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Home Church Herald

"....To the church in thy house..." Philemon 1:2
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1



June 2014 A Publication of Seventh Day Home Church Fellowships Vol 05 - Issue 03

Taking Care With Context

by Thomas Akens

AN often misused and overlooked part of study is “context.” What is context? Context is each individual part, which taken collectively, makes up the form and substance of the whole, and gives to everything contained within the whole a direction and meaning. Simply put, it is all the individual pieces of the body of evidence. For instance, when we pluck a leaf from a tree, we are taking that leaf from its context. If we should then attempt to interpret the meaning or purpose of that leaf apart from its intended connection with the tree, we are in reality taking it out of context, and therefore misunderstanding and misapplying its meaning. Therefore, when we speak of context within the written word, we are speaking of the whole thought or idea – the complete or collective concept, the entire tree, if you will, not just one leaf or branch or trunk, etc. Therefore, if we would know the meaning of any Scripture text, we must then find that meaning within the confines of its own local habitat. Then, and only then, can we rightly support it with added evidence elsewhere.

Context, if left out, would force us into some degree of presumption. Without context we have no valid basis or ground upon which to base any idea, opinion, or tradition, and we are in truth, venturing upon “enchanted” ground. It acts like a map, which, if accurate and detailed, gives us the information we need to arrive at our desired destination.

Such is the purpose of context to all who would rightly divide the word of truth.
Our Ever Present Danger - Part 1
Do you remember the "way" and the "teachings", the Seventh Day Adventist People and their leaders were admonished not to forget? This article may be the reminder you need.

The Devils' Door - Concluded
What doctrine was at the heart of the great Protestant persecution of the 17th century? Find out in the conclusion to “The Devils’ Door. There you will find the answer, and the peculiar people whose bold stance against Papal errors excited the hatred of both the Papacy and of Protestants alike, and cost many of them their lives.

Health Corner -  Other Benefits of Exercise
Find out how one of God's simple remedies can improve your cognitive processes; a remedy that has been shown to be more effective than drugs in overcoming depression, and with longer lasting effects.

Taking Care With Context
Find out why this element of Bible Study, is key to a proper understanding of the Scriptures.

Mission Report - Philippines
Read an update on Melody, the blind girl, and encouraging news of what God is doing in the Philippines!

Faith & Works - Part 1
Are we saved by faith or works? In part one of this two part series, Sister Ellen White shares the answer to this all important question, and the answer may come as a surprise to you.

Think on These Things - Our Seventh Day Adventist Calling
Are we Christians or Seventh Day Adventists? Join Pastor David Sims, as he shares his thoughts on this pertinent question, and the issues surrounding it.

Recipe
Sister Christy Whitehurst shares one of her best raw hummus recipes with us!

Seventh Day Home Church Fellowships is an association of Sabbath-keeping groups, which through web & tele-conferencing provides means for study, fellowship, and jointly organized missionary projects.

Website: www.seventhdayhomechurchfellowships.org

Email: admin@seventhdayhomechurchfellowships.org

Seventh Day Home Church Fellowships:

P.O. Box 262, Laconia, NH 03246, U.S.A.

Phone: 530 708-2381

Chief Editor: David Sims

Assistant Editor: Thomas Akens

Proof-reader: Alice Fredrick

Layout: Thomas Akens