Greetings! I hope this long delayed entry finds you well, and encouraged. Again it seems as if I have been on a hiatus from blogging. The year has officially begun, as all my regular activities and bible studies have resumed. It seems that I have something to participate in every day. From church Acolytes to Sunday school and weekly bible study, there is barley idle time. I am grateful for this because it keeps my mind occupied with things of God.
On each Tuesday I attend Bible Studies Fellowship. This is a wonderful instrument God has used to bring me more into the knowledge of Christ, and his ultimate plans and purposes for our redemption. This is an International Bible study with classes all over the world. Groups are separated by gender. There are women’s day classes, and night classes. I attend the Huntsville night class at Southside Baptist Church. It’s easy for me to leave work at 5:00pm, and head straight over for class at 6:25pm. If you visit the BSF website, you will find that these classes began more than fifty years ago. It seeded out of a desire of a small group of women to deepen their faith through weekly study of God’s word. In almost every major city in the United States you can find a BSF class. If you happen to be traveling for work, or visiting family in other places, you can sit in on a class in whatever city, and not miss a beat. The same lesson will be covered.
Last year during a time of great transition, I felt so thirsty for more knowledge of the living God. When I walked into my first BSF class, I was comforted and knew God had ordained me to be in that space. My initial small group consisted of about 15 ladies of many different ages, ethnicities, and professional backgrounds. We studied the book of Isaiah which was very intense and challenging. Each lady provided a window to look though to different perspectives. I love BSF because it’s scripture based, and it challenges me to remain in the word. Each week there are questions to answer based on the current book you are studying. By the time you are finished, you have looked at the passage in question FOUR times, leaving room for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to new perspectives. Here is a breakdown of how it works
1. In your quiet personal time, read the scripture passages and answer questions. This allows for the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and offer wisdom.
2. Meet with your small group and discuss the week’s questions. A time to see other perspectives and gain additional understanding
3. After small groups, all groups convene usually in a sanctuary for lecture. The Teaching Leader continues the work of the Holy Spirit, by shedding additional light and interpretations of the passage
4. Receive take home notes after the lecture to sum up the main points. Study those again to gain further understanding.
I know it seems like a mighty task, but there are so many blessings that arise from disciplined study of the word. Jesus said it most eloquently, “We cannot live by bread alone, but every word that comes from God.” ~ Matthew 4:4. This is a pretty powerful statement from the only person at the time sharing a deep and meaningful relationship with the Father. Jesus knew that our spiritual nourishment would keep us through the joys and sorrows of the present life, and remind us of the eternal inheritance awaiting us in the future. When I was first introduced to BSF, I was dealing with the physical loss of my grandmother. The fellowship with other women of faith kept me encouraged, through very difficult days. Having other ladies to pray for me and be genuinely concerned for my welfare made it easier to cope. Each week in BSF, your small group leader will ask for prayer requests. The A.S.K. Sheet is then distributed to other class members, and you pray for one another.
BSF normally begins shortly after school sessions resume, and last through late spring. We take a break in the summer. This year we are studying Acts of the Apostles. The main subject of this book is the gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus gives to believers at Pentecost after he ascended to Heaven to be with the Father. In the book of Acts, we see the roots of the Christian church we know today. We see the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to turn average and ordinary men into great vessels of service to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through this study, I am learning that God can use the most unlikely people to spur his plans and purpose. The eleven disciples were not schooled at renowned seminaries. Their power to preach the gospel and make disciples came from Jesus alone through the gift of the Holy Spirit. There is still much to learn, but I hope this entry will speak to someone today. Perhaps you might find yourself in the midst of transition and thirsty for more knowledge of the Living God. I invite you to visit the BSF website and locate a class near you. http://www.bsfinternational.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx
If you are in the Huntsville area, I am available to answer any questions you might have, and provide information about the next introduction class. These classes are totally free, and it’s an amazing opportunity to study the word of God!
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