Reflection
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Discussion
“Everyone’s a theologian” is a phrase I read in an article by the late RC Sproul. He has a book with the same title. It is true of Chritians for sure. If we really get down to it it is true of us all. At the core, theology is a study of God. We know there is a God by seeing what He has done all around us. Creation shouts of the existence of a creator. We know who that creator is by reading the Word He gave to us. As the church we are called to make disciples. Disciples are students. As Christians we are students of the Word of God. We are theologians – each and every one of us.
Connection
In what ways do you see yourself as a student of the Word of God?
What are your study habits like in the Bible? It is ideal to be honest here.
What is something that gets in the way of your study in God’s Word daily?
Consider some tools to help you stay in the Word…
- Start in John – this gospel tells the story of Jesus and moves quicker than some of the others.
- Micro/Macro – take your time and read through the Bible slowly. Consider a whole chapter for one month. Read the whole chapter daily and study a verse or two or three more in depth each day as you study through the whole chapter.
- Reading plans – these can be long or short and cover many different formats.
- Study groups – a small group of people studying together can be a great tool to help you stay on track. The church can help facilitate this.
Expansion
The Church
The church is both the universal and local people called by the Holy Spirit and redeemed by Jesus alone. Our citizenship is secure in heaven and our devotion on earth is the work of God. We are baptized into His body and led by men called of God to the roles of elders and deacons with the purposes of fellowship, worship, discipleship, evangelism, and ministry.
Jude 4, 8, 12, 13, 16, 1 Peter 2:9-12, Colossians 1:15-20, Ephesians 5:23-32, Acts 20:28, Colossians 3:15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 12:28, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-2, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 2:42-49. Matthew 22:37-39, Matthew 28:19-20