Infinitely imperative to contemporary Christian faith, Bible study “involves engaging the mind and focusing attention on Scripture in an attempt to understand and apply truth to every part of my life”. Only through Bible study can we learn about God and become more like Christ. Through the Bible itself God encourages us to “meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Josh 1:8). Though emphasis on Bible study has fluctuated throughout history, it remains as essential today as in Old Testament times.
Summarise your original understanding of the discipline before the course started
Throughout my upbringing my parents impressed upon me the …show more content…
In comparison, the Baptist denomination of Christianity relies heavily on study of the Bible in order to discover the correct way to live. It is common Baptist belief that scripture must be taken literally. The preferred Biblical translation is King James Version, as it is a word for word translation of the original Hebrew. Baptists believe that Biblical study “Must go beyond inner experience and acceptance of doctrines; it must involve a daily walk with God”. Therefore Baptist reliance on Bible study is potentially greater than that of Pentecostalism.
An individual experience
Bible Study has always been a struggle for me to maintain as a regular discipline. I find I get the most revelation from study when I need comfort or instruction in regard to a situation I am facing at the time. Seeking solace from recent family difficulties, I turned to God’s word and found courage in his promises; “even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Ps 23:4 NIV). With this promise, I was able to hold firm to him and emerge from the valley stronger in my faith.
A group …show more content…
I desire to press into God’s word to discover “who God is, who we are and why we are here”. The Bible contains all the instruction necessary for me to live a life worthy of God’s calling, comfort in difficult times, and an avenue to hear directly from God as the Holy Spirit brings revelation from the written word of God. Bible study is a privilege, not a chore to check off your list.
Encouraging the practise of this discipline
As a part of my role in my local churches youth program I co-lead a small group of younger girls with the privilege and responsibility of encouraging and counselling them. The time I spend with these younger girls can be spent in Bible study; though I don’t have the answers to the questions and problems they have, answers can be found in God’s word. I can encourage them to study the Bible in their own time and therefore deepen their relationship with God.