In the centuries before harnessing fossil-fuel combustion into engine power, 20-horse-power meant twenty horses, and the opportunity to study, along with literacy itself, belonged to the privileged. Six days a week men, women, and children powered their lives with sweat and calories, and study (especially the study of scripture), blessing the Sabbath with rest.

As a spiritual practice the discipline of study examines many objects of Christian relevance other than scripture. Richard Foster, in Celebration of Disciplines, endorses the study of nature and the breadth of great literature. Dallas Willard, in The Spirit of the Disciplines, commends the study of “the lives of disciples from all ages and cultures of the church.”

However, the bible is the center of the orbit - and especially the gospels - for any who would be transformed into Christ-like-ness through the spiritual discipline of study. The gospels tell Jesus’ life and teaching and hand down to our generation the best eye-witness accounts of the “image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15). If we would be conformed to that Image in which we are made, the object of our study should center on Jesus.

At Bethany, the sermon is the foundation of our cooperate practice of study. Our pastors and lay preachers read and reread the scripture text for many days and often weeks. Research leads to dictionaries, concordances, history books, atlases, and commentaries. Understanding constructs the relevant contexts and digs deep to unwrap each word-package and phrase.

Reflection and prayer circulate throughout the process, helping the meaning and application take shape. The discipline of study prepares the way for the Holy Spirit to inspire the sermon and give direction to all hearers earnestly following Jesus.

Almost every day, in one small group or another, the congregation of Bethany exercises the discipline of study. In small numbers, usually sitting in a circle, and each with a bible or other book in view, heads look down and up, down and up, in the posture of study and discussion.

In addition to Sunday sermons and to small groups studying together, the spiritual discipline of study happens at other times as well. For example,

In November another opportunity to study theology with Pastor Dan is coming up.

And, in addition to biblical and theological teaching, Pastor Dan also leads studies of exceptional literature – the Read Good Books series – selecting a book and then a month or so later meeting on a Sunday morning to guide readers through a thoughtfully mapped discussion of the book’s vision and scope.

In October Associate Pastor Todd will facilitate three second-service Sunday morning gatherings, more deeply considering that Sunday’ sermon and exploring its applications.

In January Bethany and University Presbyterian (UPC) will co-host at UPC a fifteen-week series (with textbook) on Thursday evenings titled “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement”.

The Alpha Ministry studies the evidence for Christian commitment. The Children and Worship Ministry exemplifies the spirit of the discipline of study. There are many times and places where Bethany Presbyterian’s congregation studies in order to cultivate Christian maturity.

And next to breath itself, personal study of the bible forms a life-line with Abba-Father. The mind, disciplined by spiritual study, is transformed in strength, definition, and stamina. And, though not every time, sometimes the effort (like hiking) bestows a breath-taking view. Not every time but sometimes a concentrated study through a passage reaches a comprehending “ah hah” or, as Marjorie Thompson put it in Soul Feast, a passage “reads us,” and we experience a very personal meaning. Those peak-moments are special, and such spectacular destinations keep the spirit in the discipline of study.