A reader here submitted a most important question. I thought it would be helpful to share this where more will see it. I do not have any YouTube videos, but I hope what I write will be just as clear.
The Question:
This might sound like silly, but I am no scholar, and never been to seminary school.
Today, I ordered this book “Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible” Illuminating God’s Word Verse-By-Verse, but just found this website and realized that I don’t have the latest work being “The Ultimate Cross-Reference Treasury”.
So with that in mind, I wanted to ask, do you have any YouTube videos on just doing a basic tutorial example on a uncontroversial topic/verse from beginning to end on using this resource, “The Ultimate Cross-Reference Treasury”?
Where I can find more understanding information on how this resource is put together? For example, I want to ensure I could explain it to someone why I used this resource in my future bible studies, and how it works so that one might not think this resource is biased in anyway whatever on any controversial topics, one topic example being tongues.
Thanks!
My Answer:
You came to the right place to get an answer to your question since I am the one who created these resources.
To study a subject like “tongues,” begin at any verse in the Bible that pertains to the subject.
I just did a search in e-Sword using the King James Version for the word “tongues.” Of more than 30 references that appeared, I selected Acts 2:4
At Acts 2:4 I quickly scanned through the references given for the key words “began to speak” and made note of the single + sign given for Mark 16:17. The symbol “+” means “find more here.”
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
began to speak. Act 2:11, *Act 10:46; *Act 10:47; *Act 19:5; *Act 19:6, Psa 68:18, Isa 28:11, +Mar 16:17, Joh 14:12, *1Co 12:7, 8, 9, 10, 11; *1Co 12:28, 29, 30, 31; +*1Co 13:1; +*1Co 13:8; 1Co 14:5, 6; 1Co 14:18; 1Co 14:21, 22, 23; 1Co 14:39.
Going to Mark 16:17 I focused on the cross references for the key words “shall speak.” The references given there lead to significant verses in the Bible about “tongues” and “speaking in tongues.” You will note that among the verses listed under Mark 16:17 are those recording Paul’s teaching about tongues: Paul said that he spoke in tongues “more than ye all,” and cautioned them “forbid not to speak in tongues.”
Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
shall speak. Joe 2:28, 29, *Act 2:4-11; *Act 2:33; Act 10:46; *Act 19:6, **1Co 12:10; **1Co 12:28; **1Co 12:30; *1Co 13:1; *1Co 13:8; 1Co 14:2; 1Co 14:5, 6-27; 1Co 14:39.
The first reference given at Mark 16:17 in this reference set shows that speaking in tongues is the subject of Bible prophecy (Joel 2:28, 29). The second reference given is Acts 2:4-11 shows how the prediction was fulfilled in history, and so forth. And so it is possible to work directly through the passages listed to get a non-controversial presentation from the Bible itself about what the Bible explicitly says about this spiritual gift.
I prepared the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury on purpose in a manner to present the evidence both for and against many different doctrinal positions. I did that so that anyone who desires to study the Bible more deeply can see the evidence for alternate viewpoints and come to a sound conclusion after prayer for guidance and insight coupled with careful, thorough study. The Holy Spirit is promised to guide us, but we must take care to do our homework very carefully.
On the other hand, Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible has almost no notes, just cross references. Even so, I have seen objections on line to the few outlines I retained.
Most users of all three of my cross reference titles are very pleased at the effort I made to provide more cross references and helpful notes.
Most of the notes I have provided were in response to questions my high school Sunday school class raised as we studied the Bible together, or questions raised by students who attended the Bible Discussion Club at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. Further questions were asked by students in my college and career Sunday school classes in both Detroit, Michigan and Gainesville, Florida.
So, to anyone who might not like my answers, blame my Sunday school classes and the students in my Bible Discussion Club for asking such good questions! They demanded that I include the answers to their questions, even when the subjects might be controversial for some.
Feel free to ask more questions that you might have.