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Introducing Thru’ The Bible 2024

What is Thru’ The Bible 2024?

“Thru’ the Bible 2024” is an initiative by Bible Call Ministries designed to encourage you to cultivate and sustain a habit of reading the Bible. For more information on this click here.

Why You Should Join Thru’ The Bible 2024

The Bible, as the foundational text of Christianity, holds immense significance for believers around the world. It is the inspired word of God, providing guidance, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of faith. While attending church services and participating in communal worship are essential aspects of the Christian experience, more importance should be placed on individual Christians reading the Bible for themselves as it is the very voice of God. This week, we explore the reasons why personal engagement with the Bible is crucial for your spiritual growth and development. You Should Join Thru’ The Bible 2024 for the following reasons:

  1. Understand God’s Word

Personal Bible reading allows you to delve into the sacred scriptures, gaining a direct understanding of God’s word. Reading it personally enables you to engage with its message, discern the context, and grasp the intended meaning of each passage. This first-hand encounter fosters a deeper connection with God.

  1. Spiritual nourishment

Just as physical nourishment is vital for the well-being of the body, spiritual nourishment is essential for the health of the soul. Personal Bible reading serves as a source of spiritual sustenance, providing encouragement, comfort, and inspiration. The Bible addresses the multifaceted aspects of human existence, offering solace during times of distress, guidance in decision-making, and hope in moments of despair. When you read the Bible for yourself, you open the door to a reservoir of spiritual strength that can sustain you through life’s challenges.

  1. Formation of Christian Identity

The Bible plays a foundational role in shaping your identity. By personally engaging with the scriptures, you develop a unique and personal connection to the narrative of salvation history. The stories of faith, the teachings of Jesus, and the ethical principles outlined in the Bible contribute to the formation of a distinct Christian identity. This identity serves as a compass, guiding you in your relationships, moral choices, and worldview. Personal Bible reading, therefore, is instrumental in the ongoing process of Christian formation.

  1. Deepening Relationship with God

Christianity emphasizes a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Personal Bible reading is a key means by which you can deepen this relationship. The scriptures serve as a bridge between the finite and the infinite, allowing you to commune with God through prayerful reflection on the Word. The Bible is not merely a historical document or a set of rules; it is a living and dynamic revelation that invites you into an ongoing conversation with God. Personal engagement with the Bible fosters a more profound intimacy with God as you encounter the transformative power of His Word.

  1. Guarding Against Misinterpretation

In a world filled with churches with heretical interpretations of the Bible, personal Bible reading empowers you to critically engage with the scriptures and guard against misinterpretation. While guidance from pastors, theologians, and scholars is valuable, you have the responsibility to discern the truth for yourself. This discernment is cultivated through a combination of prayer, study, and personal reflection on the Bible. The ability to navigate the scriptures independently contributes to a more robust and well-informed faith.

Conclusion

The importance of you reading the Bible for yourself cannot be overstated. Personal engagement with the scriptures is integral to understanding God’s word, receiving spiritual nourishment, forming a Christian identity, deepening one’s relationship with God, and guarding against misinterpretation. While communal worship and participation in church life are vital components of the Christian experience, personal Bible reading enhances and enriches these communal practices. It is only through the pages of the Bible that you can embark on a transformative journey, gaining insight, wisdom, and a profound connection with God.

Through

About Thru’ The Bible

About Thru’ The Bible

Thru' The Bible

“The more you read the Bible, the more it reads you.”

“In the pages of the Bible, we find strength, hope, and guidance.”

In the spirit of spiritual enrichment and scriptural exploration, Bible Call is embarking on a momentous journey, one that is set to span the entire year of 2024. We are proud to introduce the “Thru’ The Bible” initiative, an ambitious and transformative undertaking that will guide us through the pages of the Holy Bible, from the book of Genesis to the grand culmination in the book of Revelation.

Indepth Study

As we prepare to embark on this enlightening odyssey, we are reminded of the profound importance of this timeless text in the lives of believers. The Bible, a repository of wisdom, faith, and guidance, has, for millennia, been a source of inspiration and solace for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their faith and spirituality.

Throughout the course of the year, participants in the “Thru’ The Bible” initiative will engage in a systematic and dedicated exploration of the scriptures. Each week, a carefully selected scripture text will serve as a focal point, guiding us through the unfolding narrative and teachings of the Bible. From the creation story in Genesis to the apocalyptic visions in Revelation, we will traverse the vast spectrum of biblical wisdom.

Our Journal

This journey is not merely a passive reading exercise; it is an immersive and participatory experience. To aid in comprehension and reflection, we have developed a specially designed one-page journal, the “Thru’ The Bible Journal.” Here, you will find resources to assist in your understanding and engagement with the scriptures. Each week, readers will read a scripture text, be provided with a description of its context, and engage with comprehensive questions that aid in mastering the passage.

Whatsapp Group

We believe that this initiative will foster a deep sense of community and shared spiritual growth as we embark on this collective endeavour. The “Thru’ The Bible” journey is an invitation to engage with the Word of God in a profound and meaningful way, to gain insights, and to chart a path towards spiritual enlightenment. Through the Thru’ The Bible Whatsapp group, you will have an opportunity to connect with others who share this profound reverence for the Bible and its teachings.

What to Expect

As we prepare to delve into the pages of the Bible, we do so with great anticipation and a sense of reverence. The year 2024 promises to be a year of deep spiritual growth, reflection, and revelation. Together, we will embrace the wisdom of the ages and draw inspiration from the timeless stories and teachings that have shaped the lives of countless believers.

The “Thru’ The Bible” initiative is an opportunity to journey through the sacred text, one section at a time, and to find a profound sense of meaning and purpose in the process. We invite you to join us on this transformative expedition, as together we traverse the landscape of the Bible and discover the profound lessons it has to offer.

This Week’s Reflection

The Tragedy of Demas

“For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica” – 2 Timothy 4:10 (ESV)

Demas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, primarily known for his association with the Apostle Paul. He appears in three key passages: Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, and 2 Timothy 4:10. Each of these verses provides insight into Demas’ relationship with Paul and his role in the early Christian community.

In Colossians 4:14, Demas is mentioned alongside Luke, the beloved physician, as someone who sends greetings to the believers in Colossae. This indicates that Demas was a part of Paul’s close circle, likely assisting him during his missionary work. Similarly, in Philemon 1:24, Paul refers to Demas as a “fellow worker,” a term that denotes someone who actively participated in the spread of the Gospel. These references suggest that Demas was once a trusted and valued companion in Paul’s ministry.

However, the narrative takes a sombre turn in 2 Timothy 4:10, where Paul laments that “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica” (NIV). This passage reveals that Demas eventually abandoned Paul, choosing the comforts and attractions of the world over the hardships and demands of ministry. His desertion is a distressing example of the struggles and temptations faced by early Christians.

What is Known of Demas Outside the Biblical Narrative?

Outside of the brief mentions in the New Testament, there is little information available about Demas. He does not appear in other historical or extra-biblical sources, which leaves much of his life and motivations open to speculation. The lack of additional details stresses the significance of his actions within the context of Paul’s letters, where even a brief mention carries weight.

Demas’s story is often interpreted as an admonitory tale within Christian tradition, illustrating the dangers of succumbing to worldly desires. The brevity of his mention may also suggest that his departure had a profound impact on Paul, as it is recorded in what is believed to be Paul’s final letter. Yet, the absence of further details also invites reflection on the challenges faced by true believers, particularly the tension between spiritual commitments and worldly temptations.

Demas’ Role in Paul’s Ministry

Demas played a notable role in Paul’s ministry, particularly during a time when the spread of Christianity was fraught with danger and persecution. Being referred to as a “fellow worker” in Philemon 1:24 implies that Demas was actively involved in the work of the early church. This term is often used by Paul to describe those who laboured alongside him in preaching, teaching, and establishing Christian communities.

The fact that Demas is mentioned alongside prominent figures like Luke and Mark suggests that he was considered an important part of Paul’s team. His presence in Paul’s letters indicates that he was not just a peripheral figure but someone who contributed significantly to the mission. It is likely that Demas, like Paul and other early Christians, endured hardships and opposition for the sake of the Gospel. His initial dedication and participation would have been vital in supporting Paul’s efforts to evangelize and strengthen the fledgling Christian communities across the Roman Empire.

The Desertion of Demas

The most striking aspect of Demas’s story is his desertion of Paul, as recorded in 2 Timothy 4:10. Paul’s words, “because he loved this world,” suggest that Demas made a conscious decision to prioritize worldly concerns over his commitment to the Gospel. This phrase has been interpreted in various ways, but it generally implies that Demas was drawn away by the comforts, safety, or pleasures that the world offered—things that were in stark contrast to the dangers and sacrifices associated with following Paul.

The decision to leave Paul and return to Thessalonica might have been motivated by a desire for security, material wealth, or a more stable life, as opposed to the uncertainty and suffering that came with being part of Paul’s ministry. Thessalonica was a prosperous city, which could have provided Demas with the comforts he sought, in contrast to the harsh conditions of missionary work.

Paul’s disappointment is palpable in the text, and it highpoints the deep sense of betrayal and abandonment he must have felt. Demas’s departure would have been a significant blow, not only personally but also to the ministry. It serves as a reminder of the pressures that even the most dedicated believers can face, and how easy it can be to lose sight of spiritual priorities in favour of worldly gains.

Conclusion

The story of Demas, though brief, offers deep lessons on faith, commitment, and the dangers of worldly temptation. From being a trusted companion and fellow worker in Paul’s ministry, Demas’s story takes a tragic turn when he deserts Paul, lured by the attractions of the world. His actions serve as a cautionary tale for believers, illustrating the need for steadfastness and the challenges that come with maintaining one’s faith amidst the temptations of the world. While much about Demas remains unknown, the impact of his choices as recorded in Scripture continues to resonate as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship.

Man and Salvation

1. At creation, God formed Adam and Eve in his likeness. They were cut off from their Creator as a result of their sinful disobedience to God. Thus, all humanity is now under divine condemnation due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience.
2. Human nature has been defiled. Because of this, all of us are completely unable to please God. Everybody requires the Holy Spirit’s regeneration and rebirth.
3. Salvation is entirely the result of God’s free grace; it is not the result, in whole or in part, of good deeds or religious rituals. God credits His righteousness to anyone who relies solely on Christ for salvation, making them righteous in His eyes.