Blog Archives - Page 5 of 5 - Big Dream Ministries
Big Dream Ministries exists to help people understand the Bible as God's amazing Word and help them apply Biblical truth to their daily lives. We do this by offering studies that drive people to the Scriptures for answers and equipping leaders with excellent resources to reinforce learning.
The Amazing Collection, Bible study, Know the Word, Biblical Truth, Bible history, Christian Ministry, Christian Living, Bible teaching, How to study the Bible, Jesus Christ
-1
archive,paged,category,category-blog,category-64,paged-5,category-paged-5,wp-theme-bridge,theme-bridge,bridge-core-3.3.4.3,woocommerce-no-js,qode-page-transition-enabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,hide_top_bar_on_mobile_header,qode-smooth-scroll-enabled,columns-4,qode-theme-ver-30.8.8.4,qode-theme-bridge,qode_header_in_grid

Blog

01 Feb

Posted at 15:26h in Blog

Pat Harley with Jennifer McClish, Fay Runnion, and Kellye Rickman.

She was a prayer warrior. As a Bible study teacher, she prayed for all of her students. She kept her heart open for God to show her who to invest into their lives in order to raise them up to walk in the same spiritual footsteps. Eleanor Lewis, one of our founding teachers, recognized three women in particular who had a love for the Word, an eagerness to learn to more, and a willingness to share what God was doing in their hearts. These three women, Jennifer McClish, Kellye Rickman, and Fay Runnion did not see themselves as Bible study teachers, yet because of the investment Eleanor made in their lives, all of them are now teachers for Big Dream Ministries.

Throughout Paul’s letters in the New Testament, we can see how he understood and taught this principle of duplicating yourself for the sake of the gospel.  Jesus called Paul to take the message into the nations, yet he was only one person. Paul intentionally invested time training and encouraging teachers of God’s Word as a way to multiply his effectiveness. He did this by sharing what he has gone through for the sake of the gospel and how to live in light of eternal salvation by the grace of Christ. Paul goes so far to say, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Paul was a teacher of the Scriptures who expected the hearers to grow in their own knowledge of the Word. The author of Hebrews expects knowledge to progress from being a student to becoming a teacher (5:12-14). Yet, the book of James warns that not all should become teachers because of the high standard which must be held (3:1). As a Bible study teacher, God calls you to lead others to a deeper understanding of who He is by teaching His Word. It is an honor and an incredible responsibility!

Whether teaching 1 person or 1000, teachers are accountable for how they handle the Scriptures. We need to keep the Writings within their original context while being able to provide current applications. Additionally, we want to help our students mature from a basic knowledge to a deep love and understanding of the Bible – perhaps so they will also desire to share what they have learned with others. Is there someone in your sphere of influence that you recognize as having the potential to grow into the role of teacher? Think of the impact in their life and your ministry!

At Big Dream Ministries we are dedicated to providing materials and training to equip your Bible study teaching and discipleship of others. Our studies have been used for over 15 years to help teach every book of the Bible and our training conference provides the skills and confidence teachers need to accurately present the Word in any environment the Lord has called them to lead. Consider us your partner in your efforts to educate others in the Word of God.

For information about our studies or the upcoming conference in April 2018, visit us online at www.BigDreamMinistries.org.

04 Jan

Posted at 18:57h in Blog

The start of a new year is a popular time to set goals and make plans for the future. Perhaps because we are made in the image of a creator God, we are wired to look beyond the circumstances of today and look ahead with hope. Scripture tells us that the plan for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection was made “…before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake” (1 Peter 1:20). God’s plan for our future is presented in the prophecies contained in many of the Biblical books. The most intriguing prophetic book in the New Testament is Revelation, which is a book filled with vivid symbolism representing the literal second return of Christ that is yet to take place. Analysts have been trying to determine the exact time, place, and circumstances of Christ’s return since He ascended into heaven.

Every word of Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) and the prophecies are intentionally mysterious. Jesus himself said that no one but the Father knows the time of His return (Matthew 24:26). So what is the point of studying the prophecies?  In an interesting book by Mark Hitchcock, entitled The End: A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days, he gives ten reasons to study biblical prophecies that go beyond trying to unravel the plans of Christ’s return:

  1. “Prophecy is a major part of divine revelation.”
  2. “Special blessing is promised on those who study prophecy and pay attention to what it says.”
  3. “Jesus Christ is the subject of the prophecy.”
  4. “Prophecy gives us a proper perspective in life.”
  5. “Prophecy helps us understand the whole Bible.”
  6. “Prophecy is a tool for evangelism.”
  7. “Prophecy helps protect people from heresy.”
  8. “Prophecy motivates us to live godly lives in light of eternity.”
  9. “Prophecy reveals the sovereignty of God over time and history.”
  10. “Prophecy proves the truth of God’s Word.”[1]

Prophetic messages point to our Hope for all of eternity – Jesus. With an entire section of the Old Testament dedicated to the prophets and major New Testament discourses contained in Matthew 24 and Second Thessalonians in addition to the book of Revelation, it would be easy to overlook the prophecy that is woven into much of the Scriptures. In order to get a glimpse of God’s future plans, you must know the entire Biblical story, to recognize the prophecies that have already been fulfilled and which we are still awaiting. Every book of the Bible points to Jesus; shouldn’t we know them all?

The Amazing Collection: The Bible, Book by Book is an excellent tool for learning the contiguous story of God and understanding the times we live in now in relation to the second coming of Christ.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42).

For more information about The Amazing Collection: The Bible, Book by Book or any other Big Dream Ministries’ study, visit us at www.BigDreamMinistries.org or email us at CustomerCare@TheAmazingCollection.com

 

[1]              Mark Hitchcock, The End: A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days (Tyndale House Publishers; Carol Stream, IL: 2007), pages 4-15.