One of the reasons I encourage people to discover the Bible in groups is simple:

We see more clearly together.

When one person studies Scripture alone—or when everyone simply accepts what one strong teacher says—it can be surprisingly easy for an idea to drift away from what the passage actually says.

But in a group, people notice different things. Someone may make an observation, and another person can ask, “Where do you see that in the passage?” Together they keep coming back to God’s Word.

I was reminded of this recently while snorkeling in Hawaii.

Chris spotted something on the ocean floor that neither of us recognized. It looked like a collection of long white lines radiating out from one point.

I tried describing it to ChatGPT. It suggested one creature. Chris looked at the picture and said, “No, that’s not it.”

So we looked more carefully.

The tentacles were lying flat on the ocean floor. They were not feathery. They looked more like worms.

With those additional observations, we tried again and again until we eventually identified it: a spaghetti worm.

Neither Chris nor I had the whole answer at first. But by observing, questioning and comparing what we were seeing, we eventually arrived at the right conclusion.

That is one of the things I enjoy about studying Scripture with a group.

Each time we meet we ask:

What does this passage tell us about God?
What does it tell us about people?
If this is true, how should it change the way we live?

One person notices something. Another sees something they missed. Someone suggests an interpretation, and another person asks, “Where do you see that in the passage?”

The authority stays with Scripture rather than with the strongest personality in the room.

This is one reason that in the MyFriends Lifestyle we encourage people to discover the Bible together.

But you do not have to wait for a group.

If you know just one person who wants to learn more about God, start with them. You could meet regularly and discuss Life Issues.

Then, when the time seems right, ask:

“Who else do you know who might be interested in discovering for themselves what the Bible says about spiritual community?”

This helps form a group from people who already know each other. They already have relationships outside the Bible study, so they are more likely to spend time together between meetings as well.

Once the group has formed, move into Discovering Spiritual Community.

You may already have someone in mind. Perhaps the next step is simply to ask them who else they know.

Let me pray with you.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the people You have already placed around us. Help us notice those who are spiritually interested and give us the courage to invite them to discover Your Word for themselves. And as they become interested, help us bring people together so they can learn from Your Word, from one another, and from Your Spirit. Amen.

P.S. Who do you think would be encouraged by this email? Forward it to them and let them know they can walk alongside experienced cross-cultural evangelists by visiting: https://hereslife.com/encouragement

You can also view back issues at https://hereslife.com/back-issues

(This reflection was written from my own experience and edited with the help of AI.)