I've been studying the Bible a lot in the past 6 months or so. One reason is that I'm teaching Sunday school for kids age 3 - 3rd grade. We're using the book Young Children and Worship, which is very similar to Godly Play and Catechesis of The Good Shepherd, all Montessori-style programs. It's very diy. The other reason is that about the same time that I started preparing for Sunday school, some Jahovah's Witnesses showed up in our neighborhood and I welcomed them into my home. So I'll probably be posting a lot about Bible study for awhile, and about these two aspects of it in particular.
I really appreciate when I'm looking up a specific scripture, and while reading the text before and after it to have better contextual understanding, I find something I wasn't looking for that is applicable to what is currently happening in my life.
I really appreciate when I'm looking up a specific scripture, and while reading the text before and after it to have better contextual understanding, I find something I wasn't looking for that is applicable to what is currently happening in my life.
Today I was still trying to publish a new blog post (and finally succeeded! Weebly iPhone app for the win!) and re-read that entry about having controversial opinions right after finding this scripture from 2 Timothy 2:
"23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."
*sigh* I think I need to post this on my mirror. "Do not be quarrelsome. Do not be quarrelsome. Do not be quarrelsome!"
But the next part is important too. I was on my way to church, scanning the radio and a sermon on the next bit of scripture struck home...
"25Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth."
But so many disagree over what the "truth" about anything is. So how do we know? 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (AKJV) or "Do your best to present yourself..." (NIV) or "Work hard so you can present yourself..." (NLT)
I'm sure many of the controversial things I would write about here fall under the category of "godless, foolish discussions." (2 Timothy 2:16 NLT) Perhaps I should try to restrain myself. In any case, I will do my best to learn the truth and speak the truth with love.
"23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."
*sigh* I think I need to post this on my mirror. "Do not be quarrelsome. Do not be quarrelsome. Do not be quarrelsome!"
But the next part is important too. I was on my way to church, scanning the radio and a sermon on the next bit of scripture struck home...
"25Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth."
But so many disagree over what the "truth" about anything is. So how do we know? 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (AKJV) or "Do your best to present yourself..." (NIV) or "Work hard so you can present yourself..." (NLT)
I'm sure many of the controversial things I would write about here fall under the category of "godless, foolish discussions." (2 Timothy 2:16 NLT) Perhaps I should try to restrain myself. In any case, I will do my best to learn the truth and speak the truth with love.