Study the Bible

Dear Pastors

In many ways me writing this blog seems odd. I have never been to Bible College to study for a theological certificate, diploma or degree. Yet my life’s work has been (and still is) as a pastor/teacher, bible college tutor, and christian writer. So I want to make an appeal for the systematic study of the Bible.

Back in the day that is what we did. I remember owning a Thompson Chain Reference Bible in my mid-teens. That was followed by several other study Bibles, commentaries, concordances and bible dictionaries including Vines New Testament Word Dictionary that was the go-to book to learn about the meaning of Greek NT words. I still have many of those heavy books sitting fair and square in my office book shelves.

Back in the day we went to Bible Class, to Bible studies and Bible camps. We had deep and meaningful discussions and at times debates about far ranging theological issues. We even argued with our teachers, ministers, elders and parents. Some argued more than others.

I know this sounds nerdy. But it wasn’t. As an emerging adult we had a lot of fun at youth group and at church as well. In fact most of us hung out together most weeks. We ‘socialised’ a lot. Parties, dinners, car rallies, tramping, movies, retreats, camps and………dances. Truth be told we had a heck of a lot of fun as every young person should.

Most of us also played sport, learned an instrument or two, had after school jobs, belonged to Boys/Girls Brigade or Scouts and rode motor bikes. I spent a lot of time in a swimming pool as a competitive swimmer, water polo player, life guard and a bit later as Teacher-in-charge of swimming at high school.

And we studied the Bible. That’s what we did. And mostly we did that together.

Now a disclaimer. I am not saying here, bring back the good old days’ though the temptation to say exactly that is great. What I am saying is that as Christians we should study the Bible. In fact we should want to study the Bible. Why?

1. It grounds us and forms us in the Christian Faith.
2. It’s critical to developing a christian/biblical world view.
3. It gives us confidence to speak with ease about the God we worship, the Jesus we love and the truth we believe.
4. It sets us up for life that no other study or pursuit does.

“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skilfully teaching the word of truth”. 2 Timothy 2:15 (Amp).

And now a word to you pastor. Our sermons are very important. They really are. But they are NOT a bible study and in my view they shouldn’t be. A sermon I believe has a different purpose.

So the question that remains is how much systematic (regular, methodical and well organised) Bible study is going on in your church? Call it discipleship, or spiritual formation or just old fashioned bible study. How much?

And before I close I want to say this. I believe in the value of a Bible College (seminary) education for pastors, missionaries, and christian workers. That said, what we teach and more importantly how we train people and who trains people for vocational ministry at Bible College is a very important question. But I will leave that for another day.

Blessings

Alan

P.S. I have a sweepstake going as to the Election Results with a few of my friends. My guess is:- Labour 61 or 62 seats so could govern alone (but probably won’t), Act 11 seats, Greens 6 seats and National the rest about 42 seats.

P.P.S. Next week I will reflect on the Election Results both in my Gospel and Culture blog on Monday and in this one on Thursday.

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.