When you want to communicate with a different culture of people it is helpful, if not necessary, to learn the language. We do it for our jobs, for travel and even just as a hobby. The process is not instantaneous. Time and effort are required. Practicing is helpful, as well integrating the language into your daily life until it becomes second nature. The Bible. Reading it for some is like reading a foreign language. It can become so confusing when read out of context, that it is just downright intimidating. But instead of taking on the challenge of learning, many just put it aside. We are accustomed to immediate solutions and gratification, so the task of studying and understanding scripture just seems like it will take too long.
So, I’m sure you’ve heard of Rosetta Stone’s program of learning new languages. I recently learned that the Rosetta stone is a rock inscribed with a decree from 196 BC, which contains 3 texts in 2 languages, Egyptian and Greek. It has been the key to unlocking the ancient hieroglyphic language, and has been studied and coveted by several nations. It is valuable because it is a bridge between civilizations and languages that help us to better understand and learn the cultures and events of that day. The stone provided men the ability to decode and understand another language.
So what does this have to do with the Bible? Well, I know for myself there was a time when I felt like I didn’t need to study or even read it. I believed that Jesus Christ died on a cross and was resurrected. I knew that, because I attended a church where this was taught. I wasn’t all that bad; I had a free ticket to Heaven, so it was “all good”…no need to get all obsessed with it. I was definitely intimidated by the size and content of the Word, so I avoided it. But eventually, the Holy Spirit intervened and said,”Hey, I can help with that.” He is the great decoder. He makes it possible to understand the Word in the way that God intended. Well, I am one of those immediate gratification expecting American citizens, So, knowing that reading and studying alone would take FOREVER, I attended a Bible study at my church. I went in knowing nothing or very little, and came out knowing a little bit more. Each time I stepped out and participated, I gained more insight. I enjoyed it so much; I studied on my own too, through DVDs and the computer! Wow, who knew such a plethora of Bible study resources was so attainable?
But, I didn’t answer the question, why bother? Well, I can only tell you from my experience, that scripture is just full of amazing truths that speak directly to us. We were created by God. Who better to write a hand book on a creation that the creator himself? He knows what we need to function, what maintenance is required, and that we need a lot of it! If you have never done a Bible study, I urge you to take a step. Your eyes will be opened and your heart will become more susceptible to learning and absorbing all that God wants you to learn. Through the history and stories of real people, you will learn who God is and how He works in the lives of His people.
The Bible is God’s love letter to us. The more we learn, the easier it becomes to communicate with Him and He with us. We will hear His voice, audible or not, when we are in communion with Him. We have a filter in which to run our thoughts and actions through, knowing if our will is lining up with His will for our life. It takes practice. It takes a commitment and dedication. But I promise, it is worth it. You will learn that LOVE is the universal language, and God is the ultimate authority on it.<3
So, I’m sure you’ve heard of Rosetta Stone’s program of learning new languages. I recently learned that the Rosetta stone is a rock inscribed with a decree from 196 BC, which contains 3 texts in 2 languages, Egyptian and Greek. It has been the key to unlocking the ancient hieroglyphic language, and has been studied and coveted by several nations. It is valuable because it is a bridge between civilizations and languages that help us to better understand and learn the cultures and events of that day. The stone provided men the ability to decode and understand another language.
So what does this have to do with the Bible? Well, I know for myself there was a time when I felt like I didn’t need to study or even read it. I believed that Jesus Christ died on a cross and was resurrected. I knew that, because I attended a church where this was taught. I wasn’t all that bad; I had a free ticket to Heaven, so it was “all good”…no need to get all obsessed with it. I was definitely intimidated by the size and content of the Word, so I avoided it. But eventually, the Holy Spirit intervened and said,”Hey, I can help with that.” He is the great decoder. He makes it possible to understand the Word in the way that God intended. Well, I am one of those immediate gratification expecting American citizens, So, knowing that reading and studying alone would take FOREVER, I attended a Bible study at my church. I went in knowing nothing or very little, and came out knowing a little bit more. Each time I stepped out and participated, I gained more insight. I enjoyed it so much; I studied on my own too, through DVDs and the computer! Wow, who knew such a plethora of Bible study resources was so attainable?
But, I didn’t answer the question, why bother? Well, I can only tell you from my experience, that scripture is just full of amazing truths that speak directly to us. We were created by God. Who better to write a hand book on a creation that the creator himself? He knows what we need to function, what maintenance is required, and that we need a lot of it! If you have never done a Bible study, I urge you to take a step. Your eyes will be opened and your heart will become more susceptible to learning and absorbing all that God wants you to learn. Through the history and stories of real people, you will learn who God is and how He works in the lives of His people.
The Bible is God’s love letter to us. The more we learn, the easier it becomes to communicate with Him and He with us. We will hear His voice, audible or not, when we are in communion with Him. We have a filter in which to run our thoughts and actions through, knowing if our will is lining up with His will for our life. It takes practice. It takes a commitment and dedication. But I promise, it is worth it. You will learn that LOVE is the universal language, and God is the ultimate authority on it.<3
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