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There are different forms of bible study. The first is that which is done with children and might be called bible familiarization through bible “stories”. For some Christians this constitutes their total familiarity with the bible. Some others take advantage of their denomination’s bible study which usually focuses on bible verses that support their doctrines

The Catholic church uses three sources of authority, the bible, the sacred traditions, and the teaching of the church. It seems unwarranted to elevate things that change (traditions and teachings) over that which doesn’t.

If we consider what the bible is (truth, the word of God, power unto salvation, etc.), we can get an idea that bible study is different than any other sort of “study”. Consider what God says about his word;

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. - Isaiah 55:10-11

The bible is a unique book. There are books that try to explain things and books that try to persuade, however, the bible is simply just truth.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

The bible is not going to be well received by those who are not interested in truth. However, because it is truth, the knowledge of the bible is an important component in a Christian’s life and children should be raised with a familiarity in its use.

Some shout bible verses at others almost as if doing so invoked some magical incantation. Perhaps the best use of the bible is to draw us in to seek deeper answers.

Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. - Matthew 22:19-21

Level 1 - Yes, we should pay taxes.

Level 2 - The whole monetary system belongs to the one who set it up.

Level 3 - Do we look to man or God for our provision.

Level 4 - How sad that those who should be serving God do not even recognize Jesus but seek to bait him.

Level 5 - Deuteronomy 8:5 would fit here.

Level 6 - 2 Timothy 2:4 might also apply here.

There are many other levels and paths one can take. The bible offers an infinite number of connections to truth and deeper truth. For most people (and even more so for children) bible study is a drudgery. This is sad because they could be taught to look into and find that which helps them mature, protects them, and satisfies the soul’s hunger to draw nearer it’s creator.

For my parents the bible was something sacred. Although it was not considered something to use or be studied as smart people had already studied it and there was nothing left to learn. Their takeaway was that the bible was complicated and boring and best only read by experts such as seminary students. How sad that their church directed them away from the power of God that could have helped them.

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