Bible Study

I spent several days on a “cruise ship” recently. The staff of the ship plan a multitude of activities – for those who are not willing to just “lay around” all day. The ship I was on had a slot for “Bible Study” at 9 every morning. It met in the “Wedding Chapel” and was “un-hosted,” meaning that no one was “in charge.” I have discovered over an abundance of years that is usually a mistake.

I decided to go. I am rather fond of Bible study, and never mind  being asked questions or providing insight where I might.

First day, first thing, someone asked for prayer for a family member, and told us a long story about why this person was in one mess or another. I believe in prayer, but no one prayed, and almost immediately another person, then another, then another, then another, told about people they knew who experienced the same. . .or a different problem, and revealed the outcome of their need. The hour passed. . .no Bible Study.

I went again (silly me) hoping for what was advertised, but someone got started on a story about the time they were in need and someone helped, and then another individual had a bigger and better story, and so on, and so on, until the hour had passed and no Bible study.

I did not go back for for a couple of days, then decided to try again. That day a person wanted to read the Scripture regarding the crucifixion of Christ, and stopped to talk about the veil in the Temple being torn when Christ died. During a lull in his commentary, I said, “Why?” “Why was the veil torn?” I then spent the next 30 minutes explaining “why,” and everyone seemed intrigued. The time flew  past.

I was excited the following day as I made my way to the Chapel. But. . .someone got started on a story that had to be “topped,” and another, and another, and, no Bible Study. I didn’t go back.

I believe that is a real problem in the lives of millions of Believers. They just don’t KNOW the Word of God. They are consumed with stories about life, and death, and good things and bad things, and happenings, and failures, and successes, and ways and means, and hopes and dreams, and never get around to the revelation of God’s Truth that makes life worth the effort, and moves us ever toward the goal of becoming like (conformed to His image) the Savior.

If you are not involved in Bible Study, get involved. Read the book, know the book, live the design revealed in the book. That’s why He gave us THE BOOK.