Discipleship
Downfall and Learning
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to
teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
NLT
This is the second downfall of the modern church. Too many have bought into the idea that not all of the Bible is inspired, or that not all miracles occurred, or that “doctrine” is not necessary. All of this is wrong. Christianity is, first and foremost, a commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ. As such, the commitment to learn is not to learn doctrine but rather to learn Jesus. And this is best accomplished through prayer and study of God’s Word, by learning doctrine.
What is involved?
First, one must read his Bible. The more you read, the better. There are many good plans for reading through the Bible in a year. Since the Old Testament reflects the New and contains the prophecies fulfilled, the Old is as important as the New. My personal preference is simply to start reading at Genesis 1:1 and go straight through. Plans exist for reading straight through, as well as a plan for reading parts of the Old and New Testaments each day, as well as plans that read a part of the Psalms and / or Proverbs everyday as well. There are also topical plans. It makes no difference which plan you follow, but if you wan to understand what it means to be a disciple, you must read your Bible.
Second, you need to talk to God about what you are reading, about who God is, and about your needs and desires. This talk is called prayer. Prayer is nothing more than conversing with God. Often it may seem like a one-way conversation, but we are assured God is always listening and will always answer.
