the Process

“A Look to 2021”

This next week we begin our journey through the Bible together. The plan for 2021 is to read and discuss Genesis through Revelation. I hope you’ll commit to join us. 

Similar to the previous format, Monday through Friday will be our daily scripture reading with a devotional thought and HEAR questions. Saturday will be a wild card dealing with Belmont’s mission and strategy or Bible study tools. Sunday will be a look ahead to the next week’s daily scripture. 

We try to keep the passages fairly short each day. However on weeks where we have a long narrative passage that works best in one sitting, we’ll have little to no additional reading, and we’ll usually post those on Monday. Whenever we can throw in additional multimedia treats, we’ll link to it as an option for you. Let’s begin! 



“A Look to 2021” Read More »

My Toolbox – Study Bibles

“Some people are troubled by the things in the Bible they can’t understand. The things that trouble me are the things I can understand.” – Mark Twain
 
The Bible is a huge collection of 66 books – written by 40 authors over 1500 years, written in 3 different languages, using half a dozen literary genres, and dealing with the biggest issues in life. So have at it!
 
Honestly, anyone who isn’t a little intimidated to crack open the pages of the Bible simply doesn’t appreciate how foreign it can be, and how much can be missed or misunderstood simply reading it at face value.* It’s for this reason, many people never even try and leave understanding the Bible to the “professionals.” But the Bible is God’s love letter and it is written to and for all of us. So one of the most important things you can do is to jump in. At the same time, it’s good to have a little background. 
 
Fortunately there are a ton of tools to help us understand God’s word and get the most out of it. From time to time we will suggest some tools to add to your toolbox. One such tool is the study Bible. A study Bible is one of the more accessible tools as it typically contains verse by verse commentary, word studies, cross referencing, book summaries, timelines, maps and other helpful resources all in one publication. Some study Bibles have so many resources that they usually stay on your desk or coffee table at home where you do your studying and accompany your “normal” Bible that’s a little easier to tote around. Of course, now in the digital age, many of these study Bibles are available on your computer, tablet or smartphone as well. 
 
In looking for a good study Bible here are some things to consider. 
  • Translation – a good balance of form and function (accurate to the original language while being easy to understand in the english) article: “A Brief Description of Popular Bible Translations” 
  • Theological leaning – The commentary for the passages (usually at the bottom of each page) reflects the theology of the individual or team that provides the content. There are some very respected scholars that bear reading, but a team of scholars can typically provide a more balanced and well rounded approach. For instance, the English Standard Version Study Bible (ESV) used a team of 95 theologians. 
  • Thematic leaning – There are a large selection of study Bibles for men, women, teens, new believers and more. 
The Bible is in most places, pretty easy to read and understand. With a little direction, you can begin reading God’s word and gather tools as you go. Although the words “below the line” (commentary) are not inspired scripture themselves, a good study Bible will help answer many of your questions and give context revealing the power and depth a word or phrase contains.   
 

If you want a good review of some of the more popular study Bibles check out the article, “Study Bibles: the epic list (and how to choose one)”

 
Do you have a favorite translation or study Bible you recommend? 
 
Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor
 

 

 

My Toolbox – Study Bibles Read More »

“Take In: 3 Avenues”

We’ve talked about the three avenues of “Take In” at Belmont – corporate worship, small group accountability, and personal devotion. Each of these avenues is important and when we skip one, we are missing out on an important part of our spiritual growth. 

In CORPORATE WORSHIP we build UNITY. We hear the vision of the pastor, get a sense of the direction of the church and participate in a large group experience that reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We hope that you’ll join us this weekend in worship, on campus or online. 
 
In SMALL GROUPS we create COMMUNITY. We enjoy the blessing of community through discussion around the word, praying together, ministering to each other, and living life together. This reminds us that we need each other and can accomplish more together. If you’re not a part of a small group, we’d love to help connect you. Click to find out more.
 
Through PERSONAL DEVOTION we form HUMILITY. We take time in solitude focusing on and communicating with God through prayer and the reading of His word. This reminds us that we are not in charge, that His ways are higher than our ways, and that we exist to glorify Him. We have set up this website as a simple resource to help you with your time alone with God.
 
Our intention is to weave all three of these avenues together with the same scripture. The scripture that you read through the week in your time of personal devotion will be discussed in your small group time and will be reinforced through the message from the pastor each Sunday. What better way to stay connected with the fellowship and truly meditate and marinate in God’s word!

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor
 
photo by Sawyer Barret peopleilove.com

 

 

“Take In: 3 Avenues” Read More »

“Scratch, Dig, or Drill”

As you begin a Bible reading plan, one thing you’ll need to decide is the level of involvement you will commit to. Many people forgo a regular reading plan because they don’t feel that they have the time to read chapters each day, pour over commentaries and do word studies. These are all beneficial in helping us understand God’s word, however, regularity and longevity are more effective to your spiritual health than deep dives once in a blue moon. 

It’s like working out. If I get to the gym once every three or four weeks, but really push myself with the weights and machines thinking I can make up for my absence, it typically sets me back instead of catching me up. I’m more prone to injury or at the least a very sore next morning. Both scenarios typically mean I won’t go to the gym for a while and I associate working out with all the soreness and none of the results. 

And let’s face it, there are certain ages and stages of life where we have more expendable time, and some periods where it seems there’s absolutely no margin. You might be thinking right now, “well, we all have the same 24 hours in a day and it’s up to us to prioritize and use them wisely.” I completely agree, and if you’ve got a lot of control over how you get to spend those hours, take full advantage of this season! But you might be in a situation where a job or two, or a little one…or two have something to say about your schedule as well. 

We suggest choosing between 3 different levels of commitment and depth according to what you’re able to maintain: 

  • Scratch – Read the scripture and the short devotion each day and be a part of a life group each week. 
  • Dig – Do the elements in “scratch” and add the H and E from the HEAR method. Highlight the words and phrases that jump out to you from the day’s scripture. Then Explain the passage using study helps like a study Bible or online commentaries. (We’ll address different resources in an upcoming post). Answer questions like, “who wrote this, and who is it written to? Why was it written and how would the intended audience have understood it?
  • Drill – Follow the ingredients of scratch and dig and add further the last part of HEAR – Apply and Respond. To apply means to answer the question, “how does the truth of God’s word intersect with my life today?” And respond means to act in obedience according to what God is prompting you to do. 

Do what you can according to the season you’re in. It is better to do a little each day than to put it off until you can “really commit” when you have less on your plate and more time in your day. And if you’re in a season where you can spend plenty of time mining the treasure of God’s Word, go for it – drill deep and bring someone along. 

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor

Photo by Jared Evans on Unsplash

 

 

“Scratch, Dig, or Drill” Read More »