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Explain how Bible study, fellowship, and prayer can be called different forms of spiritual communication.
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Robert Bolton and Jim Petersen both note that only 7% of all communication is verbal. When we consider our ability to communicate with God, it stands to reason, how it takes place should be consistently similar. Bible Study and reading help us to understand how God speaks. The discipline also helps us to discern His voice (Jn 10:27-28). Prayer is not always verbal, despite hearing what we’re saying in the context of silent prayer. Sometimes, we pray out loud and other times we pray quietly. This type communication helps us to discover the heart of Christ in us as it relates to how we speak to Him. Fellowship with God is a process of how we communicate with, spend time with, and encourage other believers. In fellowshipping with others, we are also fellowshipping with God (Heb 10:25).
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Bible study allows us to study the word of God in away that transforms our hearts and minds. Often reading the Word leads us to have a conversation with the Lord through prayer. The Holy Spirit will intercede for us providing communication that we often cannot do on our own. Fellowship with one another can lead to learning more and sharing something we have each learned or a word from the Lord we can share with them.
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Each category is self-explanatory Bible study is time set aside to learn the word of God; fellowship is where we as Christian come together since we have the same principles, we can fellowship on the same accord in Christ Jesus, prayer is how we talk and have a relationship with God. Because we are one body in Christ, the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us through all truth. Sometimes we don’t always agree, but we always stand together in Christ Jesus. He is our Lord and Savior who died for our sins. He is the love of God.
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For me, Bible study is a way of hearing from God but also equipping myself for daily life. When I fellowship I often draw from the Bible teachings, in conversation.
Fellowship is where I get sustenance for my Christian walk. It should help me to resolve my life issues as well as helping others in their walk.
Prayer is 2 way communication with God. Often my soul is crying out with words I can’t express, and God’s reply is comfort.
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I very much liked the diagram that showed vertical communication with God through scripture and prayer, along with horizontal communication with the Church and the world.
While mindful of the need to not overgeneralise, God speaks to us through the Word and Spirit and we enter into relationship with Him through prayer. We then share God’s message and life in the Church which equips us to be witnesses to the Gospel in the world.