Study Time
April 10th, 2008I enjoy studying the Bible. In fact, I have discovered that I enjoy study and preparation more than the actual presentation of sermons and classes. That may sound odd in some ways and I would agree. Why waste all that time doing all of that study if it is not going to benefit someone else, right?
Recently I found out that the Jews treat study as one of the purest forms of worship. Study puts us into the mind and will of God - what more could we want in a worship experience? Bible study is more than learning facts or finding arguments for our position on the issues. It is more than just reading the text. It is embracing our God on his own terms. It is worship!
I remember as a student at Abilene Christian University (ACU) I was required to take some courses from Neil Lightfoot. What a privilege it turned out to be! Over and over I felt the presence of God as Dr. Lightfoot opened the text to us. It was so powerful that I tell people I could feel the “breath of God” when Dr. Lightfoot opened his Bible to teach us. It became less about grades and more about God.
In my studies and reflections I have learned that the old preachers were right. We need to study about the Bible less. We need to study the Bible more.
While there are many great books that help us understand the Bible (and we need these); there is nothing that can replace the word of God itself. It is the source of light and life. Through study, memorization and its practice we become closer to God - a real worship experience!
The more we read and study the Bible, the better we will understand it. The better we understand it, the more we will enjoy it. The more we enjoy it, the more it becomes honey to our souls (Psalm 119.103)!
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
