By Judy Wallace
TOOLS
No matter the task, activity, or job, almost anything we do requires tools. If you like gardening, you will no doubt use a hoe, a spade, and some gloves. If it is music that is your forte, you will need pages with the notes, a metronome for keeping the correct rhythm, and a clock to make sure you spend the right amount of time practicing!
We have been using the phrase, ‘building a legacy’ throughout these blogs. That tells us there is something we must use to develop a Christian worldview while living in a very non- and even anti-Christian culture.
The key factor we have all shared in our writings is that THE tool for this task is the Bible. There is no way we can establish the truths and principles we are to live by within our own hearts and minds without reading and partaking of God’s inspired Word. We must develop such a Bible-study legacy for our own lives before we can pass it on to someone else.
Do you have a method of studying the Scriptures? Are you familiar with different plans and guides that will direct you in this journey and keep you focused? Do you have anything that would help you teach your children or teens to learn this important practice early on in their lives?
We all learn in different ways. As educators we were taught that there were three major types of learners: the visual learner who must see it, the auditory learner who must hear it, and the kinesthetic learner who must do it. Know then that not all methods of doing a Bible study will ‘fit’ each person.
One that needs to be showcased as both a visual and kinesthetic method and is excellent for teens and tweens is the book, “Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens,” by Matt and Sarah Rogers. Though written for teens, the Adult Connect Groups at our church used these for one year’s study.
Using arrows going different directions, the authors show what to look for and what questions to ask as a certain passage is read. It is basically the Inductive Bible Study method that covers observation, interpretation, and application, just in a more visual form. I still form these arrows in my head at times to guide my personal readings.
What is the passage about? (the reload arrow)
What does it tell us about man? (down arrow)
What did it mean to the original recipients? (back arrow)
What does it demand of me? (forward arrow)
What does it tell us about God? (up arrow)
How does it relate to relationships? (two ended arrow)
What does the passage prompt me to pray to God? ( the “amazon smile” arrow)
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 19:7-11
RESPONSE: Use this scripture or another to go through the passage with this method. Then teach it to another person.
PRAYER: Father help us use the many tools you provide for us to go deeper into your word!
-Matt Rogers
If you would like more information on this book and other resources, go to www.sevenarrowsbible.com