With some planning, you can make your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study more exciting and profitable and renew your "first love" for God’s Word.
Do you have to force yourself to study the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.? Does your mind wander because the material is no longer as new and exciting to you as it was when God first opened your mind to understand? Have you set and failed to keep rigid schedules to make yourself get in your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study? How can you renew that "first love" for God's Word and work (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 2:4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
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You can make your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study an interesting and exciting part of your day, but it takes effort and planning. Seven basic steps are outlined here to help you make your study of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. a scintillating and profitable adventure. Try applying these principles in your quest for knowledge and understanding of God's Word.
Think in Spiritual Terms
A first step is to ask yourself: "What is my life all about? Where am I going?" Recognize the fleeting vanity and futility of this life's pursuits. The book of Ecclesiastes has much to say along these lines.
Perhaps you are becoming entangled again in worldly desires, which our adversary the devil uses to ensnare and take us captive (2 Timothy 2:4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
See All..., 26; 1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
See All...; 1 John 2:15-16 [15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
[16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
See All...). Satan seeks to get you in his clutches. We should not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
See All...). His greatest weapons are the lusts of the flesh, the pride of life and the vanity of the mind (Proverbs 16:18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
See All...; James 1:14-16 [14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
[16] Do not err, my beloved brethren.
See All...; 4:1-10). Satan uses these tactics to deceive the whole world because mankind is caught up in the quest for selfish, materialistic goals, grasping at the elusive momentary pleasures of this life (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
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Instead of following after worldly pursuits, follow the admonition of Jesus Christ. He said, "Therefore take no [anxious] thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31-33 [31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
[32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
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"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
See All...). Therefore we need the Holy Spirit to understand God's Word and His purpose and plan for us (1 Corinthians 2:9-16 [9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
[10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
[11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
[12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
[13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
[14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
[15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
[16] For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
See All...). Do as Paul admonished Timothy, "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
See All...). Think spiritually in word, deed and in studying the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 23:7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
See All...; 1 Corinthians 10:12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
See All...; 2 Corinthians 10:5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
See All...; Philippians 4:8).
Ask God for Help
A second step to profitable BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study is to ask God daily for help (Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
See All...) before every study period—to give you more of His Spirit, which He gives to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
See All...), to enable you to believe and increase your understanding of His Word. When you pray, asking God for answers and understanding, have your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. (His Word, which is our daily bread—Matthew 4:4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
See All...; 6:11) handy and He will guide you to His answers and give you understanding (see Job 32:8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
See All...; Psalm 119:97-105 [97] (MEM.) O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
[98] Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
[99] I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
[100] I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
[101] I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
[102] I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
[103] How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
[104] Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
[105] (NUN.) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
See All..., 130; Proverbs 1:1-7 [1] The proverbs of Solomon the son of DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical., king of Israel;
[2] To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
[3] To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
[4] To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
[5] A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
[6] To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
[7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
See All...; 2:1-11; 3:1, 5-7, 19-21).
Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also... And whatever you ask in My name [by His authority to do His will], that I will do, that [for this purpose] the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:12-14 [12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
[13] And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
[14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
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God's Spirit enables us to understand and keep His Word. Jesus said, "When... the Spirit of truth, has come [it] will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
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The apostle Paul explained, "No one knows [understands] the things of God [without] the Spirit of God... But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
See All..., 14). "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit" (Romans 8:5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
See All...). Ask God to renew a right Spirit in you as DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical. did (Psalm 51:10-11 [10] Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
[11] Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
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Set Definite Goals
The first law of success is to set right goals. Solomon wrote, "Where there is no vision [dream, vision, revelation], the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
See All..., KJV). It's hard to get excited about taking a trip if you have no destination in mind. BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study is no different. You need definite purposes, objectives and direction to stir up your interest if you expect to get anywhere.
Goals such as the common, "I've got to get in 30 minutes of BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study every day, come what may," or, "I'm going to read the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. through once every year," can be helpful and may produce a measure of self-discipline, but may do little for some to motivate or spark real interest and desire.
Goals need to be challenging and satisfying, and they should stimulate personal growth. They should be practical—seeking answers to basic questions and problems of everyday life, and seeking vision into the higher goals and purposes God has for us and for mankind. Why have you been called now? How can you honor God in your family life and on the job? How is God dealing with you to perfect His character in you? How can you help others?
As Paul wrote to Timothy, "Study to [show yourself] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness" (2 Timothy 2:15-16 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
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And avoid vain, philosophical questions that do not profit (Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
See All...). For, "The secret things belong to the L ord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
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Write your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study goals down in a notebook so you won't forget them, and add new ones as needed. Your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study will accomplish much if you have clear, definite objectives when you begin.
Plan Your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. Studies
Organize your goals and objectives into related subjects and set up priorities, with the most important subjects first. Avoid the mistake of the scribes and Pharisees, who put the little things first (Matthew 23:23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
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Organize your time. Set aside a specific period every day to allow yourself the opportunity to accomplish the goals you have established. Be flexible, of course, when you're pinched for time, and adjust your schedule or adapt your study to fit the time—but don't just skip it. BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. studies can vary from regular personal studies to occasional family or group studies, depending on the subjects and need.
Take notes. What you learn from a particular study may be quickly forgotten if you don't write it down. You can review written notes occasionally and add to them in future studies. Your organized notes will also be helpful in teaching your children and others and in writing articles. You may also want to cross-reference your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ..
God's Word was inspired and written according to a definite overall plan, but the knowledge of any particular subject is usually scattered throughout its contents. So search all the ScripturesThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18). for a complete understanding of a subject and for the proper biblical context and meaning.
Use Reference Materials
Various BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. translations, dictionaries, word studies, concordances, commentaries, as well as books on history, science and other fields, can give helpful background information to facilitate better biblical insight, if properly used. Remember that you should use them only to supplement and magnify the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.'s meaning. They should never replace the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., which alone is the foundation of all truth and understanding (John 17:17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
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Don't give up if understanding the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. is still difficult. We learn little by little if we don't give up and quit. Keep your inspiration up by discussing your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. studies with others of like mind. God will add to your understanding and joy if you are in the proper attitude and are truly seeking to know and obey God and understand how He would have you serve Him.
Some have allowed themselves to lose interest after years of reading and studying the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. Study Course and a continuous stream of booklets and articles in The Good News magazine and other publications. Don't let familiarity turn you off.
When you review familiar subjects, seek to make them more relevant or rewrite them in your own words. Try to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word as it applies to you, and learn how current events tie in with BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. prophecies and the plan of God. You never know when God may want to use you to give an answer to others, so "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
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With a little effort and a constant awareness of world conditions, you can motivate yourself and have the drive to succeed. As you realize how badly you and this world need God's help and understanding, let this stir up the Spirit that is in you (2 Timothy 2:6-7 [6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
See All...). Remember Satan is out to discourage you by every means possible (James 4:7-10 [7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
[8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
[9] Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
[10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
See All...; 1 Peter 5:8-9 [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
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Meditate on What You Study
Meditation, an important but often overlooked tool, is one of the most helpful ways to add new life and meaning to your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study. If you can't sleep, meditate on God's Word and He will give you sleep (Psalm 127:2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
See All...), and "your sleep will be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
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The Psalms contain these inspiring words: "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts" (Psalm 119:97-100 [97] (MEM.) O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
[98] Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
[99] I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
[100] I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
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Meditation—concentrated reflective thought and mental dissection of a topic—can increase your grasp and memory of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. and how to apply it in your daily life. Therefore, "meditate on these things" (Philippians 4:8).
Put the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. Into Practice
When you have applied the above principles and developed real interest and zeal in BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study, don't forget to act on what you learn!
We are to prove what is acceptable to God and then hold fast to it (Ephesians 5:10Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
See All...; 1 Thessalonians 5:21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
See All...). God gives a good understanding to all those who keep His commandments (Psalm 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
See All...). Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
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BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study will take on a whole new meaning as you "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
See All...) and begin to reap the fruits of righteousness. You will be a living example of what the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. teaches.
And as Peter wrote, "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord... by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust... Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble" (2 Peter 1:2Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
See All..., 4, 10). UN
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