WHO NEEDS BIBLE STUDY?
I once had a friend who was struggling with God. Her lifestyle was one that would normally have had me walking on the other side of the street, but her broken-ness drew me to her; the fact that she loved the special needs baby who was mine drew her to me. I doubt that it was the exemplary life I led that made her ask me questions about faith and God, but however it happened, we had this connection.
As I got to know this friend, whom I shall call Cathy, it became evident that I was the one who needed to study some references because this woman was desperate for answers that would make sense and bring peace to her. Many of her problems stemmed way back to her childhood and being molested by two men who were no longer alive. How was she to deal with that in her head? What could possibly be done at this late date that would "fix" it?
Thus began the long-term study of scripture, looking for passages that spoke of forgiveness, even though the culprits were dead; looking for passages that gave her the right and command to forgive those who had hurt her; seeking words that would show her she was worthy in the sight of God to be forgiven and loved; seeking words that would release her from the grip her guilt had on her.
That is a prime example of who needs Bible study - one who grew up in an environment of a Christian home, and one who never knew the security of love and safety in her life. It seems that no matter who you are, what you know, how you've lived, what you do or what has been done to you, studying God's Word for answers - and ammunition - is a pretty good idea. I was fortunate in that I was able to get my answers together before the next time Cathy came with questions, and by finding what I needed to know, I was able to give her truths that she could search for herself as she needed them.
If this is the first time you've gotten into a Bible study, or the hundredth time you've attempted to get started, welcome! The Bible doesn't have to be dry and boring, nor is it. Many versions are available and if you're just looking to see what there is without investing any money in something you might find you're not going to use, then let me make some suggestions (See the panel to the right):
Come back monthly and join us, then, for online or at-home Bible study materials. Our monthly studies are now ready to go!