Question and answer: “When I read my Bible, I find many words that I do not understand. What should I do in that situation?”

It’s good to be honest and that is always the best option. If you are ever in doubt, just ask, because it proves that you are taking your Bible seriously. You could use a dictionary to find the definition, or you may need to get a Bible, which is a simplified translation that helps eliminate confusing words.

1 Corinthians 6:11 ‘… But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God’

Sanctified: We have been made holy in God’s eyes.

Justified: Just as if I had never sinned.

Righteousness: We have been made right in the eyes of God. We now can approach Him.

Grace: Unmerited favour of God, which we do not deserve.

Washed in the blood: Our sins are washed away; forgiven/forgotten.

Interceding: Pleading the case of another (in prayer), like in a court.

Atonement: At one with God, peace has been made because of Christ.

These words speak of our spiritual condition in Christ. We gain favour towards the Father, because we have been accepted in the beloved, because of what Jesus did for us. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.

Wisdom: If you don’t understand what the preacher is talking about, speak to him/her afterwards and ask him/her to simplify the point.

Have you ever had to ask for directions? The person says “You have to go there, over that, past this shop, ummm third or fifth traffic light on the left, two hundred metres on, turn left and there it is opposite you!” By the time they get to the end you have forgotten the start, often you’re so embarrassed to ask again that you just thank them and walk/drive away.

Fact: Sometimes people leave church without understanding the point of the message, because the minister did not make it plain enough.

Think: Do I need to ask someone to explain something to me?

More Info: Acts 26:18, Romans 3:24, 5:9,16, 18, 2 Corinthians 5:15,12:9, Ephesians 1:6, 2:8,9, Colossians 1:20, Hebrews 7:25, 8:1, 10:10,19, 1 Peter 1:5, 3:18,22, 1 John 1:7.

Visit the interactive version of this course online. www.byfaith.co.uk © 2003 ByFaith Media.