By Rev. Gian Carlo Villatoro
Founding Pastor, Victory Church Odessa
Should I be part of a Bible Study group? Nina S.
Dear Nina: We all should do certain good things, and you know it, the real question is “why do I hesitate to be part of a Bible Study group?
There are many possible answers, let’s list some of them:
1: You don’t like people. You are tired of drama, hypocrisy, and simply you just don’t believe in people anymore. My response: Everyone of us has drama in our lives, issues, problems, challenges, maybe not all the time, but from time to time. Quite often is better to not talk about it, and we become dishonest when we don’t want to admit that our lives are in trouble. And finally, we fail to others as well, maybe not intentionally, but we do. We let people down. So, we are not different than the rest, except that if you want to please God, you will accept your condition, and talk to someone, or your friends, to deal with that situation and pray together to hope that our Lord God will help us.
2. You have many things going on in your life. My response: If you are sick, will you go the see a doctor? You prioritize based on what you consider is important. Whenever you finally see the importance of meeting with other Christians to study together the Word of God, to have fellowship in a casual atmosphere in the home of one of your current or new friends, to reflect together, to share part of your life, and pray for others. Then, you will make the time for it.
3. Attending and being part of the Sunday Worship Service (once in a while), is enough. My response: Worship Service is vital for a believer. It is like the vertical post on the cross. Study groups, meeting with your Christian friends, sharing life with each other, is like the horizontal beam on the cross. One must co-exist with the other. Alone they cannot be consider a cross. It is the same thing with you and your relationship with God and the Church. If you are separated from your church brothers and sisters, you are in a big risk of sinking.
For a believer, reading the Bible in a daily basis should be like eating. It is a necessity, otherwise will die. The camaraderie and fellowship with your Christian friends is vital for your growth and development as a human being and, especially, as a true servant of God.
Feel free to email your question to [email protected] or call 432-614-9798 if you prefer.
