February 20, 2011

  • Bible study

    I just finished spending a day plus a week to prepare a Bible study.  Does anyone else spend this much time?  I think I am on the slow side in Bible study prep, but I'm realizing that my goals act as a tension which push me to keep refining.

    As I write the study, my goals include:
    1.  Writing questions that will lead to discussion easily:  They need to be thought-provoking but not too impossibly perplexing.  They need to not be dead-end questions with one-word answers.
    2.  To be accurate in my interpretation of the truth and lead others to those accurate interpretations.
    3.  To not have a boring Bible study.

    Of course, ultimately, I am sending up desperate prayers that God would show up.  What's the point of a Bible study if he doesn't?  Who wants a mental exercise?  Not me.  I'm not a literature teacher, leading a discussion on a piece of literature.  I'm a rough-hewn signpost, hoping to point others to Jesus -- an unremarkable facilitator, hoping to open ways for the Holy Spirit to manifest his power and his presence.  I wouldn't 'throw away' so much precious life if I didn't fiercely believe that God's word has the power to transform lives.  God's word has an explosive dynamite impact on souls.  I believe it, I believe it, I believe it.  I might not get to see explosions every time I lead a Bible study, but I believe it's happening and bound to happen in visible ways.  And so I pray desperately, Lord, please show up!