studying the word (s) of YAHWEH is more than just increasing your biblical knowledge; it’s about building your relationship with the Creator, learning who He is, and what He wants out of His creation (you), which is why it is essential not to become complacent about it. If not careful and purposeful, you will turn your daily studying into a mundane task of just reading the Bible to check the box off your daily list of things you had to do. Thinking this way will lead you back to the reason you were not reading and studying the Bible in the first place. No relationship is built overnight. The more you pray and study, the stronger the gravitational pull will be between you and YAHWEH. 

This is the Bible I use and recommend:

coYHWHjerusalem

http://coyhwh.com/en/bibleDownloadPDF.php

Check this video out from our brother in faith, it has good info about following YAHWEH and studying the Bible.

By David Edwards

The post Pt.2 – How is your Study Life? “Reading is not enough!” appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

And these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the Word with all readiness, daily examining the Scriptures if these things are so.

Acts: 17:11 (HRB)

And study to present yourself approved to Elohim, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 (HRB)

Reading and studying the word of YAHWEH is essential in equipping ourselves with the whole armor of YAHWEH (Ephesians 6:11). The fact that we are behind enemy lines should prompt us to stay ready daily by reading and studying the word of YAHWEH versus having to get ready only after the launch of an attack. When Adam willingly sinned in the garden (Gen 3:6), he abdicated his position and domain over the earth to Satan, leaving it under the Devil’s regime, hence placing us behind enemy lines or making Satan the god or prince of this world (John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11, 2Cor 4:4, Eph 6:12). 

“to those whose eyes have been blinded by the god of this world [Satan], because they did not believe, lest the light of the glorious good news of the Messiah, who is the image of YAHWEH, should shine on them.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 (HRB)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Satan is not a fairy tale or a figment of our imagination but a real and vicious enemy of humanity that aims to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). Believers and non-believers alike worldwide regularly fall prey to Satan’s tricks, schemes, and attacks, unaware of the spiritual warfare that is taking place and how much ground they have given up in their lives to the Devil (Ephesians 6:12). One of his favorite battlefields is the human mind which can be distracted and is prone to internal influences (fears, abilities, ethnicity, etc.) and external influences (culture, friends, media, etc.). One of his primary campaigns on the battlefield of the mind is to cut off the lines of communication between you and YAHWEH. He wants to stop you from reading and studying the word of YAHWEH. Have you fallen prey to his deceptions? If you are not sure, review the list below to see if you have said, believed, or thought any of the following when it comes to reading and studying the Bible:

• I don’t have the time.
• I don’t understand the Bible.
• I can not get past Genesis.
• It’s boring.
• The Bible is for a particular race of people.
• Why do I need to read the Bible? I already have life figured out.
• The Bible is full of errors.
• I already know everything in the Bible.
• The Bible doesn’t work for me; it goes against my current lifestyle.
• The Bible is outdated.
• It’s the pastor’s, minister’s, priest’s, or preacher’s job to study the Bible and teach me, not mine.
• The denomination you belong to tells you not to read the Bible and that they will interpret it for you. (If this is you, you might need to reevaluate the denomination or congregation you have attached yourself to).
• It’s just a book of stories and ideas, nothing special.
• I’ve been meaning to.
• I’m not sure it’s real.
• If people see me reading the Bible, what will they think of me?

Most people will find themselves on the list. If your exact reason is not displayed and you are not reading and studying the word, examine yourself to find out why not.

We are at WAR

When at war, a military’s lines of communication are everything and, therefore, heavily guarded. If the lines are lost, defeat is almost certain to follow because of their profound importance to the operation. The lines of communication are not limited to transmissions via radio or encrypted network systems. They also include the network of roads and depots used to resupply the military, send messengers, and send reinforcements.   

Loss lines of Communication:

• Loss of communications over radio transmissions and encrypted computer systems means the military loses command leadership, knowledge of the overall situation, and can easily be attacked or surprised by enemies.
• Loss of supply means the military has lost the ability to supply the fighting forces with ammunition, gas, food, water, or anything else needed to continue fighting and maintain high morale.
• Loss of reinforcement must be avoided at all costs as it could result in multiple casualties and be the fatal blow that loses the war. Imagine losing soldiers with no hope of reinforcements. You will undoubtedly find yourself outnumbered, overran, and forced to surrender or worst.

Just like a military can not afford to lose its lines of communication, neither can we. Though YAHWEH speaks in many different ways, He communicates most through His word, so we must read and study it daily. This line of communication must be guarded and protected daily. YAHWEH is capable of opening our minds to understand His words as He did for the disciple in (Luke 24:45) “Then He [thoroughly] opened up their minds to understand the Scriptures.” 

Reading and studying His Word will allow us to remain:

• Connected to our source (John 15: 4, 5, 6, 7)
  • “Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. If you don’t stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burnt in a fire. Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.“
• Connected to our supplier (Matthew 6:33 HRB) 
  • “But seek first the kingdom of YAHWEH and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 
• Connected to our reinforcement (Psalms 9, 10, 11, 12 HRB)
  • “Because You, O YAHWEH, are My refuge; You make the Most High Your habitation, no evil shall happen to You, nor shall any plague come near Your tent. For He shall give His cherubs charge over You, to keep You in all Your ways. They shall bear You up in their hands, that You not dash Your foot on a stone.“

By David Edwards

The post How is your Study Life? Pt. 1 appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.