Pastor’s Corner: Why Study the Bible?

January 25, 2023

Why study the Bible?

Given that we’re increasing the available times for Bible study at Church of the Holy Cross next week (Tuesdays at 3:00 pm via Zoom; Wednesdays at 8:30 am or 5:00 pm in the Building of Faith’s small meeting room), I hope you’re thinking about studying the Bible. So… why?

The Bible is the primary written reference for the Christian faith. It has shaped our understanding of God, of Creation, and of ourselves. Something with that much influence over our faith demands attention.

We can give it attention through devotional reading, reading intended to bring us closer to God. Scripture reading during Sunday worship is devotional reading, as is most home reading. Read this way, the Bible becomes a bridge from our souls to God’s grace. We may come away from such times with guidance, but not always. Sometimes we just come away with the assurance of love.

Bible study is when we ask questions about the original writers and their circumstances, about what they meant in their time. Bible study is when we ask questions about later readers and their interpretations, about what the old words meant in a later time. Bible study is when we ask questions about ourselves, about what the ancient words mean in this time.

Sometimes Bible study helps us make connections between books of the Bible itself (Jesus and his first followers loved to quote from the Old Testament). Sometimes Bible study helps us understand ancient context. Sometimes learning those ancient practices opens a door to new inspiration.

I encourage you to join us for Bible study if you can. If you are interested and none of the available options work for you, please let me know and we’ll see what we can do.

Blessings to you,

Pastor Eric