Last Night's JBU Biblestudy

[Written last night in Downpatrick, as I was waiting for the bus home. ]

Tonight's bible study with the JBU gang went okay. It was the all-too-typical case of trying to work too much in, particularly extra-biblical sources. I started off with some columns from "On Faith" about Americans changing their faith or loosing it. The student's found those really interesting. I should have had us spend more time there then dig into a biblical passage - say Phil 3, or something like that. Instead, I spent too much time having each of them answer questions, me sharing quotes from Pascal and C.S. Lewis - that the time we then spent in Scripture was minimal, at best. As a result, I don't think any of us came away refreshed or knowing something more about Scripture or the Father. So, here's what I learned about bible studies (or teaching):

Spend 80%+ of your time on that which really matters - in this case, God's Word. Shave off the extra stuff - keep something interesting or unique, but loose the other fluff.

I felt bad as well because the student's have a paper due and a lot on their plate - yet they gave up the hour to be together - and I wish, as they also may, that we had walked away challenged or refreshed and closer to our Lord and Savior.

The students are forgiving to me - for which I'm grateful - and I know God can use even the feeblest of offerings. So, I finish writing this at the Downpatrick bus stop, sitting in the 42 degree weather, waiting for the 21:05 bus to Belfast, humbled from having learned, but at peace knowing both God's and the student's grace extends beyond my faults.