Bible Study with My Besties

Kicking off the new year with an adventure has been an incredible journey, especially when it involves exploring one of the most impactful books, The Bible. Just 24 days ago, on January 1st, I began a Bible study with my two best friends. Despite being in Charlotte, NC, and they in Philadelphia, PA, our commitment to diving into the scriptures together has remained strong. We chose to read through The Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and it's been nothing short of an exciting rollercoaster!

So far, we’ve tackled the book of Genesis and have made significant progress in Exodus and the Gospel of Matthew. Each chapter reveals stories that feel like they're ripped from a drama series. I often find myself laughing as I see life’s ups and downs—both the intense and humorous moments—mirrored in the complex characters and narratives of The Bible.

In Genesis, we encountered fascinating figures like Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, and Joseph's family. Discussions about their lives and decisions have been engaging. We do our readings on our own, but these sessions sometimes transform into engaging debates where we ask each other funny yet thought-provoking questions. For example, why did God choose Noah to build the ark? Did he really only take one pair of each animal, or was there some other arrangement? These quirky discussions allow us to connect over scripture while sharing laughs.

I really enjoyed relearning the stories I learned during my time in Sunday School as a child. They take on a different meaning for me at 28 vs. when I was 5 years old.

Short and Sweet: Bible Lesson with Me

Let’s explore the story of Adam and Eve, the original humans. They’re in the Garden of Eden, living carefree until Eve bites into a shiny apple. This moment triggers their expulsion from paradise, marking a dramatic shift from innocence to consequence.

Eve’s choice symbolizes the human desire for knowledge and autonomy, raising questions about free will and temptation. It highlights our tendency to pursue what’s forbidden, even at a cost. You can read about the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:4-3:24.

Next, we have Joseph, who, after being sold into slavery by his brothers, rises to power in Egypt. Instead of seeking revenge, he forgives them during a famine, showcasing the power of love over grudges.

Finally, Jacob, Joseph’s father, who believed his son was dead, experiences a heartwarming reunion when Joseph reveals he’s alive. This moment emphasizes the importance of family and forgiveness, even amid past dramas. You can read the story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50.

As we journey through Exodus, the narratives continue to captivate me. The other day, we read about the 10 Plagues of Egypt. At the end of our reading, we have to write about our thoughts on the reading. The story of Moses is something I truly love for many reasons, but with the 10 Plagues, it tells me that God is sovereign and faithful to fulfill his promises. Despite Pharaoh's resistance, God demostrates his power over all creation to free his people - "Let my people go." It reminds me that no force, whether human authority, spirtual opposition, or circumstance, is greather than God's will and ability to act on behalf of his people. It also challenges me to trust him completely, even when freedom or breakthrough feels delayed. His timing and purpose are perfect, and he uses even opposition to display his glory and faithfulness.

Just today, I read Exodus 14. The chapter spoke volumes about someting occuring in my life right now. Who among us hasn't felt like we're facing our own versions of the Israelites' struggles in escaping Egypt? Almost everyone can relate to the feeling of being trapped in a difficult situation, needing to overcome significant obstacles to reach freedom. When we consider leadership in chaotic times, we often think about Moses. Egypt can be a reference for a toxic relationship or job, maybe even an addiction. This ancient story becomes incredibly relevant as we can apply those lessons to modern challenges.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk: Sunday School Edition.

Every day, our reading feels like an adventure. I explore different translations, including the New International Version (NIV), The Message, and the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). Using these variations has helped me gain fresh perspectives on what God communicates through the scriptures. It’s akin to the experience of tasting a familiar dish prepared with new spices—there’s always something new to discover.

Speaking of something new to discover, I don't know WHAT I thought Passover was about, but when I read about Passover yesterday, I was shook. Both my friend and I had NO idea, now we know. I remember when I was a child and I watched the movie "The Prince of Egypt", the scene about Passover - but I guess I seemed to have forgotten the meaning and just never looked up the meaning of Passover.

If you are also like me and didn't know what Passover is about, Passover remembers the night when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God sent a final, deadly plague where every firstborn child in Egypt died, but He spared the Israelite families who marked their doors with lamb’s blood. This act showed God's protection and power, and it’s called “Passover” because God "passed over" their homes. It’s a time to reflect on freedom and God’s mercy, celebrated with a special meal and the retelling of the Exodus story.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this Bible study is the bond we share, despite the distance. On days when I feel the void of my friends’ presence, our study sessions feel like a comforting embrace that brings us closer together. Discussing spiritual topics gives us a sense of connection. To make things even better, one of my friend’s cool mom has joined us, enriching our conversations with her wisdom.

Soon, in my readings, I will dive into the significance of the Ten Commandments and will ponder how their teachings apply to modern living. We’ve especially connected with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew, which urge us to show love, even to our enemies. Each discussion peels back layers, transforming simple readings into deep, meaningful dialogue.

It’s astounding to see how scripture contains narratives rich with love, betrayal, hope, and redemption. The human experience remains constant across centuries, despite changes in technology and lifestyle. This timelessness provides a comforting perspective.

In the hustle of daily life, dedicating time to read, discuss, and reflect on scripture with friends has become a heartening and transformative experience. Our shared insights have deepened my spiritual understanding, fostering a sense of belonging, no matter where we are physically.

So here we are, 24 days in, and this is just the beginning. If you’re considering starting a similar study, I encourage you to gather friends or even family to create a space for exploration and reflection. You may uncover some intriguing “real-life drama” stories of your own along the way!

As we laugh, learn, and grow in faith together, I'm excited about the journey to Revelation that lies ahead, one captivating chapter at a time. Until next time, let’s keep the discussions and explorations rolling!