p. 18 | How to Hold Bible Readings

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 11, 1911

How to Hold Bible Readings

By John Norton Loughborough

First Reading

THE giving of Bible readings has proved a very efficient means of imparting religious instruction to inquiring minds. To ask a question or make a statement respecting the truth contained in a Scripture text, at once calls attention to the subject, or a particular branch of it, which may be under consideration, and thus tends to impress it vividly upon the mind. If wisdom is exercised in framing the question or statement, and a text is selected for the reply that directly and plainly answers the question, without explanation or comment from the person conducting the reading, then the reader has on his own mind what the Word of God says, and not merely men's opinions or reasonings.

In giving the readings, it is well to bear in mind that our readers may be persons who are not familiar with Bible subjects; and for this reason, particular care must be taken not to confuse the mind by mixing subjects, or calling attention to more than one subject in one reading. For the same reason it is best for those who prepare the readings to select such scriptures as bear directly upon the subject they would elucidate, and to arrange them in a way that will systematically open the subject. Avoid the use of texts that will lead to side issues, or open controversy or debate on other topics than the one you are desirous of bringing to the attention of your reader.

To illustrate: If you are taking up the subject of Christ's second coming, it may be opened by asking the question: (1) Did our Saviour promise to come again? This might be answered by quoting John 14:3: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (2) How will he come? Ans.—“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him: . . . and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” Rev. 1:7. (3) What was the testimony borne to those who saw him ascend? Ans.—“Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11.

Having advanced thus far, when we come to speak of the object of his coming, it makes some difference whether we introduce such a text as Rev. 22:12: “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be;” or one like 2 Thess. 1:7-9: “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power.”

By using the former text in this connection, we have a simple statement that, at Christ's second coming, all will receive according to their works; but in the latter text we introduce the subject of everlasting punishment, which would be quite likely to divert the minds of our readers from the direct topic of the Lord's personal coming. The doctrine of everlasting punishment should have its appropriate time and place in our course of readings, but it would better not be mixed with this reading or any other very early in the course of readings.

It should not be deemed essential in preparing a Bible reading that we present all there is in the Bible on the subject we may have before us. From fifteen to twenty texts have been thought sufficient for most readings, rather than to get so many before the mind that the reader can not retain them. It is better to have a few plain, pointed texts, arranged in a connected manner, than to have so many that only a confused impression is left upon the mind.

It would also be well for the individual who is to give the reading to be sure that the subject thereof is clear and distinct to his own mind, not because he is familiar with it, but because it is made so by the texts that he is to use in said reading. It might be a good plan to criticize the reading before giving it, as if you knew nothing of the subject, and, like those to whom you are to give the reading, were hearing it for the first time. With this thought in mind, see

what idea you would get from the scriptures presented.

Some who have never had the opportunity of attending a course of instruction in Bible readings, wish to do good, and to introduce the truth by holding readings with their neighbors. Such inquire if we would advise taking the book called ‘Bible Readings’ along, and giving readings from that. I would not advise thus taking the book, even if I wished to use the readings in it, unless it might be to read some of the historical facts. In case I wished to use a reading in ‘Bible Readings,’ I would think it preferable to copy on a slip of paper, which I could put in my Bible, the texts and questions I wished to use, rather than to read the questions from the book.

In giving Bible readings, it is highly important to consider the order of subjects presented. The time was when an almost stereotyped plan was followed. Beginning with Daniel 2, 7, and so on, ten or twelve readings were given; then conversion or some other subject having a practical bearing on the conscience of the reader, was introduced. This was about the same plan that was followed by the ministers in presenting the truth in new fields. But our ministers are finding out a better way. They now introduce the power of Christ and the power of his Word as soon as practicable; and why should not the Bible workers do so too? On this point I quote a few words from Elder G. B. Starr:—

‘Bible readings, as well as sermons, should be remodeled. We should not even keep the old outlines, the old ‘shucks,’ as it were, and endeavor to work new life into them. Instead, let every reading be arranged with the view of teaching Christ, first and last and all the time, and of teaching nothing but Christ.’

As an illustration of this manner of working, he refers to a method of treating the work of redemption through Christ, and says: ‘We might begin with a reading on creation, comparing Genesis 1 with John 1, Colossians 1, and Hebrews 1, showing Christ as the Creator. Here the Sabbath should be introduced, and Christ as its author, no allusion being made to its change or to any difference of opinion on the subject. What an opportunity is here offered to lay the foundation for further study! Then follows the fall of man; Satan and his connection with it; who Satan is, and the nature of his work. Then the wonderful plan of redemption, as shown in early promises and types; then Christ in the prophecies; and the prophecies of the nations of the earth as they relate themselves to the plan and work of redemption. In taking up the papacy, why not treat it under the head of Antichrist,—his work in opposing Christ,—and compare the mystery of godliness with the mystery of iniquity?’ So also in considering the question of immortality, he suggests treating it as ‘life through Christ only.’ Thus Christ is exalted in our work all the time.

This course was followed years ago by those giving instruction in the Chicago Central Bible School. The Lord drew near to us in the class exercises; and those who were giving the readings according to this plan saw a marked and rapid change in results obtained, which was a good token of the Lord’s approval.

One of the most essential things in giving Bible readings is a close connection with the Lord, that he may guide our minds as to what reading to give, and also what scriptures we should use in giving a reading to any particular case; for there is a marked difference in cases. We can not have a stereotyped set of readings that will fit every individual whom we may meet. If those giving the readings live near the Lord, and seek his guidance, he will lead them to select the proper texts for each individual, and sometimes in the midst of a reading will bring to their minds texts to use,—texts that they had not thought of using when they were preparing the reading.

All engaged in the work of giving Bible readings should become more and more familiar with the Scriptures every day; then the Lord, as occasion may require, can bring to their remembrance what he sees is for the best good of those to whom they may be giving the readings.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.