Morning Moments

One of the most important things to consider in Bible study is:

The Period

When we speak of Period, we are not merely refering to Chronological, but also to Sequencial periods. Peiods not only consist of time but also truth. The New Chronological Bible uses "Epochs", the Willmington Bible uses "Stages", others use "Dispensations", but it really doesn't matter as long as we understand that the progressive revelation is just that - Progressive.

For example, after Cain killed his brother Abel, God placed a mark upon him lest anyone should seek to kill him. But after the Flood God said, "Whoso shedeth man's blood; by man shall his blood be shed" Gen 9:6. The practice changed with the period in this example.

Think of it this way to simplify: There was a period in America when slaves were owned but that is no longer the case. To judge those then on the basis of our law now is unwise. We do it, but it was a different period in our history.

For you and me in the light of further revelation, it might seem inconsistent of God to protect Cain and to demand that others be executed or for one to own a slave and others to be required to free them. These are not inconsistent at all when understood in terms of Periods or progressive understanding.

One more example is that of sex. I sat with a young lady recently who said her problem with the Bible is that it seems so sexist. I explained to her that Jesus did more to emancipate women that anyone has ever done. In fact, He not merely emancipated them but exalted them. BUT the Eastern world then and even now in many parts is still a male dominated world.

This is still a matter of confusion with some evangelicals who have the idea that men are to dominate women when in truth we are heirs together of the grace of God and are to submit ourselves one to another out of respect. We do not own one another, but God owns us both and in Christ there is neither male nor female.

There are differences to be sure and those differences are in functionality and sensitivity primarily but the differences are designed that we might help one another, not hurt one another. We are to listen to each other and love each other as we learn together from our Loving Father.

The Period cannot be neglected in Bible study. It is one of the very basics that will keep us on track.

Blessings!