How did the author get that meaning from that passage?

Many born again believers attend small group Bible studies. There are a variety of names such as Sunday School, Bible Study, Discipleship group, and cell group; however, most have in common a guided study that includes an extremely common tool called a study guide.

Over the years there have been many times that I worked my way through a study guide and would ask myself the question, "How did the author get that meaning from that passage?" Due to the press of time, the question would generally hang in my mind for a few moments only to fade as our group plowed on through that week's assignment.

However, there came a time when the Lord showed me that He wanted me to be able to sit down with His Word and allow His Spirit to speak to me through the Scriptures. This sent me on a quest to obtain the skills needed to appropriately observe and interpret the Scriptures, and then determine how they apply to my life.

The Beroean Christians became a model for me. "As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea. On arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. The people here were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, since they welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so [emphasis added]" ( Acts 17:10-11 HCSB). I wanted to be equipped to examine the Scriptures like the Beroean's in order to better understand God's Word and prepare myself to disciple others.

It was an extended journey for me, but by God's grace He led me to books, places and people for training in the methods and rules that I need to properly read and study the Scriptures. This revolutionized my life as a Great Commission Christian.

Because of our commitment at WorldReach to mobilize and equip the church for global missions, we are committed to training believers to systematically read and study God's Word. It is this commitment that resulted in the founding of WorldReach Bible Institute.

You may have experienced the same question as I did when going through various Bible studies; or God may be convicting you of the need to better prepare yourself to be a Great Commission Christian; or you may sense that as a small group leader you need to continue your leadership development; or perhaps you want to be able to discern what God's Word says, what it means, and how it applies to your life. If so, I exhort you to enroll in the foundational course at WorldReach Bible Institute (WBI): Bible Study Methods and Rules of Interpretation. You can find out more about WBI, the course content, costs, professors, certificate programs, and our partnership with the curriculum providers at the Bible Training Centre for Pastors/Church Leaders by visiting the WBI website at www.wbionline.us.

The next 12 week semester begins September 14th. Classes are held each Monday evening from 6-8:55pm on the campus of Prince Avenue Christian School. Online enrollment is available on the WBI web site.

Come join us so you will no longer be wondering how the author got the meaning, but determining the meaning yourself.