Free Bible Helps for Christians

Help!

 There he was, just a lonely shepherd in the middle of a barren place.  He needed to take his sheep  through a dangerous mountain pass in order to get to a place with grass for his flock.  He was alone.  The mountains were filled with bandits and wild beasts.  There was no one who could or would help him.

 The shepherd looked up at the mountains.  He was afraid of the bandits.  He was afraid of the wild beasts who would be hungry and want to eat his sheep, or eat the shepherd himself.  So, he sat and looked at the mountains and considered his options.  Ultimately he admitted that there was no option except to go forward into the hills.  He must face the danger or sit and watch his flock die of hunger and thirst.  In the end he would also die.

 He asked the question, ‘From where will my help come?’  He had no brethren or friend to go with him to help.  He had no money to pay a servant. There was none to come to him if danger overwhelmed him.  He was alone.

 Then the shepherd remembered the Lord.  He remembered that the man Jonah was once in the belly of the fish for three days.  Then Jonah cried out to God, and was spit out by the fish.  He knew that God is a very present help in trouble.  So, even though he was still afraid, even though he did not know the outcome, even though he was alone, the shepherd pointed his flock toward the mountain pass, and set out on his journey. 

 Today, a Christian may look to the four points of the compass and see trouble in every direction.  The path ahead is dangerous, no matter which path you must take.  Like the shepherd, we sometimes must go in a certain direction.  Other times, we may be allowed to sit in one place for a while.  Regardless of our direction, there is definitely danger ahead.  There are dangers in the physical world.  There are dangers in the world of our thoughts.  Like the shepherd we find ourselves asking, ‘Where is my help?’  Like the Shepherd, Christians can answer, ‘My help comes from the Lord.’

It is good to know that our help comes from the Lord which made heaven and earth.  It is better to know more and more about the Lord who will help us.  We have been given a Holy Book, containing the exact words of God Almighty.  By reading this Book we can learn about our God and our King.  The more we know our God, the stronger our faith, the greater our help. 

Through many ages, men have studied the Bible and struggled to understand its teachings and live by the rules given in this precious book.  Some have written down their thoughts.  Their writings can be very helpful to Christians today seeking a better understanding of what is being said.  I have a few free resources to recommend for those seeking help in understanding the book God wrote.  There is no commentary or earthly authority that has authority to change anything written in God’s book.  However, there have been many men of God who have written sermons and commentaries that are very helpful.  I want to mention a few free resources here.  Please keep in mind that the Bible itself IS without error.  It is the ultimate authority.  Commentaries, while written with the sincerest and most dedicated intentions, will have errors.  If you see a difference in meaning between a commentary and a Bible passage, the Bible is always the one to believe. 

Let’s start with my recommendation for your Bible.  It is hands down the King James Version Thompson Chain Reference Bible.  Go in a Christian book store and look through one if you are not familiar with this Bible.  It is a complete Bible with references and information on scriptures, people, books of the Bible, maps, and history.  It is great.  Of course, like any other Bible, you do have to actually read it.

 My two favorite free online resources are:

http://biblegateway.com  -  which allows you to look up Bible passages in your preferred version of the Bible.  I absolutely recommend the King James Version of the Bible.  I also strongly recommend that you stick with one version of the Bible.  As you read and study, you become familiar with the wording of scripture.  It is much easier to look up specific passages when you have read them in the same way many times. 

 http://christnotes.org – with Matthey Henry’s commentary being the first resource I use to get a short commentary on a particular passage.  I love Matthew Henry’s commentary so much that I would have named my second son Matthew Henry if I had had a second son. 

http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc

 Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the prince of preachers, is available on line free also. 

http://spurgeongems.org/

 Spurgeon by scripture references:

Old Testament   -  http://spurgeongems.org/sindex_ot.pdf

New Testament  - http://spurgeongems.org/sindex_nt.pdf

 I often check to see if Spurgeon did a sermon on a particular passage.  He usually preached in a way that is easily understood even today.

 You need a good book by book Bible companion.  It will give a synopsis of each book and some commentary on the historical and geographical setting.  It will also give you an idea of to whom it was written. 

http://www.baptistbiblebelievers.com/COMMENTARIES/tabid/368/Default.aspx   is a good place to start. 

http://www.baptistbiblebelievers.com/BYTOPICS/tabid/335/Default.aspx  is also good if you are studying a particular subject.

John Philips also is good.  You can purchase his books online at Amazon.  I get them used at a very reasonable price.  They are still available new.

 http://preceptaustin.org/1_peter_sermons_by_john_piper.htm  is a really good resource.  At the top of the page you can choose the book you are studying and it will give you a lot of commentaries by different authors on that book.  It is great.   The web reference will bring up 1 Peter, but you can choose any Bible book that interests you from the top of the page.

 We cannot calculate the value of having all these resources available to us FREE at any time. 

 You need a hymn book as well.  Outside of the Bible itself, there is nothing more comforting than the old hymns of the faith.  Learn hymns that have a basis in scripture and are written to glorify God.  ‘Feel good’ songs are aimed at giving you an emotional high.  They are not aimed at worshipping God or giving you solid footing to face the future. 

http://hymntime.com/tch/ttl/ttl-a.htm  is a wonderful free resource.  It gives the lyrics to songs and plays the music so you can learn the song completely.  I am not a singer.  But, hymns of the faith will run through my mind in to fit almost any situation.  If I think of my dad or my sister, I usually soon find myself humming a hymn like ‘In the Sweet Bye and Bye’ or ‘Never Grow Old’ or ‘Pearly White City’.  It could be any song, but it is often a song that reminds of heaven.

 Or, if I am having a hard time with something I may find songs like ‘Great is thy Faithfulness’ or ‘He is Able to Deliver Thee’  or ‘On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.’

 You get the idea.  However, if you don’t have a knowledge of the hymnal and the wonderful songs it contains, you are missing out on a gift from God.  The hymnal is second only to the Bible in its importance to the Christian.  Hymns should proclaim the Gospel, teach the Gospel, and comfort and encourage through scriptural songs. 

 Baptist Creed

http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/creeds/bcof.htm#part2

Do you want to listen to good sermons instead of read them?  

http://www.sermonaudio.com/main.asp

There are many more free references on line.  I listed those that I use and that have been helpful to me.  I hope you will find them useful as well.

 Thank you.

Barbara Henderson

Self-Definition - Who Are You Really?

Now – Exactly Who Are You?


People may ask who you are, and you may be able to give them an answer. You can tell them your name, your family, your place of employment, worship, and residence. But, if you as yourself the same question, what would your answer be? Do you have a self-definition that goes with you day and night? Who are you really?

Self-definition is the way you think of yourself. Most people think of themselves as honest, fair minded, and probably a bit above average in intelligence and appearance. However, this does not answer the question, ‘Who are you really?’

Self-definition begins by answering some questions about yourself. You have to answer truthfully. You don’t have to write the list down and publish it in the newspaper. However, most people will figure out who you really are if they are around you very much. If you define yourself to yourself very clearly, it will make your life much easier.

Here are some key questions that need to be answered.

Christian or not – practicing Christian or marginal – how serious do you take your faith?

Male of female

Married or single – that is just what you are – one is not better than the other - ask the Apostle Paul

Parent or childless (no better or worse – just part of who you are.)

Profession/calling

Nationality or ethnic origin


These things are pretty straight forward. They shouldn’t be hard to answer. They do set how you will probably act in most situations.

If you are a Christian, don’t be a lukewarm Christian.

If you are single act like it – some things are made for marriage only.

If you are married, act like it. Faithfulness, compassion, and loving-kindness are proper behavior.

Do you have children? Then parenting should be foremost in your thoughts.

What is your profession? Do you do it with all you might?

What is your nationality or ethnic origin? It isn’t really important to God. God divides people into saved or lost, Jew or Gentile, and free or bond. That’s it. Your ethnic origin or nationality may allow you to spread the Gospel to a certain set of people. It could be important in that way.


What Value do you place on your Christian faith?

High value?
Medium value?

Low value?



If you don’t really act like a Christian, then the answer there should be ‘low value’.

It is easy to say that you really value your Christian faith. It is another matter entirely to actually live like you place a high value on your faith in Jesus Christ.

The real value you place on your faith in Christ will determine what goals you set, how you go about reaching them, and whether you reach your set goals or not.

What are your goals in life?

Goals in life
Please God
Think like a Christian
Talk like a Christian
Act like a Christian


You may set a thousand other goals. You may set them every year and call them New Year’s Resolutions. However, these goals should always be set within the boundaries set by your self-definition. Live within the boundaries set by your self-definition. Your daily needs can be met while living within the boundaries set by your own definition of who you are.

The self-definition of man might go like this;
I am a
Christian
Man
Married
Father
Parent
Carpenter
Who puts a high value on his Christian faith

And

Who starts each day with the goal of
Thinking like a Christian
Talking like a Christian
And
Acting like a Christian.


Having a clear self-definition gives you a solid foundation for making decisions.

Determine to stay within the boundaries that are automatically set by your own self-definition.

If you don’t have a solid self-definition, you are much more susceptible to fears and worries that come with events in the world.

Knowing who you are will be a big help in avoiding defining yourself by material possessions or so-called success. Actually, a strong sense of who you are helps you avoid defining yourself as someone ‘special’ because of your car, house, job, or public image. Those things may fluctuate with time, but your core values, who you really are, will not change. It will only grow stronger.

Those defining themselves by material possessions are going to have a difficult time. That new vehicle is only new until the first payment is made. The newest house on the block is only new until a few years have passed or until a new house is built. In ,just a few years, economic obsolescence sets in most neighborhoods. Homes in rural areas fare better, but they still get old and out of date. If someone defines themselves by their home, then it will help them if they a little on the delusional side. When the home gets older and dingier, they won’t notice it so much.

Those defining themselves by their public image are also doomed to eventual despair. That young movie star is just a few years from being a somewhat wrinkled has been.

Ultimately, your self-definition is going to be what points you in the direction you will go when it is time to make a decision. In a changing world, it is important to understand how fleeting the things of this world really are.

Someone who has a clear self-definition isn’t nearly as easily rattled by the events going on in their personal life, their country, and even in the entire world. The world has a history of always changing. Economic prosperity may change for better or worse. Feast may change to famine. A government of the people, by the people, and for the people may fade away in front of your very eyes.

The Christian who clearly defines him/herself within Biblical guidelines, and acts according to those values, understands something very crucial. God does not change. The world may change, but the principles by which they live life will not change. In a world that is changing faster than we can comprehend, we have a anchor that holds..

Did the Christian lose his job? He can still get up in the morning and say,
‘Today I will think Biblically, speak Biblically, and my actions will be within Biblical guidelines. That has not changed. The God I serve has not changed. What He wants me to do has not changed,’

Is the Christian mother a new widow with 2 little children to raise? She can still get up with the knowledge that God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient. That has not changed. She can still know she is the same person who thinks Biblically, speaks Biblically and sets her mind to act within the guidelines of acceptable Biblical behavior.

What about the little widow lady? After nearly sixty years of marriage, she is alone in a house. The silence is deafening. Her world is limited by her own frail health and economic situation. All she can do a lot of the time is sit in a chair. She is still able to make her own coffee and scrambled eggs, but who knows how much longer that will go on? She can take comfort knowing that the person she is inside has not changed. What she is able to do has changed. Who she does things with has changed. But, she is still the same person inside. She still loves God and keeps the commandments. The events surrounding her have not changed who she really is and what she really loves.

What are you facing today?
Is it:
Financial ruin?
Severe health problems?
Loss of loved ones?
Transition from one job to another one – or to no job at all?
Turmoil in your family?
Turmoil in your church?
Fear of terrorists attacks?
Sorrow at the decline of your country?
Loss of safety and freedoms?

The economic, social, and political foundations are in transition.
All of things can be overwhelming. And it seems that many times troubles don’t come alone. They bring reinforcements. You get whacked from every direction at the same time.

If you are a Christian, there are certain things that cannot be shaken.
God is still Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent.
Who you are as a Christian is the same. You can probably improve how you show the world who you are, but who you are still the same.

You can still define yourself as someone who loves God and keeps the commandments. You can still avoid the sin of despairing at your circumstances because God is still the same. Your position as His child is still the same. Your future is still secure in Jesus Christ.

Defining who you are and setting your mind to live within the boundaries set by being a practicing Christian limits your choices in bad behavior. It opens doors to your behavior in many circumstances. You are not limited by the whims of society and political correctness. You are only limited by the boundaries of good Christian behavior.

So, I ask you again. ‘Who are you?’ Really – who are you?

You fill in the blanks.

Tribute to a Soldier who Died for His Country

Gerald’s Story – A Tribute to Valor

This soldier really did lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this,that a man lay down his life for his friends.


June 6, 1944... So long ago, on a beach so far from the heartland of America, the course of history was changed. The liberation of Europe began, and the life of T/Sgt Gerald Henderson ended.

This is the report of his death given when the Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to his family after the war ended.

“For extraordinary heroism against the enemy on June 6, 1944, in Normandy France, on D-day, Technical Sergeant Henderson, while exposed to intense enemy artillery, mortar, machine-gun, and small arms fire, heroically supervised the unloading of men and vehicles from his landing craft. Observing that a vehicle from an adjoining landing craft had stalled, he voluntarily drove a truck along the fire swept beech, plunged into the water, and fastened a cable to the vehicle. After towing it safely to shore, he personally carried two wounded occupants to safety and rendered first aid. He returned to the beach and amid bursting shells and devastating small arms fire, courageously continuing his rescue work. While carrying a wounded soldier across the beach to a position of safety a shell landed near this valiant soldier fatally wounding him. His heroic achievements in the initial landing resulted in the saving of many lives and much vital equipment. The self sacrificing devotion to duty, personal bravery and valorous leadership displayed by Technical Sergeant Henderson exemplified the highest tradition of the armed forces. (Auth GO 92, HQ, 21st US Army, 18th infantry, antitank company)”

--------------------------------------------------------------

I wonder about the men he carried to the safety of the cliffs. I wonder if they knew Gerald in the first place or if they were just strangers in need of help. I wonder if they survived the war. Did they have children already who would have lost their father that day. Were they married? Did their mothers learn that their sons were saved, but Gerald's mother lost her son that day?

And mostly I wonder what these men did with the rest of their lives? Since Gerald's life was cut short so their lives could run a natural course, did they feel any obligation to live their lives in a way that would make Gerald think his sacrifice was worth it that day?

Today, other soldiers are fighting all over the globe. It isn't called a world war this time, but it surely appears to be one. And I know bravery and self sacrifice are not limited to any one generation. There are soldiers today who may wish things were different, but never the less, they will do their duty to the highest measure necessary.

But bravery and self sacrifice are not limited to the battlefield. That is just the obvious place people look for such heroism. In truth, bravery worthy of the highest honor is present all around us, in all levels of society, economics, and cultural variances. The character that allows such bravery to defy extreme adversity is built daily in the lives of men and women and children who just get up and do what is required of them every day. Most days it isn't that hard. Some days it is very hard. And on that occasional day when doing one's duty seems impossible, the individual who has already set the habit of "just getting the job done" will just get the job done that day as well.

I have heard the question, "Have you thanked a vet today?" asked many times over the years. I suppose the question is supposed to make us think of the price paid for our freedom and the American way of life. But how would you thank the veterans who did not return? A proper tribute is in the way each of us lives our lives. There are three things everyone who lives with the blessing of freedom should do.

First, fully acknowledge that complete freedom is only possible through Jesus Christ. But he uses all sorts of people to allow us the freedom we enjoy in every day life

Second, only accept the boundaries in our lives that are imposed by God and national law that doesn't contradict God's law. This means DO love God, keep the commandments, treat others the way you want to be treated, be moderate, and be modest. It also means DO NOT allow your self to be ruled by political correctness, social acceptability, or peer pressure. These things will only add unnecessary complications to your life and hinder you from doing whatever God actually has for you to do.

Third, lay down your life. Surrender to God. True surrender means agreeing to do what God asks of you before you actually know what it is. Then it means doing what you know to do every day. The husband and father who provides for his family often has to set aside many personal wants and ambitions to do what is best for his family. The mother who cares for her children 24 hours a day has to lay down things she wants to do in order to do what needs to be done. Children
 who obeys his or her parents will set aside their own desire in order to be obedient. Just do your duty - in full measure. What ever your race is for the day - just do it as well and cheerfully as possible.

In full surrender to God, and consistent completion of duty - you will come to realize that your fulfillment could not be greater, and your joy will only grow greater. You will be taking full advantage of the freedom provided by God, and all those He used to provide your freedom. You will effectively have "thanked a vet" by the way you live your life.

I wrote this song - I have no tune to go with it.  It works well to the old hymn 'We Gather Together'.  If you have time and patience to write music - I would love to hear it.


Gerald's Song

Our freedom was bought by soldiers of honor,
who sleep in the valley of the shadow of death.

Now weeping endures for the night but God promised,
joy comes in the morning with a trump and a shout.

I'll see you tomorrow when the trumpet shall sound,
 the death song from sorrow to victory resounds.

Grave clothes all changed for white robes and crowns,
 I'll see you and know you when the trumpet shall sound.

Your face in the picture, your laugh in my mind,
all fade and grow dimmer one day at a time.

The words on the tombstone may weather away,
but your name is on the Father's hand awaiting that day.

I'll see you tomorrow when the trumpet shall sound,
 the death song from sorrow to victory resounds.
Grave clothes all changed for white robes and crowns,
 I'll see you and know you when the trumpet shall sound.

Our redemption was bought by God's son the Savior,
crucified, buried, but rose up the third day.

Ascended to heaven to be with the Father,
but coming back to receive us with a trump and a shout.

I'll see you tomorrow when the trumpet shall sound,
the death song from sorrow to victory resounds.
Grave clothes all changed for white robes and crowns,
I'll see you and know you when the trumpet shall sound.

I wrote these lyrics - but I need someone to write music to go with the lyrics.

Thanks,

Barbara Henderson

If you want to read more about Gerald (Pappy) Henderson, Franklyn Johnson wrote a book called 'One More Hill'.  Pappy Henderson is Gerald.  The book was just republished with photographs, and according to Frank, it is now required reading at West Point.  I correspond with Frank several times a year.