The Online Skype Bible Study LOVE Experience

Well this is going on month three since our online Bible study began. It was an idea that came about in 2009, when my late husband, Lamont, and his cousin, Donald, got together via telephone every Sabbath (Saturday) morning to discuss the Bible and other things. They'd be talking by cell phone, and run so long that their batteries would go dead! Then they'd pick up their land lines to continue, while charging their cells. It was great to watch. Sometimes I'd be involved, on speaker. Just being in the vicinity of the Word being studied and examined, was a beautiful thing.

For several years, the Wynn family had been hosting Bible studies in our home, on Friday nights and Sabbath. And we had also been part of a ministry that met from house to house, as the Apostles did in the early church (book of Acts). From those experiences, we knew that we were called to fellowship with believers who truly wanted to seek what thus saith the Lord, in spirit and in truth - without all the fanfare of mega church environments, and the staid ritualism of traditional churches. And, a family of believers was cultivated....it was a beautiful time. But we also learned some things we know we were meant to learn about people's motives in being involved in ministries. In just about everything we undertake with partners, etc, there are those whose hearts are not fully committed to the work of the Lord...nor following the Word of the Lord. I firmly believe that every single thing that took place during that time had to happen in order to open our eyes, and teach us important lessons. Lessons that would help us recognize when the Holy Spirit is driving the plan, not man's ego.

Which brings me back to what's happening now. Cousin Donald and I, and a few others, meet faithfully every Sabbath morning for prayer, worship, and Bible study. I also meet one-on-one with another believer on Sunday mornings.  The topic is LOVE, and we are exploring how believers are to treat one another (by the POWER of God's Spirit), in a real and practical way. Needless to say we'll be on this subject for quite some time. It's the theme of the entire Bible - as Donald said...you can find a love application in every context...OT and NT...

Truth is, the Lord knew, because of His omniscience, that we'd get the "laws" down, and be all about the "dos and don'ts"...(I call it checklist religion). And He also knew the biggest difficulty for us would be getting along with one another...caring for the brethren (and the "sistren") with UNFEIGNED (unpretentious) love (1 Peter 1:21-22). He knew we'd need His help; in order to get His help, we have to be in LOVE with Him. Being in LOVE with Him is also something that's just not natural for us. Those of us who believe, realize we are love challenged, preferring to indulge ourselves and engage with people who say they love us. It's a serious stretch for most of us to LOVE someone we can't even see!

So I meet with the group on a group call and we read, share, pray and testify. We encourage and pray for one another.  It's a beautiful feeling, being able to carry out an idea born almost two years ago. I am learning more about myself and my own need to put aside petty issues and attitudes. The love experience, in my humble opinion, begins when we ask God to search our hearts and show us what needs changing (Psalm 139)...now that's a toughie. But that's what it will take to really know how to LOVE! (but don't take my word for it....see John 14, emphasis on 21-23)

Blessings!