Archive for the 'Bible Studies for Life' Category
Why prayer and worship are vital to the Christian life
The big idea behind Bible Studies for Life is “where the Bible meets your life.” I believe the scriptures are God’s means of accomplishing what He promised to us. When Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it in abundance,” (John 10:10) it is a promise of His blessing on all of life. Nothing remains untouched.
The promise of the Christian life is not limping through until we die, only to be dragged by an angelic host through the pearly gates! It is of knowing, in Jesus, the very presence of God’s life in our own. This is the abundance of which Jesus spoke.
Part of this abundance is experienced when we engage God in prayer and respond to His wisdom, blessing and grace through worship.
Urgency of Prayer
Prayer is often explained as talking to God. It is that, but it is much more. Prayer is our way of acknowledging who He is, expressing admiration, explaining frustrations, admitting our sins, asking for direction, seeking wisdom, speaking of love, and so much more. Prayer is not God’s children trying to tell God what to do; it is seeking what God would have us do.
The importance and urgency of prayer are encapsulated in one brief passage: “Pray without ceasing for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5: 17, 18). Not only are we urged to pray, we are urged to pray without ceasing.
I think this means we are to pray about all things, at all times, for all reasons, and with all assurance. Prayer is to the spiritual life what breathing is to the physical life. We simply cannot function properly or be healthy without it.
Pray and Pray Often
How important is prayer? Just look at the life of Jesus. Luke’s gospel tells us that Jesus was praying at His baptism (3:21), that He was praying alone before asking His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” (9:18), that He was praying when transfigured on the mountain (9:29), that He had prayed for Peter and against Satan (22:31, 32), and in the garden just before His arrest (22:41, 42).
If prayer was that vital to the life of Jesus Christ—who knew no sin—how much more is it vital to us who still struggle with sin?
Consistent prayer and Bible study will keep us in a posture of worship, another aspect of our relationship with God vital to our life of following Christ.
Responding to God
Often worship is understood as being specific to the singing/musical portion of a worship service. Sometimes church leadership can contribute to the confusion. Using titles like “Worship Pastor” can lead people to believe the teaching of the Word, fellowship, giving of offerings or hearing testimonies are not related to worship. This is not the case.
The word “worship” from ancient times simply meant “to bow down” or “to prostrate oneself.” Captured in this was the idea of humbling oneself, of expressing honor, or offering praise. In the Bible this idea is translated worship, bowing, stooping, and reverence.
Worship, then, is a response to God. It is our response to God’s majesty, His grace, His works.
This is why worship is more than the singing time in a Sunday gathering. We come to God’s Word expectant that He will speak. Our response to His word is worship. When we hear a person talking about God working miraculously in a family situation, we respond in worship. When offerings are received, we respond in the worship of giving. Our giving should be a response to how God has prospered us. This is worship.
Worship does not originate with the worshipper. Worship originates with the object of worship, namely, God Almighty.
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Enjoying the Bible and applying it to all of life
In my recent post on re-launching Bible Studies for Life we saw how important the Bible is to how we live. We study the Bible, not merely for information but for transformation. We want to be informed and transformed.
We Want the Bible to Meet Life
What, exactly, does that mean?
One of the basic struggles we have as believers is the temptation to compartmentalize our lives into sacred and secular. That is, we think of church, Bible study, and ministry as the important parts of life—the Jesus compartment. But, often, when we hit the weekday head on, we are in the secular compartment and Jesus is left far behind.
We’ve often heard people express things like, “I can’t believe you’re saying that in church.” In the old days you might have heard, “Don’t be running in God’s house!” Unfortunately, many of these same people would have little problem with telling dirty jokes at work, swearing during a football game, or heaping verbal abuse on his or her spouse, child, or friend.
For people living these kinds of divided lives, all manner of sin—greed, hatred, covetousness, gossip, injustice—can pass as long as it stays, to their way of thinking, separate from the religious part of life. It is a game many people try to play while claiming to follow Christ.
The main problem with this approach is the Bible does not leave such an existence open to followers of Christ. When we come to Christ all of life is transformed, even if not all at the same time.
A Path That is Lit
One Psalm records, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path” (119:105). The path indicates movement, direction, and travel. It indicates illumination so that life is not blanketed in darkness. This light comes from God’s word. It is for all of this journey we call “life.”
Jesus’ most harsh criticisms during his earthly ministry were reserved for the religious people who supposedly knew what God’s Word said. One thing Jesus criticized was their tendency to keep part of God’s Word while ignoring other parts. They wanted to live life in compartments, some compartments where God was welcome and others where He was not.
This is opposed to how God wants us to live. If we are to be wholly redeemed and restored then every facet of life has to be affected. This is where God’s Word comes into play.
As Sweet as Honey
An Old Testament metaphor demonstrates that God’s Word is sweet like honey. That means it is pleasant and enjoyable. When we spend time in God’s Word, having His heart and His will revealed to us, it is sweet indeed! Can you remember a time when you were reading or studying your Bible when, without warning, it was as if every Word had been penned just for you? That a particular need in your life or questions you had were suddenly addressed with the power of God Himself through His Word?
Is God’s Word during those times not sweet like honey? Are our hearts not stirred, drawn to Him and made hungry for another serving? They are. And in the hunger and thirst after righteousness we will be filled.
As a Sweeping Light
This is one reason we should not try to hold back any part of life from the sweeping light of God’s Word. Throw open all the doors and cabinets and let the light of the Word reveal all.
Like a Sword
A New Testament metaphor teaches us that God’s Word is like a sword. It is living and powerful. Like a flaming Excalibur it is able to expose our thoughts and intents so we do not deceive ourselves. It opens us to the truth, the truth that brings us back in line with God’s will for us.
Focus
Focusing on God’s Word is a reason I am excited to be involved with Bible Studies for Life. The Bible changes our lives, as we experience God’s fullness through it.
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.