Before I started my journey in the faith, the Bible was a vast book using very complex words, and most of the time, I had no idea what they were talking about.  Even when I started attending RCIA, I didn’t believe reading the Bible would help me know God.

 

But in December 2022, I came across a YouTube video that reenacted the Gospel of Luke with word-for-word audio. It was like watching a history movie that helped me understand Jesus’ culture and the meaning behind his parables. I watched all the episodes of the 4 Gospels with my Bible in hand, bingeing on snacks day till night and occasionally forgetting to shower or brush my teeth. That was when the Lord called upon me, and my relationship with him started. I was hooked.  Ï wait for the Lord; my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5

 

Ten months into my journey in RCIA, I recently joined a night class called “Intro to Scripture.” The charismatic and knowledgeable Priscilla and the lovely Angela taught this class. There are 4 sessions in total.  During the first lesson, they asked who reads the Bible daily, and not many raised their hands. Most admitted to reading it occasionally or not at all, which was concerning. Some didn’t even own a Bible! But let’s not judge; we were there to learn and get an introduction to how to use the bible, read and understand God’s word.

 

 

We learned that “Bible” means book, and “Scripture” is the word of God. The Bible consists of 73 books, 46 from the Old Testament and 27 from the New Testament. It’s a compilation of one love story, written in many genres inspired by the Holy Spirit. It reflects God’s infinite and faithful love for us and his eternal covenant with us as people.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

 

We also discussed why it’s crucial to read the Bible. One answer that struck me was that it’s our SOP before we meet God. It’s also to build a relationship and know him better. The Bible reflects on the rich tapestry of human experience and response to life. It’s a journal where the authors write about their encounters with God, each with a distinctive voice, different motivations, audiences, and themes set against different cultures, traditions, and historical backdrops.

In the second lesson, we discussed our mindset when reading the Bible. We need to have faith and context and read it with the message that God has come for our salvation. He is invisible, but we can see him with our faith in Liturgy, Sacrament, and His word.  “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”  John 7:38

 

In the third and fourth lessons, we were introduced to the Bible timelines, the major and minor prophets, and the different characters in the Bible. This is very useful as they break it down so well that now I know who I am referring to when I read the Bible.

 

Within the Old and New Testaments, the books in each section are arranged by type or genre, not necessarily in chronological order. Overall, the Bible is not a chronological history of the world or the Jewish and Christian religions. It’s a collection of scripture texts that convey God’s moral teachings. Christ has given us salvation through his sacrifice. God’s revelation and fulfilment of the Old Testament show us how to live according to Christ’s ways. “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:31-32”

After the last class, I came across many YouTube videos about finding meaning and purpose in life and improving oneself. There were titles like “Find Your True Self When You Feel Lost,” “The Best Version of Yourself,” and “How to Look Confident.” While these videos aim to help people find their purpose, it’s important to remember that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge needed to find that purpose.  “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.” Proverbs 4:5

 

The Bible is the ultimate source of inspiration and guidance for our lives. If you’re feeling lost or low in self-confidence, read the Book of Wisdom or Proverbs. If you want to improve your relationships with your spouse, family, or friends, read the Book of Sirach. And if you’re feeling spiritually dry, read the Book of Hebrews.

 

Instead of mindlessly consuming self-help content on social media or expensive books, pick up the Bible and read it. Share quotes from the Bible with your friends and inspire them with the words of Christ.  “Therefore, get rid of all the moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”  James 1:21

 

The lessons were engaging, and we had fun quizzes and activities that helped us bond with fellow parishioners. We even got Kisses chocolates and free Bible highlighters as prizes.  “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16

The most important lesson I took from “Ïntro to Scripture” is to stop searching for answers in all the wrong places. The answers we seek are in prayer and scripture, where we can find God and the guidance we need. We’re all guilty of getting lost in the noise sometimes, but we can always come back to the truth found in the Bible.“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”1 Peter 2:2

 

Intro to Scripture was held from the 13th to the 31st of July.  8 pm in Church of St Michael.  For the next round, please stay tuned, or ask Priscilla (The Librarian)

 

Written by Kit Lee