Bible Studies - Learn from The Bible

Aleena Denison asked:

With the popularity of the internet today, and the vast resources that are poured into it, it’s a prime place for doing research. One can look up just about anything and find huge amounts of information! But for Christians, there is a need for caution, and not just in general research. If you’re looking for information on spiritual matters, it’s important to be careful and know your stuff!

What “stuff” do you need to know?

? According to the Bible, who is God? (Psalm 90:2; Jeremiah 10:6)

? According to the Bible, who is man? (Genesis 1:26-27; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 5:12)

? According to the Bible, what is sin? (Ephesians 5:6; Revelation 21:8)

? According to the Bible, who is Jesus? (Micah 5:2; Matthew 3:16-17; John 1:29-30)

? According to the Bible, what is salvation? (Acts 6:31; Colossians 2:13-14)

? According to the Bible, how do God, man, sin, Jesus and salvation relate? (Read an overview of the Bible to see how they all tie together)

This is just the beginning of what you need to know and understand. As you grow as a believer and seek to delve deeper into understanding the Word of God there are many more topics for Bible study, and there are many who want to give their own interpretation of the Scriptures. Here are some “hot topics” that are often misconstrued:

? Baptism- Is it necessary or just optional? Does the Bible talk about sprinkling and immersion? Is it wrong for infants to be baptized?

? Prayer- How important is it in the life of a believer? Does God hear everyone’s prayers? How should one pray?

? Faith- Is amount of faith important for salvation and sanctification? How does it relate to salvation?

? Good works- Must one do good works as a part of obtaining salvation? How important are they?

Why are these things so important to know? Isn’t it okay for some to believe one thing and others another? Whatever you choose as your study guide must be in line with what the Bible says. If the materials you’re researching don’t clearly follow the Bible, discard those materials. It’s not a matter of what one thinks about the topics that determines its truth, it’s what the Bible says is the truth, and that is what you must study.

The Bible specifically talks about those who will twist the Word of God, “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) Just because they claim the “Christian” label doesn’t mean that they intend to teach the Bible clearly, as it is written. Be careful!

If you’ve never before studied the Bible and are looking for studies to teach you about it, look for materials that begin with answering the first list of questions. Be sure it’s the Bible being clearly explained, and not someone’s personal interpretation. I recommend finding something that will give you an overview of the Bible. Then you will have a solid understanding of what God is saying and a foundation on which to build.

Lewis

Chris Jensen asked:


Leading small group Bible studies can be challenging. Leaders must figure out how to keep sessions running without burn-out and how to have the right expectations. Also, they have to build a feeling of community and encourage active participation in every group meeting.

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They say that in order for worship in a small group setting to be effective, these three expectations must be embraced:

First is that it takes time for good things to happen. Allow time for the people to ready their hearts for praising God. Next is that people need clear direction and guidance. Provide verbal or vocal cues about what you want them to do. The last one is that you do not have to entertain the people with new material. Constant use and repetition are two important elements in conducting small group Bible studies. It may be difficult to grasp something with our hearts by hearing or reading something just once.

Building a sense of unity and encouraging active participation, on the other hand, may be achieved by doing these things: First, practicing spontaneity to create a relaxed feeling in your small group. Encourage sharing of insights and interpretations of Bible verses. Next, be aware of language limitations. Remember that many words in older Bible translations have changed their meaning since they were first translated. Third, do not exclude other versions of the Bible, and fourth, do not get too far away from the Word.

Leading small group Bible studies can indeed be very challenging. Like a shepherd leading a small flock, you are directing your members into listening to the Word of God and ultimately changing the course of their lives.



Ivan

John Savage asked:


As South Africans turn their hearts towards Christ, communities are being changed, and major societal problems are diminishing in Gods hands.

Color blind

Racial tensions, for example, have been extreme in this country that was formerly run by an all white government. Though the black population now has equal rights under the post apartheid leadership, they are frequently treated as outcasts by the white minority. As black citizens move into communities, white residents generally move out.

However, one pastor has challenged his all white congregation to be different. He has begun several Bible studies where citizens of both races come together for the study of Gods Word. As a result, his church is growing, and tensions are diminishing. Other trained leaders are also following his example in beginning bi racial studies.

Combating AIDS with purity

As is the case with most of the continent, AIDS has also been wreaking havoc throughout South Africa. According to Operation World, it is the primary cause of death in South Africa, with more than a thousand victims buried daily. This devastating trend is due, in large part, to lifestyles of promiscuity.

Yet through Bible studies, South Africans are learning that God intended something much different. One Bible study graduate says, My life is now completely changed. I started knowing how special I am before God. I even know that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

One by one, South Africans are dedicating themselves to purity, in thought and in deed. And as their behavior changes, their risk of contracting this deadly disease decreases dramatically.

Fire in the Church

It was by Gods grace that the Bible League was able to begin ministry in South Africa during the late 90s. And since then, trained Christians have been working faithfully to place Scriptures, in seven different languages, into the hands of many South Africans whose hearts have been prepared by the Holy Spirit. What is more, since each Bible recipient has graduated from a Bible study, he or she has at least a basic understanding of the salvation message it holds.

One pastor reports, My people have started to read their Bibles and share the Gospel with their friends and neighbors. And I never stop receiving new members for classes and baptism. We are a church on fire!

On our knees

We thank God for the tremendous work that He is doing throughout South Africa. And we know as we continue to place His Word throughout this country, the healing is sure to continue.



Raquel