Neil D Posted November 18, 2007 Posted November 18, 2007 Let's create a plausible situation... How do you give bible studies to a person who wants to get to know who you are? Assuming that you are a Christian Adventist, what is it that you want to pass on to your friend that makes you unique-ly Christian and Adventist and still keep them as a good friend? Quote Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. George Bernard Shaw
Moderators Bravus Posted November 19, 2007 Moderators Posted November 19, 2007 I think for someone to get to know who you are you need to by all means give them Bible studies, but also do other things with them. You are more than just your faith, even if your faith is a huge and foundational part of you. You are a person with friends and family and hobbies and interests and ideas and skills. In terms of what to study, though, I'd start with the Gospels and Jesus' own teachings. All that is Christian is there, if it's studied deeply. And it lays the foundation for the study of the rest of the Bible. I wouldn't focus on 'what is Adventist' or even 'what is Christian' but on 'what is Christlike'. Which requires study of 'what is Christ like'. Quote Truth is important
Moderators John317 Posted November 19, 2007 Moderators Posted November 19, 2007 You might try studying the gospel of John, making the life of Jesus the focus of your study. It makes an excellent introduction to the life and teachings of Christ as well as to all of the basic teachings of Scripture. I don't think the main focus ought to be on getting to "know who I am," but rather on getting to know Christ, the Father, and the Word of God. That's because I can't save anyone. I can only point someone to Christ and His Word, which have saving power. If they look to any sinful human, even to their teacher, they're eventually going to be disappointed and disillusioned and fall. At the same time, of course it is essential to be friendly and personable, but when you study with people, it's essential that they understand that you are there for one purpose, and that is to study and get to know God's will and His word. Otherwise, the focus can easily get off the purpose for your meeting together. If you are talking about a man getting together with a female for the purpose of studying, it's terribly important that you only meet her in the company of another person. You shouldn't be meeting her by yourself. Even people who consider themselves strong Christians have fallen into sin because they studied the Bible with a female while alone with them. Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
cricket Posted November 19, 2007 Posted November 19, 2007 Ask yourself, how would Jesus have handled this situation? Ideally, I think, Jesus wanted people to build relationship with Him; friendship; companionship. For Him, it wasn't a one-sided affair. He wanted to get to them as well! Quote
David Koot Posted November 19, 2007 Posted November 19, 2007 Let's create a plausible situation... How do you give bible studies to a person who wants to get to know who you are? Assuming that you are a Christian Adventist, what is it that you want to pass on to your friend that makes you unique-ly Christian and Adventist and still keep them as a good friend? Hmmmm. Methinks that, at times, SDA's who have grown up in 'the system' have views, both of others, of themselves and 'the system.' Almost all of my work is with non-SDA's. Haven't run into a problem with their perceptions, except when it comes to 'hard-shell' evangelicals--a breed unto themselves. But, to the merits of your question . . . Jesus cared about people. He was interested in them. That should be at the core of what we pass on. Because He cared about them, He wanted the best for them, and wanted to point them to God. A love relationship with God means that God is our 'everything.' Seems to me that is what Christianity, and the SDa message, should be about. Dave Quote
Beryl Posted November 19, 2007 Posted November 19, 2007 I agree, David. Too often we are so intent on giving people "the message" that we forget to first introduce them to the God of the message! When ALL of our message is presented wrapped in the love of Jesus, it will make sense, and reach people's hearts. When it is presented as cold hard doctrinal facts, then it is just another way of working our way to heaven. Beryl Quote "Grace is God doing for us, in us and through us that which He requires of us but which is impossible for us to do in or for ourselves." But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9.
Joe_in_RP Posted November 22, 2007 Posted November 22, 2007 When Jesus was here He gently corrected the lies in teaching with the truth. There are 2 great lies today. The state of the dead and the character of God. I would start with the latter. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.