8/15/24
Everyone's invited to church services, Bible discussions, and all the public events of Christianity. But not everyone knows that. Our current culture has forgotten the historical pattern of a broadly Christian culture in which there was a broad expectation that all would participate in one way or another. However, the change in society was underlined to me when an international student asked if it was all right to come to a Bible discussion though not a Christian.
In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle Paul, when explaining himself before the Roman governor Festus and King Herod Agrippa, made it clear that Christianity was not something that was growing in secret. Chapter 26 verse 26 observes that none of what Jesus or the apostles had done was done "in a corner." The Christian faith is built on verifiable historic events, on eyewitness accounts recorded in writing from a time period when there were many other eyewitnesses who could have provided contradictory evidence if they had it.
Are you welcome to come to the Bible discussion? You certainly are. When you come, there are a few factors that are worth considering. First, recognize that the discussion likely has a leader of some sort, with an agenda. In the discussions Wittenberg Door conducts, we do have an overall goal. For instance, we are currently studying Matthew's Gospel. So we try to keep the discussion focused on the ideas in the current passage we are studying. Given time, we'll get to the important topics you are particularly thinking about. Or we may have some times of more widely-ranging discussion. However, allow the leader to lead. Contribute to the discussion as it seems appropriate, or simply listen with an open mind, as you would in any class discussion.
Second, you will notice that the study is trying to unpack the ideas of the Bible, rather than to impose the group consensus onto those ideas. Many people have explored the same passages of the Bible in the past. The discussion should attempt to take into account many of the past explorations, though it will not be possible to consider them all.
Third, realize that serious questions should be welcome. Bring your thoughtful questions as you try to sort out all the details.
Finally, it's always reasonable to put in some time for study and personal growth in understanding in between sessions. If you need a copy of the Bible or of other handouts, just ask. The public events of Christianity are open to you. Come and explore!
Everyone's invited to church services, Bible discussions, and all the public events of Christianity. But not everyone knows that. Our current culture has forgotten the historical pattern of a broadly Christian culture in which there was a broad expectation that all would participate in one way or another. However, the change in society was underlined to me when an international student asked if it was all right to come to a Bible discussion though not a Christian.
In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle Paul, when explaining himself before the Roman governor Festus and King Herod Agrippa, made it clear that Christianity was not something that was growing in secret. Chapter 26 verse 26 observes that none of what Jesus or the apostles had done was done "in a corner." The Christian faith is built on verifiable historic events, on eyewitness accounts recorded in writing from a time period when there were many other eyewitnesses who could have provided contradictory evidence if they had it.
Are you welcome to come to the Bible discussion? You certainly are. When you come, there are a few factors that are worth considering. First, recognize that the discussion likely has a leader of some sort, with an agenda. In the discussions Wittenberg Door conducts, we do have an overall goal. For instance, we are currently studying Matthew's Gospel. So we try to keep the discussion focused on the ideas in the current passage we are studying. Given time, we'll get to the important topics you are particularly thinking about. Or we may have some times of more widely-ranging discussion. However, allow the leader to lead. Contribute to the discussion as it seems appropriate, or simply listen with an open mind, as you would in any class discussion.
Second, you will notice that the study is trying to unpack the ideas of the Bible, rather than to impose the group consensus onto those ideas. Many people have explored the same passages of the Bible in the past. The discussion should attempt to take into account many of the past explorations, though it will not be possible to consider them all.
Third, realize that serious questions should be welcome. Bring your thoughtful questions as you try to sort out all the details.
Finally, it's always reasonable to put in some time for study and personal growth in understanding in between sessions. If you need a copy of the Bible or of other handouts, just ask. The public events of Christianity are open to you. Come and explore!
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