Access and acclimation to God’s Word entrusts us with a privilege too great for casual and superficial handling. It is puzzlingly shameful that many who claim to be Christians dogmatically use this privilege to promote their own agendas, but confirm, by their own use of Scripture, that they never read or researched adequately. The results, in our culture, is the common practice of sharing opinions and assumptions about life-issues with careless claims that the Bible backs their arguments and assertions.
A privileged gift for humanity…
The pilgrimage of this series began by recognizing the bold and staggering claims that the Bible makes about itself: claims that – if not true – would be outrageous.
In Part 1 we looked at the miraculous way in which the writings of the Scripture came together, and then we set the challenge to see the study of scripture as a journey and adventure to engage and to explore.
Absorb the privilege of holding an ancient volume that has such intentionality!
Part 2 introduced some necessary terminology to give us clarity and coherence in our conversations about the Word of God.
We unpacked these concepts in Parts 3, 4, & 5.
It is your privilege to explore this priceless volume – personally.
Part 6 was the watershed moment of considering principles whereby any believer can develop a personal Bible study beginning with discipline, flowering into desire, and eventually ripening into a daily delight.
What a solemn privilege to gain guidance through the chaos of our current world.
Part 7 was crucial, as we explored the necessity of being able to wrestle with God, then bind and loose with other believers as we grapple with the weightier facets and concepts of Scripture.
Humbling is the privilege of relationship with Almighty God!
Part 8 is a celebration of results that a lifelong commitment to the Word of God brings!
It will give you the ability to recognize and understand the progressive
trajectory and self-authenticating nature of the Scriptures
… enable you to interpret Scripture with Scripture and to recognize
the Bible’s internal interpretation principles
…guide you in the development of a sensible and godly philosophy of living and loving, knowing that your convictions will mature and be adjusted over time
…provoke you to pursue a multitude of personal and creative studies. The possibilities are limitless! And don’t expect to finish most of what you start… one study leads to many others.
It will encourage you toward meaningful conversations; asking the right
questions and giving thoughtful and helpful answers to life issues
…enable you to appropriately define and adequately defend the lovingly exclusive claim of Christianity in this recklessly inclusive culture and world
…compel you toward being an effectual and credible and compassionate
witness of the gospel to others.
It will exponentially increase your humility before God and your passion for God.
How often we take our privilege for granted….