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Over Half a Million Page Views

BibleSEO (Bible Study Exposition Online) website has recently, reached small, but important milestone. According to google analytics, BibleSEO has now been viewed over 500,000 times. Launched in September 2008, BibleSEO offers free Bible study lessons for personal bible studies or small group.

During past one and half years, it has grown from few page-views to more than 75,000 – 100,000 page-views per month.
BibleSEO has now more than 1900 RSS subscribers and 1700 email subscribers. (Sign up for free bible study updates via Email or RSS)

It has been viewed by people from more than 200 countries.
BibleSEO has more than 1300 followers on Twitter.
Recently, we has started Facebook Fan page. Click here to Become a Facebook fan.
Last year, BibleSEO was announced Runner-up for the ‘Best Christian Blog’ category in the ‘Christian Web and New Media Award, 2009‘.

It’s been a great year and half, and we hope that next 12 months will be even better! Please share your comments or suggestions.

Thank You.

Here are some of the early bible studies.

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Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation

The Greek word of Disciple is ‘mathetes‘ meaning ‘learner’ or ‘follower’. The word means accepting and following the views and practices of the teacher. Apart from a large following of people, Jesus chose twelve disciples during his earthly ministry. The lists are given in Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16 and acts 1:13. The original twelve disciples are also called the ‘apostles’ (Greek – ‘apostolos‘ meaning ‘one who is sent out with a special commission as a fully authorized representative of the sender, like an ambassador’. This article lists the names and meaning of these apostles and their occupations.

1. Peter: (Greek: Petros meaning ‘Rock’) – Peter was one of the most prominent of the 12 disciples, a natural spokesperson and the leader of the early Christian church. His original Hebrew name was Simon, a common popular Hebrew name. Jesus gave him a name ‘Kephas‘, Aramaic name. John translated into it Greek ‘Petros‘ meaning Rock. (John 1:42 – “you will be called Cephas.”) Peter was native of Bethsaida (John 1:44), brother of Andrew, lived in a fishing town, Capernaum. (Mark 1:29) He was fisherman by occupation on the Sea of Galilee. He was married man. (Mark 1:30, 1 Cor 9:5)

2. John: (Meaning – God is gracious) John was originally the disciple of John the baptist (John 1:35), and he was introduced to Jesus in John 1:35-39. He was the brother of James and Son of Zebedee. He lived in Capernaum in Galilee, most probably native of Bethsaida. He was fisherman on the sea of Galilee with his brother and father. (Mark 1:19-20). He was one of the three disciples, closest to Jesus, with others being Peter and James.

3. James: (Greek Iakobos – the English word for Jacob meaning Israel or He Who Supplants His Brother). James was son of Zebedee (Mark 4:21), elder brother of John (Mat 17:1), by occupation, fisherman with his brother and father at the sea of Galilee, in partnership with Peter and Andrew. (Luke 5:10). He was the first disciple (apostle) to be martyred. (Acts 12:2)

4. Andrew: (Greek – Andreas, meaning ‘Manly’, man), brother of Simon Peter, son of Jonas, like his brother, lived in Capernaum, fisherman by occupation. He brought Peter his brother to Jesus. (John 1:25-42)

5. Philip: (Greek Philippos, meaning ‘Lover of horses’). He was a close friend of Andrew and Peter, a native of Bethsaida (John 1:44). Jesus called Philip near Bethany where John the baptist was preaching. (John 1:43) He persuaded and brought Nathaniel to Jesus. (John 1:45-51)

6. Bartholomew: (Greek – bartholomaios meaning Son of Talmai) He is mentioned in all four lists of the apostles. There is no other reference to him in the New testament. Nothing much is known about him.

7. Thomas: (Greek – Thomas from Aramaic – te’oma meaning ‘twin’) Also called ‘Didymus’ or ‘the Twin’ (John 11:16, 20:24, 21:2). When Jesus appeared to the the apostles after resurrection, Thomas was not present. Later on, when disciples told him, he could not believe them, until Jesus showed himself a week later. (John 20:24-29). His occupation is unknown.

8. Matthew: (Greek – maththaios - meaning ‘gift of Yahweh’) also called ‘levi’ (Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27). He was a tax collector by occupation. Jesus called him to be one of his disciples, when was was at a tax office. (Mat 9:9, Mark 2:14). He is ascribed as the author of Gospel according to Matthew.

9. James, the son of Alphaeus: one of the apostle of Christ. Nothing much is known about him.

10. Thaddaeus: He is mentioned in two of four lists of Jesus’ disciples. (Mat 10:3, Mark 3:18). The other two lists is also variously called him Jude of James, Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus. Nothing else is known about him apart from his names in two lists.

11. Simon the Zealot: Another disciple of Jesus. a member of a party later called ‘Zealots’ (Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18)

12. Judas Iscariot: The disciple who betrayed Jesus. His last name ‘Iscariot’ is from Hebrew word ‘Ish Kerioth‘ meaning ‘a man from Kerioth’, a place in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:25). He was a treasurer of the group. (John 12:6, 13:29). After his betrayal of Jesus, he was grieved for his actions, and committed suicide. (Matthew 27:5). He is always mentioned last in the list of apostles.

Check out: Conditions of Discipleship According to Jesus

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The Doctrine of Trinity

Trinity: Definition and Meaning

Trinity is a theological term to define and describe three-fold doctrine of God; God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Bible does not contain a word for ‘Trinity’, but the concept of Triune God flows throughout the bible from the Old testament to the New Testament.
Trinity is a mystery, beyond human comprehension or understanding. It is reflected through scriptural revelation only. It is not an idea from philosophical reasoning.
Biblical definition of Trinity is that
- God is One in three distinct persons.
- Each of the person is God (not a part of God).

Non-biblical View of Trinity:

Trinitarian view of Godhead in bible balances unity and distinctiveness of persons of God. If one of these characteristics is compromised, we find non-biblical view of Trinity.
- Christian Polytheism: If one only emphasize on the distinctiveness of God, it reflects three Gods, with different roles. (This may be similar to Hinduism concept of ‘creator’, ’sustainer’ and ‘destroyer’.)
- Unitarianism: It only focuses on the unity. According to this view, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are placed in the lower categories (less divine) than God the father.
Both of these views undermines the biblical doctrine of Trinity.

Trinity in the Bible: Old Testament

Before we can understand the triune God, we need to understand progressive revelation of God. God did not reveal His plans, purpose or Himself in one time and place, but they were progressive in nature. Trinity was not fully known or understood in the Old Testament. However, there are many references, which alludes to the unity and distinctiveness of Godhead.

Distinctiveness of God:

Gen 1:1-3 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”
Gen 1:26 – “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image…”
Gen 11:7 – “Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”

Unity of God:

Deut 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

Creation:

Ps 33:6 – “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”
Proverbs 3:19 – “By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place…”

Revelation and Salvation:

Ps 107:20 – “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Trinity in the Bible: New Testament

In New Testament, the concept of Trinity is more clear and distinct without violating ‘oneness of God’.
For the first disciples, Trinity was more than a philosophical concept.
They were with Jesus, God in flesh.
They saw Jesus, his extraordinary claims, his miracles, his prayers to God the father, and his ultimate victory over death.
They witnessed Jesus ascending into heaven.
They experienced the incoming of Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and there after.
John describes Jesus as the ‘Word of God’ in the Old Testament. (John 1:1-4)
Jesus himself affirmed the Trinity.
- John 14:16 – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.”
- John 15:26 – “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”
- Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,…”
Baptism of Jesus: Mat 3:16-17 – “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Paul – 2 Cor 13:14 – “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Peter: 1 Pet 1:2 – “who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

Practical but Imperfect Analogies for understanding Trinity:

Time:

Past
Present
Future

Space:

Length
Width
Height

Matter:

Solid
Liquid
Gaseous

These are some of the practical, but imperfect analogies of the biblical doctrine of Trinity. Many of us may not agree with using such analogies or ideas. But, these practical examples can help us understand the mystery of Trinity. However, we must recognize that it is a mystery, which we cannot completely comprehend, with our finite minds. And we need to trust in the revelation of God through His words.

Please feel free to share your comments, ideas, or disagreements.

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Beatitudes: Meaning and List

Beatitudes: Meaning

The word ‘Beatitudes’ in not found in the english bible. It comes from the latin word ‘Beatus’, which means happy or blessed. It is usually referred to the eight blessedness, Jesus preached on the sermon on the mount. It is recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Some what similar list is also mentioned in Luke 6:20-23. However, this two list of beatitudes differs a bit from each other.

Matthew 5:3-12:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 6:20-23:

Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

Beatitudes: Meaning

The word ‘Beatitudes’ in not found in the english bible. It comes from the latin word ‘Beatus’, which means happy or blessed. It is usually referred to the eight state of blessedness, Jesus preached on the sermon on the mount, recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Some what similar list is also mentioned in Luke 6:20-23. However, these two list of beatitudes differs a bit from each other.

Matthew 5:3-12:

Luke 6:20-23:

Following are the list of 8 beatitudes, discussed in details.

Part 1: Blessed are Poor in Spirit

Part 2: Blessed are those who Mourn

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful

Part 6: Blessed are Pure in Heart

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Part 8: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness

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The Doctrine of Man in the Bible – Biblical Anthropology

Original word for ‘man’ in the bible:

In Hebrew: ‘adham’, ‘Ish’
in Greek: ‘aner’, ‘anthropos’
There are more than 3000 instances of word used for ‘man’! There is no doubt that man is the one of the central theme of bible.

Four fundamental aspects concerning Man:

Origin
Present Condition
Salvation
Destiny

These are 4 principle aspects of the doctrine of man. You may go to any part of the world, culture, society, religion, past and present, and you will encounter these four aspects concerning man. Every religion, culture or society will try to answer these questions in various ways. Their answers shapes every area of one’s life and worldview, how they relate to themselves, to God and to other people.
This bible study guide discusses the doctrine the origin of man according to bible (Christianity).

Q. Who created man according to the bible?

It is very clear from the beginning of the bible that God created man and woman. (Gen 1:7)
Man did not evolve (emerge) from the lower forms of life. But God is the creator of man. Gen 2:7 -”the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
Bible does not explain just ‘how’ God created man and ‘how much’ time it took. But it is sure that the moment, God breathed into his nostril, he became alive, before he wasn’t.
Science may explain millions of years of evolution process and gradual formation of the earth and its beings. But Bible is very clear that man started to exist, when God breathed life into lifeless form made of dust of the ground.

Q. What are the three chief ingredients of man according to bible?

Body (Gen 2:7)
Soul: ability to reason and think (mind) and ability to feel (emotion) (Rev 6:9, Hebrew 12:23)
Spirit: Moral nature, free will to choose (Pr 26:27, 1 Cor 2:11)

(1 Thes. 5:23 – “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”)
The difference between man and animals is not that we have soul and spirit and animals don’t. (Eccl 3:21 -”Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”) But the fact that man is created in the ‘Image of God’ and animals aren’t.
Man was created with highly developed intellect, knowledge, reasoning and moral character. Many people have a picture of a cave man (with no sense of understanding), when they think of first humans. But bible teaches that man was endowed with these qualities from the beginning. (Think of our great grand parents, they were by no means, less intellectual or knowledgeable than we are. Off course, their understanding and knowledge were less technical and scientific.)

Q. What is the chief purpose of man?

Dominion: God has given man dominion over the earth and nature. (Gen 1:28-29)
Stewards: The dominion however, does not mean to abuse the earth, but men are to be faithful stewards of the authority given by God. (Gen 1:29)
Seek their creator: (Acts 17:27: – God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”)

Q. Created in the Image of God:

Man is created in the image of God. (Gen 1:26-27, 2:7, 5:1, 9:6, Eph 4:24, Col 3:10)
Group exercise: Take a portrait or an image of someone (with some fine details) and ask the group, “what do they see?” The image will reflects the attributes of the actual person in the picture.
When God created man in His image, man reflects what or who God is like, His attributes, His reflection. Following are few attributes:
- Personality: Ability to reason, think, choice, wisdom
- Authority: Just as God has the ultimate authority over all things, God have man an authority to rule and dominion over the earth and nature. (Gen 1:28-29)
- Creativity: God gave man ability to create. Man can procreate.
- Moral character: Ability to choose from right and wrong, good and evil, ability to distinguish.

This summarize the biblical doctrine of the origin of man (Anthropology). The doctrine of sin and consequences (present condition, salvation and destiny) will be discussed in the later part of this series.More Bible Studies:

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Who is the Holy Spirit: Bible Doctrine

Q. Who is the Holy Spirit?

Holy Spirit is a person and not a force.

Characteristics of Holy Spirit:

Omniscient, Intelligence (1 Cor 2:10-11)
Omnipotent, creator (Gen 1:2)
Omnipresence (Ps 139:7)
Wisdom (Isa 40:13)
Holiness (Luke 11:13)
Feelings (Eph 4:30)
Will (1 Cor 12:11)

Works of Holy Spirit:

Teaches (John 14:26)
Guides (Rom 8:14)
Commissions (Acts 13:4)
Commands (Acts 8:29)
Restrains (Gen 6:3)
Intercedes (Rom 8:26)
Speaks (john 15:26, 2 Pet 1:21)

Man’s response to Holy Spirit:

Obeyed (Acts 10:19-21)
Lied to (Acts 5:3)
Resisted (Acts 7:51)
Revered (Ps 51:11)
Blasphemed (Matt 12:31)
Grieved (Eph. 4:30)
Outraged (Heb 10:29)

Holy Spirit is an equal in deity with the Father and the Son and not a subordinate.

Named with other persons of Trinity (Acts 5:3-4, Matt 28:19, 2 Cor 13,14)
All knowing, all powerful, eternal (see Characteristics above)
Begetting Christ (Luke 1:35)
Convicting men (John 16:8)
Regenerating men (John 3:5-6)
Comforting / helping (John 14:16)
Interceding (Rom 8:26-27)
Sanctifying (2 Thess 2:13)

How does the Holy Spirit act?

The Holy Spirit is a Christ-centered and his ministry focuses on Christ. He changes us into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
He is sent by the Father and the Son, to be a helper, counselor. (John 14:15)
He baptizes the believer with Holy Spirit (into the universal body of Christ).
He fills the believer with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18-21). It is not a once-for-all experience, it is a continuous process of sanctification.
The commandment to be filled with the Spirit is dependent on the believer’s walk in obedience and dependance on God. (Eph 4:30, John 14:23)
Holy Spirit enables the believer to overcome the sinful self (Gal 5:16-18) and empowers to act boldly to accomplish God’s purpose. (Acts 4:29-31)
He gives evidence of His presence and working by producing good fruit in believer’s life. (Gal 5:22)
He has given spiritual gifts to each believer as He wills, to be used in serving the body of Christ, the Church. (Rom 12:3-8, 1 Cor. 12:11, Eph. 4:7-12)

(This bible study notes are provided by Steinle)

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Definition of Theodicy: God and Suffering

Definition and Meaning:

‘Theos’ (Gr.) – God
‘dike’ (Gr.) – Justice

The literal meaning of ‘Theodicy’ is justifying God or justification of God. Theodicy is the branch of thoelogy which deals with problem of Evil in the world. It explains

the reasons for presence of evil.
Why does perfectly good, all-powerful God allows/permits evil?

When it comes to good and evil, there are five possibilities that can exist.

Good is real, Evil is illusory. It says that cure of evil is essentially just thinking it away. (Christian Science)
Evil is real, Good is illusory. (Pessimistic world view)
Difference between Good and Evil is illusory. (Eastern mystical system such as Hinduism)
Eternal co-existence of Good and Evil. (Chinese Yin and Yang philosophy)
Only Good is eternally real, Evil is present reality within created universe. (Christian world-view) Christian worldview says that God is good and all powerful. Bible does not deny the presence of evil. Book of Job in Bible deals with the problem of evil. Book of Habakkuk also deals with questioning God about the ever increasing evil. (Hab 1:1-4)

Q. What are the arguments against God in relation with evil and suffering?

If God is good, evil cannot exist, but evil is the fact of life, therefore God does not exist.
If God is all good and all powerful, then God should prevent evil. but evil still exists. Therefore, God is either not all good or not all powerful, but both cannot be true.

Q. Are these arguments really against God?

When one speak of evil, what is inferred? Who gives the standard of good and evil? What is just and unjust? Without universal, divine standard, we call it ‘law’, how can we answer the question of evil?

Q. Can God use evil to do good?

Joseph in old testament is a great example of God using evil for the greater good (Genesis 50:20).
Jesus’ death on the cross is ultimate example of God using evil for the greatest good for the mankind.
God has offered a final triumph over evil and suffering of this world through death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

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Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8

Bible Study Series: Beatitudes

Matthew 5: 10-12 - “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for their is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Meaning of Word ‘Persecuted’:

To be pursued, follow after, suffer, chase after, to run after with hostile intent, to hunt. Persecution and all the variations of this word are used in the bible approx. 76 times. The word has a strong meaning of being followed or chased after. It is like a continuous, ruthless chase to hunt down the prey!

Bible Verses about Approach to Persecution:

1 Peter 3:13-14 – “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.”
1 Peter 4:12-14,16,19 – “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you…However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name….So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
Phil 3:10-11 – “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Beatitudes: Great Paradox:

This last beatitude is the most striking and contradictory of all the beatitudes. For how can you rejoice or be blessed, when you are going through insult, persecution, suffering, even death for doing good or right? Yet, Jesus very clearly proclaims ‘blessedness’ for those who are being persecuted for the sake of righteousness. He also mentions similar message in Matthew 10:16-28.
For the first century Christians, persecution was a norm rather than an exception.
Peter and Paul, the first apostles to Jews and gentiles, also reiterate and often desire for sharing and participating in suffering with/for Christ. (check out bible references below)
It should be noted that it is not in the suffering or pain, we rejoice, but it is in the hope of God’s glory to be revealed. (There are some who like to be sad, who somehow enjoys in their pain!)
We, Christians however, rejoice in their suffering for the righteousness, due to the fact that we participate in suffering of Christ, that we bear his name, and that we will be overjoyed when Christ’ glory will be revealed in us. It is our privilege to suffer with Christ.
It is not the suffering, but the Cause that makes a Martyr.
People may say that this is absolutely absurd. yet, we all believe in a idea of pain and suffering for future joy. A good example of this is a ‘child-birth’. Mother goes through immense pain and struggle, with pain intensifies as the time comes nearer. For her, the present pain is not worth comparing with the joy she will experience in her child. Nobody finds it strange, in fact, women long and desire motherhood. Her focus is not on the suffering, but the joy that her child will bring.
We find it difficult to grasp rejoicing in suffering because we have not seen the complete picture. Even among many Christians, there is a growing tendency to focus on earthly blessings. (It is not to say that one should not desire good in this life.) But Jesus (and first disciples) always focused on future hope and glory.
There are parts of the world, where people are being persecuted for Christ. For them, following Christ means suffering, rejection and even death. They are blessed or privileged to share in suffering with Christ.
We may not go through physical persecution or suffering, but we all feel being constantly chased after by the enemy of Christ. When we pursue righteousness, we may find being constantly running or fleeing from the spiritual forces, who are after us to knock us down.

The Promise: Blessed Hope:

However, this is not the end. Jesus offers those who are persecuted for his name, the inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven. At present, we don’t see it, yet we believe in it and we rejoice in that hope and future. (Romans 8:24) Paul rightly say that our present sufferings are not even worth comparing with the glory that will be manifested when Christ will return.

This ends the eight part bible study series on the beatitudes. I hope that you would have enjoyed this series as much as I have and pray that it would bring new and fresh perspective in your personal walk with Christ. In the end, I would like to finish with this beautiful, timeless hymn from Fanny Crosby, which truly captures the joy, hope and assurance of Kingdom of God.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Check out,

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are those who are Persecuted because of righteousness
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Inductive Bible Study Method: How to Guide

Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or group bible studies. This guide presents three basic steps of Inductive bible studies, Observation, Interpretation and Application. It will walk you through each step of inductive bible studies in details.

By definition, inductive logic or induction means ‘the type of reasoning which involves moving from a set of specific facts to a general conclusion’. (Wikipedia) Inductive bible study method provides a bible-based tool to study bible by observing the facts, investigating the motives and reasons behind it and thus offering life applications relevant to individual’s life experiences. (Also check out: Manuscript Bible Study Method)

What You Need:

Bible, Notebook, and Time!
Other resources: Bible commentary, Bible dictionary, study guide etc.

How to Start:

Spare about 20-30 minutes for the bible study, more if possible.
Start with Prayer and ask God for his guidance specifically for the study time.
Select a bible passage. It is good to select a book of bible and study it continuously. However, it all depends upon your own preference. In any case, select a bible passage, which consists of 10-15 verses (Usually one or two paragraphs which may cover the story, topic or event). Selecting a very long passage or whole chapter of bible may not be the best approach, as you won’t be able focus on one particular event or aspect of the chapter.
Read the passage 2-3 times. While first read may be a quick read, reading second or third time, will give you a good overview and outline of the bible passage.
The three steps of Inductive bible studies are Observation, Interpretation and Application.

Observation:

Observation is an essential aspect of inductive bible studies. So often, we get to the interpretation or even application of the bible verse without understanding its context. But if we miss this step, we can miss a lot about what passage has to offer. In this step, you should ask yourself following questions:

Who: Who is mentioned in the passage? To whom it is said or written? Who are the audience? It helps you to get the picture of what is going on in the passage.
What: What is happening? What is the passage about? Is there some kind of teaching, event like miracle or healing, exhortation, warning, conversation, debate, arguments, discussion etc?
It also helps to ask question, weather the bible passage is the historical event, poetry, narration, letter etc?
When and Where: This is an important piece of information. Ask yourself, when and where did this occur? The place and its significance, time of the day/month/year?
One useful way of observation is to imagine yourself present in the settings of the bible passage.

Interpretation:

Once you get a good background and understanding of the bible passage. Now, you can move to questions about the interpretation.

Why: Why is it mentioned? What is the core issue? What is the main focus or theme of the passage?
You may use some other resources, such as bible dictionary or a bible commentary, if the passage is difficult to understand.
Observation and Interpretation may overlap each other sometimes, but these two steps will enable you to understand the context and meaning of the bible passage.

Application:

Finally, Inductive bible study is not complete, unless you have an application from the bible passage. The idea of bible study is not only to learn and gain knowledge but also to apply and implement in our own lives. Ask yourself:

How does this passage apply to present situation?
What can I learn from this passage?
How does it apply to me personally?
Application process helps you to make the bible passage relevant to you, and your life experiences. It is the step in which you can relate to the bible and discover how God communicates to you through the bible passage.

So, if you have not ‘try out’ inductive bible study method, test for yourself. You will be amazed at the treasures, you may discover though it!

Other Resources:

Reflections on Inductive Bible Study, by Ajith Fernando
Independent bible study: E-Book - Independent Bible Study Method, written by Irving L. Jensen, published in 1963 by Moody Press. The book is freely available as ‘E-book’ in pdf format. It offers a great in depth method of using Inductive Bible study method.

(Check out: NASB Study Bible – Most Popular NASB Study Bibles)

Inductive Bible Study Resources on Amazon:

More Bible Studies:

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Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8

Bible Study Guide: Beatitudes

Matthew 5:3-12

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” – (Matthew 5:9)

This is the seventh beatitude mentioned in Matthew 5:3-12. It would have shocked most jews in the crowd. Jews were looking for ‘Messiah’ who would overthrow the Roman empire and establish earthly kingdom. But Jesus supports peace and encourages the peacemakers. Once again, Kingdom of Heaven defies the norm of earthly kingdom, which is established by power, force and wars.

Group Exercise:

Ask your Group: Who do you think are the famous peacemakers in history?
- Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa… (Coincidentally, many of them are strongly influenced by life and teaching of Jesus!!), Jesus Christ himself.
Find out people who have been awarded noble prize for peace & their contributions to the society.
Think of Non profit organizations, which promotes peace and goodwill of others. Discover their roots.

Blessed are the Peacemakers:

The very essence of peace is the Love one has received from God first. You cannot love others, unless you have experienced God’ love in first place. (Many may not agree with this statement.)
Luke 6:27-28 – “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
John 13: 35 – “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Think about first century Christians, even in the most atrocious persecution, they refused to react violently, but always promoted peace.
Peace makers are not only those who have a broader influence, but also those whom we turn to in our daily lives. You may find certain people in your church, community, family, workplace. These are the people who resolves differences and conflicts to maintain peace.
The reward for the Peacemakers is very unique. “They will be called sons of God.” People may critique their methods or ways, but they cannot deny their work or the fact that it can only come from God.

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are the PersecutedMore Bible Studies:

Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

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