Bible Study & Devotions

I believe there are two basic ways of spending time in the Bible: study and devotion.

Bible study is an academic approach to the scriptures whereas devotion is a life application approach. In Bible study we receive knowledge and understanding, in devotion we receive comfort and hope. Both approaches are important endeavors in the life of a Christian because they develop faith as John and Paul describe in John 20:31 and 2 Tim 3:15-17.

It is important to recognize these two distinct approaches and to maintain a balance between them. It is not necessary that the balance be exactly half and half. However, consistently engaging in both approaches enhance the gifts we receive from spending time in God's Word. The more we understand the scriptures, the more comfort we receive from them. And the more comfort we receive from the scriptures, the more we hunger to know them more. See 1 Peter 2:2-3.

John 20:31 "These (the Gospel of John) are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

2 Timothy 3:15-17 "from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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."

1 Peter 2:2-3 "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good."

Of the Logos

Have you seen the sign that says "The best vitamin for a Christian is B1."? It's cute but I beg to disagree. I believe the best daily vitamin for a Christian is the Logos (Greek for word; see John 1:1). For to be a Christian means to be "Of Christ" and in the Gospel of John we learn that Christ is the "Word made flesh" (John 1:14) and that Word is the Bible. Therefore I believe it is imperative to daily read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the scriptures.

The church in our nation and our generation is in the midst of a crisis and it's name is Biblical Illiteracy. This blog is my response to this crisis. My goal is to go beyond discussing the crisis and respond with action by providing tools and ideas for Christian individuals, groups and congregations to promote Biblical literacy.