The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1954-07-17
Nv RALPH ROGERS

BY RALPH ROGERS
We should keep IN mind that
during this quarter we are study
ing Growth in Christian Living
First, we selected Jesus, as oul
example and Lord and last Sun
day we asked ourselves the ques'
ton whether we were growing a!
Christians. AS a matter of fact
we found much room for improve
ment. Today We are examinini
the method Of growth through
Bible Study.
Begin New
There is no better time to begir
a systematic plan Of Bible Study
or continue it if already started
than right now. The Division d
Christian Education Of the National
Council of the Churches Of Christ
in the United States Of Americs
has provided 4 system which
might help us to start. Before
looking up the several references II
the New Testament on our lesson
why not read over this outline:
A Definite Plan-Psalms 119:161
1853.
Knowing the Scriptures-Psalm!
11s:12s.136
The habit of meditation-1 Tim
othy 4:12-16.
Enjoying the Bible-Psalm'
119:S9-s6.
Mind and heart together-Isaiat
51:4-S.
Learning and doing-Psalmi
119:33-40. ..-..
The test of conduct-Isaiaf
1:12-N. 7-.7.Ha
UnoIeasant Experience y
The first reference in today's
lesson tells of Paul and Silas' ex
perience in Thessalonica. In this
city it just so happened that .
group of jealous Jews thought they
knew the last word in the inter.
probation of the Bible. When Pau
urged the people to read the Bible
and decide for themselves what
the Scriptures meant, to the local
church it was heresy. Paul and
Timothy were turning the world
upside down." and out Of town.
How much have we changed from
those early Apostolic days? How
much have we grown spiritually?
Really do we want the truth? Toe
many of US have fallen into the
rut of blind bigotry, jealousy and
tradition and have closed minds
to any new light on the Scriptures
In two instances we have those
same people today burning the new
Revised Translation because they
have closed minds. Gods WORD
is no hindrance and every honest
Protestant has a right to search
the Scriptures for the truth. AL
God requires Of US is that We
search with an honest and open
mind and heart for the way that
leads to eternal life.
It has been my duty as a chap
lain to ride on a truck with big
red letters painted on front and
back "Danger-Explosives. When
ordained to the Christian ministry
my Bishop placed in my hands the
Bible saying. Take thou author
ity to read the Holy Scriptures in
the Church Of God, and to preach
the Word" He might have added
that he was placing in my hands
the most explosive thing in the
world, the Holy Bible. This book
has exploded, obliterated.. more
selfishness, covetousness and sin
than anything else down through
the ages.
Pavl's Instructions
Pauls second letter to Timothy
admonishes him to "give dill.
gence-handling Alright the word
of truth The human tendency
is to interpret the Scriptures in
such a way as will fit our own
personal opinions. We twist and
warp the truth in such a way that
it fits our selfish interests but is
far removed from the Truth q.
Jesus taught it.
Some time ago a teacher of an
adult class discussed the truth as
applied to daily living. The con
clusion reached as led by this false
teacher was that one cannot live
a Christian life in this age and
time. That is somewhat like, q
most pious gentleman who faith
fully attended a mid-week prayer
meeting. He would always rise
and speak and quoted from Shakes.
peare to Sigmund Freud, ending
his auote with. cas- the ScriDtures