2016 August Orientation

1 Timothy 1:5

Early Ministry Experience

• Standing with a coffee cup, discussing Sunday school vs. big church
• Inviting a consultant from Scottsdale Bible Church to discuss the means and ends of ministry

Carl's Story

• Aerospace engineer launching rockets, learning the ultimate goal was to put a man on the moon.
• Shift from focusing on means (launching rockets) to focusing on the end goal (moon landing).

1 Timothy 1:5

• "The goal of our instruction is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
• Personal reflection on realizing the ultimate goal of Bible teaching

The Goal of Instruction

• Shift from just teaching the Bible to achieving the objective of love
• Emphasizing love for God and others as the ultimate goal of Bible study

Biblical Support

• Reference to Matthew 22:37-40: Love God and love your neighbor
• The importance of these two commandments encompassing all the law and the prophets

Transformation Through Bible Study

• Purity (2 Timothy 2:22)
  • Flee youthful lusts, pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace
  • Ongoing process of becoming pure, initiated at salvation
• Integrity (2 Corinthians 7:1)
  • Importance of a good conscience, integrity, and living without hypocrisy
• SincereFaith (1 John 1:7)
  • Living by faith that matches what is believed

Personal and Spiritual Growth

• The distinction between the means (studying the Bible) and the end (transforming love)
• Example of Johannes Vermeer's paintings showing ordinary scenes infused with spiritual significance

Conclusion

• Encouragement for Seminary Students
  • Reminder of the bigger goal beyond academic study
  • Personal testimony of sustained excitement and growth in Bible study
  • Emphasis on loving God and others as the true measure of success

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement for the journey ahead and the relationships to be formed

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.