Bible Study

Please read before joining in.

On a Wednesday night we meet for bible study.  We strongly suggest that you simply 'sit in' on your first bible study with New Light so that you can experience our method and become more informed about whether you'd like to participate. 

Bible study at New Light MCC is not about dogma or any one denomination's beliefs.  Bible study is about our getting together to explore and examine the scriptures.  This is done in various ways.

Obviously, there is what the Holy Spirit is saying to us through scripture, and how the writing is being interpreted by the Holy Spirit for us in our personal situation.  With all due respect we would ask you to remember that this is an interpretation for you and may not be what the Holy Spirit is revealing to someone else.  If you feel that the Holy Scriptures should only be interpreted in one way then this bible study is not for you.  New Light MCC is built on Christ as the foundation and recognizes that the diversity we find here is an expression of God's Creative Spirit and to be respected.

We also enjoy critically examining scripture. This doesn't mean that we 'criticise' it!  It does mean that we may 'choose' one position over another when opposing positions are presented to us. We know that the Scriptures we are reading were written at a certain point in history.  Who wrote this?  When was it written?  What were the possible circumstances in which it was written?  What does this writing tell us about the one who wrote it; their personal circumstances, their agenda, the audience they were trying to address?  Is this a simple work (written in one piece, like many of the Apostle Paul's Letters), or a composite piece, (using oral traditions or made up of writings with additional commentaries, like Isaiah).  With so many different ideas, positions, and with so much  historically relevant material, we can only 'start' to wrestle with the work.  If we understand this then we cannot 'argue' over meaning, we can simply bring what we have to the table in order that we all may move a little closer to the truth.  That you are 'right' does not make me wrong, and visa versa, We give everyone the chance to participate and keep our comments concise, especially when we feel like we have a lot to say!  We claim all our own words, (E.G., "I believe", rather than "people believe.....", or "True Christians believe........"), and never make someone feel foolish or inadequate.  This is a uniquely enjoyable experience if we are able to open our minds and hearts to the different revelations of the Holy Spirit revealed in the diversity of our lives.  We hope that you find this time as enjoyable as we do!