Faith in the News Christian News
Do you ever find yourself stuck in spiritual rut, wishing for something a little different? Or maybe you just want someone to talk to who believes the way you do. Maybe you’re new to following Christ, and want to find support. Maybe you just want to hang out with people you have a lot in common with to enjoy fellowship, or meet new people. Maybe God is calling you to be more vocal about your faith, and to witness to others. If you’ve felt any of these things, it may be time for you to join a Bible study, or even start one of your own. Bible Study Source for Women has some great resources, and would love to give you a free e-book! It has some great ideas that will get you excited and prepared for beginning a new Bible Study! Still need convincing? Read on to see why a Bible study will be the best decision you’ve ever made.
Self-Care
What comes to mind when you think of the words self-care? It’s a hot topic right now, especially among women. It’s the idea that we need to save time and resources to devote to ourselves, so that we can then be at our best for our jobs, families, friendships, and in all other aspects of our lives. It’s a really valid concept, and one that women often ignore as we spend all our energy on others, often leaving little left for ourselves. It’s important to do things you like, things that relax you, things that are good for you. Go for a walk, get a pedicure, read a good book while you soak in the tub. Make time for yourself to rejuvenate. But what about caring for your soul? Taking the time to feed your soul through Bible study and fellowship with other believers is an incredibly important part of self-care. When my relationship with God is strong, I am at my best for my relationships with others. My Bible study is one of the things I most look forward to each week, I’ve developed incredible relationships there, and I am better because of my time spent there. It’s something for me, something to help me refocus on what’s important. Bible study is one of the most important ways I take part in self-care, and I am willing to bet you will feel the same!
Fellowship
I don’t know about you, but my life is busy. Between work and my family, there isn’t much time left for my friends. Sure, we send texts and look at each other’s photos on Facebook, but I really miss that personal connection. Bible study is a guaranteed way to get that back! It’s a time once a week, or however often your group chooses to meet, that you know you get to have real face to face interaction with people other than colleagues and family! You get to connect with other believers, and experience life with them. And it’s not just fun, it’s Biblical. The Bible talks about fellowship with other believers multiple times. Matthew 18:20 says “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Hebrews 10 talks about the importance of meeting together as believers. Acts 2 talks about fellowship and breaking of bread with other believers. Fellowship is fun, and good for your spiritual walk!
Accountability
You know how you’re more likely to get to the gym or get that run in if you do it with a friend? Your spiritual life is the same! We need accountability to help us through this life, to help keep us on the right path. A Bible study is the perfect place to find accountability for your walk with God. You develop close relationships with people who share your beliefs, and it becomes easier to be vulnerable and share what’s going on, and what you need help with. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.” Encouragement and support from a friend can be the missing ingredients in fighting the battle against Satan, and finding accountability through a Bible study can help!
Called to Spread the Good News
Scripture is very clear about our job as believers. We are here to tell others about Jesus, and to show others who Jesus is through our lives. Involvement in a Bible study gives you a great opportunity to do this. At least for me, it’s a lot less intimidating to invite a friend to come hang out at my house and meet some of my other friends, have some snacks and fellowship, and share what’s going on in our lives with each other than it is to outright invite them to church. Being a part of a Bible study gives you a great, easy way to shine light into the dark and show others what God’s all about. Or maybe you’re ready to take it a step further and begin your own Bible study to spread God’s love and the message of Jesus. Check out the free e-book from Bible Study Source for Women for some great ideas on this! The gospels tell us to share the good news with everyone. Psalms tells us to declare God’s glory and wonders to everyone. Using your Bible study as an entry point to share Jesus with someone is a fantastic way to spread the good news!
Top of the To-do List
There are dozens of things that vie for our time and energy every day. Many are very valid and must be dealt with. But taking the time to join a Bible study, or even start one of your own with some help from the free e-book, should really be added to the top of that to do list. For the reasons above, and many others, it will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. God doesn’t want us to do life alone. He wants us to take care of our spiritual selves, to fellowship with other believers, to have accountability, and to share the good news of Jesus. Trust me on this. You won’t be disappointed.
Julie McConnell
Julie is a life-long Hoosier, wife, and mother of two. When she is not working in her pharmacy, she spends her time with her husband and daughters in Indianapolis. She is a member of Geist Christian Church and enjoys playing outside with her girls, finding fun things to do in Indy, watching football, and reading bedtime stories.
