By Laura Springer with Jeff Barnhart
Key Idea: Training toward practical love by learning from Scripture and Creation fine-tunes what we enjoy and already know how to do so we can share with one another and our neighbors, developing a culture of service in which members are honest about their own needs and generous in their care for others.
Studying the Bible is good; more than that, studying the Bible is necessary. It is also insufficient. Our actions and words must live out in practical love. If our training is from the Bible alone, we will struggle to apply Scripture well. The Bible is God's self-revelation in human language. It points us to the Messiah, God with us, and calls all who trust him to live boldly as they follow and worship with holy fear. Creation is God's self-revelation in the products and processes of nature. It reflects his rule and care by refracting his glory in its many colors and pointing all with eyes to see to his power and deity. Everything humans make and know outside the Bible is part of creation. So, baking cupcakes, helping someone with algebra, changing an oil filter, building cabinets, or organizing a work team are all opportunities to serve God.
Learning from Scripture and Creation trains us to take what we enjoy and already know how to do and equips us to share with others. It aligns our service with Jesus and his ways, whether we are gathered together or dispersed into daily life. Learning theology alongside lessons from nature and regular life sharpens our skills and knowledge. We learn to serve regular people in regular and extraordinary ways. We work together to develop a culture that loves first, focuses on God's glory, and lives as this particular family of faith that shows love in our work together. We help our brothers and sisters uncover their skills and knowledge and ponder how these gifts might mature the church toward Christlikeness and share grace and love with others.
Learning from Scripture and Creation fine-tunes spiritual gifts and ministry assignments for greater skill and broader service. Fine-tuning our abilities and knowledge prepares us to serve at a moment's notice. It helps us see that every skill and all knowledge can channel God's goodness through us to others. We begin to serve the people around us rather than simply performing duties. We prepare ourselves for practical love and service on Sunday and in daily life.
Learning from Scripture and Creation prepares a culture of service for action. Preparing a culture of service maintains programs and systems that move members toward God’s mission. It creates a safe place where we can be honest about our needs and generous with our care. It encourages us to work toward excellence as an offering of worship. It requires ministry and administrative structures that fit needs and equip members to serve. It emphasizes simplicity and impact.
Let’s make sure our discipleship activities train believers at the intersection of Scripture and regular life so we can better live as God’s children every day. Let’s be the sort of Christians who see a need, figure out how we can help, and train to do so more effectively. Let’s help each other recognize our God-given skills and knowledge, remembering that Jesus showed us what practical love looks like: it touches souls and meets real needs in tangible ways.
Who writes Academy? Laura has an MDiv in Christian Education, a ThM in Systematic Theology, and a PhD in Educational Studies. She also serves TFB as a guitarist (primarily) and singer in TFB's worship band. Jeff has a Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies and is currently working on an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. He also serves as kitchen lead for TFB's Family Dinner and as TFB’s bookkeeper.
