This past summer, I was privileged along with my niece, the mother of three young adults (20,18,and 16 years old, and a 7 year old step daughter), to arrange a Bible Study at her home. This idea was based on our desire to teach young people the basics of how to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, and how to experience a deeper understanding of the Bible. The invitation was extended, and it was a joy to have 5 adults, including myself, and 4 friends and neighbors (16, 17, 18 & 22 years old) respond, and join us for this tremendous time of growth and training.

 

For 9 sessions, we met and discussed topics such as: how to study the Bible; the power in the Word of God; the importance of knowing who Jesus is; establishing prayer and Bible reading as a habit; how to overcome temptation; the importance of the cross in Christianity, and a detailed history of the crucifixion; how special we are to God; the power and greatness of God.

 

We began weekly with a review of points that we had learned from the previous weeks lesson, and testimonies of how we had applied that learning to our every day life. Throughout the sessions, we encouraged questions. There were some questions, for which we did not have immediate answers. This placed a demand on our knowledge of Spiritual matters, and our research ability since the following week, we the adults were expected to return, armed with answers!

 

What did I learn this summer? The joy and fulfillment that comes from sharing Jesus Christ with others … resulting in the joy and fulfillment of gaining more Biblical and Spiritual knowledge.

 

In the words of a young participant, “I learned that Bible study is important to my walk with God because I am not only feeding myself spiritually, but mentally.”

 

Holy Scripture commands us to “repeat (my Words) to your children again and again. Talk about them when you are at home, and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed, and when you are getting up.” Deut 6:7 (NLT)

 

In obedience to this command, and in agreement with the Holy Scriptures, our prayer is: that the power of the Gospel and the seeds that were sown in the lives of these young people over the summer, will multiply and become the barometer impacting their actions, their feelings, and their decisions, for many years to come, and that they will continue to increase in wisdom, and in favor with God, and with man. (Acts 12:24, 2 Tim 3:17, Luke 2:52)