A new term has begun at the Wednesday morning Bible Study. Some time ago Rev. Irwin offered us a choice of what we'd like next and the book of Hebrews came out a clear winner. Not surprising then that the lounge was overflowing last Wednesday. We had twenty-six people there, one of the highest turnouts ever.
The study is interesting on a number of levels. One is for what it is not. It is not a letter from the Apostle Paul. It is not a study designed by John Stott.
The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. Some speculate it was Luke, Barnabas or Apollos, but no one knows for certain.
What is known for certain is that the letter was intended to encourage, enlighten and admonish one of the early churches, a church that had got bogged down in theological debate over whether converts to the Way of Christ, must first become Jews. Not the question of our time, but are we guilty of demanding converts live up to our expectations before we welcome them into fellowship?
Like all scripture, this book, written for a particular audience at a particular time, speaks to all time. It raises questions that seem tailor-made for our modern age. Questions like "how is Jesus different from the founder of any other religion." Or, "what things cause you to drift away from Christ? What is your relationship with Christ? How can you make it better?" And that is only in the first two session. We have eleven more to go!
No matter where you are in your faith journey, you'll find something to ponder at Bible Study. The gem I picked up last week was that Jesus calls us brothers and sisters and that he is proud of us. Had to go home and think about that one. And isn't that the point -- Bible Study should make us think hard.
This study is called "The Race to Glory." I like to think of Wednesday mornings as training sessions.
All are welcome to attend the classes, beginning at 9:30 am in the Ross Lounge on Wednesdays. Even if you've missed some already or know you'll miss some in the future, every session has something to offer, plus, you can listen to them here. Come join the race.
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