Overview & Introductions

If there is someone in the Bible study that has gone through this before the it is important to remember no human is capable of comprehending every that God wishes to reveal by a single encounter. Rather we are called to receive according to not only our nature, but also our conversion. 

The Bible Study/Discipleship Vision:

Bible studies are as much for the Bible study leader as those that attend, note:

• Where two or three are gathered in the name of Christ He is in their midst...

• The leader is not exempt from receptivity but only guides the discussion and the content of the study in addition to setting the context/atmosphere precipitative not only of the location but the leader's spiritual disposition.

  • These things are to help those present be receptive to the word and the Spirit

1. The principal purpose of a Bible study of course is to:

   1. Encounter God on a deeper than usual level in prayer and scripture

   2. Learn more about our blessed faith

   3. Become familiar and re-cultivate the fruits of knowledge of scripture

2. Growth in Christian fraternity

   1. Whereas the primary objective is growth in knowledge of God's revelation especially through the study of Sacred Scripture, God is also present amongst those gathered for such purpose. Therefore, the discussion, although secondary to the main end to be achieved, is no less a primary objective. In such discussion:

      1. We grow in knowledge of each other.

      2. We grow in knowledge of ourselves.

      3. We are made aware of God's work in each other.

      4. We are made vessels of God's revelation to each other.

      5. Our perspective is diversified exponentially.

      6. We are made aware of how much there is to know and how little we do of those we study with.

      7. Our "intrinsic" and "personal" faith is found to be worthy of sharing with others as is proper to the nature of the CHristian faith.

   2. We struggle against the same enemies: our ignorance, spiritual blindness, the sins of our culture, the disillusionment/secular lives of our neighbors, and most directly demonic influence (usually temptation)

      1. Therefore, our lives are principally similar

   3. Vulnerability is the context for the Christian social life and is the gateway to spiritual brotherhood

      1. Vulnerability is a pre-requisite for reconciliation where we are reunited to Christ and His Church

         1. Reconciliation literally means "to once again see eye to eye"

      2. As Christians and naturally social beings, we are called to live our spiritual lives with one another.

         1. "if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6

Spend the rest of the Time Getting to Know Each Other...

Next time we will look at what reading the Bible is like and important things to consider while doing it.