Chewing our own food.
for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:13-14 ESV
In one of the Ice Age franchise movies, an ageing and toothless Granny gives Syd her grandson a Kiwi fruit and ask’s him to chew it for her. The image of someone chewing our food for us may be horrible, but it’s pretty much what milk is. Mothers chew and digest food and produce milk for their infants who have not yet developed the ability to gather, chew and digest their own solid foods.
The author of Hebrews draws on this image in a blunt rebuke of spiritually immature members of the Church who have become dull to God’s word. They have not learned and put into practice the teachings they have already received and so are not skilled in discerning the difference between good and evil.
We can avoid being like them by diligently studying and applying Scripture for ourselves. This begins by trusting that Scripture is the word of God, and then reading and studying it in our homes, in small groups and in weekly worship gatherings. There are many tools to assist us. A good study Bible is useful to begin with, but it’ s even better to join with an online or in-person Bible study group. Why not pray about starting a Bible study with friends or neighbours? We would love to help you arrange this and provide resources and training to get your group up and running. Please connect with us here for assistance.
Worship
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
When I feel afraid Think I've lost my way
Still you're there right beside me
And nothing will I fear As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide
And hold me to your side
I will love you to the end
Nothing will I fear as long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for Your perfect Holy Word. Thank You for providing it to us, and for preserving it for thousands of years, so that we can learn Who You are, how much we need You and how much Jesus has done to restore our relationship with You. Please forgive us for neglecting or distrusting Your Word, and strengthen us to keep reading, keep learning and keep practising Your Word. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Service
Every week, the Family Church Online service page contains some Bible Study points relating to the Sunday Message. There is also a Bible Study Guideline document which you can download, print and keep in your Bible (or use on your device). Please make time this week to read, discuss and study the Bible. Getting some friends and family together will be even better, you can meet in the home, at the office, at school or even in a coffee shop. These studies are wonderful, even if there are just two of you. If you’re unable to gather in a group, you can still learn and apply the Scripture throughout the week. Please do contact us for any assistance that you may require, we would love to help.