For All Believers

2 Criteria For Lifestyles NOT Mentioned in Scripture

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:07:00 +0000

Some things are black and white in the Scriptures but what about the things that are not directly forbidden or even mentioned? What then? Is it a sin to smoke, drink or dance? How about watching a rated-R movie, listening to Lady Gaga or joining the FACEBOOK cult? I cannot be dogmatic about these things because the Scriptures make no mention of them. There is, however, a criteria For All Believers to apply in these areas: 1) Is it profitable (for my Spiritual growth) and 2) Will I allow myself to be enslaved to it. Insert your favorite past time and see if it passes the test. So FaceBook is not necessarily a sin or forbidden in Scripture, but it can be of zero value to your Spiritual life or it can be enslaving. That is between you and God and the Holy Spirit will convict you of the truth, I am sure.

When Paul addressed the Corinthians, keep in mind that he was talking to perhaps the worst of the worst Churches in all of history. These guys and gals were all busted and disgusted (my paraphrase) Spiritually speaking and they thought they could go on living in their fleshly mindsets. They failed to see the internal collateral damage within the Body caused by their Carnality; namely, divisions, lawsuits and loss of rewards just to name a few.

Paul gave a clear warning in verses 9-10: whoever does the 10 things listed "will not inherit the kingdom of God." Once again, he is addressing Saints/people who are heaven bound and set apart for all eternity. But wait a minute! How can someone be heaven bound and feel threatened by missing out on inheritance? Note: Believers who practice unrighteous living will not inherit the kingdom of God. They may enter it, but inheritance will not be available. There is no contradiction here, just a difference between entering and inheriting. If you equate the two, you have a contradiction. Since they're different, treat them different.

And now back to the non-listed things we may love to do, but are not sure if its sin (i.e. watch TV, listen to our iPod, smoke, drink, chew, go with the girls who do... and at the top of the list of the worst of the worst sins...dance :) What if you like to do those things, but feel convicted because your Aunt Emma or Grandma Gertrude tells you its a sin? Go back to the Scriptures! To each their own. Try the criteria mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and see if what you do passes the test. Be honest and open and the peace of God which surpasses your understanding may come upon you.

1 Corinthians 6:11 - 3 Motivations for Righteous Living

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:46:00 +0000

1 Corinthians 6:9-10: The COST of CARNALITY

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 22:22:00 +0000

Military Ministry Update & Sermon: Message Over Method: 1 Cor. 2:1-5

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:47:00 +0000

RE-CAP

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:06:00 +0000

To all the FAB site visitors. We are long due for an update. I went 5 months with no internet as I was traveling this past year. There is life without the web! I didn't even check email.

Courses taught throughout the last year overseas: CHECK DISC hermeneutics, FAITH-REST, and Expository teaching through 1 Corinthians. Stay tuned for updates.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:44:00 +0000

Philippians 1:12-14

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 06:29:00 +0000

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

EXEGETICAL IDEA (what it meant):
SUBJECT: What does Paul want the Philippian Brothers to know about the advancement of the gospel because of his chains?

COMPLEMENT: ...that (1) it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that he is in chains for Christ and that (2) most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

*Send in your Subject/Complement today. Keep up the good work ya'll. :)

1 Corinthians 1:20-21

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:57:00 +0000

20 Where is the wise man?
Where is the scholar?
Where is the philosopher of this age?
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him,
God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached (touv khru/gmatoß of preaching)
to save (sw◊sai) those who believe (pisteu/ontaß).

EXEGETICAL IDEA (what it meant):
Subject: What explanation does Paul give the Corinthians concerning why God was pleased through foolishness to save those who believe?

Complement: Paul explains to the Corinthians that God was pleased through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believed because God has made foolish the wisdom of the world (to include the wise, the scholar and the philosopher of this age).

If It Doesnt Work In Your Home, DONT Share It With Others

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:34:00 +0000

I was listening to Prof. Howard Hendricks in his message to a room full of Pastors and Teachers. He said, gentlemen, if it doesn't work in your house, don't export it (paraphrase). In other words, if it doesn't work practically in your house don't teach it to your congregation. I think the same goes with the rest of Christendom; that is, if it doesn't work for you in your personal life (behind closed doors when nobody is watching) keep it to yourself.

Random thoughts sent via my iPhone while watching my best friends newborn baby. More thoughts to come...

Stay Motivated Yall!
Ryan

The BEST Bible APP yet!!!!

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:44:00 +0000

I've downloaded many BIBLE Apps on my iPhone and the WAVE STUDY BIBLE (WSB) is the best by far for a few reasons!

1) CONTAINS the GREEK text. Simply click on any Greek word and the WSB will identify the part of speech. The Verb is automatically parsed and the number of occurrences for that Greek word are revealed.

2) Various translations available simultaneously to compare texts.

3) User friendly and fast!

I use this app for whether preparing sermons/bible studies or participating. It is a must have for all students of the Scriptures.

Download this FREE app now. For more information click here.

A Great New Years Resolution!

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Do you long for a relationship with God, but feel lost when you open your Bible, not even knowing where to begin?

Or perhaps you begin each year with a resolution to read through the Bible, only to give up in frustration, wandering about somewhere in the "wilderness" of the book of Numbers?

Or do you read passages of Scripture and find that only moments later you can't even remember what you just read?

Are you frustrated that there are so many different opinions about what the Bible says on a given subject and you wonder which one is true?

Or do you doubt whether it's even possible for you to understand God's Word, since you're not a pastor, an elder or a degreed theologian?

If any or all of these questions describe you, then take heart, beloved, for you are about to embark on a journey called "Inductive Bible Study" (IBS), one that has the potential to radically transform your life as you study God's Word in a way you heretofore never thought possible. Inductive Bible Study will expose you to an approach that can be applied to any Scripture, any time, any place, by any one. All that is required is the Holy Book, the Holy Spirit and a humble, teachable heart.

As you begin this journey, remember that the Bible will be your primary resource "for no (spoken) word from God (is) void of power (a more literal rendering of Luke 1:37 ASV then other translations) and "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness (read that phrase again - do you believe this is true?), through the true knowledge of Him (found in His Word) Who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these (His "glory and excellence") He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them (we) might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (2Pe 1:3,4-notes)

Beloved, if you are not convinced on the sufficiency and power of the Bible as your guidebook for abundant, supernatural life, you might consider performing a simple study on the inherent Power of God's Word. You must understand and believe that the Word of God not only is sufficient for every need but that it is a "love letter" from God, because it is! "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Your objective is to learn to read the Bible as if God were personally speaking to you. Why? Because He is! B. B. Warfield was absolutely correct when he said

The Bible is the Word of God in such a way that when the Bible speaks, God speaks.

Allow the Author to speak directly, personally and powerfully to your mind but also to your heart. Remember that the Bible is the only book whose Author is always present when it is read.

Knowing the living Word

is the key to understanding the written Word.

To read the full article from our friends at preceptaustin.org click HERE.

X-MAS Message, The Son is Supreme (Col 1:15-18)

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 09:48:00 +0000

Christmas time is here! When I hear “Christmas” for some reason I start to replay the Home Alone soundtrack. In my mind’s eye I see snow covered rooftops, jingling bells and Santa Claus. But that isn’t what Christmas is about. Do we really know what it is about?

Think about it. CHRIST + MAS = the MASS OF CHRIST. MASS is a Roman Catholic term used for the celebration of the EUCHARIST (aka. Lord Table or Communion). So, the Mass of Christ is literally Christ’s celebration of Communion. Fact: the word “CHRISTMAS” is never mentioned in Scripture; there is no Greek word... Since, CHRISTMAS lacks enough Biblical data to support it, we turn to the Dictionary. Dictionary.com – “The annual festival of the Christian Church commemorating the birth of Jesus: celebrated on December 25 and now generally observed as a legal holiday and an occasion for exchanging gifts.” CONCLUSION: Whether or not the term “CHRISTMAS” is in Scripture is irrelevant; the concept, as we understand it, is…

Whether or not you celebrate the “MASS of CHRIST” or are exchanging gifts on December 25 is besides the point. This month, people may ask you about CHRIST and we must be ready to give an answer beyond the standard, “It’s about the baby born in a manger.” IF that’s you, if you anticipate being put on the spot, then this is your passage!! Colossians 1:15-18 tells us who Christ is. Colossians 1:15-18 tells us why the Babe in a Manger is SUPREME over all creation. Colossians 1:15-18 tells us the reason for the season.

A History of Thanksgiving in America

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 07:51:00 +0000

It was a bitter two-month sea journey the Pilgrims endured on their passage from England to Plymouth Rock. Upon landing, they gathered for a prayer service before setting out to build shelter. They were severely unprepared for the harsh New England winter that was approaching.

After that winter of 1620 killed almost half of their population, the Pilgrims were befriended by members of the Wampanoag Tribe. The Indians taught the naive colonists about fishing, planting and hunting, thereby ensuring their survival. When the fall of 1621 began to set in, they had reaped a bountiful harvest and preserved enough food to allow them to survive the coming winter, thanks to their Indian neighbors.

As an expression of their thanks to God, the colonists hosted a three-day feast to celebrate the harvest and the transformation of their fortunes from the previous winter. This meal today is thought of as the first Thanksgiving.

In the years to come during the fall, the governor of each New England colony would declare a day of Thanksgiving so that the people could prayerfully thank God for supplying their needs.

The Congressional Record for September 25, 1789, Elias Boudinot issued a resolution stating: “Resolved, That a joint committee of both Houses be directed to wait upon the President of the United States to request that he would recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer ….”

The resolution was delivered to President George Washington who wholly concurred with the request, declaring: “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor … Now, therefore, I do appoint Thursday, the 26th day of November 1789 . . . that we may all unite to render unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection.”

Days of Thanksgiving were celebrated on varying dates throughout the nation for the next several years. It was not until 1863, following the 30-year effort of Godey’s Lady’s Book editor Sarah Joseph Hale, that a National Day of Thanksgiving was declared. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving in hopes of bringing healing to a land that had suffered greatly in Civil War.

He set aside the last Thursday in November, declaring: "We often forget the Source from which the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies come . . . No human wisdom hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God … I therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States … to observe the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. In 1841, Congress established the fourth Thursday of November as a national holiday.

(sent from my friend Dave).

RIPPING TEXTS OUT OF CONTEXT

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 07:11:00 +0000

Only 60% of all Christians are guilty of ripping verses out of context. The other 40% are liars. Below are a few ones that I took of context before a good friend of mine came along and graciously showed me the context...

John 3:16. Yes, we all know it by memory, but how about the context (i.e. verses 14, 15, 17 and 18)? Go learn the context. please.

James 2. "Faith without works is dead...Even the demons believe." Who is speaking in James 2:19? Is it James or the hypothetical viewpoint he is about to shoot down in his diatribe?

Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Is this referring to Americans in the 21st Century or to Jews of the ancient world??? I think you know the answer.

Matthew 18:20. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst.” Yes, we've all used this one at one time or another. Don't be embarrassed :)

Matthew 7:1. “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” The non-believers' favorite verse!

--------------------------------------------------

The danger of knowing the Scriptures in their original context is pride. People who receive training on Bible Study methods whether through Bible College or Seminary often fall into a Pharisaical trap; that is, they acquire a lot of knowledge and lack right relationship with the Lord. Knowledge plus lack of relationship creates disaster.

The next time one of your friends or even a door-to-door evangelist takes a Scripture out of context, be gracious and patient enough to help the person understand the context without Bible Bashing. After all, we're here to help each other out anyways right? right.

Happy helping friends!
Ryan

CHECK DISC revisited

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 06:43:00 +0000

All Scripture can be interpreted. The CHECK DISC technique makes this possible through five simple steps. The need for this tool is emerges from a disease that is spreading throughout Christendom. The majority of Christians suffer from “RTC syndrome;” They find themselves “Running to Commentaries.” Bibles now come with an abundant amount of footnotes to explain the text for the reader. Although footnotes may be helpful, they may produce laziness. There is no substitute for spending time in the Word in order to find the intended meaning of a particular passage.

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 method forces the individual to stick with the text only. That means, one cannot add any of foreign thoughts, ideas or theology into the text. The CHECK DISC formula leaves no room for eisegesis (i.e. reading ones own thoughts into the text). CHECK DISC is a safeguard against textual abuse.

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 a “big idea(s)” of the passage is discovered (i.e. the subject and complement) stop exegeting.

Many times during my sermon prep I have spent time exegeting up until Sunday morning. This is a terrible feeling. My exegesis should have been completed days prior to sermon time. The CHECK DISC method is a tool that guards teachers’ time, energy and stress. Without the right tools, the task of preparing a sermon can take twice the amount of time. For instance, if the goal is not set at capturing the big idea(s), all of the side issues can serve as distractions, which will eventually spill over into the sermon. In such cases, the congregation walks away from Church saying, “Wow. That was a great message” when in reality they could not recall the big idea of the message because there was never a big idea or thought to capture.

Once the exegetical idea (i.e. the subject-complement package) is in the “bag” then seek to contemporize the idea and communicate/apply it to the people today. To contemporize the texts means to connect what the text meant (Original Century) with what it means (21st Century). 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, they may remain enslaved to that problem/struggle.

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!

Semper Christus Primorus,
Ryan

1 Corinthians 1:18-19 - The Message of the Cross

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 01:06:00 +0000

1 Corinthians 1:13-17 - The Doctrine on Church Unity (Part 2) - Baptism vs. The Gospel

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:31:00 +0000

1 Corinthians 1:10-12 - The Doctrine on Church Unity (Part 1)

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 06:45:00 +0000

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 - Grace Oriented Thanksgiving

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:03:00 +0000

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sun, 23 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Biblical Chivalry Conference Re-Cap

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Northwest Christian School

Glendale, Arizona April 23-25, 2010

“It is evident that before one can act with chivalry, which is by all means a code of action, one must hold the clear understanding of the great conflicting passions of manhood; he must humble himself “at the feet of the grass” and take pride enough to subdue the earth, man’s God-given mission. He must impose a boundary of self-discipline for the love of true freedom. He must esteem life great enough to act with courage that would appear to esteem life too little. If we as men of God are to become warrior-heroes from God, we must turn understanding into “standing” (Eph 6:14). We must not only admire the warrior, we must ourselves wage war. We must care for the poor, and we must become “poor in spirit. We must, like the great Christ and Savior we follow, represent “a huge and heroic sanity”. We must embody the controlled power of true meekness and like Christ, wear garments of character “without seam, woven from the top in one piece. “ (Joh 19:23).” (Introduction of Syllabus by Ryan Maguire).

Applications from day one:

1. 1. It is clear that chivalry required a “code of honor” to aspire to.

2. 2. If you wre asked, “What is your code of honor?” what would you say?

3. 3. The Bible is filled with many passages which read like such a code. Consider a few examples of challenging texts such as:

a. Matthew 5:3-12

b. Acts 12:28-35

c. Roman 12:1-3; 13:11-14

d. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

e. 2 Corinthians 4:7-13

f. Galatians 2:20-21

g. Ephesians 4:1-6; 4:20-24

h. Philippians 1:27-30; 4:8-9

i. Colossians 3:1-4; 3:12-17, 23-24

j. 1 Thessalonians 1:3-10

k. 1 Timothy 2:1-5; 4:14-16; 6:11-16

l. 2 Timothy 2:1-4; 2:11-13

m. Titus 2:11-13

n. Hebrews 12:1-3

o. James 3:13-17

p. 1 Peter 1:13-16; 2:21-23; 3:10-12, 15

q. 2 Peter 1:5-8

r. 1 John 2:15-17

s. Revelation 12:11

4. 4. Biblical examples of chivalry include the roster of spiritual “knights” of Hebrews 11, men and women who “by faith” lived lives of victory and honor.

Applications from day two:

1. Just as chivalry was re-discovered in the Dark Ages, even so in Israel’s dark ages we find in the story of Ruth and Boaz a romance of Biblical chivalry.

2. Biblical chivalry exalts the roles of men and women in the story of the ages.

3. The central figure and Hero of the story is always the Lord Jesus Christ.

4. The great question posed by Biblical chivalry is this: “How great a role will the Hero of history be allowed to play in y life?”

5. Read Ephesians 1:15-23. How does this influence your life in this present generation?

BASIC TRAINING BIBLE MINISTRIES ARIZONA BIBLE CONFERENCE

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:41:00 +0000

Friday, April 23 - Sunday April 26, 2010

presents

Taught by Gene Cunningham

Hosted by CrossWord Christian Fellowship

Location: Northwest Christian School Gymnasium

16401 North 43rd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85053

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

FRIDAY APRIL 23

Meet and Greet 6:30pm to 7:00pm

First session 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Break 8:00pm to 8:30pm (snacks will be served)

Second session 8:30pm to 9:30pm

SATURDAY APRIL 24

First morning session 9:00am to 10:00am

Morning Break 10:00am to 10:30am

Second morning session 10:30am to 11:30am

LUNCH (provided) 11:45am to 12:45pm

First afternoon session: 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Afternoon Break 2:30pm to 3:00pm

Second afternoon session 3:00pm to 4:00pm

SUNDAY APRIL 25

First morning session 9:00am to 10:00am

Morning Break 10:00am to 10:30am

Second morning session 10:30am to 12:00am

(the second morning session will include worship music and communion)

More Information

>>>Please register at this link to attend<<<<

Local contact: David Maguire

8108 W. Frier Drive

Glendale, Arizona 85303

Email: dmaguire@landsolutionsinc.com

Phone: 602-841-1945

The closest hotel is:

Quality Inn & Suites at Talavi

5511 W. Bell Road

Glendale, Arizona 85308

Phone: 602-896-8900

Fax: 602-896-8991

Reservations: 1-877-982-5284

www.qisphoenix.com is the website for a tour of the hotel.

This hotel is only 1 ½ miles from the site of the conference. It is very reasonably priced —King bed room is $59 — a great value; the rooms are nice and clean. Other hotels are available but are more like 4 to 5 miles away and not significantly different quality than this one.

THE Exegetical Assessment Tool (aka. THE EAT)

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:40:00 +0000

Start off the new year with a commitment to be faithful to the study of the Scriptures; namely, to correctly handle it.

PRESS RELEASE: I’d like to share with the world the latest from the men and women of Rushmore Bible Class.

In a nutshell, this Exegetical Assessment Tool (AKA. The EAT) is a diagram that protects one from delving into misuse/abuse of the Scriptures.

Please review this closely when you are fresh and in fellowship with the Lord. We covet your input.

This tool can be used on ANYBODY who uses the Scriptures. For instance, if "Joe Shmoe" knocks on your door and tells you, “You must be baptized in water in order to be saved.” You can take out the E.A.T. SQUARE and ask them graciously and humbly, “Sir, I don't know much about the Scriptures, but can you tell me which square are you in???????”

Give them three tries and then if they stay in the "RED ZONE" tell they may need to hear: “Ohhh you are in the bottom left square with every verse that you shared with me! I don’t think you know what you’re talking about and this is an insult to all people who love the Word. Please go home and do your homework."

Always follow up with a Challenge to them: "Sir, from what I've seen, the Apostle Paul tells the Beleivers at Ephesus that Salvation is "by grace through faith," the CONTEXT of course is one Believer speaking to other Believers. So when we carry that concept over to the 21st Century it still applies because we too are in the 'Church age.' Jesus also told a man named Nicodemus that "For God so loved the World that he gave his one and only Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but would have everlasting life. And that my friend is (as indicated in the movie "THE SANDLOT" F O R E V ER... FOREVER...F O R E V E R!"

Well, this is the Beta version and I hope to hear from you soon. That chart is missing something, but I can’t put my finger on it.

Enjoy the EAT. And thanks to Sean Dwyer for coming up with the acronym.

Semper Scriptura Primorus

-Ryan

THE DOCTRINE OF CHRISTMAS

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:18:00 +0000

108 “Christmas” Gifts For All Believers
*Compiled by the Church of Hope, Laguna Woods, Ca

1. The Gift of Salvation by Grace through faith – Eph. 2:8-9
2. “The Gift of God, which is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:23
3. The Gift of God’s grace – Eph. 3:7
4. The Gift of fulfilled prophecy in Christ’s Birth – Isaiah 7:13-14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35
5. The Gift of fulfilled prophecy concerning Christ’s
6. The Gift of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son - John 3:16
7. The Gift of Regeneration by the Holy Spirit - John 3:16
8. The Gift of permanent Indwelling of the Holy Spirit - John 3:16; I Cor 6:19; Gal. 4:6
9. The Gift of Baptism (identification) by the Holy Spirit - Acts 1:5
10. The Gift of being Sealed with the Holy Spirit “until the day of redemption” - Eph 4:30
11. The Gift of unlimited rebound (confession of sin) - 1 John 1:9
12. The Gift of Justification (being declared righteous) - Rom. 3:20
13. The Gift of being a new Creation in Christ where all the old have passed away for good - II Cor. 5:17
14. The Gift of the Filling (influence) of the Holy Spirit - Eph 5:18
15. The Gift of Righteousness – Rom. 5:17
16. The Gift of eternal union with Christ - Eph. 1:1-3
17. The Gift of Christ’s election - I Pet. 1:2
18. The Gift of permanent membership (baptism) in the Body of Christ - I Cor. 12:13
19. The Gift of God’s unconditional faithfulness (even when we are unfaithful) - II Tim. 2:12-13
20. The Gift of a pass from death unto eternal life - John 10:28
21. The Gift of no longer being under condemnation - Rom. 8:1
22. The Gift of the FAB (believers) life - Col 3:4
23. The Gift of acceptance in the beloved - Eph 1:6
24. The Gift of Christ’s advocacy - I John 2:1-2
25. The Gift of being chosen of God - Matt. 22:14
26. The Gift of Christ as the foundation of the Believer - I Cor. 3:11
27. The Gift of circumcision in Christ - Col. 2:10
28. The Gift of Christ’s intercession - Heb. 7:25 & Rom. 8:34
29. The Gift of eternal inheritance reserved for us - I Pet. 1:4-
30. The Gift of perfection in Christ - Heb. 10:14
31. The Gift of confirmation unto the end - I Cor. 1:8-9
32. The Gift of appearing with Christ in glory - Rom. 8:30
33. The Gift of death to the law - Rom. 7:4
34. The Gift of Christ bearing our Sins - Isa 53:6
35. The Gift of Christ plus all things - Rom. 8:32
36. The Gift of Christ’s blood - Rom. 5:8-9
37. The Gift of being purchased and belonging to God - Heb. 9:12
38. The Gift of the new birth that is everlasting - I John 3:9
39. The Gift of resurrection - I Cor. 15:51
40. The Gift of protection - Tit. 2:14
41. The Gift of being a vessel of mercy - Rom. 9:23-24
42. The Gift of protection against separation from the love God - Rom 8
43. The Gift of the Comforting Holy Spirit - John 14:16-17
44. The Gift of not being the object of God’s wrath - I Thess 5:9
45. The Gift of sin no longer having dominion over us - Rom. 6:14
46. The Gift of our new and permanent position in the light - I Thess. 5:4-5
47. The Gift of being holy stones in God’s building - Eph. 2:19-22
48. The Gift of being in Him and He in us - John 14:20
49. The Gift of God’s assurance - Heb. 10:22
50. The Gift of Christ’s prayer, which must be answered - John 17:15
51. The Gift of God’s promise to finish the work He began - Phil. 1:6
52. The Gift of being God’s elect - Rom. 8
53. The Gift of being in Christ’s grip - John 10:28-29
54. The Gift of being joint heirs with Christ - Rom. 8:17
55. The Gift of reconciliation by and to God - Eph. 2:14-17
56. The Gift of crucifixion with Christ - retroactive positional truth - Rom 6:6-8
57. The Gift of Scripture, the Word of Truth - II Tim. 3:16
58. The Gift of the gospel of grace - Tit. 2:11
59. The Gift of the “sin unto death” – the length God will go to save us - I John 5:16
60. The Gift of God’s love, which endures forever - Ps. 136:1-26
61. The Gift of Christ’s expiation (God accepts) - Col. 2:14
62. The Gift of God’s incorruptible seed - I Pet. 1:23
63. The Gift of permanent citizenship in heaven Phil. 3:20
64. The Gift of the unconditional covenant of grace through faith - Tit. 1:1-2
65. The Gift of sharing in Christ’s eternal destiny Eph. 1:5, 11
66. The Gift of birth into the family of God - Eph. 2:19
67. The Gift of a new eternal nature - II Cor. 5:17
68. The Gift of no long being in Adam - John 14:20
69. The Gift of being Christ’s sheep - John 10:28-29
70. The Gift of Christ paying for our sins - John 1:29
71. The Gift of positional Sanctification even for the worst of us - 1 Cor 6:11
72. The Gift of being rescued from the dominion of darkness - Col. 1:13
73. The Gift of God’s foreknowledge - Rom. 8:29
74. The Gift of being a gift to Christ from God - John 17:6, 11-12
75. The Gift of being the objects of His consolation - II Thess. 2:16
76. The Gift of an eternal mansion prepared for us - John 14:1-3
77. The Gift of a glorified body (like that of Christ) - Rom. 8:29
78. The Gift of eternal redemption - Heb. 9:12
79. The Gift of possessing Christ’s image - I Cor. 15:49
80. The Gift of preservation - II Tim. 4:18
81. The Gift of peace with God - Col. 1:20
82. The Gift of Christ as the Captain of our salvation - Heb. 2:9
83. The Gift of God’s exceeding riches of grace - Eph. 1:6
84. The Gift of God’s unchanging mind - Rom. 11:29
85. The Gift of remaining under grace - Rom. 6:14
86. The Gift of being born of the Spirit - John 3:6 & John 1:13
87. The Gift of Christ’s promises to never leave us or forsake us - Heb 13:5
88. The Gift of Christ as our federal head (the head and its members can’t be lost) - Rom. 5:19
89. The Gift of God’s effectual call - Rom. 11:29 & II Tim. 1:9
90. The Gift of divine discipline (He does not allow us to continue in sin) - I Cor. 11:31-32
91. The Gift of the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing our Salvation - Eph. 1:14
92. The Gift of freedom from the flesh - Rom 8:9
93. The Gift of the Holy Spirit’s intercession - Rom. 8:26
94. The Gift of blessings with every spiritual blessing - Eph. 1:3
95. The Gift of God’s testimony - I John 5:9-13
96. The Gift of God’s unconditional impersonal love while we were still sinners - Rom 5:8-10
97. The Gift of a never perishing life - John 10:28-29
98. The Gift of deliverance - II Tim. 4:18
99. The Gift of the glory that will be revealed in all believers - Rom 8:18
100. The Gift of God’s veracity - Tit. 1:2
101. The Gift of partnership with Christ in service - I Cor. 1:9
102. The Gift of access to God - Tit. 2:14
103. The Gift of being heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ - Rom 8:17
104. The Gift of God being able to do what He promised - Eph. 1:19-23
105. The Gift of God’s sovereignty - Rom. 9:15-23
106. The Gift of God’s goodness - I John 4:8
107. The Gift of Christ’s propitiation of God - Rom. 3:25
108. The Gift of the Greek aorist tense of “saved,” which means once and for all - Acts 16:31

Testimony by Jeffrey Briar

ryanbareng@gmail.com (RBAR) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:11:00 +0000

“My name is SSgt Jeffrey Briar and this is a testimony: I have been saved by the grace of God for 9 ½ years. I have to share this with all believers, during this deployment I have been blessed with a revolutionary way of studying the Word of God... I want to share this because if I had known this in the beginning I would have grown a lot more and I want all of you to be blessed as I have been. One thing I have noticed over my journey is how sometimes scripture can be taken out of context, meaning we could misinterpret the meaning of scripture, by putting our opinions on it.

We have been taught (Praise God!), how to discover the context of the Scriptures, allowing us to stay true to the text. As Chaps always says, “a text without a context ain’t no text”. By looking at a verse or paragraph of scripture, we are taught a ditty called CHECK DISC, which means Check yourself (confess your sins - 1 John 1:9). Next, is Discover the context (of what you are reading), which basically means finding the “big Idea.” Next, is Identify key words within the text, (i.e. verbs). Subject is what is next, and that is forming a question based solely on the text you are reading. Forming the question that is the overall subject of the text you are reading allows you to not take the text out of context. Next Is Compliment, which is answering your Subject question, based only on the text you are reading and again solely on the text.

I have been blessed with this approach to studying because it allows us to really get into the text, to really understand what we are reading, and spending more time studying the Word of God. Again, because we get all of this from the text itself and solely from text there can be no way we can put our own opinion about the text, but instead we stay true to the text itself. Studying this way really makes the Word of God alive. I am without words God has again turned on a light to revolutionize my studying process, and I encourage all of you to do it as well. Don’t wait 9 ½ years I want to make sure you all receive the blessing’s I did. God Bless all of you, Keep the prayers coming for our ongoing deployment and studies.”