Applying the Bible
By Michael R. Bagget

A few years ago, I explained to a lady that not everything Jesus said to the Apostles has a direct application to us. The lady replied, “Well, I try to apply the Bible to me.” I admire the willingness of one applying what the Bible says because it shows their willingness to obey God. However, when studying the Bible, we must use a little common sense just like we do when reading a newspaper or company manual. In short, every single sentence or comment written in the Bible does not directly apply to you and me.

When studying the Bible, we need to ask, “Who is speaking?” “Who is being addressed?” “How does this apply to me?”

For example, God told Noah to build an ark (Gen. 6:13ff). Now, who is speaking? God. Who is being spoken to here? Is God telling you or me to build an ark? Only Noah is being told to build an ark. You see, no matter how hard I try to apply this direct command to me, it just does not apply. Since I am not personally picked out to build an ark, how can it apply to me? 

We can, however, learn from the example of Noah: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Heb. 11:7). 

Like Noah, we will be commended by God if we “move with fear” by taking seriously what God tells us to do and do it with urgency. While we have not been told to build an ark, we are told many things in the New Testament such as the need to repent of sins (Lk. 13:3, 5); be baptized into Christ (Mk. 16:16); worship in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:23, 24); and obey all things Christ has commanded whether in the gospel or through the writings of His holy Apostles (Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 11:2; 14:37; 2 Thess. 2:14-15; 2 Pet. 3:1-2). 

Further, Jesus spoke made certain comments or statements to the Apostles, He had personally chosen, which were only intended for them. No matter how much we want to apply them to ourselves, it just does not apply to us. It will not work. For example, the Apostles were promised miraculous measures of power from the Holy Spirit which were not promised to you and me. Two examples are as follows:

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (Jn. 14:26). Who did Jesus say something to personally? Who must Jesus be speaking to in the context? The Apostles are the only ones who are present with Jesus in this context who were told something, and the Holy Spirit will teach them and bring all things to their remembrance, whatever Jesus has already said to them. The second promise follows:

“Howbeit 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 show you things to come” (Jn. 16:13).

Without meaning to sound offensive, reader, who is speaking? The context shows us this is Jesus. Now, who is Jesus speaking to directly in the context? It is the Apostles. Jesus told these Apostles that the comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, would teach them all truth and bring back to their remembrance what Jesus had already taught them. Has Jesus told you anything outside of the word of God? The Apostles would need inspiration to begin carrying out the Great Commission and to write the New Testament which is our inspired message from Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 2:37). 

Paul an Apostle wrote: “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). Paul says that his writings are the commandments of the Lord. Paul is informing all people reading this that the words of the apostles are the words of Christ. The reader needs to let this fact sink deep down into his or her ears.

Jesus told the Apostles that the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit, would guide them into all truth and show them things to come. Not one person today is being guide into any kind of new truth because Jesus told the Apostles that would be accomplished with them (see Jude 3). We are warned not to add to nor to take away from the Holy Scriptures (Rev. 22:18-19).

When people try to apply every statement Jesus made to the Apostles to themselves, they end up building doctrines Christ did not make and creating religious division.

Please, study the Bible to see how its great truths apply to your life, but remember to study the Bible, “…Rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). 

 10 Promises of Peace
By Kyle Campbell

When we worry, our minds get an unnecessary workout. We run through all the possible outcomes of our situation. We jump to conclusions before getting all the facts. We weigh ourselves down with all the “what-ifs.” Truly, worrying is an exercise in futility. Worry leads to fear and stress instead of faith and rest.

As Jesus talked about worry, He redirected our focus to God. Our worries do not change the character of God. Ultimately, grasping God’s character changes how we handle our worries. Perhaps the most poignant phrase Jesus said to those who worry is “your heavenly Father knows” (Matt. 6:32).

Worry steals your peace and joy, but the Lord gives peace and joy abundantly. He knows what’s going on in your life. David, in Psalm 34:4-5 wrote, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.” The following are ten truths that can help you find freedom and joy from worry.

1.     God wants you to remember that He is good and gracious and has compassion for you (Ps. 145:8-9).

2.     God wants you to remember that He can meet your needs (Phil. 4:19).

3.     God does not want you to live in a state of worry (Matt. 6:34).

4.     God is with you when you’re worried and afraid (Is. 41:10).

5.     God wants you to look to Him when you’re filled with worry (Ps. 94:19).

6.     God wants you to look to His Word when you worry (Ps. 119:143).

7.     God wants you to trust Him when you’re worried – to have faith and not fear (Ps. 56:3).

8.     God wants you to give Him your worries because He cares (1 Pet. 5:7).

9.     God wants you to encourage others when they worry (1 Thess. 5:11).

10. God wants you to tell Him your worries and thank Him for all He’s done for you (Phil. 4:6-7).

How do you let go of worry? First, identify what worries you – every issue, every situation. Second, go to God in all humility and surrender the situation and yourself to the Lord. Although you may feel completely powerless, you have the ability to let go of worry and trust God, always aware that you’re doing His will. Psalm 55:22 exhorts, “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”