The Inseparable Foundations for Effective Biblical Learning

Experienced Bible scholars will immediately recall the words of the Apostle Paul (from the KJV) to Timothy his young protege: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15).  The Biblical Greek word "study" is a verb - spoudázō meaning "to exert one's self, endeavour, give diligence."

Here is a point of fact. God gave us His Word in the form of a Book - the best and most important of all books ever written and read. That very fact teaches us that God desires His people to be a reading people. That's why He had His "holy men of God" write as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1:21).

Consider the importance of writing.  The word wrote is used 56 times in the Bible, the word write 72 times, the word written 251 times, and the word writing 29 times. That's a total of 408 times!

The first time: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua'" (Exodus 17:14 NASV).

The last time: "and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book" (Revelation 22:19 NASV).

Now, if it is written, then it must be read - right? 

The words read/read, and reading are used 74 times in the Bible.

The first time: "Then he took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient" (Exodus 24:7 NASV).

The last time: "I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren" ( I Thessalonians 5:27 NASV).

God has planned that the method by which we open, expand, deepen and develop our understanding of His Word is primarily through reading and writing - the inseparable foundations for Biblical learning, and in fact, all true learning.

Nothing can take the place of learning the Word of God through reading and writing as one is alone with the Holy Spirit.  In that environment, we are taught by God as in no other way.  As it has been said, "You must be taught by God, before you teach for God."

That's why at Master's International University of Divinity, the foundations of study for all courses in all programs are reading and writing.  Yes, we also make use of audio and video, but every one of our over 3,000 graduates will tell you that as a result of their reading and writing, they have become better scholars, teachers and preachers of the Word of God.  We invite you to join them!