Why Use Digging For Gold?
There are many Bible study tools available to us through book stores today. Why have I made the effort to put together this Digging For Gold series of Bible studies? I have been asked in a kind way, "Why are you doing all this work? There are so many Bible studies by well-known Christians that are already available to us." Well, here are a few of the reasons: It really all started when I was a fairly new Christian in the early 1970s. I attempted at that time to understand the book of James by memorizing it. I became fascinated as I began to realize that there was one flow of thought from the beginning of the book of James until its end. I then put what I believe is James' flow of thought into outline form.
I taught a Sunday School class on James both as an intern at Grace Community church in Panorama City, California and while I was an Assistant Pastor at Evangel Baptist church in Portland, Oregon. During the teaching of these two classes I attempted to more fully understand this fairly short book. The experience of absorbing myself in this book was so personally rewarding to me, that from that point on I became dedicated to seeking to understand the flow of thought in other books of the Bible as well. Though I have not memorized the other books of the Bible like I memorized the book of James; I have found that my time meditating on the other books in the Bible as enjoyable as my time with James. Through the years I have developed outlines for most of the books in the Bible.
Since those early years, my study of the Bible has been enriched in many ways. During my one-year's internship with John MacArthur in Panorama City, California I listened to nearly all of his tapes and became familiar with many of the Bible study tools that he recommended. One of my favorite books has been EXPLORE THE BOOK by J. Sidlow Baxter. I have richly benefited from his outline summaries of the books of the Bible. My first years as a Christian were spent at Peninsula Bible church in Palo Alto, California under the shepherding of Ray Stedman. There I read almost all the sermons that were made available free for all who were interested. I have continued to read his books through the years. Somewhere during the years I became familiar with a book evaluating the best commentaries on the books of the Bible by Cyril Barber. As I have done Bible studies on books in Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and sermons, I have bought some of the best commentaries for each book of the Bible. As a result, I have become familiar with those Bible commentators who I believe are the most thorough and practical in explaining the Bible. Add to what I have mentioned already, nearly forty years of seeking to understand the Bible through seminary classes, Christian radio, tapes, conferences, Christian friendships, Bible studies, pastoral messages, and seeking to live out the Christian life.
In short, I have been digging for gold in the Bible for many years. This Digging for Gold Bible study series is the gold that I have discovered in the Bible through the years. I do not want to keep the gold to myself, so I share it with you through this series.
I want to share with you my appreciation for those who have personally encouraged me through the years. They are many, and I know that I will not include everyone. Those who come to my mind as I am writing these words are the following: My wife Shirley who has encouraged me to spend hours working on this material, even though it meant that she would be doing more than her share of the chores around the house. My friend Andy Paschen who insisted that I put my studies in written form, and who has sought to encourage me in a number of creative ways. Our daughter Tammy and son-in-law Jim who went through the study of James and said they liked it. Our son Stephen and daughter-in-law Amy who helped who helped in editing the early books. Fred Lampley, the pastor at the church where I was once was asked to resign from my position as Pastor, who has welcomed our family back to that very same Church and encouraged me with Christ-like love. There are many more who have encouraged me over the years through some difficult times: Margaret MacLennan, one of the last of the Puritans who was always available as a friend no matter what time the phone rang. Walt Blanchard, though he lives many miles away is always interested in hearing about my spiritual journey. Paul Murray, my spiritual father since way back at Peninsula Bible church, who still cares and is still available. And I could go on with many more who have touched my life for many years with Christ-like love: My brother Lynn, Jim and Mary, Bob, Tim and Becky, Jeff, Honey-bear, Scott, Marilyn.......
