James 5:8

This message is based on James 5:8

James is using prophecy to encourage believers.

Mother's Day 2009

Dispensationalism

MAY Q&A: Romans 13:1-4

This months Q&A topic: re-cap on Pastor Bobby Thieme's exegesis of Romans 13:1-4 from the California Bible Conference in Costa Mesa, CA.

Download notes here

James 5:8

Understanding God’s Word Using P.S.R.

Recently I decided to shift gears and focus more on the pew level approach to understanding God’s Word. Rather than concentrate on the academic level with regards to biblical interpretation, I decided to develop a “sweat less system” whereby any Christian can approach Bible studies with only the Bible in hand. There are many systems out there basically providing the same rehashed methods to understanding scripture which has value, but fails to meet the needs of those who lack regular discipline in reading the Bible for themselves. Another problem I see is that many people no longer know how to read. People would rather watch a movie, see a show, listen to music or play games on a computer. This has in my opinion crippled our overall reading abilities. When was the last time you read a book? How about the Bible? My father-in-law pastors a church in the Philippines where the typical education for those seated in the pews average from the 4th to 5th grade level. Attempting to school them from a textbook on hermeneutics on any level will be extremely difficult. By the way, my father-in-law implemented the P.S.R. before he left for the Philippines to test the value of this simple technique. His comments were, "Wow, I'm so happy. It really works!" My goal is to show a person how to read the text (Bible) and understand it without having to carry any other book(s) other than the Bible.

P.S.R. (Paraphrase, Synonym(s), Rewrite)

Paraphrase- The objective here is to paraphrase (say what you are reading in your own words) what the author said. This forces you to “see” what’s there. Flawed interpretation is usually a result of not taking into consideration the details of a given passage. I have always taught that the more details (words) you observe the closer you are to the meaning of the text. By using the details (words) provided in a given passage we are able to be faithful to what Jesus said regarding living off of every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matt.4:4).

Consider this illustration:
A two story house has been burned to the floor. Nothing is left aside from the ashes and soot. To the average person looking at the remains, it would be impossible to ascertain how and what triggered the destruction of this home. To the trained eye that specializes in “looking” at the information (details), he can piece it together based on his observations and clues. The more details that are left behind, the easier it is to discover the cause. Though nothing is left, he discovers certain burn patterns, and notices things left behind that gives him all the info needed to determine what actually started the fire. He concludes that it was a clothing iron that was left on.

When you paraphrase the text (yes, the English) you are now forced to concentrate on each word that you are reading. This alone reduces significantly any chance of misinterpreting the text. Keep in mind that you are to stay faithful to what you are reading and replacing. The more words (details) you use (replace) when paraphrasing the higher the accuracy. I’ve said this in class that though we have many translations out there, they are basically saying the same thing for the most part just in a slightly different way. If you paraphrase the English Bible, you are doing a mild form of translating from a translation. Your overall accuracy depends on word choices when replacing what you are reading. If the NAS, NIV, NKJ, as well as a host of other translations are considered accurate and based on the original, why not paraphrase the Bible in words that you can understand? There will always be exegetical issues but this is usually dealt with on a language and syntax level. This technique is not for handling those issues but rather the issue of reading for understanding.

Synonym- Use a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning. When you replace a word with another word which in essence means the same thing you buffer the overall interpretation. In a typical Bible study you read a passage, and then decide what it means. Rarely do people slow down to observe the words in view. Definition comes as a result of words put together to state the authors intentions. Since meaning is shaped by words, we need to consider them as we study the Bible. Have you ever noticed during a Bible study people give their opinions based on what they “think” it means? Very rarely do people "know" it means. If there are twenty people in the study, you will get thirty interpretations (opinions). With this approach (P.S.R.), you are forced to pay attention to the words of the author. You are simply re-saying the verse with similar words.

Rewrite- At this point you should have paraphrased and selected key words (such as verbs and/or nouns) and replaced them with synonyms (similar words). By rewriting the text, this allows you to take ownership of the passage. The more senses you use when approaching the Bible, the better the overall focus which gives for greater accuracy of the text.

Example using Rom: 1:18

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; KJV

For the anger of God is currently displayed from heaven against all ungodly and evil men who restrain the truth in their sinful living. AIC

I've always believed that when you read any passage/verse of scripture you should be able to restate it in your own words. If you can't, it would be equivalent to not reading it at all. Don't proceed until you can say what you just read.

My attempt is to provide the Christian community a simple approach to understanding the Bible. Once these techniques are mastered you can proceed to advanced forms of hermeneutics/exegesis to which there are many.

A.I.C.

CHECK DISC - Ephesians 5:17-18

THE TEXT

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.
Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

EXEGETICAL IDEA (what it meant):
Subject: What illustration does Paul give the Ephesian Saints concerning understanding the will of the Lord?
Complement: Paul gives the Ephesian Saints an illustration of being under the influence of the Spirit instead of wine.

CONTEMPORARY IDEA (what it means):
Subject: What illustration does the Bible give Believers concerning understanding the will of the Lord?
Complement: The Bible gives Believers an illustration of being under the influence of the Spirit instead of wine.

Bumper Sticker Idea: Know the Lord’s Will; Know Filling; No Understanding of the Lord’s Will; No Filling.

Doctrinal Category: Doctrine of the filling of the Spirit

Exegetical Outline

I. Paul exhorts the Ephesian Believers in two ways.
    A. Paul exhorts the Ephesian Believers to not be foolish.
    B. Paul exhorts the Ephesian Believers to understand what the Lord’s will is.
        1) Paul commands the Ephesians to not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery (asotia).
        2) Paul commands the Ephesians to constantly keep being filled with the Spirit.

Contemporary Outline

I. The Bible exhorts Believers in a couple of ways.
    A. The Bible exhorts Believers not to be foolish.
    B. The Bible exhorts Believers to understand what the Lord’s will is.
         1) The Bible commands Believers not to get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery (asotia).
         2) The Bible commands Believers to constantly keep being filled with the Spirit.

CHECK DISC Romans 5:1-5

Pastor Ryan covers Romans 5:1-5 in 10 minutes using the CHECK DISC method.

THE “CHECK D.I.S.C.” TECHNIQUE

watch in high quality

There is no passage in all of Scripture that cannot be interpreted for today. The CHECK DISC technique makes this possible in five easy steps. The need for this hermeneutical tool is based on the fact that the majority of contemporary Christians who study the Bible are guilty of “RTC syndrome;” They find themselves “Running to Commentaries.” Bibles now come with an abundant amount of footnotes that seek to explain the text. There is no substitute for spending time in the Word in order to extrapolate the intended meaning. Although footnotes may be helpful, they may produce laziness.

CHECK DISC is the simplest approach to Bible study. CHECK DISC is the art of interpreting the text in it’s original context using only the original words and surrounding text to establish the basis for a contemporary meaning. Furthermore, the CHECK DISC technique forces the interpreter to stick with the text only. That means, one cannot add any of foreign thoughts, ideas and theology into the text. With the CHECK DISC formula, there is no room for eisegesis (i.e. reading ones own thoughts into the text).

Step 1 – CHECK yourself (i.e. confess your sins – 1 John 1:9 and restore fellowship with God).
Step 2 – DISCOVER the context of the passage (i.e. surrounding verses, chapter, book, genre, etc.).
Step 3 – IDENTIFY the key words, which capture the big idea of the author (i.e. what is he getting at?).
Step 4 – SUBJECT – Create a question that captures the big idea of the passage.
Step 5 – COMPLEMENT – Answer the question using the text/context only mentioning the original audience, author and situation (i.e. dead people only!).

The key progression in CHECK DISC is observation → interpretation → application. Prior to interpreting the text for today, one must concentrate on observation (exegesis) and once the “big idea” of the passage is captured (i.e. the subject and complement) stop exegeting!

Many Pastors and Teachers spend most of their time exegeting the text and in worst cases they are exegeting until Sunday morning! This is a terrible feeling. The Subject-Complement method is the tool that saves time, energy and stress. Without the right tools, the job takes twice the amount of time. For instance, if the goal is not set at capturing the big idea, all of the side issues serve as distractions and the message becomes unclear. A lot of people walk away from Church saying, “Wow. That was a great message.” Ironically, they could not tell you the big idea of the message.

Once the exegetical idea (subject-complement) is in the “bag” then contemporize the idea and communicate/apply it to the people today. This is connecting what it meant with what it means. STAY FAITHFUL TO THE TEXT!

There is more to this 5-step process, but that is it in a nutshell. This notion cuts bible study prep time in half and allows for ample time of contemporizing the message. If believers cannot apply the Word to today’s problems, they remain in defeat.

As a rule of thumb, remember that the more time spent in Observation, the less time is needed for interpretation. Have fun CHECK DISCing through the Scriptures!

Watch the video here: Check DISC Hermeneutic

Download the mp3 here: Check DISC Hermeneutic mp3

Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked...

Thursday nights are always stomping grounds as far as discussions are concerned. This is generally expected as we provide an environment conducive for growth while challenging each person to test their personal convictions and understanding on a given passage. Students usually grab a cup of coffee and wait for the appropriate time to pitch in and give their fifty cents.

51 ¶ Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!" Matthew 27:51-54

The students know me for purposely giving them a hard time. I'll many times challenge them to "think outside of the box" in order to get them out of their comfort zone. I have always believed that a good teacher will do whatever he can to stimulate the class to "think." For me, the discussion does not necessarily have to be logical nor do people have to understand the concept or proposition initially. My goal is to encourage individuals to think things through so that they can learn how to use the scriptures for themselves. Rarely will I give a deductive type study where answers and details are provided along the way. Rather, I prefer that the students mine the gems for themselves (inductive approach) so that they can fully appreciate their discoveries together. Sometimes when Jesus would speak it wouldn't make sense at all. There was even a time when the disciples said that it was too difficult to understand what Jesus was teaching (John 6:60). Difficulty often precedes learning as clearly seen in the lives of the disciples.

I asked the class to see if they could ascertain the significance of the veil being torn from top to bottom. There were a mixture of answers and several insisted that we leave it alone since it's not clearly stated as to why it the veil tore. Of course, I had my own thoughts.

I'd like to cite some views held by scholars who we may or may not agree with. My reason for doing this is to show that there have been others who have attempted to make sense of this portion of scripture. I believe that there is significance which can be deduced when comparing scripture with scripture. In seminary this is sometimes called "systematizing." Sometimes the obvious is not clearly stated. Only through a careful comparison with other books of the Bible can one arrive at a conclusion. Though the significance may not be explicit regarding the torn veil, through the systematizing of verses we can get its implicit meaning from combined passages. We know for example the following truths gleaned from the Old Testament:

*Behind the veil was the presence of God
*Access to God was limited to the priest
*Confession of a nation or a people were done through the agency of a priest

Questions that will help us stay in keeping with the overall context and thrust of God's Word:

1. Is God behind a veil today? Why or why not?
2. Is access to God limited today? Why or why not?
3. Do we need a priest in order to confess sins to God? Why or why not?

When thinking biblically, one should strive to ascertain the meaning whether or not the meaning is clearly stated in the text. This requires work. This is where the break-down usually occurs with other ministries. Most of the time it's the text itself which is distorted away from it's true meaning. I realize that some at this juncture may feel a little uneasy, but our safeguard is in making sure that whatever we conclude will flow consistently with the rest of scripture.

We seem to be comfortable with the following doctrines/concepts even though the words themselves do not appear in scripture nor are they ever defined apart from a systematized approach (as I have done to arrive at my conclusion regarding an alternative way of understanding the significance of the torn veil)to making sense of the word or doctrine itself. Consider the following:

*Trinity (considered a key doctrine among evangelicals)
*Atheism
*Divinity
*Incarnation
*Monotheism
*Rapture
*Omniscience
*Omnipresence
*Omnipotent

Interestingly enough, none of these words ever appear in the Bible and neither are they defined. And yet we have volumes upon volumes of books shedding light on these subjects.

Something does not have to be clearly formulated in the Bible to be considered valid. Not all things in the Bible are perfectly clear. Consider the book of Revelation. It contains many things that are cryptic that must be interpreted after examining all of God's Word.

During class, I mentioned how we should be able to determine the significance of the veil being torn based on what we know. I mentioned how even if we stayed in the book of Matthew alone as the primary text we have enough info(as clearly seen and shared among the group)to be able to conclude what the significance was. Of course, if we did not have a basic understanding of the veil and it's significance or meaning, we would have to seek additional information in order for us to come up with any conclusion. I tend to believe that there are several meanings we can conclude with. That night I highlighted the fact that God is no longer behind the veil based on what I know to be true.

Here are the other views:

The tearing of the veil signified that the way into God's presence was now open to all through a new and living way (Heb. 10:19-22). The fact that it tore "from top to bottom" showed that no man had split the veil, God did it. John Macarthur Study Bible

This symbolizes the permanent opening of God's presence to us, giving us direct access to God through the atoning death of Christ (Heb. 10:19-20). Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible

The fact that this occurred from top to bottom signified that God is the One who ripped the thick curtain. It was not torn from the bottom by men ripping it. God was showing that the way of access into His presence was now available for everyone, not simply the Old Testament high priest (Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-22). The Bible Knowledge Commentary

By splitting the veil "from top to bottom" God the Father dramatically showed His complete satisfaction with the Son's work on the cross. This showed that believers may now "enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh" (Heb. 10:19-20). Salvation by Dr. Earl Radmacher


The tearing of the veil from top to bottom followed soon after Jesus Christ completed the work on the cross. This points to the very fact that God no longer dwells within the confines of a tabernacle made from hands, but rather inside each and every believer who has believed in Jesus Christ for salvation.(Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-22). A.I. Cortez, Jr.

You can get the audio teaching of last week's Bible class by clicking here:

http://tinyurl.com/5xmjmd

Freddy Cortez

Matthew 18:10

"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:10

Last Thursday night during our Bible class, we went over Matthew 18: 1-5 passage one last time. I asked the class to see if they could come up with any comments from outside sources as to what this passages was teaching. After several minutes of interacting we concluded once again with the following:

1. The disciples wanted to know who was going to be the greatest (best) in the kingdom of heaven (this is a reference to the 1000 year Millennial kingdom). This was not a reference to the kingdom of God or how to get into heaven as some would understand it. This is a different kingdom altogether which would arrive on earth during the return of Christ (2nd Coming). The greatest disciple will mirror the child's humility. It was an attitude of humility rather than arrogance that would promote one to greatness. The life of Christ demonstrated this very fact.

2. If the disciples would humble themselves (v.4) like the little child they would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

3. In (v.5) I pointed out that whoever receives one little child (believer that has humbled himself like a child) in My name receives Me. In other words, when a believer receives another believer who has humbled himself, then he receives/welcomes Christ. This should encourage us to extend grace to our brother or sister in Christ, especially if they (according to this verse) humble themselves. I can see how this will help strengthen relationships within the church during disagreements. James chapter four has a lot to say about this.

After examining this passage, we continued with the next several verses. We ended on a verse that is often cited to show that children have guardian angels watching over them. I'm referring to verse 10, of course.

When you follow the flow of the passage, you'll notice that Jesus is still referring to the humble believer! I'm sure kids have a special place in God's heart but we are not told that children have guardian angels watching over them. What the text says is that the angels are observing (watching) the face of God not watching over kids.

What's the point? Well, we are warned not to despise or look down on a believer who has demonstrated humility.

Freddy Cortez

For the full audio recording of this class right click and save HERE:

Note: picture taken from youarelovedchildcare.com

Living By the Book Ch 31: Context

At our Thursday night Bible class, we discussed the importance of context. I mentioned how context is the most important rule in hermeneutics (science and art of biblical interpretaion) and how we need to recognize not only the context in which the passage is found in, but the context (framework) in which we work with on an individual basis. Our experiences, views, and meanings actually come into play when we attempt to make sense out of the Scriptures.

An example I used was the following:

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6 KJV

I asked the class if they knew what the word closet meant as found in Matthew 6:6. The response was yes. One mentioned how his co-worker has a closet and occassionaly sleeps there after praying. I proceeded to tell them how a closet during the ancient world was in reference to a chamberoom which is similar to our living room arrangement. This is not in reference to a closet where we store our personal items, but rather a sizable room in which you can go to and pray. This is an example of operating from a context based on our own frame of reference which in essence is from our personal context in which we define and interpret things.

Our highlight for the night was observing the passage in Matthew 18. From research and conversations with other Christians, the typical understanding is that this passage shows you how to get into heaven. The humbling like that of a child, the expression of child-like faith, dependence on Christ as well as a willingness to obey are the key components for being born again. Is this so?

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 ¶ "Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. Matthew 18:1-5 NKJ

A careful look will show you that His disciples were more concerned about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. They were headed for heaven because they were already believers (cf. Matt:16:16). They wanted to see who would be the greatest in the future kingdom (millennial kingdom). This was not a question about getting into heaven but rather who would be the "best/greatest" in the upcoming 1000 year kingdom.

The child that Jesus called to Himself was instrumental in explaining to His disciples that co-ruling in the kingdom of heaven was built on humilty not arrogance. Jesus said that unless they would humble themselves like the little child in front of them they would not attain greatness in the kingdom.

It's also worth noting that Jesus also mentions that whoever receives one little child receives (Gk. decomai ) me. In other words, when a believer humbles himself he now becomes the child that Jesus was talking about in verse 3. And when another believer welcomes him, he in essence is welcoming Christ. This should motivate us in how we treat one another.

I gave the class an assignment to come up with the various ways in which this passage is explained. If you'd like to contribute to this compilation simply send me an email.

Steadfast in the Word,
Pastor Freddy