Others arrive full of such enthusiasm that their spirit can be blessedly contagious. They are tired and sometimes discouraged, and their faith may be struggling amid pressure. Some people show up to a Bible study carrying a heavy load. Who better to pray for and encourage you than someone who is on the same mission, experiencing similar op tempos and stresses? The body of OCF finds empathy with one another in small groups, because the examples and stories that come to mind will often be those that spring from our common military environment.įew people outside of the military understand our situations fully, so there is great comfort in others who listen to us as we share using a common military language. We walk with one another in various relationships according to our time of life-some as sons and daughters, some as mothers and fathers, and some as brothers and sisters. We also need to do good, even if we think we might suffer for it (Romans 13:1-7 1 Peter 2:13-21). Military believers need regular encouragement to submit to governing authorities. Opening the Bible shows us Jesus, the word of God, “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). We need the salve of the Word when walking through suffering. We are humbled when we consider God’s greatness, and we are convicted regarding persistent sin. They contain all the encouragement and help we need to live faithfully.īible study allows the Holy Spirit to comfort us and to apply the work of Christ to our lives and situations. The Scriptures declare who God is, what He has done, and how we are to live as His ambassadors. Hearing about God’s holiness, mercy, love, patience, and justice helps inform how we live and lead. Because God desires the lives of believers to become more and more conformed to His will rather than to the culture we live within, it is essential we learn of God’s faithfulness throughout history. The Holy Spirit applies Christ’s work to our lives. Conviction regarding sin comes from studying the Word. Those who have believed are filled with knowledge leading to spiritual wisdom, bear good fruit in their lives, and are strengthened toward endurance in their spiritual walks (Colossians 1:9-12). The gospel of Jesus Christ must be heard so that many might believe (Romans 10:14). Study the Bible and pray together as you continue to do good works. Help guard the local OCF fellowship from mere philosophy and self-focused talk in order that all might hold “fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Colossians 2:19). Sounds obvious, but we are easily distracted by the environment, by social moments together, by hearing what others say about the Bible, or by simply trying to do activities that seem important at the time. The most important thing about a Bible study is that the Bible needs to be studied. If military members, spouses, children, DoD civilians, contractors, and friends are to mature as Christians during their years in and around the military environment, someone needs to provide the leadership for them to gather for Centering on Scripture and Engaging in Prayer (OCF Pillars). His Word teaches, revives, and focuses the weary person so they can be refreshed and sent back into the field to minister to the entire military society. God’s Word is fully adequate to help encourage us and teach us to worship Him. You can help your local group by setting aside funds to buy food, drink, dishes, cups, and maybe even keep some extra Bibles around for sharing with others. These gatherings nourish and equip the saints as well as develop community relationships. Some Bible studies continue in virtual spaces among friends who have long since moved away from one another. Bible study groups gather in dorm rooms, barrack spaces, tents, homes, base facilities, ships, and everywhere two or more open the Word of God together. Small group Bible studies have been the core of OCF since we incorporated in 1943. 36: Like-Minded, Military-Focused Ministries.30: Authority, Submission, Ethics, Morality.26: Special Events, Conferences, Retreats.
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