by Ptr Jun Caruz
It is not in the interest of extravagant ambition that we trouble ourselves with the detailed exposition, but we hope through such painstaking interpretation to train you in the importance of not passing over even one slight word or syllable in the Sacred Scriptures. For they are not ordinary utterances, but the very expression of the Holy Spirit, and for this reason it is possible to find great treasure even in a single syllable. –John Chrysostom
Adult Sunday School, also known as Scripture Hour, was one of the first ministries established at Good Shepherd Community Church (GSCC). It is intended to enhance and develop a believer’s desire to study God’s Word. The latest scholarly published materials are used to supplement the traditional teachings of the Bible. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions as well as bring up questions that enhance intelligent participation. Moreover, it serves as training ground for current and future Bible Study leaders.
At Scripture Hour, we try to become exegetes by carefully analyzing the historical, literary, and theological value of a text. We practice what is known in literary world as “Close” reading, that is, word-by-word and phrase-by-phrase consideration of all parts of a text in order to understand it as a whole. We try to understand the biblical writer’s purpose in writing by examining its style, genre, and background. All of these contribute in understanding the writer’s intentions and purpose. Sometimes It is difficult enough to grasp our own intentions in writing, let alone reading a manuscript that somebody wrote hundreds of years ago, in a different land with different customs and traditions. Hence we also place importance and take time to understand the writer’s culture and tradition to fully comprehend the message of the text. We ask historical questions of the text, such as “What situation seems to have been the occasion for the writing of this text?” Furthermore, we investigate its theological nature by asking questions such as “What theological question or issue does this text engage? What claims does it make on readers?” This is what we try to achieve at Scripture Hour, to know God through His written word. We diligently study the Scriptures, looking at different angles and merging traditional teachings with the most recent scholarly observations.
Students have greatly benefitted from this style of bible study. To some of them it’s a new way of learning what the Bible has to say. One student commented, ”It is food for our mind and body, both historically and spiritually. It gives me wisdom to be able to share with and teach what I learn to families, friends and relatives with certainty.” Another remarked, “Sunday School has deepened my knowledge in the word of God and clarified answers to my questions.” Another said, “I have learned so much about the Bible. With the increasing knowledge comes a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.”
The Scripture, 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. All Scripture, Old and New Testament, is inspired by God and is therefore useful for correcting and training every believer. It is our responsibility as believers to know as much as we can about the nature of the God we serve and worship. Studying God’s written word is our way of knowing who God is. We cannot take for granted a word or a syllable of the Scripture for they are not ordinary utterances by ordinary men, but are the very expression of our God and for this reason it is possible to find wisdom even in a single word or syllable.
