Psychic Academy

Chapter 1: The purpose of the Bible

The author regrets the fact that people tend to ask different questions and use different strategies to read the Bible. Others, he claimed an abandonment of reading the Bible, in whole or never start reading, because he can not see the relevance of the accounts of people in distant parts of today. But Christians believe that although the Bible has a wide range of human authors, is a single unifying theme of a divine creator. This is perhaps the mostshort by Paul to Timothy in I Tim. 3:15-17. The apostle brings the origin and purpose of Scripture. The author examines the nature of use of the Bible and the analysis of the three words that Paul used – the salvation of Christ and faith.

Stott, the central idea that the higher purpose of the Bible is the instruction of his readers for salvation, which means that Scripture has a practical purpose, there are moral and intellectual did. Since it is not scientific or literaryThe Bible can be rightly regarded as a book is not one of literature or philosophy, but of salvation. He noted that the redemption, in addition to forgiveness of sins, including the entire movement of God's plan to redeem mankind and restore and also all of creation. The general trend is the love of God for the rebels who deserves nothing but judge.

The plan of God, of His grace, said Stott, the shape of time begins. He made a pact with the grace with Abraham, promising through itsGood luck to all the earth be blessed. The rest of the Old Testament in the form of tables his gentle touch with the descendants of Abraham, the Israelites. Although they reject His Word, that he would never throw them away. In the New Testament, the Apostles have pointed out that forgiveness is possible only through Christ's sin-bearing death and a new birth, which leads to a new life only through the Spirit of Christ. The writers of the New Testament insist that all men are saved in a single sentence,second felt their salvation is still in the future. Conceived in the past for ever, made at a time, and historically have worked in the human experience, it will reach its fulfillment in the future, eternity.

Stott hypothetical argument is that if salvation is available through Christ and Scripture on salvation, Scripture is full of Christ. Christ's question is that in each of the three parts of the Old Testament Law (the five books of Moses / first fiveBooks of the Bible), the prophets [the history books or earlier prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings), and the latter prophets (Isaiah, Daniel and big-minor prophets, Hosea to Malachi)] and the Psalms (written) There are things about him and all these things take place. Discovering Christ in the New Testament is not surprising. Gospels, Acts, Letters and Revelation can enjoy portraying him. In the last example, appeared as a glorified man, a lamb, a knight on a majesticWhite Horse and a heavenly Bridegroom. Involvement of two wills proved that we must turn to the Bible, if we want to know Christ and his salvation. The author suggests that faith in its proper perspective in which to withdraw its abuse.

Chapter 2: The Land of the Bible

Stott that some knowledge of historical and geographical context of the people of God is imperative that the investigation into perspective. The reason for the inclusion of God's dealing with Israelin general, and individuals, in particular, is to teach us (Romans 15:4, I Cor. 10:11). Write refuses to cover up the mistakes of the great capitals of the Old and New Testaments.

The author rejects the claim that Jerusalem was the center of the earth as a non-purely geographical sense, while Christians would defend the theological. But Christians believe in the providence of God, whether the choice of Palestine could be an accident. An obvious feature is that it serves as a kindbridge between Europe, Asia and Africa. Strategies, therefore, God was in Jerusalem in the midst of the nations (Ez.5: 5).

When God told Moses to them that would bring the Israelites out of Egypt to Canaan, described as a beautiful and spacious. Joshua and Caleb, in contrast to the other spies, confirming that the country has been very good. Most popular term used to refer to the whole country from north to south. The most common is simply from Dan to Beersheba. Stott suggests that perhapsAn easy way to remember the Palestinian Territory is to display four strips of land between sea and desert – the coastal, central highlands, the Jordan Valley and the eastern plateau.

Stott confirmed that the revelation of God as "Shepherd of Israel" is a natural consequence of the intimate relationship that has evolved over the years between the Palestinian shepherds and sheep, as the latter was taken more for wool and ram. Jesus further development of the metaphor, whichHe is the good shepherd. Although many Jewish farmers who kept cattle, more land was cultivated. Three most important products of Palestine (grain, new wine and oil) are usually grouped in many passages of the Bible (Genesis 7:13, Joel 2:19). The author noted the importance of the first (autumn) rains and the last (spring) rain at harvest. Without them, the grain would remain thin and presses. God made the rain and the crop harvest and had promised hisobedient people. Three annual festivals were an agricultural and religious significance. In them, God of nature and grace of God is so adore the one God, the Lord of earth and Israel. And 'the feast of Easter, the feast of first fruits per harvest and the Feast of Tabernacles / Tabernacle / mounting. Compliance with these is mandatory. Report the grace of God's covenant of Israel, who first liberated his people from their famous EgyptianSlavery and the Law at Sinai, and then to have them during their wanderings in the desert. From another point of view, are all celebrating the harvest and marking the beginning of the harvest of barley in the collection of fine grain and the end of the harvest of fruit. Stott The use of three cards of the Fertile Crescent, the historical and natural sites in Palestine, it is evident that this study is put in perspective.

Chapter 3: The story of the Bible – Old Testament

StottNote that Christianity is essentially a historical religion, and that the revelation of God is a historical situation through the deployment of Israel and of Jesus Christ. The author claims that biblical historians quickly sank into the sand of subjectivity, as they write 'sacred history': the story of God's relationship to a specific population for a particular purpose. Were selective in choosing the materials and the eyes of the secular historian, unbalanced in theirpresentation of it. Other sectors were included only if they do not clash with the fate of Israel and Judah relatively unknown. Great heroes were barely mentioned or obliquely introduced. Christians believe that the introduction of the watershed in the history of Christ, sharing time in BC and AD and the Bible in the Old and New Testaments.

At the end of thirty-nine books were no longer determined by the date of its composition, or the date of issue, but their genre.Overall, the three types of literature in the Old Testament is history, poetry and prophecy. The historical books (the Pentateuch) and then twelve more to tell a coherent story. After these five books of Hebrew poetry and wisdom (working on Songs of Songs), and ultimately, on the seventeenth prophetic books [five major prophets (Isaiah to Daniel) and twelve "minor" prophets (Hosea to Malachi)]. Stott describes the creation, the belief that God was not a national mascot. He notes thatvarious forms of pre-Adamic 'Homicide' seems to have existed for thousands of years and believes that Adam was the first time a man Divinus. The author stresses that the call of Abraham, the groaning of the Israelites under Pharaoh, and their eventual release. Waste that the Red Sea, crossed by the Israelites, as probably a certain amount of water, he noted that the miracle is that God sent the moment, his hand outstretched Moses. At Sinai, God gave Israel three preciousgifts – a new covenant, a moral law, and propitiation.

The Israelites wandered in the desert, and none of the adult generation that has had a negative relationship – except Joshua and Caleb – to provide the promised land. God chose Joshua to succeed Moses. History of Israel has been unfaithful to a cycle of oppression and liberation. God judges who has more functions combined. The biggest is that Samuel has protested against the Israelites, and have warned that the future king wouldsuppressant. They have listened and was not the first king Saul, ending the theocratic state ruled by God directly. David was appointed heir of Saul was disobedient. When King David United Israel and devoted himself to God's son Solomon, who succeeded him not to love God with all your heart. The kingdom is the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, after dividing his kingdom.

Stott highlights of the Babylonian captivity, which lasts for fiftyyear. The questioning of religion has been harder for the Israelites felt spiritually lost in their separation from the temple and sacrifice. Ezekiel was among them as a guide. Israel has had to wait another four hundred years before Christ was born. Totally confused about the Maccabean period was developed significant movements of the Jewish community, which then hardened for the various religious festivals in the Lord's Day.

The author, beyond the final notes, organize the dateschronologically at the end of the speech.

Chapter 4: The story of the Bible – New Testament

Stott noted that this is an exposition of facts and words of Jesus of Nazareth. Gospels, strictly speaking, is not evidence and testimony biography of Christ and the good news of salvation. He listed five reasons why the Gospels would trust and not treated with suspicion. Four Evangelists were Christians, honest man, to whom the truth matters. Damageproof of their impartiality. Third, they claim to be either eyewitnesses of Jesus, or to report the experience of eyewitnesses. Jesus seems to have learned as a rabbi jew. Finally, as God has said and done something unique and decisive, like Jesus, it is inconceivable that he admitted that in time will be lost. Gospels tell the same story but different. The first three are known as the Synoptic Gospels, because they are running storiesparallel and to present a synoptic – that is the same accounts of Jesus 'life'. Any reader of the Gospel of John was immediately struck by the differences between them and the Synoptic Gospels in the subject, the emphasis is theological, literary style and vocabulary. Commenting on the birth and infancy of Jesus, every evangelist begins his story in a different place. Mark has collapsed almost immediately after the public ministry of Jesus, 'as was announced by John the Baptist. John goes from one extreme to another anddating back to the past for an eternity before it was incarnate existence of Christ. He was raised in Nazareth in Galilee. The incident is only of her childhood is recorded in the Gospels took place when he reaches the age of twelve years and was brought to Jerusalem before the Passover. Eventually he found that his job is to spend time in the house of his father. Growing in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and man, evangelists give a strict chronological account of the public ministry of the Lord is notIt seems that last about three years. The author refers to the first year as the year of darkness, is the second year in popularity, and the third year of adversity.

Stott traces the last hours of Christ, of freedom, which he spent in private with the twelve disciples in a room. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed with an agony of desire that he would be spared, where to drink the cup. "Crucifixion was a horrible form of execution. Like Jesus, seen and enduredHis apparent attempt by the seven words that he speaks of the Cross. Finally, he commended his spirit to the Father, indicating that his death is a voluntary action, self-determination. The author describes the story of the resurrection of Easter. The Lord has finally begun to show up to people. These appearances for forty days. The final took place on the Mount of Olives. Having promised them the strength to be his witnesses, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them and blessedthem, was taken up in the sky.

The author stresses that occur the entrance of the nascent Church. Wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit came and filled. Stott confirmed that Pentecost is also a major source of mission, where three thousand people were converted, baptized in the church that day can be understood. Able to crush them by external pressures (criminal), the devil is trying to undermine it from within. The author also comment on Paul's missionarytravels, his arrest and journey to Rome and the works of the apostles after the book of Acts. Map of missionary journey of Paul and important dates to remember, at the end of the discussion section is clarified.

Chapter 5: The message of the Bible

Stott new echo of the biblical message of salvation in Christ. He says that claims of the Bible which contains neither a Ragbag contradictions different, or a gradual development of human resourcesideas, but a progressive revelation of God's truth about the author admits that there are many differences between the Old and New Testament revelations. The revelation is given at different times to different people and in different ways. Nevertheless, God is the final authority of both Testaments. The Bible is basically a manifestation of God There are two fundamental truths about God to think that the Scripture emphasizes. The first is that he is a living and sovereign God, andAnother is that he is on the line and do not change, like moving shadows are not. He is constantly in conflict with the pagan idols dead. Stott also notes that the main way in which the living God himself has spoken in favor. The God of the Bible is God of all grace (1 Pt 5:10). Grace of God is undeserved free people. God's grace and covenant grace. The authors further investigation in three phases that can outpouring of God's covenant, expressed as describedThe word dynamic three – the redemption, adoption, and glorification.

The redemption was originally not theological, but a word commercial. Solving, Stott confirmed that the purchase of the freedom of a person, require the payment of a price for something that has been lost. New Testament authors draw an analogy between the Passover, which began the liberation of Israel from Egypt and the death of Christ, which protects our freedom from sin. The New Testament is filled with drama. John demonstratedin his Gospel that Jesus was a showdown load shedding His blood on the cross at the exact moment when the paschal lamb was killed. Christ, the Lamb of God who reveals himself as our Passover sacrifice. He now sits at God's right hand resting on his finished work of redemption, and crowned with glory and honor. He has an eternal salvation for us.

Salvation from sin through the blood of Christ to be freed from slavery and adopted into sonship. This is because we are childrenthat God is the Spirit of his Son into our hearts (Galatians 4:6). Being a son of a wealthy heiress. Suffering is the promise of glory. This leads to the third stage in the plan of salvation of God, which glorified.

The New Testament is full of Christian hope. It reminds us that everything that they currently enjoy, there are many more to come. Paul refers to it as the hope of glory that has several meanings, as described by Stott. First, the return of Christ (Matthew24.27) and, second, the resurrection of our immortal body of a body of glory (Phil.3: 21: I Corinthians 15 :35-37). Thirdly, cit. We will be judged according to our works (Mt 16:27; op. 20:11-15). Fourth, the new universe to make all things new.

Stott excellent compared to Genesis and Revelation. He saw that the Bible begins with the creation of the universe and ends with a reconstruction of the universe. It begins with the fall and concludingin the Garden of Eden again. Kingdom of God will ultimately take place. All creation is subject to him. Redeemed, adopted, and glorify his reign persist forever (Revelation 22:5).

Chapter 6: The authority of the Bible

Stott features the confusion of the modern church about the lack of agreement on an authority, and argues that it will never regain its moral mission or not, unless you first restore the source of his authority. Christians usually use three interrelatedbut separate words in connection with the special nature of Scripture – the revelation, the inspiration and authority. Inspiration provides the primary way, God chose to reveal himself – in nature, Christ and to speak with the names of people. The authority is the strength or the weight of Scripture hold because of what it is, namely a divine revelation given by divine inspiration. It means the authority of God

The author identifies three disclaimers, that objections can be expected and Disarmamentpotential criticism. First, the process of inspiration is not mechanical, since God created man writers like tape recorders or dictating machines, but not treated as living beings and responsible. His second is that every word is true in its context and Jobs cited as a classic example, he noted that he had spoken of things not understood. The "anthropomorphic" descriptions of God in human form, and pointed to his eyes, ears, arms outstretched, strong hands, fingers,breathing and nasal. We interpret literally, because God is spirit, and therefore has no body. His third disclaimer about the nature of the inspired text of Scripture, which can be just as the written word of God can be considered. This is the original Hebrew or greek come from the hand of the author. He argues that there is a particular inspiration / authority required for a particular translation, as a translation. He does not reject the actual signature, which presumablyProvidence of God is probably deliberate to ensure that our response superstitious and give pieces of paper.

Stott has also discussed the merits of Christian inspiration certainty that the Bible is the written Word of God, the origin in God and the authority of men. First, consistent, historic churches Christian, and defended the divine origin of Scripture. Second, the prophets of their oracles introduced by expressions such as "Thus says the Lord" or "word of the Lord came to mesaid … "The third is that readers of the Scripture. Fourthly, the authority of Scripture is believed because of what Jesus said. He gave his assent to the authority of the Scriptures with reverence of the Old Testament, because it has at its authority in his own conduct, the fulfillment of its mission and its controversy. was the New Testament supports the other. And 'evident in his appointment of his apostles. Secondly, they experience a witness to Christ. Third place,an extraordinary inspiration of the Holy Spirit had. Finally, after Stott, have the power to do miracles. We are impressed with the uniqueness of the apostles is confirmed in two ways. First, as we knew, and show in the New Testament, are self-conscious apostolic authority. Second, the early church recognized this, which rejects both the "kenosis" and "theories" of housing.

Stott concluded by means of reasonable grounds for the submission ofthe authority of Scripture. First, it is a Christian thing to do. Secondly to serve, not to pretend that there are problems. However, no problem overthrow our faith. Third, it confirmed the supremacy of Christ. It is reasonable to defer to the authority of Scripture, because, according to Stott, we bow to the authority of Christ.

Chapter 7: The literature in the Bible

Stott constant confirms the infallibility of the Word of God and see that he has given us three teachersteach and guide. This includes the illumination of the Holy Spirit is the Christian discipline of study and teaching of the Church. We provide a teacher is the Holy Spirit himself, and believes Stott showed four groups of people – is regenerated / born again (John 3:3), humble (Matthew 1:25-26), the obedient (John 7: 17) and communicative. He noted that if the Holy Spirit is our first teacher, there is a feeling that we ourselves must also learnmeans that we expect that the responsible use of our reason. The spiritual person, in contrast with nature, the spirit of Christ. Paul beliefs led him to an appeal to reason his readers'. Stott argues that the position of the church in God's plan for his people a good understanding of his words can not be denied. Pastoral ministry is a ministry of teaching. Luke gives a striking example of the role of the teacher (Acts 8:26-39). Although it is true that no human teacherinfallible, Stott insists that God has appointed teachers in his church for a purpose. And 'our Christian duty to treat them with respect and to feed on the word of God faithfully exposed tip, carefully examine the Scriptures for the truth, the truth of the teachings received (Acts 17:11). The author believes that it is through the receipt of the illumination of the Spirit, reasoning, and listen to the teaching of other people in the church that grow in our understanding of Scripture.

Stottproposes three principles that he believes will guide us in our interpretation of Scripture. These sound principles of interpretation includes the natural, original, and the general feeling. He refers to the natural sense and the principle of simplicity. One of our basic Christian faith is that God is light. He has the human language as a vehicle of his self-revelation of choice. He used the language of men speaking to men. Since it is usually because the man we need to study like any otherbook, with particular regard to the rules of vocabulary, grammar and syntax. Stott believes that any serious reader of the Bible as the framework of linguistic studies can escape. Recommended that knowledge of the original languages (Hebrew and greek), to obtain an "exactly" modern English version and an analytical concordance. Stott that the original meaning of the principle of history, when God chose to reveal himself in a particular historical context. Questions must be asked when you readBible to conclude that the author intends to convey this? What is really interesting? What will be your original audience understood that serious? This study is commonly referred to as' grammar historical method of interpretation. The author believes that the situation is critical, the style and language to write. The third principle of interpretation is called a number of taxpayers. Divinely seen throughout the Bible comes from a spirit. Thereforehas an organic unity. Implicitly, as we approach the Scriptures with the confidence that God has spoken and still not contradict himself in this way. The letters must be a harmonious whole, must be interpreted. These three principles, Stott believes, stems in part from the nature of God and Scripture as a particular historical moment, a coherent communication of God to man. The solemn responsibility to ensure that our handling of Scripture, to coincide with our perception of it is clearly visible.

Chapter 8:The use of the Bible

Stott discussion about using the Bible to show the text is deliberate. He notes that the belief that God is life and the voice, instead of dead and dumb, the foundation of our Christian faith. He explained the reasons for accepting the authority of the Bible and good principles that guide us in its interpretation. He pointed to two possible positions on the word of God is to accept or reject it. Jesus also warned his contemporariesabout their reaction to his teaching. Those who continue to build on a cliff, and, finally, the storms of adversity and to assess the survival, are those that show his teachings.

Stott describes the basics of Christian life, and stressed the importance of quality time to meditate on the word of God daily practice of quiet time, Bible reading and prayer, he confirmed, is a sacred tradition, which certainly has given good results and have huge benefits for manygenerations of Christians. Christian meditation and prayer, but briefly, at the beginning of each day, we are ready to put the responsibilities of today and face its temptations. Stott emphasizes the importance of personal, family and group Bible studies and, especially, the public display of Scripture in the Church. He notes that very often the seat of the pulpit to blame if the former actually determines the nature of the pulpit ministry of their choice. Congregations, he said, had much more responsibilitythose generally considered for this type of service they receive. It is recommended that the Minister to promote the Scriptures. Must come to church in a receptive mood and expectations. They must come with their Bibles seriously anxious to hear what the Lord says through teaching and preaching.

Stott mentions five aspects of life agent of the Word. The first is the worship, which is impossible without knowing the truth. Why is a reaction toThe truth of God, only the Word of God (his self-revelation) which calls for the worship of God in all public places of worship, there must be a book to read, encouraging / teaching based on it ( Ne 8:8, I Tim. 4:13). The place of the Bible in public worship and private sectors was essential. The second is repentance. The word of God tells us who we are and what is revealing to us our sins and calls us to repent and leave them (Jeremiah 7:3). The third is the belief, which is part ofChristian life. The fourth point is obedience. Even if the submission involves obedience (Jn 14:15), and this, says Stott, seems to have gone in fashion today. The fifth point is the testimony. Stott impression that the truth can not be hidden or be monopolized.

Bible would have an important place in the life of a Christian only because the revelation of God leads to worship, his warnings to repentance, faith in his promises, and obeying his commands to testify to its truth. The word of God is of fundamental importanceus, whatever the means by which we receive it. Indeed, Stott realistically see that it is only through his word, that man is equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3.17).