July 2020

As a retired elementary school teacher, I am familiar with many different learning styles and strategies used to teach children.  They learn differently and one style doesn’t fit all.  Biblical teaching is no different.  I can get amazing insights from a sermon or teaching, yet someone else who I respect may get nothing from it at all or visa-versa.  I want to emphasize in this case it was not a doctrinal or content issue.  In fact, I have been very inspired by this particular teacher, at other times.

From the journal. . . . November 2005

Lord, I’m not really enjoying the Bible Study book that our women’s group is doing.  I thought I would, but it starts off with the author’s ideas that are so often different from mine.  What is my problem? 

And I Believe God Said:

Surrender to Me and don’t worry about what I give to her.*  She is modeling a style.  I want her to because  people learn from her. 

John 21:22

While facilitating the study, guard your heart and your tongue so you won’t rob anyone of what they need from her .  

Always encourage growth, and seeking out my truth.  People don’t need to use your methods nor your style. Nor do they have to use that author’s, but it’s important that they do something.

Studying the bible isn’t an option. All believers need to be in the Word. * It’s not a ‘read once’ nor a ‘Been there, Done that’.  It’s the living Word and continues to teach us.*  We are blessed to have a variety of Bible translations to choose from and so many Bible study help books: dictionaries, handbooks, studies, concordances, encyclopedias, etc.  We have many Bible teachers, preachers, authors, and song writers to assist us in our studies.  There are also internet options and apps!  Seek God with a pure heart and the Holy Spirit will guide your studies!

* Ps 119.  2 Tim 3:14-17