Then, to gain the total pattern of biblical truth, we relate the references to the immediate context. Relating them in this way, we evaluate the references to the biblical doctrine within the total pattern of the full revelation. Then we can list them according to the various aspects of the subject. Finally, we summarize the particulars we have on this doctrine. Using this method on the subject of temptation, we could have a summary similar to this. Sources of temptation: Satan (Matt. 4:1-3; I Thess. 3:5), who seeks to weaken our faith (I Thess. 3:5) and undo God’s work in us (I Thess. 3:5), using our physical de sires (Luke 4:2), coming by way of the flesh (I Cor. 7:5) and our lack of self-control (I Cor. 7:5), our own desires (James 1:14) or through wrong atti tudes (Gal. 6:1) including a love of money (I Tim. 6:9). Facts about temptation: God never tempts us (James 1:13); no temptation is unique (I Cor. 10:13); we have to guard against them (I Cor. 7:5), especially their approach (Gal. 6:1); they can follow a spiritual crisis (Matt. 4:1); often strongest when we are tired (Matt. 26:41); we must not put ourselves in temptation's way (Matt. 26:41), but pray against being led into them (Matt. 6:13). God’s Provision for tempted people: Our Lord was tempted by the devil (Matt. 4:1), overcame temptation (Heb. 4:15), and sympathizes with us in temptation (Heb. 2:18); He gives us needed help (Heb. 4:15); prays for us (Luke 22:31 & 32); never allows a temptation beyond our strength (I Cor. 10:13), but strengthens us against it (Mark 1:13); God provides a way of escape from it (I Cor. 10:13). Our Bible study in books, characters or doctrines is our raw material. All depends on what we do with it. God has given us Scripture that it might help us to be Christ-like. So we study it, not for intellectual attainment or to satisfy our curiosity. We learn that we may live by its teachings. Having learned what the Bible has to say, we ask ourselves such questions as: "Is there a command I am to obey? a promise I am to accept? a warning I am to heed? an example I am to follow? an error I am to avoid? What is its main lesson for me?” Recording answers in a notebook will give perman ency to our knowledge and strengthen our determina tion to live by Scripture. Rightly used, our Bible study will instruct, correct and guide us. It will give us fresh visions of God’s love and grace and reveal the greatness of His eter nal purposes, it will nourish our inner man and renew our spiritual strength for daily living. Bible study carefully planned and conscientiously carried out, will give us rich dividends on our invested time. 36
by Joyce Landorf T hanksgiving is a time for Feast ing on Food. I could hardly stand the thrill of driving into the long gravel lane at 347 Riverside Drive in Battle Creek, Michigan. As a seven year old, I hadn’t been able to eat for days because of all the thoughts of Thanksgiving at Grandma’s. By the time we got to the kitchen door (you had to go there first to unload all the food you brought) I had a fairly accurate count of cars and knew just which aunts, uncles and favorite cousins had already ar rived. It took my father's four sisters, sister-in-law, my mother and grand ma all morning just to put the food on the long, makeshift table that stretched from the kitchen pantry through the dining room and into the front parlor. There were no elaborate centerpieces or candles — just beautiful white linen cloths and dish after dish of glorious salads, relishes and covered cas seroles. Aunt Ellen's red jello salad was always loaded with minced apples, thin slices of banana, nuts and deli cately snipped marshmallows on top (I still make red jello this way). My mother always stopped off at her mother’s house and brought box after box of Hungarian cookies and apple strudel. Even the waxed paper covering these "Grandma-
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