By Stan Counsell | Countywide Women’s Bible Study
For more than 50 years, the Countywide Women’s Bible Study has marched forward, teaching various topics and books of the Bible that bring honor to Jesus Christ and uplift His followers. The study of both Thessalonian books is nearly completed, with recently facilitated topics like what a believer is and what a Christian is. A new topic is soon forthcoming — Matthew 24. This Bible chapter has been a somewhat “hot button” for some in American Christendom, especially in the last century.
A common concern of many Christians is, “I simply don’t understand parts of the Bible.” And, who can blame them with numerous conflicting religious books, TV speakers and ministries that often cause brain cramps within the Body of Christ? But, when biblical confusion gives way to an understanding mindset, Christian growth excels beyond wild expectations. Fear is replaced by sound faith, world/national events no longer needlessly complicate lives. Growth and understanding creates a different person who breaks free of confusion and even fear. Christian ladies become just like a new butterfly, finally free of its cocoon. now fully prepared for flight and a new life.
John 8:32 records Jesus saying, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This, and many other biblical quotes, lead Christians to want to understand the truth from the Savior who said in John 14:6, “I am (Greek: I AM) the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me.” Don’t believers long for the truth that leads them to the Father, gives them real life and freedom? From the Greek, the word “know” often means “to be resolved, be sure, to understand.” Or, as one professor taught, “You know the truth so well, it’s as if it attached itself to you.” It doesn’t mean having our brain discombobulated with conflicting opinions. Understanding, like a cool Pagosa mountain breeze, is soothing to our mind and spirit.
With a profound love for God’s Word, and unending research, the study’s facilitator has tackled scriptures and Bible topics with complete fairness, free of hidden agendas. The discussions are open and joyful. Who says one can’t laugh and still learn? It is never too late to attend as each study has a refreshing overview of the previous week’s study. All interested ladies are openly encouraged to attend. Your background is not an issue: Protestant, Charismatic, Evangelical, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, or nondenominational. Even the curious are most welcome.
Roberta (‘Bert) Counsell is an ordained women’s pastor from an international Christian organization encompassing over 4,400 churches in 116 countries. She is a skilled Bible teacher and former chaplain for the American Red Cross, U.S. Border Patrol, an AIDS hospice and ministries to sufferers of sexual addictions. She endeavors that all discover Jesus Christ’s love, forgiveness and salvation. She is known for her humor, simplicity and non-lecturing style. She loves a casual atmosphere with laughing feedback from the ladies. Along with her husband, ‘Bert has been active in pastoral ministries for 37 years.
The difficult is easily addressed each Tuesday morning from 10 to 11:30 at the former CrossRoad Christian Fellowship building in the spacious confines of the fellowship hall. The address is 1044 Park Ave., right across the street from the Recreation Center. For more information or if you have questions, please call Counsell at (970) 264-9931. She’ll be more than happy to take your call. Bring your Bible of preference, laugh, learn and make numerous new friends.
