1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:1 – 6)
Theme: If not You, then Who?
A big thank you to all who participated in our warmup Bible Study last week. We will now commence our review of 11 Disciplines, starting with Bible Study. As always, our aim is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Disciplines in deepening our relationship with God.
Our theme this year challenges us to test whether we are “pulling our weight” in advancing God’s kingdom. How does Bible Study help us to pull our weight? We will consider this question over the next three days.
Our scripture passage for the day captures Saul’s conversion and his call to service as the apostle Paul. Wouldn’t we all like to have that kind of specific/dramatic call (maybe without going blind temporarily 😊)? Rarely do Christians experience that kind of specificity in calling through Bible Study but we know that the Bible is an essential direction setting tool (“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” – Psalm 119:105).
Please answer the question below and click on the link to take a very quick poll.
Question & Request
Question: In what ways is Bible Study crucial to us determining what God wants us to do even if we might not get specific directions from our studies?
February 22, 2021 at 2:20 am
Bible Study is crucial for us in determining what God wants us to do even if we may not get specific directions from our study. It helps us to remain in God’s word which helps us to focus on what is really important in life, it teaches us where to get answers if we are struggling or facing troubles and challenges in life. God’s word plus the fellowship and prayers of my sisters or brothers in the bible study group can encourage and really help me grow as we study together. It’s a blessing, a spiritual and emotional support can be gained as well so it’s important for every believer to have a bible study group all through the years…until we get really old and will be called to be with our great master in heaven and He would say to us, “well done my child, you did a good job!”
February 22, 2021 at 10:06 pm
That is a great answer.Thank you .
February 22, 2021 at 4:04 am
Bible Study is extremely helpful in our growth and development as believers. It has helped me to better understand God’s word and it’s application in my life. Also the fellowship and relationships provide great support and encouragement.
February 22, 2021 at 5:23 am
Bible study gives a “deeper dive” into God’s Word. Concepts and teachings are usually easier to grasp and understand because of the way they are typically broken down into bite-sized chunks.
These chunks are usually related to a specific topic. This is crucial because we will more than likely focus on that topic, reflect on it, then apply it to our daily life. Even if we don’t get specific directions from our studies, we at least know that God wants us to apply His word and demonstrate what we have learned each day.
February 22, 2021 at 5:48 am
Bible study gives a deeper insight into God’s Word. We gain a closer and deeper relationship to God . The fellowship is also obedience to His command to forsake not the assembling of believers. We gain strength and encouragement and direction to cope with life’s daily challenges n a manner pleasing to God.
February 22, 2021 at 8:02 am
Among other things, bible study helps us to grasp the following :
1. the purpose / mission of God for us as his people; 2. the love of God for us and all the people of the earth; 3. how God wants us to live in community and as individuals; and 4. helps us practice our vocation influenced by the divine perspective and resources.
February 22, 2021 at 7:08 pm
Because Bible study is crucial in helping us to renew our minds, enabling God’s people to be better equipped to be led by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 12:2 NIV tells us: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
February 22, 2021 at 7:13 pm
By studying God’s Word we will know what is required of us, to help to discern what is a wise approach, to help to direct our thoughts, to ensure our actions and motives are aligned to His Word.
February 22, 2021 at 10:52 pm
(1) It is both a spiritual and a moral compass so it guides us as we navigate unchartered waters or even known seas.
(2) It opens our eyes, mind, ears and heart as we reflect on God’s Word.
(3) It points us to things that Bible characters did right as well as wrong so we can emulate the good and avoid or reject the bad/evil.
(4) it reveals the tension between our inherent good— being in the image and likeness of God, and our fallibility and weaknesses or limitations as the fallen human race.
February 23, 2021 at 12:41 am
Bible study (not necessarily with a group) not only teaches me about God, His ways and His will, but is also the primary way that I hear from Him. Thanks be to God for His word!