I stepped into the dormitory meeting room, not sure what to expect. It was my first Bible study as a college student…actually…first real Bible study…ever. I’d been a Christian for three years, but honestly, I was not into the Bible enough to actually study it. As we all sat down in a circle, the small group leader began to pass out the passage we were studying. “The passage we passed out is printed double spaced, with no verse or chapter labels. When you get the passage, read it objectively and start looking for observations and questions, and we will start sharing in 15 minutes,” the small group leader said with a cheerful smile. They called it, inductive study. I began to realize the uncanny resemblance of this Bible study with the dreaded AP English class that I thought that I left behind for good.
But as the Bible study went on, I was astounded by the richness of the scripture. The small group discussed observations, interpretations, and applications of the passage. By the end, I understood the text and had ideas how to apply it in my life. For the first time, my Christian walk was no longer simply following or believing what I was told. Instead, I was living my faith as my own.
Knowing how to study the Bible to me has been one of the most important parts of my Christian walk. Today, God’s word is regularly misused by politics, culture, and just plain bad theology. However, a good Bible study reveals God’s true heart for humanity. This gives me hope during the good and bad times. It also solidifies my understanding of what God is trying to tell us and what He is calling us to do. As I apply in faith what I learn, it strengthens my theology and what I believe which influences my passion for Christ.
This April, I will be starting an Adult Sunday School. My hope is to have a space where everyone at SCAC can strive to deepen their understanding of the Bible and be challenged to apply what they learn from it. In addition, I hope this study can be a space where Christians of different backgrounds, ages, stages of life, and thought can come together to share their experience with each other. I would like to open up the invitation to all ages college and up. If you have any questions, please come and see me and I would love to talk to you.
Blessings in Christ,
Richard Huang
