This past week, I spent nearly 18 hours at a seminar on the basics of Christian growth. It's the first seminar I've been to where nearly half of it was the public reading of God's Word, the Bible. Genesis 1:1-Revelation 22:21, paragraph after paragraph, verse after verse, nothing but reading. The instructor introduced the topic, then called on the readers. We read the same English version. Moments were allowed for finding texts, and then there would be the reading. A moment or two was allowed for focus and thought.
The reading of the texts of the Bible was stunning. It was so very instructive and edifying.
Paul told Timothy: Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Tim. 4:13.
G. Mark Sumpter
1 comment:
Mark, I have to comment on this. I bet this practice was amazing! After all the sermons we listen to, all the theology books we read, all the logic and exegesis we employ and use...nothing - NOTHING is like hearing the Scriptures read, especially publicly. It is almost as if God allows every theologian and teacher to speak, and then says..."Okay, now it is My turn."
Would love to hear more of your thoughts on this experience some time.
Matt
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