Study the Bible for Growth Week 11

Our How to Study the Bible for Yourself and Others looked at Using Biblical Resources such as Commentaries, Bible Studies, Conferences, and more this past Sunday.

There are many challenges in selecting Biblical resources.  We discussed several in the November 16 class.  The number of resources has been a problem.  So many different writers and ideas are out there in books.  This leads to the second challenge.  These ideas don't even need to be published in book form.  With modern publishing and the internet, it is easy to publish an ebook and even easier to start a blog (even I did 😀).  There are so many different and accessible resources out there.  Another challenge mentioned was varying opinions.  Not just views found in the resources, but also opinions found about the resources and writers.

Another challenge in selecting Biblical resources is a wrong view of their purpose.  So what is the purpose of Biblical resources?

Simply put, the purpose is to help people understand the Bible and think Biblically, and live Biblically, not to replace it.  

In Lit!  A Christian Guide to Reading Books, Tony Reinke writes, “Scripture is the ultimate grid by which we read every book. Scripture is perfect, sufficient, and eternal. All other books, to some degree, are imperfect, deficient, and temporary. That means that when we pick books from the bookstore shelves, we read those imperfect books in light of the perfect Book, the deficient books in light of the sufficient Book, and the temporary books in light of the eternal Book.”

Here are some basic resources selection helps:

• Always read your Bible; never let other books distract you from reading the Bible.
• As it relates to what we have been studying in class, be sure to spend a lot of time in the Seeing/Observing phase of study.  
• Biblical resources should help you understand the Bible, NOT replace the Bible

Biblical resource selection comes down to discernment.  It is not about finding the right website or person to make decisions for you.  A website and people can help grow your discernment, but discernment must always depend on God and his word.

Tim Challies offers the following definition of discernment.  "Discernment is the skill of understanding and applying God's Word with the purpose of separating truth from error and right from wrong." (For a detailed explanation of this definition, go to www.challies.com/articles/defining-discernment/)

In this upcoming week's class, we will look at practical tips for personal and corporate discernment.

In last week's class, we talked about Reading In Community -drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2025/11/study-bible-for-growth-week-10.html

Psalm 67

This week's Prayer Psalm is Psalm 67.

6  - 7 (six - seven) or 67 (sixty seven)

Read through the pop culture reference to get to the BIG Biblical truth.

This year's dictionary.com word of the year is six-seven.

If you are not aware of what six-seven means, here is what dictionary.com says about the meaning.  "Perhaps the most defining feature of 67 is that it's impossible to define.  It's meaningless, ubiquitous, and nonsensical.  In other words, it has all the hallmarks of brain rot.  

And here is video evidence of the 67 of the senselessness, from ESPN  -  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46884115

6, 7, in this contemporary slang, is meaningless.

However, Psalm 67, this week's prayer psalm, is filled with God-given purpose, praise, gladness, singing, blessing, and fear of the LORD.

The exact opposite of brain rot.

Psalm 67:1, 2 says

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.

The psalmist asks for God's grace for God's people 
so that His way and His saving power may be known among all the nations.

While words such as "people," "nation," "earth," and others like them fill the Psalm, the focus is on God and His glory.  Remember, God bless his people for his glory.

Let us live for God's glory in all we do so that God will be made know in all the earth.

Below are two songs, a Bible study video, and prayer items to help you, your family, and our church reflect on God and His glory as revealed in this psalm.

RESOURCES:

VIDEOS

Psalm 67 song
youtu.be/6QtP48vDl9g

Look at the Book
www.desiringgod.org/labs/god-blesses-you-to-bless-the-world

All creatures of our God and King
youtu.be/yk-185XGjPg

Trinity's Supported Workers page -

 PRAYER ITEMS:

General Prayer ideas from Psalm 67.

• Rejoice in the blessing promised to Abraham.
• Pray for missions.
• Pray for the salvation of the Jewish people through whom this blessing came.

Pray for our supported workers as they share the Gospel around the world - trinitybaptistgr.churchcenter.com/pages/supported-workers

Study the Bible for Growth Week 10

In today's (November 9) class, we wrapped up the book of Jonah by looking at shared truths and applications, then discussed Bible Reading in Community.

Here are some shared truths Ray Lubeck shared in the class notes.

1. God is ultimately in control of all natural and human events.
2. We cannot run away from God.
3. God's nature is gracious and loving.
4. God's people should be gracious and loving.
5. God cares about saving the lost, and so should we.
6. God will not tolerate wickedness forever.
7. God's word is powerful to save.
8. It is possible for people to repent (by God's grace).
9. God's prophetic word is principally designed to change people, not predict the future.

Here are some application points we talked about in class.

Bible Reading in Community

Reading is a must for spiritual growth.  
Reading the Bible is basic and necessary. 
Reading books that help you think biblically is very helpful.
Reading in general expands your world.  

In today's (November 9) class, we discussed how reading in community supports personal and corporate spiritual growth.

"An important fact obscured in English Bible translations is that almost all the second-person pronouns and commands in the epistles are plural.  Paul was writing to you all or y'all, not to you individualistically, which is how we tend to interpret them when we read individually."  Brian J. Wright,  Don't Just Read It Alone

The article Want to Read the Bible Well? Don't Read It Alone has this Thabiti Anyabwile quote: "If you don't need your Bible at church, then the Bible says you don't need that church."

Reading in community happens at Trinity Baptist Church in many different ways.  Some are more familiar than others.  Bible-based sermons are what most people think of when referring to Bible teaching in the church.  Other opportunities to read in community at Trinity are prayer sheets, Adult Christian Education classes, Bible studies, and book readings.  The weekly prayer sheet includes a Bible passage and, often, a related devotional, with an emphasis on praying scripture.  This prayer help can be used in small groups or in conversation with the TBC family.  During the fall, winter, and spring quarters, we offer three or more Adult Christian Education classes.  One is a straightforward Bible study.  The other courses look at a variety of topics and are rooted in the Bible.  For about ACE classes, go to trinitybaptistgr.churchcenter.com/pages/ace.  Bible studies and book-reading groups provide opportunities to meet in smaller groups to discuss scripture or a Bible-based book.

Reading in community happens at your home with family.  Each week, Trinity's children's ministry shares the lessons taught at tbcgrkidz.org.  There are family-focused books to borrow in the check-in area.

Finally, reading in community in so many other places. In One-to-One Bible Reading by David Helm, the following list of people who would benefit from reading through the Bible together is given: non-Christians who need to be saved, new Christians who need to be sanctified, and established Christians who are ready to be trained.

Study the Bible for Growth Week 9

This past Sunday, November 2, was on Bridging, Responding, and Jonah 1-4.

Lubeck describes Bridging as the missing link of Bible Study.  "Finding the shared truth is a key (but often overlooked) step in the process of Bible study.  This step focuses on the timeless truth - the main ideas - that the original author intends to share with his readers."  (p. 57)

A shared truth is eternal, universal, and reflects the author's original meaning of the text.

In class, we briefly discussed how we know whether a shared truth is valid.

Lubeck gives six questions to help in this process.

1. Is it an Old Testament teaching that is repeated in the New Testament?
2. Is the reason for a specific command given in the passage?
3. Is it a statement about God?
4. Is it a general statement about the character of humanity?
5. Is it a statement about the relationship of God and man?
6. If you are reading a narrative, does the writer pass judgment on what is happening in the story?

In addressing the concept of Bridging and Shared Truth, Lubeck helps clarify one of the problems people often face as they move towards the application part of Bible study.

The other part of last Sunday's class was on responding.  This is what most other plans refer to as Application. 

Here are some guidelines for responding.

Responding is based on the AUTHOR'S INTENTION.
Responding begins with prayerful self-evaluation and addresses real needs (RELEVANCE).
Responding involves LIFE CHANGE (THINKING, IMAGINATION, EMOTIONS, BEHAVIORS).

Bible Study is not done merely for the sake of head knowledge.
It is done help change sinful thinking, inappropriate passions, wrong living, and other sinful parts of our lives.

This upcoming Sunday, November 9, Reading in Community and Jonah 1 - 4.

Here are two articles about reading in community.

Don't Just Read It Alone
Want to Read the Bible Well? Don't Read It Alone

Most lesson material comes from Bible Study Basics:  Foundations for Interpreting and Applying Scripture by Ray Lubeck.

Study the Bible for Growth Week 6

Ezra's actions in Ezra 7:10 should be our actions.

Study the Law of the Lord.
Practice the Law of the Lord.
Teach the Law of the Lord.

This past week, October 12, we looked at Theologies, Interpretation, and Jonah 3.

To faithfully interpret Scripture requires asking the right questions.

In exegeisis, we are asking the Biblical author,

"What are you saying?"  (the grammar, text-criticism, and translation question)

"Why do you say it like that?"  (the genre, structure, argument, and historical and literary context question)

In theology, we are asking,

"What do you mean?" (the biblical and systematic theology question),

"What is the significance of this passage for us today? (the practical theology question)

UNDERSTANDING:
Biblical Theology:  Consider how your passage connects to the Bible's overall flow and message and points to Christ.

Systematic Theology:  Discern how your passage theologically coheres with the whole Bible, assessing key doctrines especially in direct relation to the gospel.

APPLICATION:
Practical Theology:  Apply the text to yourself, the church, and the world, stressing the centrality of Christ and the hope of the gospel.

Much of this information comes from:  
www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/interpreting-scripture-a-general-introduction/

From Reading for a Change by Ray Lube

Here is the schedule for the class:

September 7 - Basics of Bible Study and Basics of Studying Proverbs

September 14 - Introduction to the Class

September 21 - Seeing & Intro to Jonah

September 28 - Understanding Part 1 & Jonah 1

October 5 - Understanding Part 2 & Jonah 2

October 12 - Theologies & Interpretation and Jonah 3

October 19 - Narrative (Characters, Settings, Plot) and Jonah 4

October 26 - Narrative (Irony, Poetry) & Jonah 4

November 2 - Bridging, Responding, and Jonah 1 - 4

November 9 - Reading the Bible in Community

November 16 - Using Biblical Resources

November 23 - You Make the Class

Psalm 5

As we continue our praying through the Psalms, let's remember to look to what the Psalms, and all of Scripture, say about who God is and how we should live in response to who He is. 

The Psalms we have been focusing on each week are the Psalms we covered this summer.  This week's Psalm 5 does not have a corresponding video like the previous Psalms.  

So here are some resources to help you think about and pray this Psalm.

BIG IDEA:  The Seriousness of Sin
PRAY:  Know God's holiness and sin's consequences.

When reading this Psalm, notice the pattern.

Verses 1 - 3, 7 - 8, and 11 - 12 are verses that praise God.
Verses 4 - 6 and 9-10 are verses that call out God's enemies.

Read and meditate on this whole Psalm.
Especially remember the last two verses 

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;   

    let them ever sing for joy,

and spread your protection over them,     

    that those who love your name may exult in you.

For you bless the righteous, O Lord;

    you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Those who take refuge in the Lord rejoice, sing for joy, are protected, and are shielded. 

Contrast that with those who are against the Lord.
They cannot dwell with the Lord (v 4).
God hates all evildoers (v. 5).

The Lord abhors the deceitful man (v. 6).

Psalm 5:9 is quoted in Romans 5:13 to show the wickedness of men and the need for a savior.  

Here are two statements about Psalm from Family Worship Bible Guide from Reformation Heritage Books.  Along with some questions to think about.

Psalm 5

1. Never let us be content with saying our prayers. What God requires of us is not formality but personally drawing near to His presence at the throne of grace. True religion is finding, knowing, and enjoying God - do not be satisfied with anything less. True believers have much to be joyful about: God is our portion, we are precious in His sight, and our sins are all forgiven. In addition to all this, God sees our tears, hears our sighs, and is able and willing to answer our prayers. How is it then that we are so often cast down? How can loving God's name lead us into more joy?
2. Jesus Christ, though God Himself, was also a man and the Mediator for men, and so was much in prayer (Matt. 26:39; Mark 1:35; 6:41, 46; Luke 5:16; John 11:41; 17:1). He called God, "my God, as One in covenant with Him (Matt. 27:46; John 20:17). Through prayer, Christ found strength to overcome His wicked enemies despite their lies and violence. How can we, in union with Christ, find the strength we need as well?

HERE is the Psalm set to music by Poor Bishop Hooper

Study the Bible for Growth Week 4

Profitable Ways to Read the Bible by J.C. Ryle

UNDERSTANDING

Our goal for reading the Bible involves re-centering our attention back on [understanding] the intention of the author:

1. It is possible for finite humans to understand the meaning of Scripture.
2. Our understanding can increase, yet it will never be exhaustive.
3. There is normally only one correct meaning to any given passage of Scripture.
4. The correct meaning is what the author intended to communicate.
5. Various interpretations are simply hypotheses that attempt to account for what the author has said, and how and why he has said it in that way.
6. Though every passage of Scripture needs to be understood in light of its literary type and genre.
7. Every passage of Scripture needs to be understood in light of its literary type and genre
8. Scriptural passages are best understood when read in light of their context.
9. Following the Bible means that we emphasize what the text emphasizes, not building main points from the details.
10. We need to evaluate our personal experience in light of Scripture not the other way around.
11. We should check out our understanding of God's Word with other believers.
12. Every passage of Scripture has meaning and relevance for the believer.

From Reading for a Change by Ray Lubeck

From Reading for a Change by Ray Lube

Here is the schedule for the class:

September 7 - Basics of Bible Study and Basics of Studying Proverbs

September 14 - Introduction to the Class

September 21 - Seeing & Intro to Jonah

September 28 - Understanding Part 1 & Jonah 1

October 5 - Understanding Part 2 & Jonah 2

October 12 - Narrative (Characters, Settings, Plot) and Jonah 3

October 19 - Narrative (Irony, Poetry) & Jonah 4

October 26 - Bridging - Jonah 1 - 4

November 2 - Responding - Jonah 1 - 4

November 9 - Reading the Bible in Community

November 16 - Using Biblical Resources

November 23 - You Make the Class

 

Study the Bible for Growth Week 3

 This morning's lesson highlights two key points about this Bible Study for Yourself and Others.

1. The class is designed for everyone, NOT JUST NEW CHRISTIANS.  Even more specifically, it is a helpful class for anyone who considers Trinity Baptist Church.  The class shows the purpose of the Bible and how to use it for personal and corporate study.
2. The class is designed to show what studying the Bible together means and how to do it.  

Over the next couple of years, I would strongly encourage members of Trinity Baptist Church to take this Core class and invite them to do the same.

During the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th week of class, the study will look at 4 short, very helpful booklets about different Bible study topics.  

This week's booklet is Before You Open Your Bible:  Nine Heart Postures For Approaching God's Word.

Approach your Bible Prayerfully

I – “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain” (Ps. 119:36, ESV)

O – “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Ps. 119:18, ESV)

U – “Unite my heart to fear your name” (Ps. 86:11, ESV)

S – “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love” (Ps. 90:14, ESV)

Approach your Bible Humbly

"So, given that we’re not only creatures of the dust but traitors against heaven’s throne, the talkativeness of God is astounding. He would’ve been entirely right to leave us to ourselves, sunk in an ocean of ignorance (since we’re creatures) and guilt (since we’re sinners)."

Approach your Bible Desperately

Remember Jeremiah 15:16 

Your words were found, and I ate them, 

and your words became to me a joy 

and the delight of my heart, 

for I am called by your name, 

O Lord, God of hosts.

Three diagnostic questions 

1. Do I approach the Bible more like it’s a snack or like it’s a feast?
2. Is it more accurate to say I’m willing to hear from God or that I’m desperate to hear from him?
3. Am I merely interested in the Scriptures or am I also internalizing them?

Approach your Bible Studiously

 Study from Love

Think it out

Study to Worship - Romans 11:33, 36 

Doctrine drove him to delight. His theology exploded like fireworks into doxology.

Approach your Bible Obediently

Deuteronomy 10:12-13  

 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?  

Approach your Bible Joyfully

"It is the nature of discipline to give way to delight."

Approach your Bible Expectantly

"We can schedule meetings but praise God that he schedules conversions."

Approach your Bible Communally 

"If you don't need your Bible at church, the Bible says you don't need that church."

Approach your Bible Christocentrically

 "Genesis to Revelation, though recorded for you, is not finally about you." 

2 Corinthians 1:20

SEEING

• Who?
• What?
• When?
• Where?
• How?

Here is a video that shows the importance of this seeing/observation step.

Only a Prayer Meeting

 

A deceptively wicked statement is "Only a Prayer Meeting."

At the same time, an amazingly awesome statement is "Only a Prayer Meeting."

Let me explain how both of these statements can be true.

Deceptively Wicked

In Only a Prayer Meeting, a collection of Spurgeon's studies on prayer meetings and messages shared at prayer meetings, he begins by saying the church gathered together to pray is sometimes "wickedly described as 'only a prayer meeting."

The thought that the church meeting together is optional because it is "only a prayer meeting" and not a significant part of the church reveals a sad reality about the church's thoughts about God and Prayer.

This statement, in this context, is deceptively wicked because it shows that the most important things in church are people and what they are going to do.  The deception focuses on the wrong person and the wrong time.  

In church life, prayer becomes one of many different programs to do.

The focus needs to be on God, His glory, and what he has done, is doing, and will do.

The focus is upward and on eternity.

Amazingly Awesome

The phrase Only a Prayer Meeting can also be amazingly awesome when it refers to a group of people gathering together for an extended time of only prayer with the mindset that "Prayer is not one more activity of the church - it lies at the heart of all the church's ministry,"  from Praying Church by Paul Miller 
OnlNot to do a Bible study.

Not to talk about prayer and prayer requests.

Not to sit around and enjoy one another's company.

Even though all of those things are good.  

"Only a Prayer Meeting" is when a group of people know they are totally relying on God alone because their hope is in Him. They know dedicating time to call out to Him is not only helpful but also absolutely awesome.  

That is why this fall, I want to encourage the men of Trinity Baptist Church to gather together with a group of men for the purpose of prayer.  These prayer times will not be scheduled or monitored by me.  

While the specific challenge for the Men of Trinity Baptist Church is through the rest of September until the end of October,  this need for prayer is true of every child of God.

For the rest of this post, I want to offer a couple of group prayer suggestions..

• Prayer with a pencil.  Sometimes, much of our "prayer time" is spent sharing and discussing our prayer requests.  We don't take much time to pray.  Something I do occasionally is have group members pray their requests to God instead of talking about their requests to people.  Other members are encouraged to use a pencil or pen to write down prayer requests so they can prayer later for one another.

• Pray in silence.  Don't be nervous about silence.  If the group decides to focus on prayer, don't let silence be a problem.  Use it to focus your mind and heart on God.

• Pray for a set time. Determine the amount of time you plan to pray and stick to it.  These Only Prayer Times with the Men of TBC are scheduled, and the time is 30 minutes.  If you need to extend that time, do so, but don't do less than your time, even if there is silence.

• Pray Scripture.  At the beginning of your prayer time read a verse or longer passage of scripture.  Here are two suggestions.  
• Read a Psalm (Psalm 62 is a good one).  Here is a post about a workshop I did on praying the Psalms - https://drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2025/03/praying-psalms.html
• Read and Pray the prayers Paul shared in his epistles.  Here is a video study to help you do that - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/praying-with-paul/#introduction-to-the-course 

• Here is some of this same information along with some specifc information about the September and October prayer times trinitybaptistgr.churchcenter.com/pages/only-prayer

Study the Bible for Growth Week 2

The goal of this class, as it relates to Trinity Baptist Church, is to be more than just a class on personal Bible study. 
The class will help individuals study the Bible better personally AND learn how to study it better with others.

Don't let the "with others" part scare you.  The class will help you read and study the Bible with your friends, coworkers, and family.   While the focus will not be on teaching in a class setting, the class could help in fine-tuning your preparation skills.

Another aspect of the "with others" that may be even bigger is that this class will help you understand how Trinity Baptist Church desires to use God's word in its classes, sermons, and everywhere to show the beauty of Christ and how to live for his glory.

Not meant for serious theological consideration.
Meant for humor.

Goals of the curriculum - Bible Study Basics:  Foundations For Interpreting and Applying Scripture by Dr. Ray Lubeck - are

1. to KNOW the different categories of literature that are in the Bible.
2. to KNOW the four steps involved in Bible study as presented in this course.
3. to be able to APPLY the four-step Bible study method to reading and studying biblical stories and poetry.
4. to UNDERSTAND the message of Jonah and to APPLY it to your life.
5. to gain a greater APPRECIATION for the importance of competent reading, study, and application of Scripture.
6. to gain a greater CONFIDENCE in your ability to skillfully interpret the Scriptures.
7. to grow in your AFFECTION for God and his Word
8. to be CHALLENGED toward a lifelong commitment to independent, self-directed Bible study.

Why the Bible?  This class begins with the assumption that the Bible is true.  If you want to explore the idea of manuscripts evidence, transmission of the text, and other "why is the Bible true?" questions, check out the following resources.

• Ferrell's Shepherding Group - trinitybaptistgr.churchcenter.com/groups/co-ed-groups/shepherding-group-ferrel
• Wesley Huff - online apologist - https://www.wesleyhuff.com/
• Scribes and Scriptures book www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUXJ8Owes8E

Tips for Pastor about Books

Tips for Pastors from Tony Reinke.

These tips are from the book Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books 

When I became a new believer, I met a pastor who loved books. And that pastor lit under my reading list a desire to read that has never diminished. I can recall in vivid detail one fall cookout on the church’s back lawn. At some point as the celebration began winding down, my pastor called me aside and we bailed from the party to his office library to talk books. Jumping from title to topic, pulling books and reading excerpts, he narrated the importance and value of great books. This “biblioshepherding” early in my Christian life fueled my reading appetite and directed my reading list. 

Men like my pastor are important resources because there are young men who want to read, but who need direction. So how can pastors encourage reading? Here is a list of suggestions. 

1. Make opportunities to talk about books. Encouraging men to read is as simple as getting them into your own library. Show them the books that have helped you. Explain books, show them how you have organized them, and even lend some. Pastors can assume that a large portion of the men in their church rarely observed their dads reading books, and as a result, they are intimidated and often overwhelmed in a library. They need a mentor. Pastor, you can be that testimony, you can be that example, you can be that life-changing mentor. 
2. Illustrate sermon points with classic literature. Pastors can feel an enormous pressure to quote and illustrate sermons from the latest “reality” TV shows, popular movies, contemporary music, and YouTube videos. Why not pull illustrations from classic literature? To illustrate a sermon, look to the stories by Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, or Shakespeare. Classic literature connects with people and provides a largely untapped storehouse of soul-stirring sermon illustrations. 
3. Pepper your sermon with direct quotes from Christian living books. Many of the most profound excerpts from books that have shaped my heart were carefully chosen and read aloud in a sermon. Pastors who can select and share excerpts from books not only model the value of reading and encourage literacy, but they also make subtle book recommendations based on specific needs of the local church. 
4. Lead a book discussion group. Leading discussion groups is not easy, but it can be a rewarding role for a pastor. And great books are available on almost every topic and for every group. A pastor can lead a teen group through fictional allegory (like The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan), he can lead a group of business readers through a book on glorifying God in the workplace (like Luther on Vocation by Gustaf Wingren), he can lead a group of men in a discussion on theology (like Knowing God by J. I. Packer), or he can lead his church in a discussion of a novel that stirs spiritual reflection (like The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis). Reading groups led by pastors are especially helpful in identifying and training young leaders within the church. 
5. Start a church library or book table. Make good books easily available to your people. There’s no need to have a huge library or bookstore. Pick five to ten titles and quote from them or mention them at some point in your announcements or preaching. By making the books visible on Sunday, you make a bold statement about what the church believes theologically, and you make a bold statement about the importance of reading for Christians. 
6. Maintain a list of recommended books on your church website. Especially if you don’t have the funds to maintain a church bookstore, maintain a recommended reading list on the church website or blog. Don’t load it with all the books you read in seminary. Keep the titles diverse, including theology and Christian living, even literature and poetry. Keep the list to the “best of the best” and be sure to freshen it with new titles as you discover them. 
7. Suggest books regularly as part of a book-of-the-month feature. Consider recommending a new book each month. Hold the book up, explain the value of the book in your own life, and preview how others will benefit from reading it. Ensure that copies are available when you make the announcement. 
8. Recommend chapters of books. Very often, pastors will be asked for recommendations on a particular topic of the Christian life. One pastor has found it helpful to recommend chapters from a book rather than an entire book. With this practice, he can avoid intimidating nonreaders and use the chapter as a specific tool to address a particular need in someone’s life. This is especially helpful when working with younger Christians who would be overwhelmed by an entire book on theology or Christian living. Consider each chapter that you read in a Christian living book as an individual tool for your pastoral use. 
9. Answer theological questions with pages from books. Inevitably, people in your church will raise theological questions. When they do, find the answers in theological books, photocopy the pages, highlight the relevant material, and give it to them to read. This act will model the relevance of reading, and it’s a small way to say to them that the important questions in life are addressed in the pages of books. It reveals how relevant books are to real life. 
10. Give books as gifts. For visitors, for members, for new parents, for whatever reason, find opportunities to gift books in your church. Set aside funds in the church budget for this. Books are meaningful gifts; they can serve a strategic function in the life of the reader, and they invite others in the church to experience the delights of reading.

Study the Bible for Growth

The goal of this class is to be more than just a class on personal Bible study.

It is my prayer that the class will help individuals study the Bible better personally AND learn how to study it better with others.

Don't let the "with others" part scare you.  The class will help you read and study the Bible with your friends, coworkers, and family.  

While the focus will not be on teaching in a class setting, the class could help in fine-tuning your preparation skills.

As it relates to the Bible, an important phrase is "inspired, inerrant, and the final authority". The extended phrase from the Trinity Baptist Church's doctrinal statement is "We believe in the scriptures of the Old and New Testament as verbally inspired of God, and inerrant in the original writings; and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life."  Because of these truths, we need to remember that the Bible is a unique book that must be studied in a unique way.  It must be studied humbly with the realization that our Creator and Redeemer gave us this book so that we could know Him more and more and so that we know how to live in response to who He is. 

Another important phrase we talked about in class is related to the Bible study method.  We must use a "historical-grammatical method" of Bible study.  Here is a simple explanation of this phrase.  

The original writings of scripture were written at a specific time in history to specific people.  We must always remember this.  

The Bible was also written in a specific way.  The writers used specific genres (historical/narrative, prophecy, wisdom/poetry, Gospel, Epistles, and apocalyptic), forms of figurative language (hyperbole, metaphor, simile, and others), and other grammatical tools.  

Because of this, Bible study MUST include a heavy dose of observation.  Here are four different ways to remember how to do Bible:

• OIA - Observation, Interpretation, Application
• COMA - Context, Observation, Meaning, Application
• SOAP - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
• Seeing, Understanding, Bridging, Responding

Each of these methods includes observation at the beginning of the process.

During this combined Sunday class, the final part of the time focused on how to study Proverbs.  A couple of specific things to 

• Aphorisms and terseness
• Parallelism
• Imagery such as similes and metaphors
• Sections 1-9 and 10-31.

Next week's post will include the outline for the How to Study the Bible class
Here are the lessons for the Proverbs class. 

• The Choice:  Proverbs 9
• The Simple:  Proverbs 7
• Avoiding the Fool
• Finding Wisdom
• Bad Words
• Good Words
• How to Use Proverbs to Help Others
• The Sluggard
• Wealth and Poverty
• Giving
• Planning the Future

More class resources from tomorrow's class will be posted tomorrow afternoon.

Here are som Bible Study Resources:

One to One Bible Reading resource from Matthias Media (pdf)

Bible Reading with Your Kids from Matthias (book and video)

8 Blessings of Studying Your Bible by Paul Tripp (website)

Powerful Reasons You Need to Study the Bible (website) 

Bible Study Class PPT (click on the image for all the slides)

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Psalm 1

 

I taught Psalm 1 to kick off Trinity Baptist Church's Psalm study, and tonight, I have the opportunity to teach this Psalm at Camp Michawana's family camp.

The camp theme is EXPLORE BETTER.  Jesus is better than the Law, the prophets, and anything the world promises.  This Psalm talks about how much better blessed life is than the wicked life.

The blessed does not pursue worldliness (v. 1) and delights in the Law of the Lord (v. 2).

The blessed is like a tree planted (stable) by streams of water (full of life), which yields fruit in its season (productive) and it does not wither (durable) (v. 3a).

The blessed prosper (v. 3b), but this prosperity is not what the world thinks of as prosperity.

The wicked are not these things.  They are not blessed (permanently happy). They are the opposite of a vibrant tree.  They are like chaff (v. 4).

Psalm 1 clearly distinguishes between two distinct individuals: the blessed and the wicked.  The last verse clearly states that the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Look at the Book videos on Psalm 1:  www.desiringgod.org/scripture/psalms/1/labs

On this 4th of July weekend, let's remember these things.
It is a blessing to live in this country.  It is so much better to be part of the family of God.
It's fun to watch a fireworks display against a dark night sky.  It is so amazing to look up on a clear night and see all the stars God put in place.
I am deeply grateful to those who gave their lives for the freedom I have.  I am amazed and even more grateful for Jesus Christ, who died for my sins.

Politics

I had the opportunity to present two workshops at this year's Church Ministries Conference. Workshop Session 2's title was "Let's Talk About Politics."

Here is the description: "As we think about politics, we must remember that God is sovereign and holy, and man is limited and sinful. An election does not change these facts at all. How do we have conversations in our community and even in our churches that show these truths?  This workshop will NOT fix politics, but it will show you ways to have political conversations that show where your hope is."

Four Important Words to Remember on this topic are: 

• Prayerful
• Biblical
• Humble
• Loving

Was this past election the biggest election ever?

Yes, because it was the most recent election and dealt with the most recent issues.

No, because our hope for eternity is not in an elected official. 

It is not surprising that non-Christians and Christians with improper priorities view the next election as the most important one ever.  

They have no real, future, eternal HOPE.

We must look into God's Word to gain a proper perspective on politics.

The Old Testament we looked at was Jeremiah 29:4—11.

Go read those verses right now, in your Bible or HERE

God commanded Israel, while they were in Babylonian Exile, to

• build houses and live in them
• plant gardens and eat their produce
• marry and have children
• seek the welfare of the city where God sent them
• pray to the Lord on the city's behalf

In verse 10, God says this captivity will be for 70 years.

The bottom line is to be completely where you are, along as God has you there, for God's glory.

Romans 13:1—7

Read and study these verses. 

HERE is a link to Trinity's Romans series.  LIsten to the sermons on Romans 13:1 - 4 and 5 - 10.

 

Remember, 

God is sovereign. 

Man is sinful and dependent on God.

Government is an institution authorized by God.

The purpose of government is to ensure the common good. 

Christians are to be good citizens. 

The solution to political apathy is not political idolatry 

The solution to political

In their book, How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics? Andy Naselli and Jonathan Leeman give the following helps in 

1. Adjust expectations.  Remember church unity is found in Christ.
2. Recognize what unites a church and what belongs to the domain of Christian freedom.
3. Understand the difference between straight-line & jagged-line issues.
4. Respect those who have a different conscience on jagged-line issues.
5. Remember what is most important.

 Some helpful resources to help you and your church:  

• PDF resources: tinyurl.com/grcmc2025-politics
• Tough Questions class posts.  Adapt as needed for your setting: drodgersjr.blogspot.com/search/label/Tough%20Questions
• Books 
• Caring for One Another by Ed Welch.  This book is not specifically about politics but it is a great resource on caring for other people for God's glory.
• Conscience:  What It Is, How to Train It and Loving Those Who Differ by Andrew Naselli and J.D Crowley.
• God vs. Government:  Taking a Biblical Stand When Christ and Compliance Collide by Nathan Busenitz and James Coates
• Just Thinking About the State by Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker
• What Do You Say When...?  A Parent's Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Childern and Teens  by Andrew Walker and Christian Walker.  Specifically the chapters about political engagement and abortion.
• What Every Christian Needs to Know About Social Justice by Jeffrey Johnston.