In the summer of 2007, I completed two courses in introductory Hebrew at Anderson University School of Theology in Anderson, IN. Read about my experience here.
Have you ever thought about how faith in God affects the way you think of life? Please read my article, "Taking a Stand for Life."
In February, 2000, I wasn't into reading fad fiction. I had never read Frank Peretti's books, and I didn't feel any particular urge to read Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins' series either. But I had visited a friend whose daughter was reading them. She had the second book from the series on tape, and I happened to be around while she was listening.
Although I tried to resist the lure of the suspenseful story line, I found that I could not. Despite the fact that I had not read the first book, I began to develop an attachment to the characters. Instead of feeling confused, I was curious. How had the plot been developed before the point when I had started reading?
I went to the library and checked the first two books out. I couldn't put them down! But more than that, I couldn't put my Bible down! I wondered if the theology behind these stories was accurate. What else did God say about the "End Times"?
I gave my life to Christ formally at the age of 12. Since then I had grown in spurts alternating with stagnant periods. I had never sat up all night reading or felt a deep, burning desire to study the Bible. Despite my desire to know God and "to please Him" (which I knew I could not do apart from accepting the saving grace of Jesus Christ), I was indifferent regarding Bible study. I had heard it all. In fact, the importance of Bible study had been so often the subject of discussions and sermons and teachings that I sometimes felt overwhelmed. I felt guilty about not reading more. If I was really saved ... if I really cared so much about knowing God, I would be reading.
With this mindset, I was set up for failure from the start. I was failing at my faith. God wasn't pleased with me. And if He wasn't pleased with me, He probably was angry with me and didn't love me. Reading the Bible became a chore (a good work) rather than an act of willing submission to God. My faith wasn't faith but a vain effort to reach God--and of course, I did not understand what I read. I had not asked God to open the eyes of my heart. I was trying to open them on my own so that He would be happy with me. I was still denying the power of Jesus Christ, still implying by my actions that his death and resurrection were not enough and had not made me worthy to stand blameless before God. How could I be hungry for the truth when finding the truth was not pleasurable?
The Left Behind series changed all of that. I recognized the use of Scripture throughout the books, and I admired the way the authors did not use the story to preach. The use of Scripture in the early books seemed completely natural. For the first time in my life, I saw that Bible study could be a part of one's lifestyle, not a daily duty.
But beyond this, I also began to wonder what would happen to me if Jesus came to take his people home. Would I be left behind like the pastor who had said all the right things but never embraced the power of God? I shuddered.
Finally, I became curious about the interpretations of Revelation which served as the basis for the plot. I began to do occasional research, searching for understanding. Eventually, I began to pray and ask God's leading as I studied.
A strange thing happened. I began to stay awake at night, reading. Staying awake was not new--I often lay awake, tossing and turning, dropping off to sleep only to be awakened by a nightmare or the jerking of my tense muscles. Exhausted the next day, I would lie down and drink in sleep, only to repeat the process again. But now I was awake with purpose--and when I slept, I was at peace. I finally knew what it was to hunger and thirst after righteousness. My research led me to different theological conclusions concerning the "End Times," but the Left Behind series played a part in urging me to do personal study.
There is no secret formula for successful Bible study; however, a number of tools and study aids have proven useful for me. Perhaps they will help others as well. Use the link to view the study tools.
At times I have questioned the validity of my early salvation experience. I no longer do. The "salvation experience" is the moment when a person first recognizes God's provision of grace and confesses His Lordship. For me, this happened when I was 12 years old. I talk more about it on my testimony page.
The salvation experience does not grant or ensure maturity. It is the beginning of a journey, and the rest of that journey ensures our maturity. When Jesus made disciples, he did so through a process that occurred when people followed him. Disciples are not made when a person glances up, briefly acknowledges Christ, and returns to life as he knows it. Discipleship takes effort and commitment.
As my hunger to know God increased, the quality of my prayer life also improved. I began to solidify my thoughts about prayer and to study about the various kinds of prayer, examples of prayer in the Bible, and the place of prayer in my relationship with God. Prayer isn't only about the words we speak. It is about communing with God in a way that changes us. Jesus taught not only about how not to pray, but also about how to pray. He taught about attitudes, and he taught about God's heart.
To read more about what I have learned about prayer, please visit my prayer page. There I share some of my thoughts as well as quotations and links to additional resources.
Worship. ... That's what we do in church when we sing and pray...? Well, yes... And no. Times of public worship can be extremely powerful. But worship is more than that.
Worship is a lifestyle, an attitude of the heart. There are acts of worship: the giving of an offering, the singing of songs, the sharing of testimony, taking communion... But true worship is a mindset: the way we think and speak of God. If I allow my hands (or my eyes or my ears or the thoughts in my heart) to lead me into sin (a state of mind in which I ignore God or act in a manner which defiles His name or does not glorify Him), then my acts of worship are not acceptable to Him.
Let us worship Him in spirit and in truth! And if you do need worship resources, you're welcome to use my worship resource page.
I provide two devotionals on this site which are updated daily:
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This page is part of Growing Strong, a site dedicated to providing information and encouragement to people who are dealing with personal challenges. This page was last modified on August 13, 2002.