Coffee With The Lord

“He that hath an ear let him (or her) hear!” Please indulge an ol’ prof and pastor an urgent word of concern. We are losing systematic Bible study in many local churches! You should see the faces of some pastors (and hear their response) when I ask them this probing question… “When do you offer systematic Bible study in your church?”

Why do I pose a question like that, you ask? Because of what Apostle Paul declared in 2 Timothy 3:14-17… He said, “But as for you continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it! From childhood [that’s right BIBLE STUDY FROM CHILDHOOD!] you have been acquainted with the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, THAT THE MAN (or woman) OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK!”

Now I’m fully aware that the Old Testament Scriptures were what Paul had primarily in mind when he penned these words. Peter, however, broadened the scope of Scripture to include what we have in the New Testament (check out 2 Peter 3:16-17)

Now, I am a fan of quality, anointed Biblical preaching (the proclamation of the message of God’s word to gain a commitment and decision)! But in many churches we have marginalized “Sunday school” for all ages and developmental groupings and relegated it to the museum of “ancient Christian dinosaurs.” Hey I don’t care what you call it… JUST DO IT – SYSTEMATIC BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL AGES! (That’s right… “systematic Bible study!” – so that when the “scope and sequence plan is complete” individuals in our churches have studied the Bible “lid to lid!”) “For Heaven’s sake” Let’s stamp out “Biblical illiteracy” among Christians!

Now we have a plethora of topical Bible studies still available today, and for that I rejoice! However there is not a lot of “systematic Bible study” (i.e. “book by book” – passage by passage inductive Bible study opportunities) in our churches… and for that I grieve!

Yeah, I know all the arguments… I’ve heard ‘em: “I don’t have any quality, trained teachers!” “We don’t have the space!” “People are so busy!” “I wish there was the interest in my church!” Etc! And believe me, there are solutions to every one of those arguments if we want to find them! The facts are… 2 Timothy 3:14-17 is still in our Bibles (and for the life of me, I don’t know how you make “a fully trained, mature, fruitful, reproducing disciple without getting them involved in “systematic Bible study!”)

“Rant” done… Thanks for indulging me! Hope it bears some fruit!

Developing patience is a real drag! 😉 Hallelujah anyhow!  I’m going to continue to praise the Lord – He’s in control!  I’m going to trust Him – His timing is perfect and He knows what He is doing!

Family reunion time or just some special time spent with our children or grandchildren… And one of the them makes the request… “Tell us some stories about the ‘olden days’ – some of those neat stories about miracles!” Hey I can tell you, we’re a fortunate family – it’s happened several times in our family! My Dad and Mom had some great “miracle stories” to tell – stories of healing, of God’s provision and protection, and how God honored their commitment to live for Him when times were difficult and temptations were great! Fact is, Sharon and I, along with each of my brothers and their spouses, have our own stories to add to the rich legacy of serving and trusting God! And our children and their families? They’ll have some more of their own to add!

I read about it this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” in the Bible…

“Give ear, O my people; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable [a story]; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from our children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done! He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” (From Psalm 78:1–7 ESV)

There it is… God urging His people to share the rich spiritual legacy – the wonderful heritage of faith – from one generation to another… Passing “the faith” along!

It’s not simply entertaining stories we tell in times like that… It’s our experiences with God, our values, God’s promises and provision, and His will and ways from one generation to the next… Time well spent!!! Hey, let’s encourage it – let’s look for opportunities – let’s savor the moments! We’ll be obeying God and passing on our faith heritage from one generation to another!