Time to get in the "Word"

Being here in Korea pretty much alone has definitely brought me closer to God. At home in the states, I was obviously in my comfort zone. I have family and friends who know me well so for the most part, they know that I am saved and I go to church on the regular. They've gotten past that first, second, and third impression stage along time ago. See, when you are away from home and in a different country, you are forced to take an honest inventory of your character within. Imagine yourself being considered and called a foreigner on a regular basis. Usually and especially in United States, calling someone a foreigner to their face is quite offensive. Here in Korea, it's the norm. At school, I am one of the nine foreign teachers amongst the many Korean teachers and one of the two black foreign teachers.

I don't have a choice but to let my light shine. God has granted and blessed me with this opportunity to travel, live, and teach in a country that is on the other side of the world and stay there for a year. I will not take this experience lightly. There are many people who I come in contact with that have never spoken to or come in contact with an African American. Although, majority of them a younger people, I still have to present myself in a manner that is representative to my family, race, gender, and most importantly God.

I recently began to study the Bible on a deeper level than just reciting and reading scriptures in unison at church. I'm in the beginning stages right now. Currently, I'm studying and understanding "Why we need to study the Bible."

This is what I received from my lesson.

A. Why do we study the Bible?

There are 3 important reasons why we study. These are not the only reasons, of course. But they are import reasons given to us right from the word of God. I’m sure you can add some of your own reasons. But let’s look at the scriptures:

1. AS PAUL INSTRUCTS TIMOTHY – TO CONTINUE IN GROWTH IN WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM A CHILD AND TO BECOME WISE UNTO SALVATION (2TIM. 3:14-17)

NOTE: (from what Paul has said there will be teachings and opinions of others that seek to turn us away from the word of God (see this particularly at the beginning of chapter 3) As we study God’s word it is our way to combat false teaching.

2. THAT WE MIGHT COME TO KNOW THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND RECEIVE HIS SALVATION (2Tim 3:15)

3. All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God and good for: (vs. 17)

a. Teaching

b. Reproof

c. Correction

d. Instruction in righteousness

e. Training - Helps us to become equipped for every good work

This has help me tremendously. I want to thank Elder Michele Ridgely of New Samaritan Baptist Church for her tuition. She has truly been a blessing.