Bible Study

TC I was just reading this and not being a Pastor I thought of you and as soon as I did you showed up!.. I gave God all the credit!... Brother GlenThumbsup

 

I think we all go through this, and sometimes we have to motivate ourselves.

For me, I have had times when I realized I had become disinterested in study and giving very little attention to it. Realizing this, I began looking again at issues that were of more interest to me, and that helped.

But here is a great motivator for you: list five positions you hold, and I, or another member...will tell you why you are in error about something.



Nothing motivates people to study more than being told they are wrong about something...right?


God bless.

 

I am thankful that the Bible is not like any other book on the face of the earth... You don't just read it and you are finished with it... It is a daily lifelong read and study and by all means application... It applies to me and it applies to you and all Gods children... If you do not struggle and question and doubt when reading and studying your Bible you picked up the wrong book... When you struggle you find truth... When you question you find answers and when you doubt you find assurance...Sometimes you find a gem in the treasure house of God you never saw before. As you dig and dig and dig you unearth more treasures just for you... I have sometimes asked myself why did God not leave us a book we do not have to struggle with at times to understand?... I have come to this truth in my many years of serving the Lord... When truths are finally revealed to our satisfaction and understanding we fully appreciate them and give more glory to our God who is our Savior and Lord!... Brother Glen

 

I would suggest another reason for why Scripture is how it is: to force us to draw out the truths in sincere searching of truth.

What I mean is that many will receive a teaching and embrace it. Am I wrong in thinking that the average member of a congregation accepts what their Pastor and/or Sunday School Teacher teaches them? Most give proof-texts to support the teaching, and, like most who are young (the application meaning those young in faith), there is a trust and no reason to question the teaching.

But I believe God will motivate us to growth, and study is a fundamental part of that growth. And like you said, sometimes the Lord takes a collection of truths we understand and places them in a larger context, bringing out a deeper and broader meaning.

So when we debate with others on certain topics, I think we are going to see two different types of "student." And how Scripture is given will be viewed by some in a different way. I am sure all of us think our views are, as someone said in a recent thread, "Right there!" But, is it?

It can be a matter of what is "right there" may mean what that person thinks it means, it's just a matter of context.

For example, Ezekiel states "The soul which sinneth shall die." I can name at least two issues which create two entirely different interpretations, context and definition. Depending on how we define certain words and what context we hold this statement in, we are going to have one of two primary interpretations, but, that doesn't mean both are right.


God bless.

 

While I was getting ready for work, your post is the one that stands out most for me today, Preacher, so I want to clarify that I was not taking your situation lightly.

I was not kidding about debate motivating us to study, this is generally true for everyone. But, that is not the only issue that we might have to consider, and I wanted to add that you have a tough job, dealing with people, that is. This is enough to get anyone down. It can be a source of discouragement unlike no other. Just keep in mind that study can be a source of healing, and I can count a number of times when my relationship with others and my general attitude has been revived simply by immersion in the Word of God.

You say you have found it hard to read your Bible, and I was wondering if you could elaborate on that. Do you mean it as in "I just am not motivated to read it" or do you mean your faith in the Word of God has been, or waning?


God bless.