“STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF” - AN EXHORTATION TO USE THE CHURCH RESOURCE LIBRARY

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                                                                   

“Study to shew thyself” - An exhortation to use the Church Resource Library

The Bible is filled with encouragement for Christians to study the Word of God. As Christians, we are exhorted to increase in the knowledge of God’s Word and in the things which help to build up our spiritual lives. We read in the epistle to Timothy,

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Studying the Word of God is primarily an exercise every Christian should engage in. The process of studying is something we are all familiar with. It takes time and effort. Students preparing for their examinations spend time studying. Working adults also have to study when they are faced with a new project where they have to acquire new skills or knowledge. Studying involves diligently reading books, papers, and other materials, taking notes, and also memorizing key facts and figures. Study is the kind of activity that students and working adults have to engage in. What about our spiritual lives? Are we not exhorted to do the same to acquire knowledge of things that pertain to godliness so that we may grow in our spiritual life?

A. What kind of aids do we have in studying God’s Word?

The Apostle Peter tells us about the Bible being the source of knowledge of godliness. God has given us the necessary knowledge to live this life pleasing in His sight. The Apostle Peter writes, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” 2 Peter 1:3. In all things, pertaining to life and godliness, we have the Bible to instruct us. Therefore God has given us His Word, preserved in all ages for the individual Christian and the church. But, how are we to approach the study of God’s Word?

There are many ways and means to engage in the study of God’s Word. The Resource Library contains many different types of material to help Christians in their study of God’s Word. We can briefly classify them into three broad categories:

< >Bible Study Aids – which includes Study Bibles, Lexicons, Commentaries, Dictionaries, Map books, etc.  Topical Study Material e.g. books relating to particular topics such as “Prayer”, “Christian Music”, “Biography” etc. The Calvary Jaya Resource Center stocks printed material covering more than 50 categories touching various aspects of the Christian life. Media Library – containing Christian and hymnal CDs, and online resources. 

We hope that our members and friends will look to the Resource Library as an aid in their study of God’s Word. A quick word about the Resource Library. The Calvary Jaya Resource Library was set up in 2021, with the help of willing hands and willing hearts. This is a group of brothers and sisters who voluntarily set aside time and effort to classify, tag, and put in place the present Resource Library which is on level 2 of the church building. Below is a testimony from the Resource Library Team, welcoming all members and friends to access and avail themselves of the material in the Resource Library.

“Come to our new Resource Library, where a plethora of references that can quench your spiritual thirst and satisfy your hunger can be found. It has topics from anger, joy, anxiety, and fear, to handling finances, finding a suitable spouse, etc. We are a growing resource. So should you come across a book in any Christian bookstore that is in alignment with our doctrines and belief, do send us the book detail so that we can have it reviewed to make it available.

We are continuing to grow and expand, one of which includes a Book Club where we share the joy of reading with the members. We also have quarterly Bible stories narrated to young children where stories are shared from the children’s books in the Resource Library. If you have more ideas to share, do let us know.

To mature and grow in Christ is to read and understand God’s Word. Our Resource Library is open on every Lord’s Day from 12 pm to 1 pm. You can also access the Resource Library during the weekdays (do contact the church office).

We encourage everyone to visit the library. You are also allowed to borrow two books for a month and renewable for 2 weeks. Make a visit to our Resource Library today, and we look forward to share and introduce the new Resource Library with you. You will discover the world of wonders in the powerful and infallible Word of God.”   

B. Who can benefit from the use of the Resource Library?

If we understand that the studying of God’s Word is every Christian’s duty, it follows that the Resource Library is beneficial to everyone as well. You may be seeking an answer to a particular question, for example:

< >What is the meaning of holiness in Christian living?Is it biblical to seek psychiatric care?Why does it seem that my prayers are not answered? Etc. etc. Whatever your question may be, there are materials available in the Resource Library to help you study God’s Word in order to obtain the answers that you seek. It may be some area of Christian living or devotion or service that you seek knowledge and clarity about. Or perhaps, you are a Sunday School teacher preparing a lesson, and you need additional resources such as maps or answers to a topical question posed by a student. Or you may be organizing a youth event and you need material for a Bible quiz. Perhaps you are faced with a situation where your Christian testimony is tested at work or home and you would like to find a book on that particular topic to help you.

Whatever your needs, please avail yourselves of the material in the Resource Library. May God bless you all as you live and serve Him. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor