A Labour of Love
On Wednesday mornings, you’ll normally find me in the Birney Room at Bible Focus. I have really enjoyed this dedication of delving deeper into God’s Word. The commitment of my fellow ‘pupils’ has been matched by our teachers, with Rowan continuing Keith’s labour of love for Bible study and discipleship.
Although I’m typically rushing, the cake and chat with our church characters cannot be missed. As the conversation flows, I sense the anticipation to begin another study.
A Learning Process
The 10.30 bell rings in my mind as we enter the classroom, gaining a glimpse into our school-day personalities; joining the ‘teacher’s pets’ near the front, while the ‘boisterous kids’ take their back seats.
Mr Zeelie’s voice hushes the class as he leads us in prayer, settling our hearts on the past week. A refresher is followed by an opening question; getting those brain cells ticking again, young and old, sharing whatever’s on our minds, with no wrong answers.
The one person-one verse-many versions’ reading is participatory and offers new meanings to well-known Bible passages. There is space for thoughts, tough questions, and ‘controlled’ tangents.
Our learning process continues as Rowan picks out key themes and application – what is it saying to us and how does it impact the way we live our lives? If time allows, we watch a video to unpack more application.
A Life Shared
Our small group discussion questions give us an opportunity to share life experiences in an informal setting. I love hearing relatable, encouraging, and often entertaining anecdotes.
Recently, during our Genesis topic of Work in the Kingdom, I shared my future worries and was encouraged to be patient in the Lord, enjoy activities like Bible Focus without feeling guilty about having free-time:
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5: 15-16)
A Loving Act
As the clock ticks towards 12, another study is ending but our application isn’t finished. Rowan’s prayer settles our hearts for the week ahead before we tidy up; a sign of appreciation for the room’s preparation.
This loving act may be one of many throughout the week as we aim to demonstrate Bible Focus in our lives: witnessing, mentoring, partnering, representing.
Bible Focus resumes for evenings study on ‘The Holy Spirit’, running across 4 Wednesdays from 1 May to 29th May 2024; cuppa from 7.00pm, study from 7.30pm-9.00pm. If you’re free, we would love to welcome you!
Matthew Bell