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КАК ДА ЧЕТЕМ И РАЗБИРАМЕ БИБЛИЯТА

КАК ДА ЧЕТЕМ И РАЗБИРАМЕ БИБЛИЯТА

Получавам много молби от слушатели, които търсят методи и принципи за изучаване на Библията, затова реших, че ще е полезно да изложа някои полезни насоки за всички в този блог.

Една от важните отправни точки за разбиране на Божието Слово е да определим целта, с която го четем. Библията не е учебник по математика, физика, медицина, химия или който и да е друг учебен предмет. Нейната цел е по-скоро да ни научи на истината за Бога, да изяви проблема с греха и плана за спасение. Тя съдържа всички необходими истини за възвръщане на хората към познанието за Бога, което би помогнало да Му се доверят и да преживеят изцеление в сърцето и ума си.

Но да знаем какво е предназначението на Библията – да предава истината за спасението на хората – не е достатъчно. Човек трябва да изучава Писанията с желание да вникне в смисъла им, а не просто да заучава думите.

Преди много години прочетох ценно прозрение от книгата “Притчи Христови”, което наистина ми помогна да разбера това:

Не е достатъчно само да слушаш или да четеш Словото. Който иска да има полза от Писанията, трябва да размишлява върху истината, която му е представена. С пълно внимание, прилежност и размишлявайки в молитва, той трябва да успее да вникне в смисъла на думите на истината и да пие дълбоко от духа на светите пророчества (стр. 59, подчертаването е от мен).

Това е ключът към всяко изучаване на Библията – не да знаеш оригиналните думи, а да разбираш вложения в тях смисъл. Мнозина избират грешен подход и толкова се увличат в спорове за правилната “дума”, че в края на краищата пропускат правилното значение.

Когато пишех “Тhe Remedy” /преразказ на Новия завет/, това беше един от основните принципи, от които се ръководех: Кое е най-точното и прецизно значение? Получавал съм имейли от хора, които не са съгласни с перифразирането ми на определени стихове, защото английските думи, които съм избрал, не съответстват на гръцките. Но не думите са от значение, тъй като думите могат да променят значението си (например помислете как думата “гей”, чието първоначално значение е “весел” е променила значението си през последния век и се е превърнала в нарицателно за нещо негативно). По-важен е смисълът, който се придава, затова винаги съм предизвиквал тези, които имат притеснения относно някой перифразиран стих, да ми кажат какво според тях е значението му.

Това трябва да правим при прочита на цялата Библия. И е особено важно да го правим, когато става въпрос за символи, метафори, сравнения, образи, притчи или други изразни средства.

Ето някои основни насоки, които според мен са полезни за правилното тълкуване на Писанията:

  1. Трябва да разбираме цялостния контекст на Писанието – не само непосредствения контекст, върху който се концентрират много изследователи на Библията и както се казва заради дърветата изпускат гората, т.е. за сметка на тясното послание изпускат цялостното послание. Цялостният контекст е универсален и в него Бог винаги е любов, а Сатана е егоистично същество, което се опитва да унищожи това, което Бог е създал.
  2. Битката между Бога и Сатана не е физическа битка, а битка на идеи, концепции и убеждения – стремеж да бъдат спечелени сърцата и умовете на хората на едната или другата страна. Основните Божии оръжия са истината, любовта и свободата. Основните оръжия на Сатана са лъжата, основаният на страх егоизъм и принудата.
  3. Библията изявява истината относно Бог, Неговия характер и методи, както и плана Му да изпрати Исус, за да спаси човечеството. Тя също така разобличава Сатана като източник на злото, смъртта, болката и страданието и разкрива проблемите, които отклонението от Божия дизайн причинява през цялата история на човечеството.
  4. В старозаветните времена на земята се е водил глобален конфликт между Бога, който е работил, за да изпълни обещанието Си да се роди “Семето”, което един ден ще смаже главата на змията (Битие 3:15) и Сатана, който се е опитвал да се противопостави на Бога, стремейки се да затвори пътя, по който ще се роди Месията.
  5. В древността са се раждали и са живели милиарди хора, но в Стария завет са записани историите само на няколко от тях. Това са били реални хора, които са вършили реални неща; следователно Библията е книга, която е исторически достоверна. Но защо Бог е избрал да запише само историята на малцина? Това е така, защото фокусът на Писанието е планът за спасение. Така Бог е вдъхновявал Своите писатели да записват истории, които са не само достоверни, но и които разкриват глобални истини – и те метафорично представят битката между Христос и Сатана и разкриват плана за спасение.
  6. Ето някои специфични правила за тълкуване на библейските пророчества:
  • Ако една част от пасажа е символична или метафорична, то и останалата част е символична или метафорична, освен ако в текста не са посочени ясни причини за буквалното му възприемане.
  • Библията трябва да се използва за тълкуване на самата себе си (т.е. тълкуванията на символите трябва да се основават на библейските им дефиниции и само ако няма такива, трябва да се прибягва към други дефиниции).
  • Главната тема е за конфликта между Христос и Сатана.
  • Естеството на Божия характер е любов и никога не се променя; следователно тълкуванията никога не трябва да водят до изкривено представяне на Божия характер, различно от любовта.
  • Божият закон на любовта никога не се променя; следователно тълкуванията винаги трябва да са в хармония с Божия закон на любовта.

Останалите Божии закони на дизайна също са неизменими; следователно тълкуванията не бива да нарушават Божиите закони на дизайна на живота.

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Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA