Tim and the Scripture

“When there’s something in the Word of God that i don’t like, the problem is not with the Word of God, it’s with me” – R.C. Sproul

In the early 1980’s Tim attended Eastern Pentecostal Bible College in Peterborough Ontario. It was a denominational theological school associated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and was noted for its high academic standards. It is now Masters Seminary and Bible College.

Tim is evangelical and theologically conservative while avoiding legalisms. His prolonged ministry in non-denominational settings has taught him the importance of accurately interpreting Scripture, especially as it relates to denominational distinctive doctrines of all sorts. Tim has often found himself saying: “Let’s just see what the Bible says about everything”

These are the principles Tim uses in preparing sermons, and in his writing.

1. Find a place of solitude with his Bible and pray. The Apostle John taught that the Holy Spirit would be our teacher, so I spend time seeking His direction and revelation.
2. He clears his mind of preconceived interpretations and applications.
3. He strives to understand the historical and cultural context in which any Scripture beings used was written. This helps in determining the meaning of the passage, why it is in the book or letter, and what the application may be to today’s culture.
4. He looks at the biblical context in which it is placed. The Scripture around the specific text leads to a greater understanding of the passage in question, and helps us gain understanding as to the point the writer was trying to make.
5. Tim typically uses the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible for most of his study. This is a matter of personal preference only. That being said, he finds great value in reading different translations in parallel. He finds the New American Standard Bible (NASB) to be the truest to the original language, making it good for study, but not as fluent for reading. The New Living Translation (NLT) makes for a very easy read, which is often helpful as well.
6. The opinions of others on the passage he is studying falls a distant second to the all of the above. Before seeking others’ opinions he endeavors to interpret Scripture with Scripture. The Scripture will not and does not contradict itself, therefore if his initial understanding of a passage contradicts another portion of Scripture, he seeks to find balance. This principle guides him into a more accurate interpretation.
7. Tim will do word studies in the Hebrew or Greek when he feels that this would be beneficial.

Tim fully believes in the Statement of Faith published by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

• The Holy Scriptures, as originally given by God, are divinely inspired, infallible, entirely trustworthy, and constitute the only supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
• There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• Our Lord Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh; we affirm his virgin birth, sinless humanity, divine miracles, vicarious and atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, ongoing mediatorial work, and personal return in power and glory.
• The salvation of lost and sinful humanity is possible only through the merits of the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, received by faith apart from works, and is characterized by regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit enables believers to live a holy life, to witness and work for the Lord Jesus Christ.
• The Church, the body of Christ, consists of all true believers.
• Ultimately God will judge the living and the dead, those who are saved unto the resurrection of life, those who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.