Encouragement to Bible study

During these summer weeks, The Electric Gospel is featuring spiritual pieces written by participants in the summer 2014 online workshop on Devotional Writing.  

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Is your church offering Bible class opportunities this weekend--or at other times, in other groups, during the week?  Justin Slominsky urges your attendance at these rich spiritual meals.

Meet you at the potluck!

by Justin Slominsky

Cheesy potatoes, oriental coleslaw, Jell-O fluff, baked beans and bacon, taco dip, cheese and sausage, spaghetti and meatballs, mac and cheese, broccoli salad, hot dish, desserts, more hot dish, desserts, desserts, desserts and desserts!

I haven’t been a Lutheran as long as most Lutherans. I do however enjoy and look forward to our many opportunities for Lutheran potluck.  Food is good for us.  Food makes us happy. Food provides much needed fuel and energy. Food is satisfying.

The same can be said for God’s food—in an even more vital way.  More urgently than the way we feed our mouths, we want to be consuming a spiritual diet that feeds our hearts and minds.  The Bible speaks directly to our spiritual diet: 

• Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” – Luke 4:4
• All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16
• My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. – Proverbs 3:1-2
• Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. – 1 Peter 2:2

We have great choices and selection.  All of God’s Word is useful, relevant and practical.  For each week’s Bible class session, our pastors pick especially pertinent and interesting topics. We have great pastors who diligently prepare, who are trained in the original languages and are committed to preserving the Word in all purity without intimidating those not as well-versed in the Bible.  We have great lay leaders who, with the help of the pastors and the Holy Spirit, joyfully and zealously share their time and talent with others in small group studies.  We have great members who participate with challenging and mature questions—members who are engaged and create solid conversation for growth. These members are graciously willing to share.  

Jesus died for each one of us. We did nothing.  He nourishes us.   Regular Bible study renews, edifies, and prepares us to live out our faith joyously and share with others eagerly.  “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

A significant number of church members are making use of the many Bible study opportunities available to them.  If you are not taking deeper bites into God’s Word through Bible study with your fellow worshipers, please prayerfully consider one of the buffet of choices offered through your church.  Please join in the “potluck” of God’s Word.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, motivate us by the good news of Jesus and lead us to be present at your potluck of wisdom and knowledge through the study of your Word.  Fill us with your Word that it might nourish us and aid us in our lives of service as we honor and glorify you daily with our lives, in Jesus.  Amen.