Focus on Bible Study

The focus of our Biblical study needs to be on discovering:
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
How?
Why?

We dare not ponder that question without the aid of the Holy Spirit. Genuine revelation only comes through Him. Anything less than revelation is folly. God's treasures are not for collectors, but for stewards.

Christ follower

Each new year I fall victim to self-evaluation. I don't think that it's part of my spiritual DNA, but more probably a cultural expectation. In my past, I've been guilty of using this ploy to motivate others towards a re-dedication experience, a kind of "spiritual new years resolution" of sorts which seemed genuine and appropriate at the time. Only God knows.

Maybe it's because I chose to follow Christ during the Christmas break of my sophomore year in high school (January 2, 1972) that I perform this annual ritual. Tonight I ponder the difference of my early years of faith with my current journey. The early years were filled with confidence and certainty of the Baptist expression of the Christian faith which was the context of my conversion. My current path is more investigative and less trusting of the traditions of my youth.

On the way, I am ever evaluating my list of essentials (doctrines and practices). Many fellow travellers consider my path too treacherous or a fool's journey of accommodation and compromise. I'm less concerned about their opinion and more interested in an open, honest pursuit of God and His purpose in me.

So today I pause to note these tentative statements of my faith:

1. Like the early believers in Jerusalem, I aim to:

• continue steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine
• fellowship
• breaking bread together
• prayer

2. Like modern skeptics, I will allow genuine scholarship to challenge traditional perspectives.

3. Like post-modern individuals, I will endeavour value mystery over certainty.

Finally, I offer this trail map of my current surroundings:

• supremacy of Biblical authority for matters of faith and practice - Yes, but void where possible of cultural interpretations and adaptations.
• traditional church attendance as evidence of discipleship - No.
• Association with non-believers (pre-believers) as indication of lifestyle compromises - No.
• Commitment to application - Yes! (over inspiration, edification, illumination, mere information, etc.)