Conference yukon::christian

There are 4 basic skills involved in Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation,
Organization, and Application.

Observation - teaches you to see precisely what the passage says.  It is the
basis for accurate interpretation and correct application.  Observation answers
the question: What does the passage say?

Interpretation - answers the question: What does the passage mean?

Organization - answers the question: How does it fit into the context of the
               whole Bible?

Application - answers the question: What does it mean to me personally?  What
truths can I put into practice?  What changes should I make in my life?

1. Begin with Prayer.  This is one of the most common missing elements in Word
   Study.  It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who will guide you in the
   truths of the Bible.

2. Ask the "5 W's and an H."  For each passage you study ask: Who? What? When?
   Where? Why? and How?  These are the building blocks of precise observation,
   which is essential for accurate interpretation.  Many times Scripture is
   misinterpreted because the context isn't carefully observed.  When we rush
   into interpretation without laying the vital foundation of observation, our
   understanding becomes colored by our presuppositions - what we think, what we
   feel, or what other people have said.  We must be careful not to distort the
   Scriptures to our own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).  Accurate answers to these
   questions will help assure correct interpretation:

   a.) Who is speaking?  Who is this about?  Who are the main characters?  For
       example, look at 1 Peter 5.  In this chapter, "I" is speaking.  Verse 1
       tells us that "I" is a fellow elder, a witness of the suffering of
       Christ, and a partaker of the glory to follow.  We can conclude that
       "I" is Peter.
   b.) to Whom is it speaking?  Verse 1 refers to "the elders," verse 5 to "you
       younger men," and verse 6 to "yourselves" (the recipients of the
       epistle).
   c.) What is the subject or event covered in the chapter?  What do you learn
       about the people, the event, or teaching from the text?  What
       instructions are given?  In 1 Peter 5:2, Peter instructs the elders to
       shepherd the flock and exercise oversight.
   d.) When do or will the events occur?  When did or will something happen to a
       particular person, people, or nation?  When is a key question in
       determining the progression of events.  In 1 Peter 5:4, we learn that
       "when the Chief Shepherd appears," the elders will receive their
       "unfading crown of glory."
   e.) Where did or will this happen?  Where was it said?  In 1 Peter 5, the
       only reference to a place is in verse 13, where there is a greeting
       from "she who is in Babylon."
   f.) Why is something being said or mentioned?  Why would or will this happen?
       Why at this time?  Why this person?  First Peter 5:12 explains why and
       how Peter wrote this epistle, establishing the book's purpose: to
       exhort and testify that this is the true grace of God, that they may
       stand firm in it.
   g.) How will it happen?  How is it to be done?  How is it illustrated?  In 1
       Peter 5:2, note how the elders are to exercise oversight: voluntarily and
       eagerly, according to the will of God.

   Try to apply these questions to every passage you study.  Don't be concerned
   if you can't find the answer to every question every time.  Remember, there
   are many types of literature in the Bible and not all questions will apply.
   As you answer the questions, mark the answers in your Bible margins.

3. Mark key words and phrases.  A key word is one that is essential to the text.
   It might be a noun, descriptive word, or an action that plays a part in
   conveying the message.  A key word or phrase is one which, when removed,
   leaves the passage devoid of meaning.  These key words are often repeated to
   further convey the message.  In 1 Peter 5, the word suffering is used 3
   times.  Mark key words through the use of symbols, colors, or a combination
   of both.

4. Look for lists.  Lists reveal truths and highlight important concepts.  The
   best way to discover lists is to observe how a key word is described, or
   what is said about someone or something, or group related thoughts or
   instructions together.  1 Peter 5:2-3 contains a simple list for instructing
   elders on how to shepherd their flock.  Topical lists capture a truth,
   quality, or characteristic of a specific subject throughout a passage.
   Following the key word "suffering," we learn from 1 Peter 5 that:

   - Christ suffered
   - the brethren in the world are suffering
   - the recipients of the letter may also endure suffering

   You will also discover that God:

   - perfects
   - strengthens
   - confirms
   - establishes those who suffer

5. Watch for contrasts and comparisons.  Contrasts and comparisons use highly
   descriptive language to drive home significant truths and vital lessons.  The
   word pictures they paint make it easier to remember what you have learned.  A
   contrast is a comparison of things that are different or opposite.  The word
   "but" often signifies a contrast being made.  A comparison points out
   similarities and is often indicated by the use of words such as "like," "as,"
   and "as it were."  For example, 1 Peter 5:8: "Your adversary, the devil,
   prowls about *like* a roaring lion."  Highlight these in your margins as
   well.

6. Note expressions of time.  The relationship of events in time often sheds
   light on the true meaning of the test.  Exact observations are in statements
   like "on the 10th day of the 11th month" or "at the Feast of Booths."  Time
   is also indicated by words such as until, then, when, and after.  These words
   mark the relationship of one statement to another.  Mark these with a clock
   symbol in your margins.

7. Identify terms of conclusion.  These terms usually follow an important
   sequence of thought and include words such as wherefore, therefore, for this
   reason, and finally.  As the saying goes, when you see a therefore, note what
   it is there for.  In 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore..."  If
   you will look, you will discover that you should humble yourself under the
   hand of God because God "is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the
   humble."

8. Develop chapter themes.  The theme of a chapter centers on the main person,
   event, teaching, or subject of that section of Scripture.  Themes are often
   revealed by reviewing the key words and lists you developed.  Express the
   themes as briefly as possible.  Possible themes for 1 Peter 5 might be "Be
   Humble & Sober," "Exhortations to Elders, Younger Men, and the Suffering," or
   "God Gives Grace to the Humble."  When you answer "what does the passage
   say?" the theme summarizes the answer.  You can adjust your themes as your
   study deepens.

9. Discover lessons for life.  When you observe how God instructed people and
   dealt with individuals, the Holy Spirit will bring to your attention truths
   that God wants to be aware of and live by in your own life.

Interpretation
--------------
Here we take our observations a step further and determine what passages mean.
Like most people, you have been taught a system of belief before you ever
studied God's Word.  You may even have formed opinions of what the Bible teaches
before you carefully examined the Scriptures.  As you learn to handle God's Word
accurately, you will be able to discern if what you believe is in agreement with
Scripture.  If this is your desire and you come to the Word of God with a
teachable spirit, God will lead you and guide you into all truth.  As you seek
to interpret the Bible accurately, the following guidelines will be helpful:

1. Remember that context rules.  In other words, that which goes with the text.
   To understand context, you must be familiar with the Word of God.  If you lay
   the solid foundation of observation, you will be prepared to consider each
   verse in the light of:

   - the surrounding verses
   - the book in which it is found
   - the entire Word of God

   While you study, ask yourself if your interpretation is consistent with the
   theme, purpose, and structure of the book in which it is found.  Is it
   consistent with other Scripture about the same subject, or is there a glaring
   difference?  Am I considering the historic and cultural context of what is
   being said?  Never take a passage out of context to make it say what you want
   it to say.  Discover what the author is saying, don't add to his meaning.

2. Always seek the full counsel of the Word of God.  When you know God's Word,
   you will not accept a teaching simply because someone has used 1 or 2
   isolated verses to support it.  These verses may have been taken out of
   context or other important passages might have been overlooked.  As you
   become familiar with the whole counsel of God's Word, you will be able to
   discern whether a teaching is biblical or not.  Saturate yourself in the Word
   of God, it is your safeguard against wrong doctrine.

3. Remember that Scripture will never contradict Scripture.  The best
   interpretation of Scripture is Scripture.  Remember, all Scripture is
   inspired by God, it is God-breathed.  Therefore, Scripture will never
   contradict itself.  The Bible contains all the truth you will ever need for
   any situation in life.  Sometimes you may find it difficult to reconcile 2
   seemingly contradictory truths taught in Scripture.  An example of this would
   be the sovereignty of God, and the responsibility of man.  When 2 or more
   truths that are clearly taught in the Word seem to be in conflict, remember
   that we as humans have finite minds.  Don't take a teaching to an extreme
   that God doesn't.  Simply humble your heart in faith and believe what God
   says, even if you can't fully understand or reconcile it at the moment.

4. Don't base your convictions on an obscure passage of Scripture.  Because
   these passages are difficult to understand even when proper principles of
   interpretation are used, they should not be used as a basis for establishing
   doctrine.

5. Interpret Scripture literally.  The Bible is not a book of mysticism.  God
   spoke to us that we might know truth.  Therefore, take the Word of God at
   face value - in its natural, normal sense.  Look first for the clear
   teaching of Scripture, not a hidden meaning.  Understand and recognize
   figures of speech and interpret them accordingly (next reply).

   Consider what is being said in the light of its literary style.  For example,
   you will find more similes and metaphors in a poetical and prophetic
   literature than in historical or biographical books.  Interpret portions of
   Scripture according to their literary style.  Some literary styles in the
   Bible are:

   - Historical > Acts
   - Prophetic > Revelation
   - Biographical > Luke
   - Didactic (teaching) > Romans
   - Poetic > Psalms
   - Epistle (letter) > 2 Timothy
   - Proverbial > Proverbs

6. Look for the single meaning of the passage.  Always try to understand what
the author had in mind when you interpret a portion of the Bible.  Don't twist
verses to support a meaning that is not clearly taught.  Unless the author of a
particular book indicates that there is another meaning to what he says, let the
passage speak for itself.

       1. Identify the fact that the author is using figurative language.
       2. Identify the type of figurative language:
          Simile - expressed comparison of 2 different things or ideas -
                   "His eyes were like a flame of fire" Revelation 1:14b
          Metaphor - implied comparison between 2 things which are different -
                   "I am the Bread of Life" John 6:48
          Hyperbole - deliberate exaggeration for effect or emphasis.  These are
                   found in all languages, but are frequent among Semitic
                   peoples.  "My soul is crushed with longing" Psalm 119:20
          Metonymy - when the name of one object or concept is used for that of
                   another to which it is related.  This is a figure of
                   association.  "All the country of Judea was going out to
                   Him."  The metonymy is Country, which refers to the people
                   rather than the region itself.  Note also the hyperbole,
                   *All* the country.
          Synecdoche - another figure of association where the whole can refer
                   to part or the part to the whole.  This is often found in
                   the use of the term "the law" which can refer to the
                   Pentateuch (first 5 books of OT), the 10 Commandments,
                   or the whole OT.  A synecdoche can also be a singular for
                   a plural or a plural for a singular.  An example is in
                   Jeremiah 25:29.  God says He is going to summon "a
                   sword against all the inhabitants of the earth."  The
                   singular sword represents many swords.
          Personification - an object is given characteristics or attributes
                   that belong to people - for example, when the trees clap
                   their hands and the mountains sing for joy (Isaiah 55:12).
          Irony - a statement which says the opposite of what is meant and is
                  used for emphasis or effect.  When irony is difficult to
                  discern, first examine that it is a true statement as it
                  stands and does it make sense in its context.  Then examine
                  it as figurative irony.  If this makes sense and fits with
                  the context, then accept it as irony.  Otherwise, it is the
                  truth.  Examples of irony are in 1 Kings 22:1-23 and
                  1 Corinthians 4:8.  In 1 Kings 22:1-23, a true prophet tells
                  the king what he wants to hear, but it is a lie.  It's
                  obvious he is using irony because the king tells him to stop
                  prophesying falsely and to tell the truth.  In 1 Corinthians
                  4:8, Paul obviously does not believe the Corinthians are not
                  kings, nor does Paul desire to reign with them.
         Parables - a story that may not be actually factual, remains true to
                  life and teaches a moral lesson or truth.  Jesus used this
                  method to reveal truths to believers and hide truth from
                  those who rejected Him or the truth, or hardened their
                  hearts against Him or that truth.  Determine why the parable
                  was told, look for the intended meaning, don't impose your
                  meaning beyond what is stated, identify the central or
                  focal idea, interpret in the context of the culture of that
                  era, and do not use them for establishing doctrine when they
                  are the primary or only source for that teaching.
         Allegory - a description of one thing using the image of another - a
                  story with an underlying meaning different from the surface
                  facts of the story itself.  Some call this an extended
                  metaphor, and it can be a realistic or nonrealistic story
                  created to teach 1 or more truths which may not be related.
                  When interpreting, list the features of the allegory, note any
                  interpretation given in the text, study the features
                  according to sound principles of Biblical exegesis, do not
                  try to identify all the features of an allegory.  Do not
                  contradict the clear teaching of the Word of God by
                  interpreting an unexplained detail in an allegory in a way
                  contrary to other truths.
         Types - a prophetic symbol designated by God.  The word type comes from
               the Greek word tupos.  A tupos was a mark formed by a blow or
               an impression, creating a figure or an image on the object that
               was struck.  Therefore, a type prefigures something or someone
               to come.  That which it prefigures is called an antitype.  A
               type prefigures only one antitype, although it may parallel many
               points in the antitype.  An illustration of this is the
               tabernacle, a type of man's redemption.  According to Hebrews
               10:20, the veil that separated the holy place from the holy of
               holies prefigured the flesh of Jesus Christ.  When determining
               types, although it may not be formally stated, there should be
               some evidence of divine affirmation of the corresponding type
               and antitype.  For example, Romans 5:14 we read, "Nevertheless
               death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had
               not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a
               type of Him who was to come."  The word translated type is the
               Greek word tupos.  Adam was a type or figure of Christ, who was
               to come.  In 1 Corinthians 15:45, Christ is referred to as "the
               last Adam."  If the Word does not designate something as a type,
               then the Bible expositor should simply show the parallels
               without calling it a type.
         Symbols - a picture or an object that stands for or represents another
               thing.  For example, the 7 candlesticks mentioned in Revelation
               1:20 represent the 7 churches described in Revelation 2-3.  When
               noting symbols it is important to remember that:

               a.) Item used as a symbol can symbolize different things.  For
                   example, Water is symbolized to be the Word of God
                   (Ephesians 5:26) and the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).
               b.) Although a symbol can represent many things, when it does
                   symbolize something in a given passage, a single parallel
                   is intended.  For instance, in John 7:37-39 water
                   symbolizes the Holy Spirit, not the Word.
               c.) Interpret symbols in the light of a Biblical setting and
                   culture rather than the culture of the current interpreter.
               d.) Symbols are timeless and can symbolize something past,
                   present, or future.

       3. Follow the guidelines of interpreting what the author meant by his use
          of that particular figure of speech.

The most important discovery of my life was the insight that the Bible is a
highly *integrated message system.*  We possess 66 books, penned by 40 authors
over thousands of years, yet the more we investigate, the more we discover
that they are a unified whole.  Every word, every detail, every number, every
place and name, every subtlety of the text: the elemental structures within
the text itself, even the implied punctuation are clearly the result of
intricate and skillful supernatural 'engineering.'  The more we look, the more
we realize that there is still much more hidden and thus reserved for the
diligent inquirer.  The evidence of design is clearly obvious even in the
acrostics and codes hidden throughout the Bible.  *ALL* Scripture is given by
inspiration and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and correction.  It
is amazing how apparent contradictions disappear when you realize what we hold
in our hands.  We haven't begun to discover the detail, the power, and the 
majesty of God's handiwork.  Would you expect anything less in the Word of God
Himself?

Since God's Word is supernaturally engineered to be a unified whole, we need to
study it this way.  Expository study has the inherent ability of always being in
context and is the way Ancient Israel taught (Nehemiah 8:8).  The topical
approach, where you string together several verses all over the Bible, each one
taken out of their context, is too prone to false teaching and unsound doctrine.
Anyone who has spoken with a member of a cult knows that this is their study
method.  Context within the entire Bible is key!  Some organizations even take
Isaiah 28:10 out of context to justify the "here a little, there a little"
approach to Bible study despite the fact that this verse isn't condoning that
method of study.  Ask yourself some basic questions as you study:

1. Is your interpretation supported by the teachings of Jesus Christ in the
   Gospels, and/or by the Apostles in their Epistles, and practiced by the
   early church in the Book of Acts?
2. Are there passages in the Bible that contradict your interpretation?
   Remember God's Word is infallible.
3. Does your interpretation bear good spiritual fruit as listed in
   Galatians 5:22-25?  

Rightly dividing God's Word is an awesome responsibility.  Please do not take it
lightly.

Now matter how much you know about God's Word, if you don't apply what you
learn, Scripture will never benefit your life.  To be a hearer of the Word and
not a doer is to deceive yourself (James 1:22-25).  Observation and
Interpretation are the "hearing" of God's Word.  With application, you will be
transformed into Christ's image.  This is the process which allows God to work
in your life.  Follow 2 Timothy 3:16-17 diligently.

1. Teaching (doctrine) is what the Word of God says on any particular subject.
   That teaching, whatever the subject, is always true.  Everything that God
   says in His Bible about any given subject is absolute truth.  The first
   step in application is to find out what God's Word says through accurate
   observation and correct interpretation of the text.  Once you understand
   the teaching, you are obligated before God to accept that truth and to live
   by it.  When you have adjusted any false concepts or teaching you may have
   believed, and embraced the truth revealed in God's Word, then you have
   applied what you have learned.

2. Reproof exposes areas in your thinking and behavior that do not align with
   God's Word.  Reproof is finding out where you have thought wrongly or have
   not been doing what God says is right.  The application of reproof is to
   accept it and agree with God, acknowledging where you are wrong in thought
   or in behavior.  This is how you are set free from unbelief, from sin.

3. Correction is the next step in application, and often the most difficult.
   Many times we can see what is wrong, but we are reluctant to take the
   necessary steps to correct it.  God has not left you without help or without
   answers in this step of correcting what is wrong.  Sometimes the answers are
   difficult to find, but they are always there, and any child of God who
   wants to please his or her Father will be shown by the Spirit of God how to
   do so.  Many times correction comes by simply confessing and forsaking what
   is wrong.  Other times, God gives very definite steps to take.  An example of
   this is in Matthew 18:15-17, in which God tells us how to approach a brother
   when he sins.  When you apply correction to your actions and attitudes, God
   will work in you to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).  Joy will follow
   obedience.

4. Training in Righteousness: although God's Word is profitable for reproof and
   correction, the Bible was also given to us as a handbook for living.  As we
   spend time studying His Word, God equips us through:

   - teaching
   - commands
   - promises
   - exhortations
   - warnings
   - and the lives of Biblical characters and God's dealings with man

   Scripture has everything you need to meet any and all situations of life, so
   that you "may be adequate, equipped for every good work."  The most effective
   application takes place as you go before the Lord and talk with Him about
   those things that you have read, studied, seen, and heard.

Insights on Applying Scripture
------------------------------
In applying Scripture to your life, the following questions may be helpful:

1. What does the passage say?  Is it general or specific?  Does it apply only
   to specific people?  To a cultural problem of the day?  To a certain time
   in history?  Has it been superseded by a broader teaching?  For example, in
   the OT, Jews were not allowed to eat certain foods or to wear certain
   combination of materials.  Are those prohibitions applicable to Christians
   today?

2. Does this section of Scripture expose any error in my beliefs or in my
   behavior?  Are there any commandments that I have not obeyed?  Are there
   any wrong attitudes or motives in my life that the Scriptures bring to light?

3. What is God's instruction to me as His child?  Are there any new truths to be
   believed?  Are there any new commandments to be acted upon?  Are there any
   new insights I am to pursue?  Are there any promises I am to embrace?

4. When applying Scripture, beware of the following:

   - applying cultural standards rather than Biblical standards.
   - attempting to strengthen a legitimate truth by using a Scripture
     incorrectly.
   - applying Scripture out of prejudice from past training or teaching.

   One of the apostle Paul's concerns for Timothy, his son in the faith, was
   that Timothy learn to handle God's Word in a way that would please the Lord
   (2 Timothy 2:15).  Someday we too will want to give a good account of our
   stewardship of God's Word.  Did we handle it accurately?  Were we gentle and
   reasonable about our faith, giving honor to those whom God has called to lead
   us, while at the same time searching Scripture ourselves to understand its
   truths?  Did we allow God's living and active Word to change our lives?
   Observation, interpretation, and application lead to transformation.  This is
   the goal of our study of the Word of God.  Through it we are changed from
   glory to glory into the image of Jesus.

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible is filled with prophecy.  If you want to
handle the prophecies in the Word of God accurately, the following guidelines
will give you some important parameters.  The Greek word for prophecy,
propheteia, comes from 2 Greek words, pro, meaning "forth," and phemi, meaning
"to speak."  It means to speak forth from the mind and counsel of God.
According to this definition, all Scripture is in a sense prophecy.

Predictive prophecy points to a future fulfillment and is of divine origin.  In
"Understanding and Applying the Bible," Dr. Robertson McQuilken says: "There are
2 purposes for predictive prophecy.  The chief purpose is to affect the conduct
of those who hear the prophecy.  Another purpose is met only when the prophecy
is fulfilled.  That purpose is to build forth, to establish confidence in the
god who miraculously foretold events (John 13:19, 14:29, 16:4)."

Some scholars divide predictive prophecy into 2 categories: forthtelling and
foretelling.  Forthtelling prophecies contain a message about the present or
immediate time.  Often this is a call to godly living in the light of prophecy
yet to be fulfilled.  Foretelling prophecies contain a message about what God
will do in the future.  When a prophet spoke for God, the prophecy could refer
to the following:

- a present or near fulfillment.
- a future fulfillment.
- a twofold fulfillment: a near fulfillment and then a later, future
  fulfillment.

As you read the prophecies of the Bible, keep in mind the following guidelines
and discern whether the prophecy refers to:

- the prophet's own time and/or a future time.
- the captivity and/or restoration of Israel or Judah.
- the first coming of Christ and any events connected with it.
- the second coming of Christ.
- the last days or end time.

1. As you study prophecy, it is important to remember that the prophets did not
   always indicate intervals of time between events, nor did they always write
   their prophecies in chronological order.  For example, an OT prophecy could
   include the first and second comings of Christ without any indication of the
   time span between the 2 comings.  One such prophecy is found in Isaiah
   65:17-25.  In this prophecy, Isaiah first talks about the new heavens and
   new earth (in which we know there is no death), and then in verses 18-25 he
   refers to a time when a youth dies at age 100 and the wolf and lamb lie
   down together.  Chronologically, verse 17 will be fulfilled after verses
   18-25 become a reality.

2. Always approach a prophecy as literal (in its usual, ordinary meaning) unless
   one of the following occurs:

   - the grammatical context shows that it is figurative language by the use of
     similes, metaphors, parables, allegories, symbols, or types.
   - a literal interpretation violates common sense, is contrary to what the
     author is saying, or is contrary to what the rest of Scripture teaches.

3. When a prophetic passage cannot be taken literally, look for what the author
   is trying to convey through his figurative or symbolic language.  To discern
   what the author is saying, look for answers in the following places:

   - within the context of the book in which the passage appears.
   - in any other writings of that author.
   - in any other prophetic writings to which the author had access (for
     example, other prophetic books or passages in the Word of God).

4. Remember that often when a prophet refers to future events, he does not use
   the future tense.

5. When you interpret Scripture, consider the historical context of that
   writing, remembering that God was delivering His prophecy to a particular
   people at a particular time.  Granted, it might have been prophecy with a
   future fulfillment, but it would still be delivered in a way that was
   comprehensible to those receiving that prophecy - even though they might
   not understand the details, the symbolism, or the full implications of the
   prophecy.  Make a careful historical and cultural analysis of the text.
   Determine the identity of all historical events, proper names, and
   geographical locations before you attempt to interpret the text.

6. Remember that the meaning of a specific prophecy could not always be
   understood by the prophet or by the people who heard the message.  For
   example, Daniel could not understand what he had written, since it was to
   remain sealed until the end time (Daniel 12:8-9).  However, many prophecies
   will come to light through the following:

   - a fulfillment as recorded in history.
   - a fulfillment as recorded in the New Testament.
   - an explanation given by an Old Testament or a New Testament writing (for
     example, Acts 4:24-28).

7. Remember that many New Testament prophecies include Old Testament quotations
   and allusions.  Scholars estimate that at least 350 OT quotations or
   allusions appear in the book of Revelation alone.  Revelation is replete with
   the language of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the minor prophets.
   It is obvious that the author of Revelation was steeped in OT, for he talks
   in OT phraseology.  So to correctly interpret NT prophecy, check OT
   cross-references.

8. When you study prophecy, watch for phrases which indicate periods of time.
   For example, look for "in the last days," "day of the Lord," "day of wrath,"
   and "end of the age."  When you come across phrases such as these, carefully
   observe the things which occur during that particular time period.  Then
   ask the following questions:

   - have these events ever occurred in history?
   - do these events coincide with any other particular period of time?
   - do these events parallel any events mentioned in another place in the Word
     of God?

    Re: .5 - Organization
    
    I've added some guidelines to this section:
    
    1. Is your interpretation supported by the teachings of Jesus Christ in
    the Gospels, and/or by the Apostles in their Epistles, and practiced by
    the early church in the Book of Acts?
    
    2. Have you interpreted the Old Testament in light of the New Testament?
    
    3. Have you interpreted the Gospels in light of the Epistles?
    
    4. Have you interpreted the hard sayings in light of the clear sayings?
    
    5. Are there passages in the Bible that contradict your interpretation?
    Remember God's Word is infallible.
    
    6. Does your interpretation bear good spiritual fruit as listed in
    Galatians 5:22-25?