God’s presence is that which distinguishes Bible teaching from other kinds of teaching. While certain elements of teaching are similar when teaching an academic class versus a Bible class, the textbook used in each is quite different. No other textbook comes with the promise of the author’s presence.
With His presence comes His authority and power as communicated in a previous post. Consequently, the potential outcome of teaching from the Bible versus any other textbook is also quite different. God brings change from the inside out … not merely acquisition of knowledge or behavioral adaptation. This, then, forms a unique goal for Bible teachers.
And, God’s presence goes with class members, in the Person of the Holy Spirit, to remind them of what has been learned, to bring conviction and empowerment to apply the teaching to life. Teachers of other types of classes can provide homework assignments for students to work on what has been learned in class but that just isn’t the same as the Resource Bible teachers can rely on to help their students.
God’s presence is essential to effective Bible teaching! Without it, what do we have?
Moses of the Old Testament was quite aware of how God’s presence set apart His people from all the other people on the earth. He recognized the futility of leading the people without God’s presence.
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (Ex. 33:15-16)
Likewise, in Bible teaching, His presence is the distinguishing mark, setting it apart from all other teachings. How aware are the Bible teachers in your church of the presence of God?
A Lesson Worth Teaching Workbook looks at the difference the Word makes in the teaching-learning process, because it is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16), a unique Book, with a ever-present Divine Teacher.
“What is the mark of God’s presence in our culture?”
Thanks for your question, Richard T Cornish. It would seem that for God to be God, He must remain true to Himself no matter what culture says and no matter where the Church goes. — “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Tim. 2:13) Consequently, it will be marked by alignment with the fullness of who He is … truth, love, holy, righteous, just, grace, mercy, etc.. God will still be the Standard of authority (Matt. 28:20). God will still be the Source of power (Isa. 41:10; 1 Pet. 4:10-11). The Holy Spirit will still be at work empowering teachers (1 Cor. 12:7-11) and in the lives of students reminding them of what has been learned (Jn. 14:26) and bringing conviction (Jn. 16:7-8).
Some may say we’ll know He is among us by certain displays of His power. Yet, His presence may not always be marked by the miraculous or obvious signs. The Lord appeared to Elijah through a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:10-12). He is the same God whether parting the sea or imparting peace in the midst of a storm.
Perhaps it’s not so much that the mark of God’s presence has changed but that culture is clouding our vision of the fulness of who God is and hence causing us to want to redefine the mark of His presence. For example, some may say today that we’ll know God’s presence among us by our love. And, that is biblically true (Jn. 13:35) as love is the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:37-40). Yet, Jesus came full of both grace AND truth (Jn. 1:14, 18). God’s presence will be marked by the fullness of who He is.
In many ways it seems like an uphill battle in our culture. We must remember the command to Joshua who faced major obstacles: — “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” The reason he could rise above? — “for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9) — We serve the same God today.