University Bible Study
Why study the Bible?
The
Bible contains 66 books and was written over a period of more than
1600 years. Yet it is one book with a consistent theme: God's love and
salvation for fallen mankind. Thus it is the source book of Judaism (Old
Testament) and of Christianity. It has stood the test of time and the attacks
of critics for the last 2000 years because it is the inspired word of God.
The Bible is, first, the history of Israel. Yet it is the history of
us all, and Western culture has its roots in the Bible. We study the Bible
so we may know who God is, who we are and why this world was created; then
we can know the purpose and meaning of our lives. Bible study leads us
to God, so it leads to Truth. Jesus said in John's gospel that if we hold
to his teachings, then we will know the truth, and the truth will set us
free. [John 8:31,32]
How do we study the Bible?
The Bible is the word of God, written by Holy
men of old who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. We must not approach it
critically but prayerfully---to learn what God is saying to us and to obey
Him. There are three steps:
Observation: What does it say? Pay close attention to the
passage, noticing contrast, repetition and progression, as well as the
facts.
Interpretation: What does it mean? Prayerfully meditate on
the contents, seeking to find its meaning, particularly from the author's
point of view.
Application: What does it mean to me? Are there promises
to be claimed, commands to be obeyed, sins to be repented of? Look for
prayer topics for yourself, for others, for your family, for the country
and the world.
Our approach in Bible study is the question
and answer session followed by personal reflection and testimony-writing;
written lectures are also helpful. And we should avoid trying to force
the Bible into theological systems such as fundamentalism or dispensationalism---for
the best interpreter of the Bible is the Bible itself.
Why study "one-to-one"?
There are many different ways to study the Bible, such as through personal
reading and meditation, listening to sermons and lectures, discussion groups,
or on a "one-to-one" basis. All are good. But our ministry is uniquely
committed to one-to-one Bible study. God saved the ancient world through
one man, Noah. God gave his covenant to one man, Abraham; Jesus taught
Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman one at a time. Through one-to-one Bible
study, each person is a student, and each person is a teacher. This gives
the opportunity for each person to study at his or her own pace, ask questions
freely, and seek answers with the prayer support of a friend.
We encourage those who want to engage in serious
Bible study to prepare by answering study questions in advance and afterward
to write a summary of what he or she has learned, including personal, practical
application (testimony). In addition, at least once a quarter, we hold
a Student Bible Symposium for those who would like to share their
study with others.
Our one-to-one Bible studies are evangelistic in purpose, that is, we
seek to lead people---one at a time---to meet the God of the Bible personally,
and to come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
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