Tonight's Blog for April 2, 2013

Easy Bible Study… is there any such thing? We have been spending our time in small groups for the last few

weeks preparing ourselves for Bible Study. Our method is as easy as 1… 2… 3… if we follow the steps and start with a blank sheet, and allow the text to talk to us! We might even say that this method is as easy as dating… more on that later! Many in our small groups have invested hours so far in our first few assignments. Here is what I mean. The first assignment was to select a short passage from the Bible. Many of us felt that the text actually chose us, that we were drawn to a passage that was an area of interest even before we committed. I have likened this first assignment to "dating" the passage! We have been dating our texts, just as you might date a person to see if you have enough interest and attraction to "get to know" each other. 

Assignment two was to come up with a list of questions that you have developed from the first few "dates". Remember, it was ok to date others at first, but the list of questions helps you to know your "date", or your scripture, respectively! The questions are to show that we are paying attention. They should be specific to the passage or the person. It is an easy segue to assignment three, we use the time spent in assembling our questions to come up with a long list of observations, of "facts" that come from the passage. These specific facts are to help us to know if we are really paying attention during our time together. 

As we saw at first, there were three steps so far. Next, we added assignment four, "context" to our E.B.S (Easy Bible Study) approach. Context, in Bible Study, means that we read the whole book, create an outline of the book or get a good outline from a study bible or on line! We don't want to over use the analogy of "dating" to our text, but this would be moving on from casual dates. Our time together increases to include eating meals together, going to group activities with our "date" and even spending time together in the library! (… does any of this sound familiar? it happens to be a part of my "successful" dating method with Marge.. ha) 

Remember this, GOD is the one who wants to reveal HIMSELF to us! As you choose a passage to study, HE is cheering you on, rooting for you to find a passage that will help you to grow. Also, you don't have to be here or in our small groups to do this method, it will still work for you if you try. We promise to help you. You have to do one thing, one first thing… find a passage in the Bible, spend some time dating it, and then pray that your commitment level and interest will both grow as you get to know each other… it really can work! God Bless you!