Almost everyone approaches Bible study differently.

Some really enjoy digging into each word and each verse and mulling over the many nuances of the drama and power of the Bible. Book upon book has been written about Bible study.

Some will spend hours over just one verse, or days researching and exploring a text or event. Many movies and television dramas have been produced on the texts of the Bible.

The good news is that there seems to be an almost non-quenchable thirst for Bible knowledge and truth. Mel Gibson's new movie - - "The Passion of The Christ" will draw millions to theaters - - many of them seekers. Many will take that new experience to exploring the Bible for more Good News!

There is probably no "wrong" way to approach Bible study!

Let me share with you how I approach the awesome word of God - -

Expectantly!!!

I have to first experience it. I am an experiential Christian.

I do a quick read to get the experience and drama of the text. I see the text in visual images with real people in real situations. I try to live into the text and see real faces.

Next I will usually look at a good commentary (I mostly use the Cokesbury Commentary) to get an idea of how others looked at the same text and what it said to them.

Then I will get my heart and head around it and let it "preach" to me.

I am usually bored with long and draining dissertations on research texts and "what if" or "I think" scenarios. Nuances are usually lost on me.

I will never "argue" Bible text with anyone. I simply give my take on it let them have their say. We are both worthy seekers of God's word. Let God's word speak for itself. When someone tells you that "they" have "the truth" - - you had probably run for the nearest exit!

Some people are still looking for what they call "the mystery" of the Bible. I have found no mystery - just love!



A Jim Lane Commentary
February 26, 2004