30:5-6, and Rev. helps them prepare their weekly lecture. I gently admonished a woman because of something that she had shared in Here BSF is officially nondenominational and simply is a lay group offering a Bible study. 1980. You hear a lecture from the teaching leader, which at my class is very good. To strip verses of their context to make them support your own agenda is distortion of its intended meaning and therefore false teaching. Nearly 49,000 volunteer regional directors, area teams, and teaching and group leaders contribute to BSFs operations. when I wrote directly to Rosemary Jensen expressing my concern, she replied, (Exodus 20:16). I was frustrated and angry and praying for her, she said. adds to, deletes from and distorts the Word of God. 3. Among BSFs 42 young adult classes, it is piloting new models in Dallas, San Antonio, Miami, Minneapolis, and Austin. Paul repeatedly says it is by faith apart from works. At that time, I was in my late 20s with superficial Bible knowledge at best, BSF served as the tool which God has used to teach me the Scriptures, and more importantly to grow my relationship with Him. Its time for us to be a little more deliberate in making sure our study of the Bible isnt purely for enjoyment [or merely] intellectual, said Debbie Young, chief class officer, but to truly mobilize us to what God intends us to be in the world.. Those years in Bible Study Fellowship gave me a deeper respect for the Word of God and instilled in me a sense of privilege and responsibility, enabling me to teach the Bible to others. Many people enjoy the discipline of the Bible study, the structure, the detailed class notes, the fellowship, and the overall commitment displayed by the leadership team. 26. 23.1K subscribers. In this sentence, she gives credit to the togetherness of people in accomplishing Gods will. Group Discussion Leaders are supposed to call each member of their group I personally didnt like the flex questions. Image: However, this verse is definitely not teaching that obeying God in our behavior is what it means to believe. Information from amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; "That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. small groups of about 10-15 people which are facilitated by the Discussion "1 It sounds so good, but after that we should not lie. Congress on World Evangelization at Lausanne in 1975. Have something to say about this topic? In 2013, BSF surveyed members about how welcome they felt in class and received a 90 percent positive response. Even these all class fellowships were rigid as we were always asked to come prepared to answer a discussion question and I dont know about you but I get tired of homework! To plant such seeds in students minds or to All Rights Reserved. 9. Share your feedback here. Start teaching the truths of Christ's birth at an early age to help your child discern the . responded, "Oh, that doesnt matter." The net result of this unbiblical to work hard to appreciate"40 a certain section of Numbers, and the careful When she came on board in 2009, Rowan immediately recognized the need for change in the organizations priorities. "15 This decision was made Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church (aplaceforyou.org) (500+) is seeking a Senior Pastor. The average age for men is 57. curriculum she wrote. You discuss your questions in a discussion group. Ibid. The notes state: Considering the BSFs 49. people to apply to their lives that which they are learning rather than and The Acts of the Apostles. And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. 23. Small a time for fellowship, but from descriptions in Miss Johnsons autobiography, the following to say about the book in regard to BSF: God tells us, Ye That verse says. First, it redefines faith as an attitude. Thats unclear. I am deeply grateful to the Lord for the past 2+ decades of Bible training from BSF. In 1890, Scofield started a Bible Correspondence Course which he directed until 1914 when it was taken over by the Moody Bible Institute. She was worried about her younger sister, who had been in a car accident. 42. How To Live Above Criticism - Bible Study by Chuck Baldwin on May 28, 2014 - YouTube. Unlike Paul whose main point in 1 Corinthians 3 is to correct the churchs man-centric focus, Graves agenda in this entire chapter is to elevate the importance of people. location. their pre-school children, and their grade school children depending on This chapter, penned by Susie Rowan, uses Genesis 2:15 as her basis for saying we are still called to cultivate the culture around us.. That unbiblical So taking the popular English meaning of attitude as the condition of salvation is not only confused, it also implies that works are a condition of salvation. It is used once of Hamans supposed assault on Queen Esther (Esth. Bible Study Fellowship 2016 revenue: $33 million Headquarters: San Antonio, TX BSF boasts more than 1,200 weekly classes in 40 countriesmore than 900 in North America alone. Rowan again mishandles the teachings in Genesis, spiritualizing the commands God gave to Adam in a very literal garden and earth. 32. Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; In addition to your basic Bible search function, the Bible app from BibleStudyTools.com also allows for personalization of your Bible study on your device. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; At another group location, That extra half an hour does make a difference. how love I thy law! p. 224. Even if a particular mens 4. a new age form of alternative medicine in the group, and the other was It is believing. Though community celebrates togetherness, individuality is the emphasis (like the secular philosophy of multiculturalism). BSF Life 7:26. thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Although BSF presents itself as a Biblically amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; When she returned to the United States, she was flummoxed by BSFs support for what she perceived as superficial rules in light of the dire situation of Christians abroad. which appears so good on the outside could be filled with danger and deception. To unlock this article for your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. for each BSF lesson in any study. correct interpretation of I Tim. There are now 2,700 satellite groups around the world, more than twice the number of BSF classes. Ibid., p. 240. Im glad the Notes emphasize that believers have eternal life immediately and that it reaches forever. But what does truly believe mean? These Discussion Leaders may then reveal their own matters of the It bypasses the local church amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; groups are taught to uphold and comply with BSFs myriad of rules. A friend of mine named Elizabeth has allowed me to share her open letter to her BSF leadership, after attending a leader training for the 2019-2020 season. For when one says, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are you not mere men? Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California arose out of a desperate need to encourage Christians to seek God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. They need not fear final judgment and eternal death (BSF Lesson 7, p. 4, emphasis added). exposed in this article contaminate BSF and demonstrate that it simply is an exhortation for Jesus dear lambs: Consider well the result of Gedeliahs first book, The Psychological same error of which Promise by the suggestion of BSF Board Member Dr. Harold Englund "who was highly After settling in San Bernardino, California, she Another indication of . The result of this episode was that I was censured: I If you went to a public high school or college, you were taught that the earth is 4.54 billion years old. Holiness In her push to extol the virtues of community, Rowan proceeds to cite examples of Old Testament leaders who most typically worked in community with other believers to do the will of God and accomplish some mighty works (p. 24). 5. It was in a womans Bible study group called BSF, or Bible Study Fellowship. BSFs current operating budget runs just under $30 million, brought in largely through class donations and individual gifts. The primary source of Grace Evangelical Society's funding is through charitable contributions. Now on to the latest: This week, long-time Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF) leader Linda Davis is warning members signed up for this falls new study, People of the Promised Land. situation was that there were two women in my group who were involved in See something we missed? Second, BSF makes the condition of salvation faith plus accompanying actions. Isnt accompanying actions another terms for works? ultimately report to the Board of Directors in San Antonio. Money Most Christians have a very mixed relationship with money. Other changes have related to time and attendance. No one appreciates a guilt trip. Elements of success. International Shepherding/Discipleship practice of BSF is its adherence to a vast quantity which raises some serious questions is found in the Life doctrine. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. BSF attempts to blend evangelism Hundreds of thousands of members of all ages and stages across the globe studying God's Word chapter-by-chapter together. The word Body in reference to the church is used zero. shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish And for the first time, this year BSF will provide members with online access to its biggest piece of intellectual property: its weekly study notes, a sort of high-level Bible commentary. notes promote a blatant liberal approach to the study of Scripture claiming Note: It is easier for study and discussion if everyone has the same version of the Bible. The board of directors has eagerly backed changes to BSFs culture that would balance structure with flexibility and compassion. Words like rigidity were used to describe us, and that had to change. Let us know here. upon Deut. Her own church offers only unstructured Bible study, and her job as a medical records clerk grants her few occasions to re-engage her skills in scriptural interpretation. The literal dependence of the parts upon one another. Bible Study Fellowship Online (bsfonline.org), https://www.westbowpress.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001175214, https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/816117-collection-of-prayers. I am sharing her public note from her Facebook page, for my many friends who are in BSF and/or who are not on social media: This fall, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) will launch a new study, People of the Promised Land. Im sure many people leading BSF do not believe in salvation by works. Paul is not calling himself a super-leader. He describes himself as a servant, Gods fellow worker. 29. incongruous sensation of simultaneous blessing and alarm. Shadow Hills Church 17 Churches Summerlin "I highly recommend Shadow Hills Baptist Church. into small groups which are led by Small Group Discussion Leaders. 11 and 12 both say that the woman is to be silent (as does I Cor. of five to share whatever we wished with each other."14. Show up to your first meeting and introduce yourself to the group. Ibid., p. 7. It doesnt matter if your faith is personal or impersonal. Thats not a Biblical distinction. It is His example to which His disciples are to aspire and follow. A Catholic priest attended my class for six weeks and we developed a real friendship. Isaiah 48:11 For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? I think that all of these instructions must be kept in mind as general of Moses study. The team has many years of combined experience in biblical teaching, journalism, curriculum publishing, and communications. Zero. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 34:11). In conclusion, although of complex rules which are designed to promote orderliness within the organization, & C. Merriam Co., 1973), s.v. There are zero quotes from Scripture. or basic arithmetic" 35 and go on to state that "most people regard any or for unbelievers? Without this equipping in the Scriptures, accomplished through this training center (as they once called themselves), I would not have so readily detected the error in this eBook, nor would I have known how to contend for the faith in this review. BSF Matthew study that participants are expected to answer are of a personal nature. 50. not trained by regional offices, but "keep close personal contact with If we try to "go it alone" we will likely fall. I would dare say that He is a greater leader than any person! Here is the verse. Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory. Personal letter 1 Corinthians 12:27-28a Now you are Christs Body, and individually members of it. Tens of thousands of students scattered over the world were indoctrinated with his dispensational ideas. I have grown so much in my understanding of the Bible, some of my favorite books to study have been Revelation and Daniel. The purpose of the Sabbath (12:1-7): The Sabbath was made for man, and not the reverse! I think that was part of my calling to bring that change.. that the two infinitives "to teach" and "to usurp" both have "man" as their Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF), appears to be shifting toward a new paradigm once again. with my Discussion Leader, I said, "But the Bible says" to which she Yes No 1 Report The Christian life is not always easy. group which is processing Scripture rather than a fellowship of believers. God." It is used in its causative stem to indicate subduing or subjugating peoples (Jer. group. You ought to believe in Jesus for eternal life, and if you dont, you are doing something culpably wrong. p. 7, question 5a. An attitude of constant criticism often . women having authority over men is in the writing of the Bible Studies in BSF. Although she gave the Bobgans a very favorable Turn to God and ask for His direction and response. To watch the video message just click the play button below. (Ps. 23 This is pure situational ethics. Baughen is I have time to get home and unwind. Im sure many people attending BSF do not believe in salvation by works. with the truth of the Bible through classes using personal study, discussion Discussion leaders are never to encourage members to switch churches. Negative attitudes toward the Bible are sin. So much for spiritualizing the command to subdue the earth in Genesis 1:28, unless Christians are to enslave, overcome, and crush the culture. esteemed by the InterVarsity Fellowship"16 and has the effect of maintaining It is such a blessing to be part of advancing the kingdom of God throughout the world in this way.. In-Depth Bible Study. Partly to accommodate the large influx of people, BSF created satellite discussion groups, where attendees listen to recorded teachings at churches and some non-traditional locations like college campuses and prison. Community is about the people, the benefit of their togetherness, and their strength in joining forces. in that Bible Study as his agent! But when asked about their feelings of connectivity to their group, only 55 percent responded favorably. The Collins Dictionary says, Your attitude to something is the way that you think and feel about it, especially when this shows in the way you behave. Well the condition of salvation is not thinking, feeling, or behaving. The dominionist roots And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the Body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the Body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. group ranges in size from around 100 to 600 participants, and may be designated Created for Commitment, (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1982), It describes Israels taking of the Promised Land, Canaan (Num. Deborah Pardo-Kaplan is a freelance journalist living in Austin, Texas. Our four-fold approach includes daily questions, group discussion, teaching and biblical. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. One of the most grievous have felt when he looked upon Miriams leprosy."34, Psychological inroads BSF Life BSF International Headquarters Our overuse of "fellowship" makes an important point in 1 John fall flat. Area Coordinators BSF International 8:11). She then formed a Board it is evident that their purpose is to meet the students feelings which Cheryl features a 7/8th length and straight leg with a wide hem and elastic waist. According to Rowan, it is the power of community that accomplishes mighty works, not dependence upon the Lord, nor the strength of His might (cf. We invite you to study the Bible personally with one of Jehovah's Witnesses. contradicts Scripture. Christ as the Head of the Body The focus should be the HEAD, not the Body. For the Body is not one member, but many. Deut. themselves. ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which Omitted are the clear teachings of Gods righteous Law, and mans breaking of that Law which requires death. A group leader, in her mid-40s, encouraged everyone to share a few words based on questions relating to each chapter of the book. private self-evaluation questions.After this we all assembled in groups A. Wetherell Johnson, international, lay Christian organization [which] aims to acquaint people Ibid. 2. phone call to BSF Headquarters. 1 talking about this. As a result, BSF developed training modules for teaching leaders to encourage new methods of discussion, such as sharing in pairs. teaching occurred in a lecture during the Life For his fourth and final point in his man-centric interpretation of 1 Corinthians 3:4-9, Graves quotes problematic teacher Rick Warren (see note at end). Find a Group. Scripture clearly teaches Many parts of Give yourself time to calm down. of 7 studies: Genesis, Matthew, It is all about God! that she attended the first International phone call to BSF Headquarters. 19. 32:22, 29; Josh. Were in the same quandary as the evangelical church, said Walter Kaiser Jr., a BSF board member, an Old Testament scholar, and former president of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. They simply encourage participation from all members and attempt from Rosemary Jensen to Virginia R. Donovan dated October 18, 1994. The internal structure unchurched." It was founded in 1959 by Audrey Wetherell Johnson, a British evangelist to China. a truly ecumenical fellowship. Now, Im not saying the Notes are rubbish. Kelly Minter. A. Wetherell Johnson, For we are Gods fellow workers; you are Gods field, Gods building. His glory alone is to be our ambition. confidences behind their backs without permission among the leadership ges@faithalone.org. It is a large church, but not too large that you get lost. Im sure many of the writers and editors of the Notes do not believe in salvation by works. Don't have a BSF account? it clearly is not doing so. even thought such a thing. The opportunity to work with K-12th graders as they explore the Bible and God's message and plan for their lives. during a Teaching Leader seminar led by Rev. She progressed to group leader and ten years later moved with her family to teach BSF classes overseas in Brazil and India. Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. Class members are no longer chastised for absence or tardiness, particularly relevant to young mothers. There is no discussion of sin, nor warning of Gods wrath. 1 Corinthians 12:24b But God has so composed the Body. is irrelevant; they are still engaged in teaching doctrine. For example, The edit: this is not meant to be a criticism of Beth Moore, she is fine to leave, and those other people mentioned are fine to stay and fight for whats right. While the organization has always wanted to draw from all age groups, it has recently pivoted harder to reach more young adults, a generation BSF leadership feels is growing detached from religion, is less exposed to church, and is increasingly antagonistic toward Christianity and the Bible. In addition, I have served for ten years as a discussion/group leader and two years as a childrens leader. Amen. 6. I thought to myself, I need to be an advocate for my sister, as the group studied John 14 about the Holy Spirits role as advocate. In addition to personal in participants homes for fellowship. 19001 Blanco Road Why is he being quoted in the BSF publication? travel to the complex each year to donate their time working for BSF.3. They teach the condition of salvation is obedient faith plus accompanying actions. forced to leave China, she came to the United States and lectured for Inter-Varsity During one conversation Im more relaxed.

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