Week Eight -- Advanced Bible Study

Eric Barlow taught in my school this week on what is typically called, "Advanced Bible Study." He changed the title to "Bible-Centered Leadership" because of how vital it is to live this way as Christians. A Bible-Centered Leader refers to one whose leadership is informed by the Bible, who has been personally shaped by Biblical values, has grasped the intent of scriptural books and their content in such a way as to apply them to current situations, and who uses the Bible in ministry so as to impact followers.

A few key verses (there are a lot more) we looked at which emphasize the value of the Word are...

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

~Isaiah 40:8~ it's a lasting source!

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

~2 Timothy 3:16-17~ the guarantee!

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
~2 Timothy 2:15~ the proper response to the guarantee!

The only thing that will ALWAYS equip us in ministry is the Word of God. Why wouldn't we want to take advantage of that? There are people in other parts of the world who literally offer their right arm for a portion of the Bible. We have all the resources available to us to dig into the Word, yet we don't do it. Be encouraged to start; we are so blessed! :)

By the way, I highly recommend "Blue Letter Bible" for really studying Scripture verse by verse. I had never heard of it until a few weeks ago, and it has been an incredibly helpful tool!

The past week was a lot of hands-on class time: studying Scripture, reading commentaries, and figuring out what our Bible-reading game plan is. We created a 3 year and a 10 year plan to study books, themes, passages, etc. more in depth, choosing about 3 for each year.

I'm really thankful for the teaching we received because it is a huge foundation that we are completely lacking in the body of Christ. One of my prayers is for a fresh revelation of the value of the Word. I don't want to take it for granted!