It’s been 6 years now since I joined the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) – Philippines. I have been studying the Word of God through BSF for 6 years now. We have studied the Book of Acts, the life of Moses, Genesis, Revelation, and John. This school year, we will cover the book of Romans, and it will run from August 2017 to April 2018.
What is Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)?
Bible Study Fellowship is an international organization that provides classes of in-depth study of the Bible to discover more about its relevance in our time today. BSF began in the United States of America in 1950 by Audrey Wetherell Johnson, who was a former missionary to China. BSF eventually grew globally, with classes being held in more than 2,200 locations on 6 continents, in more than 40 nations. Their mission is global in-depth Bible classes, producing passionate commitment to Christ, His Word, and His Church, with a vision to magnify God and mature His people as they cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.
The 4-Step Process of the Study
Here is a simple overview of our study process:
- We have daily assignments that we answer, which is our reflection for a specific question, verse, or chapter in the Bible.
- We meet every Thursday. I attend Women’s Day class at CCF Alabang. We are divided into small groups of 10-12, where we share our answers with each other. The session will take 1 hour.
- After an hour, we all join together in one big plenary, with all the other members, and then we listen to our Teacher Leader, Ms. Ema Yujico of BSF Alabang, for another hour.
- We bring home the notes for next Thursday’s meeting and read them as our assignment. And then, repeat the first step.
I am truly blessed to be part of this bible study for free. Yes, this class is really for free! All I need to do is to have a good attendance and follow the rules on absences. Otherwise, my slot will be given to another person who wants to be part of BSF.
Joining the BSF Class
How I became part of BSF is quite a story of triumph over dejection. I was first invited by my high school classmate, Jude, back in 2010. But I found it off and was really not my type of thing. So I kept avoiding her when she continued to invite me.
In August 2011, she invited me again to attend the intro class, but used the alibi that I did not have my phone with me. I purposely replied late to her invitation the next month, September, and she was totally cool with it.
On October 6, 2011, Jude texted me again an invite for an intro class—this time I told her I will attend. It was my Dad’s birthday, actually, which could have been a valid excuse, but I decided to still attend. So, I asked a favor from my husband to drive me to CCF. However, when we left our village, heavy traffic surprised us.
There was a hostage bank robbery happening at that time, and the road was closed, causing heavy traffic. I called Jude to say that I might be late, but since it was way too late already, she said I could try again next time.
During that time, I felt maybe I’m not meant to attend BSF.
But the following week, Jude called me again asking me if I’m still interested in attending and that I can just attend a one-on-one INTRO class with Ma’am Sarah. Though I felt awkward, I said okay. I told myself, “Sige na nga, maybe I was destined to attend BSF.”
Overcoming Struggles at the Beginning of My BSF Journey
It was a struggle in the beginning because my strength is really in talking, but never in reading, and especially not in writing. I really did not like reading and comprehension.
I have never personally read the Bible in my life, except for a few Bible verses from school as required, from comics, and later on from different devotional books I received as gifts. I am also a very busy businesswoman and a full-time mother.
My first struggle was how to find time to answer our daily lessons and questions. In my first weeks, I only answered them the night before our weekly Thursday meeting, which means on Wednesday nights, I’m always cramming.
Second, my impatience in reading became a challenge, too. So I skipped the NOTES given to us about the lecture, and just went straight to the Q&A portion.
Third, I had difficulty writing down my answers on the study question sheets because firstly, I do not know what to answer, and secondly, I had not yet internalized the Word of God. I was not ready to be honest with myself—to humbly open up— therefore, I was hesitant to share my personal experiences.
Studying His Word, God Worked in My Life
My life before BSF was full of anger, pride, revenge, and all about earning money and getting even. I was bitter and full of anger. I was preoccupied with thinking of ways to get even, due to bitterness and resentment, which was evident in my behavior, the way I communicate, and manifests even in my decision-making.
In my third session with BSF, I tried to follow the proper way of learning the Bible. I decided to read the notes already, which I used to skip. In time, I began to appreciate God’s words of wisdom revealed in every passage. I learned that studying the Bible required having a powerful connection to the Word of God, and it brought so much transformation and peace into my heart.
And this is how God finally spoke to me—through the first sentence of Lesson 11 series VIII that struck me deeply… “What causes you unrest? Is it fear of the future, guilt of the past, or present circumstances you cannot control or fix? Are you weary and burdened with life? What seems to be disintegrating around you? Where can you turn for help? You may never have realized that God has high purposes for you and for all of His people…”
I was shaking and fell on my knees, and found myself crying hard and shouting. As if all the anger and bitterness that I have been keeping inside me just erupted. I humbly asked God, “Help me, I’m tired,” and the experience felt like finding myself in the Father’s love.
Since then, I decided to be faithful in my study of the Bible. I’m always hungry to learn more and I’m always excited to share with others what I have learned. Back then, I share the Bible to my employees. Now, I share it with a few friends I meet in the different organizations I am part of.
I tell them about how the Word of God changed me and try to share with them some words in the Bible. I have been attending the seminars that BSF offers from time to time. I also learned to pray every day and I reserved my early mornings for my quiet time.
Transform Your Life in God’s Word
I am no longer drinking out with friends and spend more time with my family. This change has improved my communication with them very well. I humbly submit to my husband and try not to control everything at home and in our business.
I am no longer paranoid financially about my future. I have learned to let go and let God. I remember when my retail stores were still operating; I’d be preaching the Word of God to my employees during our monthly meetings. I started having one-on-one personal talks with all of my employees and assessed where God is in their lives now. You cannot imagine the different stories and different levels of their faith. I shared with them the way it changed me and tried to share some teachings of the Word of God in the Bible.
Today, I can honestly say I am happy and peaceful, because I have surrendered my life to God and have allowed Him to fully take control of me. If you enjoy Gospel-living insights like these, book Toni Miranda as a keynote speaker for your next event!
PRAYER
Dear God,
I praise and thank you for giving us the Bible to teach us and guide us in our lives. How rich and powerful are your words in this Holy Book. My life has never been the same since I have encountered your Word personally. It refreshes me everyday and guides me in all my ways. Praise you O Lord, for your Word gives me strength and protects me always.
May you sustain us, God, and help us to live your Word every day of our lives. Let me be an instrument of your love by leading me to share these life-giving words in the Bible to the people I may encounter. May I continually be hungry for your Word and to make the Bible my ultimate manual for life. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to questions that can help you further understand the word of God:
What is the word of God in our lives?
The Word of God is a guiding light that speaks into every season of our lives, offering wisdom, comfort, and direction. It reminds us that we are never alone and that every challenge can become an opportunity for growth and faith.
How can I know the word of God?
To understand the Word of God, begin by opening your heart to our Maker, read the scriptures with intention, and listen for His voice in prayer and reflection. Each step you take in seeking Him brings deeper understanding, peace, and clarity for your journey.
