Greetings,
Here are some of the things we discussed in this first lesson:
Some reasons to study the Bible:
* To have the mind of Christ.
* To gain knowledge of God.
* To gain wisdom.
* To know God's will.
* To grow spiritually.
* To become like Jesus: this is prime reason. No other reason will satisfy the heart of the believer and the Heart of God.

We also discussed the ability to listen to the Lord by Bible Study. Listening to the Lord takes time and determination. To listen we must be silent.
The purpose of Silence is to listen.
The purpose of Listening is to learn.
The purpose of Learning is to change.
The purpose of Changing is to prepare.
The purpose of Preparing is to serve.
The purpose of Serving is to lead.
The purpose of Leading is to be glorified.
The purpose of Glorification is to Glorify the Lord Jesus.

We also spoke of the first priority of Bible study. It is not for personal selfish gains. Though this may sound strange, but trying to gain knowledge of the Bible just to increase knowledge or to teach it, without a proper fear of the Word, will yield wrong heart attitudes. It was said in class that ministry is not an end of itself. Ministry flows out of 'being'. In other words, it is to know the Lord intimately. Careful search of the Scriptures shows that many will hurt in the end, even when they did mighty works and did eat in the Lord's Presence (meaning to participate of the Lord in worship or in any other fashion) will in the end be told that they were never known by the Lord. So, what is the truest purpose of Bible Study?
To know the Lord intimately. To hear Him speak with us as individuals. To become like Him in this process of relationship. Remember to learn is to change. Real biblical faith displays a change in the heart. Therefore, to change is to really testify of the divine grace of faith. It is for relationship that we study, search and memorize Scripture. Ministry flows afterward. As Jesus was first a son, and then the Father appointed him as a priest, so likewise if we submit ourselves as Jesus did (who learned obedience: in other words, grew in faith as a human being), then we also will grow up into Christ and also have a priesthood in the order of Jesus!!!

In conclusion:
To love the Lord with all our lives is not an option, it is a command! But we cannot obey this command unless we are born from above. This command must be in the heart first. Then we can share this glorious message to others in terms of life!!

Blessings to all. . .

Stayed tuned.

Eis Cristos
Al Sosa