::: What Did Jesus Say? :::

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How To Use This Book

OOOOPlease assemble the following suggested items before you begin your study.

The Holy Bible (with Red Letter Text)
A Dictionary

Writing Paper or a Notebook

Pen or Pencil
Highlighter Pencil or Pen

OOOOThe sections of the book are arranged according to action words that Jesus spoke. Key words have been emphasized throughout the passages. As you begin each section, look up the Key word. Record in your notebook all the possible meanings, even if they seem somewhat unlikely. Think about them. You will refer to them again.

OOOONext, read through the commands chapter for that Key word. Using your marker, highlight any other verbs or action words that are used. Passage by passage, think about what Jesus is saying—to you. Substitute the various meanings of the Key word as you contemplate the meaning of the passage. Look up the definitions of other words as you feel necessary. Speak the passages aloud, as if giving the instructions yourself. Listen to how they sound. Think about what adjustments you would have to make in order to do what the words say.

OOOOIf you are unfamiliar with the agricultural references or examples from nature, use other references to get some facts. Then read through the passages again. This is seeking, asking, and knocking. Meanings must be relevant in order to be effective. Nobody can really give them to you. They must unfold from within. Pray that meanings will be revealed, like sparks from a flint to kindle your understanding.

OOOOPlease note that some passages do appear more than once. This is intentional for two reasons. First, the recorders of the accounts considered them to be signifi cant, so they appear in more than one book of the Bible. Second, passages tend to repeat in the various chapters because they contain more than one Key word. This repetition will help you notice the importance of the instructions.

OOOOAlso, you may observe that some passages have been abridged. There are places where expository or descriptive text has been removed. It does not alter the effect of the instruction; rather, it is intended to provide continuity. There are many passages that do not appear in this volume. This is because they contain no direct commands or related implications. If you should feel inclined to read an entire related section, please, follow the leading of the Spirit and do so.

OOOOFinally, indulge me to suggest that you eliminate distractions as much as possible. Take off your shoes, your opinions, and your worldly thinking. Begin with prayer and end with thanksgiving. Abandon yourself to each study, allowing in the quiet and openness that will enable you to receive divine wisdom, guidance, and revelation.

OOOOInteract with the words as if Jesus were addressing you personally.

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