Finding the Power to Believe: a study in Philippians

By David Bergsland

This is the first in a series of Bible studies for the new believer, young Christian getting serious, or group looking to get serious about the Lord. The study assumes that scripture is inspired by God and that it can teach us how to live a powerful, victorious life in Jesus. Everything is referenced and the core meaning of the scriptures is revealed. Have a wonderful time exploring Philippians.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Bergsland
• Release date: Sep 4, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452364902

David Bergsland

For me, my early life culminated with the great rebellion of the sixties. Ending up as a fine artist and heavy user of pot and acid, I needed help. I met Jesus in 1974, and my life began, for real. The Lord gave me an amazing Godly woman for my wife in 1976. I became a graphic designer, font designer, and desktop publisher. In 1991, I began teaching printing and digital publishing. That resulted in writing dozens of books and booklets about the practical processes, using InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. In 2009, I began the transformation into an author of fiction. By the end of 2022, I had 17 novels in five series, as I have developed my craft. This book is #20, and is the third book of the sixth series. I’m using Christian contemporary speculative fiction with some Biblical romance to share stories about the reality of how Jesus touches our day-to-day lives, while being strongly focused upon Biblical truth. I put the stereotypical Bible quoters in the same category as robo-callers. I attempt to reveal Jesus within a realistic world sharing my experiences. The goal is to reveal Jesus as a loving Creator building people into what they are designed to be. I currently assume time is running short, and the final harvest is here.

Book preview

From the Easily Understanding Scripture series

Finding the Power to Believe

A study of the letter to the Philippians

By David Bergsland

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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Copyright ©2010 by David Bergsland

All rights reserved.

This book is available in print at Lulu. If you need a book with sidebars for questions, &/or a spiral-bound workbook, search for Radiqx Press or this title in Lulu.

This is a work of biblical opinion sharing the experiences of over thirty-five years of serving Jesus of Nazareth, teaching the scriptures, and walking in the spirit. All opinions should be examined and prayerfully considered before they are blindly acted upon.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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A layout note: In the written book, the indented (or bulleted, depending on your reader) paragraphs below were discussion questions in the sidebar. I realize that it is harder to read in the single column format required by ebooks, but it is the only way I can do it here, at present. It does really chew up the copy when everything is jammed in a single column like this.

As we begin

This is not likely to be a bible study that you are familiar with—if you are. First of all, I am not assuming that you are a Christian—though I do assume that you are a seeker of Truth and quite possibly a church-goer. This will be a simple sharing of what the Lord gives me as I pray for you while writing this book.

My credentials

As far as the world is concerned—I don't have any. All I have is experience—both the experience of reading many versions of scripture cover to cover many times and the experience of teaching and leading Bible studies since late 1974. In addition I have aggressively sought to put what I read into practice—more & more as I mature.

I was born again out of a life of fine art, drugs and occult practices on January 15, 1974. I was so stoned, it took several days before I even noticed anything. But the transformation by the summer of 1974 was truly astounding. I am not the same man I was—thank God!

You really can't say I was a hippie, because I dropped out before that term was coined. Though I considered myself a fine artist, I had no real talent except for the necessary ego. For the first couple years I was trained in the Lord by my father, who was one of the first charismatic Episcopalians—beginning in the late 1950s. Throughout 1974 (and much of 1975), I went with him daily as we were deeply involved in seven bible studies a week, a couple led by my father and several led by others. At that point I was Episcopalian (and in many ways I still am). I was taught through immersion into the spirit-filled life with a well-trained mentor to guide me.

In 1976 I married the woman who would transform my life, Patricia Harper—though she had the name of a former husband tacked on to the end of it. Here was a woman with a very clear call to ministry—both in gifts and in a desire to serve. Her wisdom and common sense approach to following Jesus has enabled me to open up more to the Lord and begin to become what He designed me to be.

Scripture versions & usage

I am a firm believer in using many translations and a few paraphrases to build a consensus of accuracy. My usual choices are (in no particular order): New American Standard Bible [NASB], Revised Standard [RSV], English Standard [ESV], New King James [NKJV], New International [NIV], Phillips, New Living Translation [NLT], Jerusalem,