What is the focus of learning during the Adult Bible Fellowship Hour on Sunday Mornings?

The apostle Paul reminded Timothy that he ought to give attention to reading, exhortation, and to doctrine. (1 Tim 4:13). We find in this three-fold emphasis a well-balanced proposal for how we should instruct the flock. The three words found in this passage speak to three different focus points in the Word of God.

Reading describes the reading of the Scripture (Ex. 24:7; Josh. 6:35; Acts 15:21). Yet in the Gospel record when the Scripture is read it is often followed with an explanation of the text (see Luke 4:16-ff). We see this first emphasis as one of expositional teaching from the Word. This is most effectively done in the study and explanation of a particular book of the Bible (both the Old and New Testaments). We do that regularly here, but not exclusively.

Exhortation refers to applying the right Scripture to a real life situation (1 Thes. 5:14). The Greek word has the idea of coming along side in order that we might call out encouragement. The focus here is that we would use a specific Scripture for a specific need. We don’t select these topics randomly, but we prayerfully consider what topics would be most needed. Then we dig into the Scripture to find the appropriate Biblical passage.

Doctrine is the general word for teaching used in the Scripture. But the word used in this context may refer to a “systematic treatment of the truths of the Christian faith.” In an era when the content of what one believes doesn’t seem to matter to most people—we believe that doctrine is of extreme importance to the body of Christ (Eph. 4:14).

Therefore while the Bible should remain the foundation of all we do, the focus point on the Scripture might change. For instance sometimes our study will lead us to emphasize a book in the Bible. Other times we might emphasize a particular subject like marriage and the family, or evangelism. Or perhaps we might focus on a particular doctrinal theme such as the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, or the doctrine of the end times. It is this three-fold emphasis that becomes the basis for our teaching time in our Adult Bible Fellowships. This balanced approach allows us to cover some significant Biblical territory over time. For instance over a six year window of time we will cover 84 hours in the Old Testament, 72 hours in the New Testament, 72 hours of Bible Doctrine, and 72 hours of Bible living topics.