Lost and in the Bible

More than a few contemporary individuals find themselves so unfamiliar with the great narratives of the Old and New Testaments that they find themselves often “lost” when it comes to comprehending the meaning and purpose of many of the biblical texts.
Don’t be dismayed. The Bible is not a book of mystery so much as a book that is underutilized and unfamiliar. Many would like to treat the scriptures as a great source for Bible Trivia and have at times done exactly that. The problem lies in our failure to link the scriptures in their historical context, meaningful application to life, and intentional purposeful revelation of God.

Studying the scriptures is not accomplished in the Reader’s Digest condensed version. Even a good children’s bible story book provides more essential guidance and understanding than many persons on the street have in their knowledge base. Without
attempting to suggest that God cannot reveal himself to those with little scriptural background, it begs the question for us to suggest that mature Christians will not have at best some intrinsic religious experience of faith that connects them to a purposeful and willing desire to follow the way of Jesus Christ. For those with access to the scriptures and who have the ability to read, there is a place of opportunity and the strong capacity for significant personal growth and maturity to be found in the rich words of these holy texts. God has blessed us with a written record of his revelation to mankind. Through the vast variety of literary expressions and the chronicled stories and history of the people of God, we have in the Bible a capable collection of writings that will point us to the way of Christ and the calling of God upon our lives.

Begin with a good study bible and a translation that utilized committed biblical scholarship to bring in the various annotations and study helps a greater understanding of the biblical languages and the meaning of those passages that are in need of interpretative analysis. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you as you seek understanding and truth. Explore the powerful witness of these words as they speak to your heart and life. 2 Timothy 2:15 was written to a young preacher as a reminder of the opportunity to pursue the truth of God’s witness in the Holy Scriptures. I hope you will read it and learn with joy.