Ask Three Questions When Reading the Bible

STR Quick-Reference App

Ask Three Questions When Reading the Bible

Alan Shlemon

Always ask three questions when reading any biblical text.

In order to be transformed by God's Word, we can't misinterpret what it means. That's why there are three key principles to biblical interpretation:

1. Context
2. History
3. Genre

First, ask about context. What is the author talking about in the surrounding text? Read as much as you can of the text before and after the passage you're studying.

Second, ask about history. Are there any historical details or events that add to your understanding of the subject being discussed in the text?

Third, ask what the genre (or the type of literature) is of the passage that you're reading. Each genre in the Bible has its own principles of interpretation. Find a resource that explains how to interpret each genre, and keep it handy when you're studying the Bible.

By properly interpreting God's Word, you'll allow the Holy Spirit, who inspired its words, to transform you from the inside out.

Arguments Don't Have to Be Argumentative

Alan Shlemon

Arguments don't have to be argumentative. An argument is composed of two things: 1. Your point of view 2. Evidence or reason to back up your view We make arguments all the time about everyday cases we want to make—what we want to eat, or what couch to buy—and usually, we're not being argumentative when we make them. We're just explaining our view and giving a reason for it. Arguments about morality and religion should be exactly the same. We can make a case for our moral or religious convictions by stating our view and providing evidence for it, and we don't have to be aggressive, harsh, or mean about it. That way, we come across as winsome and gracious ambassadors for Christ.

Don't Be Confused by the Two Definitions of Science

Alan Shlemon

Don't be confused by the two definitions of science: 1. Science is a methodology: observation, experiments, testing, and discovering facts about the natural world. 2. Science is the philosophy of naturalism: The idea that nature is all there is. The second definition is controversial because it allows the person defining it that way to disqualify Christian beliefs as unscientific, since our faith accepts the reality of an immaterial world. So, whenever you come across the word “science,” be aware that they could be smuggling in the definition of naturalism to gain an unfair advantage in their case against your faith.

Focus on the Gospel, Not on Apologetic Arguments

Alan Shlemon

Focus on the gospel, not on apologetic arguments. Sometimes we're so eager to try out our arguments that we initiate discussions about an apologetic subject as if that's the most important thing to discuss. It's not. If you have the opportunity to bring up the gospel, that matters more than any other subject. If they reject the gospel for some reason, then you can use your apologetics to address their concern. Remember, apologetics is not an end in itself. The end is the gospel, and apologetics is simply a means to that end. Apologetics can help you remove obstacles that keep people from accepting Christ. So, if you're in a conversation, and you can lead the discussion in any direction, lead them to understand what Christ has done for them.