Reading the Bible, where do I start?

Q: “For a long time, I haven’t been diligent about reading the Bible, but I want that to change. Where should I begin to read?”

A: The first step is to come up with a plan— a set time and quiet spot for reading God’s Word. Without one, Satan will find ways to distract us. He knows the Bible is our map for intimacy with God, and our weapon to defeat temptation. That said, let me suggest some ways you can begin studying Scripture.

1. Don’t feel obligated to read through the Bible as you would other books. For some people, it’s more effective to read a little from the Old Testament and New Testament each day. You might want to start in Psalms, especially if you’re at a point in life when you really need encouragement.

2. As for the New Testament, the gospel of Mark might be a helpful starting place. It’s a short book but provides a good scope of Jesus’ life and ministry. Alongside that, or perhaps afterward, consider reading through Ephesians. It’s also a brief but powerful summary of the Christian life. Of course, these are simply suggestions. God might have you begin elsewhere, depending on your personal needs, which raises my second point.

3. While reading, expect the Holy Spirit to guide you. Don’t schedule ahead of time the number of minutes or chapters you’ll cover, but let God tell you when to stop. Read until He highlights a special passage or principle; then take time to meditate on it prayerfully. Ask Him what He’s saying to you through it. Pretty soon, the Holy Spirit will give understanding and direction—you’ll sense that He’s speaking to you personally.

After doing this a few times, you’ll notice a growing love for God’s Word—and a deep peace and contentment that can be found through no other book or author. Only, be sure to purpose in your heart to obey whatever the Lord tells you through Scripture. For then and only then will the joy of reading the Bible stay with you.

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from Intouch magazine, August 2012 issue

Name it and Claim it?

Q: I know people who instruct me to "name it and claim it"when praying for something - believing that if I declare what I want, God will definitely give it to me. Is this really the key to answered prayer?


A: The expression "name it and claim it: is found nowhere in the Bible. Neither is the idea. Some believe that certain needs or wants can be obtained through a simple proclamation of faith for whatever they desire. In support of their view, they might even quote scriptures from Jesus' teaching. But while such people are often well-meaning, the principles of faith must be understood from Scripture as a whole, not verses isolated from their context. 

Yes, the Lord teaches that faith is essential to answered prayer. But the Word of God also reveals that the quality of our faith depends on how well we know and trust Him. God is a Friend with whom we speak, not a vending machine at our command (John 15:15; Phil 4:6). As we grow closer to Him, we gain a better understanding of His purposes and desires. And, as promised, anything we ask for according to His will is granted (1 John 5: 14-15). This is the true basis of confident prayer, which expects certain things by faith.

Reminded of this, be encouraged to believe God for your needs and wants as you fix your eyes on Him. Ask for whatever you like BUT trust Him with the answers, whether He says "yes," "no," or simply "wait". At times we lack something because we have not asked God to meet that need (James 4:2) we might wrongly believe that He wouldn't be interested in our request, and so we don't bother to bring it up. Of sometimes we ask once, but fail to persevere in prayer until His answer is clear (1 Thess. 5:17).

Remember, the heavenly Father welcomes your every request, because He delights in His children. As we learn to delight in Him, He'll grant our heart's desires (Ps. 37:4), and "faith working through love" becomes the unstoppable force of effective prayer (Gal 5:6).
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Answered by Dr. Charles Stanley, June 2012 issue of Intouch

Baptism

Q: If someone dies before getting baptized, will he still be saved? 

A: There's no question about it - baptism is crucial in the believer's life. It's such a vital part of discipleship, in fact, that Jesus included it in the mission He gave His followers: to "make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). Although a person's sins are forgiven based on repentance and belief in Christ alone, baptism is an important demonstration of faith, as we publicly declare to the world that we have died to our old ways and choose new life in Christ.

Since Scripture instructs believers to be baptized - and since obedience is an integral part of becoming a mature follower of Christ - the ceremony should be part of every believer's experience. But is baptism necessary for salvation? We need to look no further to than the Lord's crucifixion for an answer. That day, two common criminals were crucified with Jesus; one sneered at the Lord, and the other defended Him. In a moment of humility and recognition, this second man said, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). And what was the Lord's response? "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise (v. 43). This man had no opportunity to be baptized, but we know for certain that He was saved, because Jesus said He would be. The Lord's concern is for what's in the heart, and salvation itself does not depend on any works - not even baptism.

However, we shouldn't downplay its importance and ignore the Lord's command to be identified with Him in that way. Baptism is an awesome privilege, an opportunity to publicly identify with the body of Christ. Our devotion to Him, and our faith in Him ought to be expressed through action by obediently participating in this holy ordinance. There's no reason to delay in experiencing this blessing yourself - if you're sure you love Jesus, won't you make it known?
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from Intouch Magazine, May 2012 issue