If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32
It seems as if nobody believes anybody today. We hear fake news, government officials tell lies, scams are prevalent, and we ourselves don’t always tell the truth. Christians know that the only place where we can be sure the truth is found is in the Word of God. However, so many Christians do not read the Bible, let alone study it, to find out what the truth is. How can we or know truth that sets us free from slavery to culture, government, the devil, or self if we don’t know what the Bible says? In the senior facility where I live many so-called Christians know almost nothing about the Bible. They cannot name even three of the ten commandments. Biblical illiteracy is prevalent. So what can we do for ourselves and others? Obviously the answer is to study the Bible.
I have been involved with Bible study for most of my life and I have found that for those who want to study with others, there are two excellent interdenominational international Bible studies in our world today. One of them is BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). It has school-year-long studies and is especially good for those who have never studied the Bible. BSF gets people into virtual groups to discuss questions, read notes and hear a lecture on-line. You can find it on bsfinternational.org.
For those who want something a little deeper, I suggest the RBS (Rafiki Bible Study). It covers all 66 books of the Bible and therefore the studies vary in length. It is for those who prefer to meet with live people and read printed lessons. The RBS is for small groups of five to fifteen and can be ordered from Rafiki at rafikibiblestudy.org. and shipped anywhere in the world.
I am convinced the RBS is the best Bible study in the world today. I can say that because I did not write it. I only put together and published what I “coerced” 18 solid and notable theologians to write.
If you want to know the truth, study the Bible.
September 14 we begin Judges. I can't remember how many RBS studies I have led, but there is one group that just keeps wanting to do Zoom one more. I am grateful for this opportunity especially when locally these ladies' churches are still closed.
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ReplyDeleteI’m checking out the Rafiki study option for a small group. Good to know the price of a packet is for five people and not just for one person! :)
I would like to subscribe to receive the blog as Karen at Rafiki suggests, but my phone does not show an area from which to subscribe. She said it’s on the right side, but maybe that’s only from a laptop, not a phone? Can you post the link to subscribe at the bottom of the blog page instead of to the right?
Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts with us, Rosemary! You are a testimony to God's faithfulness, and it is such a blessing to see He continues to use you for His glory and the good of God's people.
ReplyDeleteSo grateful to have been involved with BSF as a participant and as a discussion leader in various parts of the country. Even had the pleasure of Rosemary teaching on Job in L.A. at a leaders retreat around 1990-91? You’ll never know how much I needed to hear that particular book taught! Unfortunately, I’ve heard disturbing reports of BSF going towards Contemplative and Emergent, so don’t think I’ll be back. But wonderful news about this new study! May have to check into that. All blessings to you, Rosemary. Great to read these blogs encouraging us from your life example.
ReplyDeleteLove learning about RBS and am so thankful for all you’ve poured into BSF over the years - it’s been an invaluable part of my faith story!
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, when you view it on your phone you can select web version. Then you can see the place to follow by email. We are happy to help with this. Just call in on Monday to Rafiki and we can help you out. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, K! That worked!
DeleteI’m so glad!!
Delete"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecto of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1,2). Rosemary, thank you so much for showing and teaching us what it means to run the race that Jesus Christ has set out for each of us. To fix our eyes, on Christ, and what a blessing and example you have been to so many! Thank you for sharing with us your wisdom and also knowledge as a older Christian who has run (and is still running a race) for God's glory and Kingdom. With much love, PJMithen
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