The Bible has changed the lives of many. Devout people have died because of their unshakeable belief in it. It has been banned, burned and chained up but still it survives and, it is said, still sells more copies than any other book, and yet is the least read. The Bible has been translated into 2,303 languages and whole or partial copies of the Bible have been distributed throughout the world so that, at this present time, for 98% of the world’s population there is a Bible available in a language in which they are fluent. We can all have one in our hands but do we read it; do we value it and do we understand it?
If the front door of a building swung shut leaving you locked outside, you would soon know how important a key really is. With it you could gain easy access again. Without it you are frustrated knowing that it is going to take you sometime to get back in.
How grateful you are when someone arrives with the key. How welcome that is. As it turns in the lock, you would probably be resolving never to be without your own key again - and all that just about gaining access to a building. The forthcoming “Effective Bible Reading” seminar series hopes to turn a key for you to open up your understanding of the Bible. The series of six seminars will be held at Tytherington High School on Monday evenings at 7:00 - 9:00 pm, starting on 15th September.
These seminars have run for several years in many different countries throughout the world. The presenters on this occasion are all from Cheshire and have taught groups and individuals in Macclesfield and elsewhere in the UK.
The following topics will be discussed during the seminars:
- who wrote the Bible
- the order of historical events
- how the Old and New Testaments fit together
- how different books relate to each other and build a picture of God’s purpose
- who the Jews are and why they are important
- what the title Christ and other key words mean
- the differences between Bible versions and how to compare them
- how to interpret the Bible on its own terms
- how to use a concordance and a lexicon
- and much more
The seminars are run so that everyone can be comfortable, no matter what their level of Bible knowledge, and can gain full benefit from each of the sessions. The organisers believe that God inspired the writing of the Bible, that what it teaches is true and of real value in directing our lives. They feel it is important to share this with other people. No one who attends will be asked to be “saved” or pressed to join a church. The main intention is that the classes will help you to make up your own mind about what the Bible is really trying to tell us.
The seminars are free, as all expenses are being met by the Macclesfield Christadelphian Church. To reserve a place, send your name and contact details by e-mail to:
info@m-c-c.org.uk
or phone 01625 427788.
