There are many ways to get to know God. We may think we are getting to know Him pretty well through our prayer life, our efforts to support helping ministries, and our involvement and appreciation of Him through nature. But, if we stop there, we are missing out on the most important avenue for knowing God, which is through the written word. The Bible provides us with the most complete picture of who God is and what His plans are for His created beings. It tells us who we are praying to, how to best serve those around us, and what the inconsistencies of nature actually mean to our existence. There is no other book, known to humankind, that represents more fully what our Christian faith is about—no other book that takes a lifetime and more to learn from. And no other book that is more important for us to know and understand. Because in studying the Holy Bible we are equipping ourselves with the armor it takes to stand any and all of Satan’s attacks upon us and those we love (see Eph. 6:16, 17). That said, we may wonder how to best undertake the Bible study that comes so highly recommended to us. Many successful ways have been suggested, and any or all of them have worked for others and are certainly worth our consideration. A good concordance and Bible dictionary will prove helpful in any of these methods. A few well-known methods of Bible study include: Book by book Lives of great persons Great chapters Topics of doctrines Straight through There are a few other miscellaneous methods worth exploring. For instance, one might study all the miracles in the Bible, all the parables of Christ, the recorded prayers in the Bible, the meaning of the sanctuary service, or the various prophecies about end times. Another intensive method was used by a man in my church, who wrote out the entire Bible by hand. So, be creative in undertaking your preferred method, and make it a part of your daily routine. Whatever method you choose, author and historian Charles W. Conn suggests we observe these instructions when studying God’s word: Read carefully (find a convenient time and place to study). Read prayerfully (always ask God to illuminate your understanding). Read reflectively (think, meditate, contemplate what you are reading). Read regularly (and often). Read repeatedly (don’t rush; review constantly). Read introspectively (apply what you have read, as a message to your own heart). Proper reading and study of the Bible can be the most exciting and enjoyable mental/spiritual activity we can ever experience. Don’t deny yourself this rewarding and necessary challenge that enables us to know God in the fullest way possible. Group Study If your church provides systematic study helps for group study, like our own Sabbath School Bible Study Guides (absg.adventist.org) by all means take advantage of this method of study as well. You will find it a great way to share corporately what you have studied during the week, gaining valuable insights from the experience and knowledge of your fellow church members. These lessons are designed to cover the entire Bible in a certain number of years, so take full advantage of this global resource that reaches those of like faith around the world. Editor’s Note: If you are teaching a weekly Bible study class, check out Teresa’s blog. The Teacher’s Notes contain supplemental material and is posted every Sabbath for the coming week’s lesson. outlookmag.org/author/teresathompson  

“Don’t give me a lot of theological mumbo jumbo,” he said. “I believe in the plain reading of Scripture.” Sounds good to me. Of course we pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us  each step of the way. And then we ask of the text, “What did the author say?” Let’s start with Rev. 21: 21, “And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”   What in the world is “transparent gold?” Actually, that question demonstrates the problem: transparent gold is out of this world, but it exists in the world made new. To describe what he saw, John uses words he and his audience have in common.  We know what gold looks like, and we know what transparent means.   To some degree, we encounter the same challenge with every biblical passage:  the prophets who wrote the Bible lived on the same planet we do, but not in the same world, and unless we recognize that we read our world into their words.  An inspired prophet has an experience with God that the rest of us do not. He or she must then communicate that experience, that knowledge, to their contemporary audience, which gives us the second step in good Bible study: “What did his audience understand him to have said?” Any “plain reading” of the Scripture must begin with understanding the world the prophet and his audience lived in.   Today, we are uncommonly blessed in this effort because so many resources are readily available to us. While reading the original languages helps, the Internet gives the rest of us access to interlinear biblical texts, Greek and Hebrew word studies, and many other helpful study aids. Even better, the very composition of most of Scripture makes it available to everyone. As Ellen White said, “The Bible was not written for the scholar alone; on the contrary, it was designed for the common people.”i  That’s because the largest portion of scripture consists of stories. Yes, there’s poetry, wisdom literature, letters, prophecy and some theology, but the Bible devotes more space to story than to anything else.   Of course, Jesus himself taught with parables—which is to say, stories. We know this because of the gospels, which are themselves stories. The gospel writers tell us what we need to know by how they tell their stories. Reading John chapters 3 and 4 as story shows how useful this can be.  The third chapter of John contains one of the most familiar stories in the Bible, but understanding it as the audience did reveals fascinating new truths. John tells us that Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews and that he came by night. Why? Because in the Old Testament, God chose the Jews to be a light to the nations.  By telling us Nicodemus came at night John wants us to see the irony of a teacher of the children of light coming to “the Light of the World” — see John 1:4-9 — in darkness.   Jesus tells Nicodemus that he needs to be born again. But in the NASB there’s a footnote that says, “or from above.” ii Jesus is the One ”from above,” as is the new birth He offers, but Nicodemus chose the more literal interpretation. How can we know that? Again, we let John, the storyteller inform us.   After Nicodemus left, still in darkness, John presents a brief testimony from John the Baptist. Part of which says: “He who comes from above is above all; the one who is only from the earth is of the earth and speaks of the earth,” iii neatly summarizing the interchange between Jesus and Nicodemus earlier.  The very next story finds Jesus in Samaria, where a woman comes to the well “about the sixth hour,” or, as the footnote informs us, noon. As far as the Jews were concerned, if Jews were children of the light, the Samaritans must be children of darkness.    With that in mind, a simple survey of the two episodes—Nicodemus and the Woman at the Well—uncovers a wealth of meaning.  Nicodemus came at night, and left still in darkness, not understanding Jesus’ person or mission. The Samaritan woman meets Jesus at noon, and He reveals Himself as the Messiah. The woman returns to her village, not only while it is light, but sharing the light with her neighbors. Nicodemus’ interview could hardly have lasted more than an hour. Jesus stayed with the Samaritans for two whole days!  What does this brief examination teach us? First, by knowing that Jesus actually used a word that could have meant “again,” or “from above,” gives us insight into  his discussion with Nicodemus. Second, recognizing how John’s audience would have seen the contrast between night and day, the Jewish teacher and Samaritan woman, provides new depth to our understanding.  In the third step, we apply the truths we have discovered to our own lives, answering the question, “What does this mean for me, today?”   Prov. 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” As a final step, we explain our whole process to others we trust and respect, seeking feedback. Or we can compare our results with published sources.  No easy shortcuts “Wait a minute,” you may ask, “how does this deal with all the hot topics in the church today?”  To study topics, hot or otherwise, we should follow the same steps, but for multiple passages. Done correctly, this takes a good deal of time and effort. Some passages which appear at first sight to address a topic, may be discussing something completely different. Remember, the biblical authors had a different world view. A common error we all make is to begin with the conclusion we desire, and set about finding passages that appear to support it. This shortcut leads to distortion of the Scripture and deeply flawed conclusions.  God has blessed the church with many scholars and others who explore these topics. No one possesses all truth, so we should read as many as we can, especially where it involves difficult or The Plain Reading of Scripture  What does it mean and how does one do it?“>Read more…

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to rely on sermons, devotionals or online content for spiritual nourishment. While these resources are valuable, nothing can replace the personal experience of studying the Bible for yourself. In this Q&A with OUTLOOK magazine, Rob Alfalah, conference evangelist for the Iowa-Missouri Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, shares insights on why Bible study is essential, how it has impacted his life, and practical advice for deepening your understanding of God’s Word. Why is Bible study important for the average church member? Personal Bible study allows the Holy Spirit direct access to our hearts and minds. It strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with God. While sermons and devotionals are helpful, they cannot replace personal study. It’s like eating food someone else has already chewed—we need to engage with God’s Word ourselves every day! How has Bible study impacted your life or someone you know? Bible study has strengthened my faith and helped me through difficult times. When I’ve fallen short, the Holy Spirit reminds me of Christ’s forgiveness (1 John 2:1). One example is when I shared Phil. 4:6-7 with a woman experiencing anxiety. Her family later told me how much it helped her. Another time, I reassured a struggling friend that in spite of his doubts, his decision to stay with Jesus showed his faith, bringing him peace. What advice would you give those wanting to start or deepen their study? Don’t rely solely on a pastor for spiritual growth—ask God for guidance and start studying for yourself. Be patient with the process. Read a passage thoroughly before turning to a commentary. If unsure where to start, books and church leaders can help. I’ve also conducted seminars to teach members how to study the Bible effectively. Are there methods to make Bible study more impactful? Yes! Here are four simple steps: Observation – Identify key details: Who is speaking? What is being said? Where is it happening? Why is it important? Interpretation – Let Scripture explain itself by comparing passages and clarifying difficult texts with easier ones. Application – Ask how the passage applies to your life today. Presentation – Share what you’ve learned through Bible studies, sermons or witnessing. Start with 20-30 minutes a week and let your study time grow naturally. How does participating in a Bible study group benefit individuals and the church? Group Bible study strengthens faith, builds community and teaches empathy. It deepens understanding and helps members reflect God’s love while sharing His message. What tips do you have for starting or leading a Bible study group? Start with prayer and ask God to guide you to the right people. Pray for friends, neighbors or coworkers who don’t know Jesus. Be open to God leading you in unexpected ways. I prayed for my childhood friends for 20 years, and in 2021, we started a Zoom Bible study that continues today. What are common challenges in studying the Bible, and how can they be overcome? Fear – Many hesitate to lead studies, fearing they lack knowledge. Start with what you know and grow from there. If you don’t know an answer, say, “Let’s study it together.” Time – Life gets busy, but if we audited our schedules, we’d see ways to prioritize Bible study. We tithe our income—why not tithe our time to God? What would you say to someone intimidated by Bible study or joining a group? Just do it—prayerfully—and trust God to guide you. 1 Cor. 1:26-31 reminds us that God calls those who feel weak to share His message. It’s not about our abilities but about His power working through us. His Word is meant to be shared, so let’s get it out there!

In 1943, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie wanted Seventh-day Adventists working in his country. (See article about Della Frances Thompson Hanson.) Following his return to Ethiopia after the Italian occupation, Selassie restored Zauditu Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa to operation by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but the Church was finding it difficult to staff the facility. The General Conference was willing to send doctors to the hospital. Dr. Merlin Gustav Anderson was willing to go to Ethiopia and work at the hospital. However, staffing overseas hospitals with American doctors in 1943 was not as simple as appointing and paying the travel expenses of a willing candidate. The Seventh-day Adventist Doctor’s Conundrum During World War II, all male physicians, dentists, and veterinarians in the United States were required to register with the Selective Service, just like any other man. However, doctors were not generally subject to being drafted. Instead, doctors were managed by the Federal Security Agency’s Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services, which attempted to balance the Armed Forces’ need for medical professionals with the civilian population’s need for the same medical expertise. Thus, an assignment from the Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services carried the authority of a draft notice. If a doctor was called up for service in the Armed Forces, he was expected to accept a commission as an officer. This is where the conundrum started. The enlisted soldier who was drafted through the Selective Service Act had legal protection regarding his conscientious objections. This allowed him to request exemptions from carrying weapons and non-essential work on Sabbaths. Waiting to be drafted was the official line of advice from the Seventh-day Adventist War Service Commission headed by Carlyle B. Haynes. He continually stressed the importance of not volunteering but rather waiting to be drafted in order to reserve once’s rights to conscientious objection. Adventist doctors could have followed this advice, but in doing so they would have lost the ability to practice medicine in the Armed Forces, and forfeited the higher wages to which doctors, as commissioned officers, entitled. Although unknown for certain, it is doubtful that any Seventh-day Adventist doctors were enlistees. Commissioned officers swore (or affirmed) an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States…without mental reservation…and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.” In time of war, this oath presented two challenges. First, doctors on the front lines were likely to find themselves in situations where they could be ordered to carry a gun. Second, if an Adventist doctor disagreed with his commanding officer about duties he was asked to complete on Sabbath, he could face legal charges and court martial. This happened in at least one case. Some Adventist physicians avoided the issue for a while by obtaining III-A classification (deferment due to hardship to family or children) under the Selective Service Act, claiming military service would present a hardship for their families. As time went by and the military’s need for medical personnel increased, the pressure mounted. If a physician was of the right age and physical condition to serve in the Armed Forces, he should take a commission, and he would be paid wages ample to care for his family. There was no real hardship. Some Adventist physicians found a successful workaround by writing in an addendum to their statements of oath similar to this one proposed by Haynes: I have a single reservation which it seems best to disclose now. I am a Seventh-day Adventist. I have no unwillingness to engage in my professional duties in ministering to the sick any day or any time human need requires. I would not, however, have my acceptance of a commission construed as meaning I am willing to compromise my religious convictions regarding merely routine, administrative, ordinary tasks on the seventh-day Sabbath. Numerous Adventist physicians served during World War II with honor and distinction. According to Haynes, “practically one-half the entire alumni of the College of Medical Evangelists [now Loma Linda University], 700 doctors” was serving in the United States Army in 1944, and most of the rest were providing essential civilian care.It is unknown how many modified their oaths or just accepted the oath in its original form. Very few seem to have run into real disagreement with superior officers. However, there was one more restriction on Adventist doctors’ personal freedoms during World War II. Even if a physician had completed his mandatory military service or had been found unfit for duty, he still could not leave the United States. The Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services, in collaboration with Selective Service and the Department of State, placed an embargo on passports for doctors. And in 1943, this is where Merlin Anderson found himself stuck. Missionary in Waiting According to his birth certificate, Merlin Gustav Anderson was born May 22, 1911, in Dusty, an unincorporated community near Colfax, Washington. However, his birthday is often recorded as May 24, 1911, on subsequent documents. His parents were John August Anderson and Ida Henrietta Getzlaff. John was a Swedish-born farmer; Ida was a Minnesota-born housewife, the daughter of German immigrants. Merlin was their only son and the fifth of six children. His sisters were Leona, Mildred, Lorene, Irene, and Bernice. The four older girls and Merlin attended an Adventist church school in Wilcox, Washington, another unincorporated community near Colfax. For such a small school, the Wilcox Church School had an unusually large number of students who became employees of the denomination. This may have been where Anderson’s goal of mission service began. At Walla Walla College, Merlin Anderson studied premed, then enrolled at the College of Medical Evangelists (CME) from which he graduated in June 1936. That same year, he married one of CME’s nursing graduates, Frances Eleanor Stafford (who went by Eleanor). For a man who desired to become a medical missionary, Eleanor was the perfect wife. Born in Shanghai, China, on December 7, 1912, she A Missionary in Waiting Dr. Merlin G. Anderson’s Quest for Mission Service in the Midst of World War II“>Read more…