How do we approach learning the Bible?
Thank you for reading my blog. It is a privilege to create this blog and to have you visit. I hope you find the information encouraging. Our mission at Teleios is to provide science-based information on the truth of scripture, its positive impact in our lives and to educate on these results.
We performed a survey on the Instagram account, InstaPray, asking participants about their Bible study and discipleship beliefs. We had 822 participants of whom: 75% were female; 80% were 30 or younger; 40% resided in the United States; and 80% described themselves as evangelical. Please visit HERE for the full findings. The survey discovered many points about beliefs about Bible study and discipleship. This week let us discuss what it revealed concerning how to learn the Bible long-term.
Future Christian educational goals
When asked ‘Over the next 5-10 years what are your scripture educational goals’, 63% of respondents indicated they wished to read the whole Bible, while 60% answered they should learn the major themes of the Bible. Also, 47% noted they needed to learn what was in each book of scripture and 25% wanted to master verse-by-verse study methods.
It is so heartening to see our participants have educational goals in the Bible. Very few (8%) indicated they had no study goals. At Teleios we emphasize three initial goals to most efficiently learn the Bible.:
1. Verse by verse study in the Epistles – This method of study provides a greater depth, joy and learning and consequently the more benefit of knowing scripture.
o We suggest the Epistles because those letters are to the church and for our direction specifically.
o We emphasize especially starting in Ephesians or Colossians because they provide the most efficient, compelling study comprising both who Christ is and the Christian walk.
2. Major themes of the Bible - Where verse by verse gives you an exciting idea of what is in each book and a competency in reading and interpreting scripture, studying the major biblical themes such as: salvation, security, the Church Holy Spirit etc. integrates scripture from all portions of the Bible to provide you topical knowledge. This is vital because as you talk to others you typically do so topically and not verse by verse. Books about Christian theology by Charles Ryrie or Lewis Sperry Chafer are very helpful (1,2).
3. Bible overview – Gaining a general knowledge of each book, its history, major themes and how it fits into the plan of God, does not take much time and completes an overall knowledge of scripture until the books can be studies individually. Talk Thru the Bible by Wilkinson is a good resource (3).
We have a wonderful text of scripture that is reliable and our ability to know God through it is almost endless. Our study of scripture provides a chance to influence not only our own lives, but our immediate community and society as a whole.
Thank you for reading my blog. Please join us again next week as we continue to discuss the immense value and truth of scripture.
William C. Stewart, MD
1. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L1U112E/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
2. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BA51EK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
3. https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Thru-Bible-Bruce-Wilkinson/dp/0785212213
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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.
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