An encouragement for those beginning to read the whole Bible, regardless of how long you’ve been a believer:
It is always so exciting to be digging into our Father’s Word together! I remember my reaction the first time I read through and studied the whole Bible deeply. All of a sudden, with my appetite for His truth rising up within me, it seemed each bit of knowledge I gained gave birth to more and more questions as my hunger only increased.
The thing was, I was studying Genesis and asking questions that would be answered in Deuteronomy, Ezekiel, Malachi, Matthew, James, etc. But of course, I wanted my answers right then.
Sometimes I’d find a person or a website to give me that quick fix answer, but I came to realize that those were shallow sprouts, with no foundational roots of knowledge to cement them in my mind or give depth to my understanding.
However, my wisest friends, the ones I am most grateful for to this day, simply nodded in understanding of my barrage of questions and, rather than give me the answers, they encouraged me to keep reading.
BOY, did they frustrate me at the time!
But this forced me to continue in the Word and it caused me to seek my answers from the Father Himself.
And sure enough, it wasn’t long before I began to see that understanding some answers requires a depth and wisdom that is lost when we take them out of context.
I’ve learned that it is better to focus on what He is teaching us rather than what we want to know.
As frustrating as it may be at times, the Father has been so very patient with us that it is a small thing for Him to ask us to be patient with Him, and with ourselves, we continue in His word. He will reveal in His time. I’ve learned that it is better to focus on what He is teaching us rather than what we want to know. Answers to our questions can come later. We must listen to YHWH first.
We will not answer all of your questions in this Bible study. We will help when we can, encourage whenever possible, and seek to equip you with the ability, understanding, wisdom, patience, and desire to seek out your answers with the Father.
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Matt 13:1-9
In my use of this parable, quick answers without firsthand context are rocky soil. With only second hand knowledge and not having read your way to understanding, there is no foundation and your excitement can easily wither and die.
I can also give you legal answers from the Word, without the context of grace, love, and compassion – which will serve as thorns that will choke your spiritual growth.
Family, this is rich soil. In this community, we’re gonna water you every single day. We’re gonna check on you, make sure you’ve got sunshine and nutrients, and all that you need in this wonderful garden the Father has planted. But I want to encourage you to be patient with yourself as your roots grow. Trust the master gardener and the fruit will come.
Be encouraged. Be strengthened. Keep reading.
Our Bible Study Group only admits new members during the month of December and our new reading cycle begins in January. Click here to join us! Change your life, read the whole Bible for yourself in the coming year.
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