If someone offered you a bible study, what credentials would you look for in that person?

Their understanding of the scriptures? The historical knowledge? What religion they were?





How would you feel about someone that offered and then never spoke to you again about it?





How would you feel about someone who offered and then brought a bible that you didn't recognize and another book written by their religion as a study guide, and they only opened the bible for a few scriptures here and there only?

If someone offered you a bible study, what credentials would you look for in that person?
Hello,





For me:





1) Understanding the scripture





2) Have a historical of the ancient world including politics, the economies, sociology, intrigue as well as the other religions of that time.





In my opinion you really cannot have one without the other.


As for a study guide, if it helped to explain some of the scriptures and how they pertain to today's life I would not have a problem.








If someone offered and then never spoke again about it, I'd figure they were just being polite in conversation but really not interested in going through with it.





Cheers,





Michael Kelly
Reply:All of the above :)





On top of that I would look at the person's character -- if someone who didn't lead a good life offered, I would not want them 'teaching' me anything. I'd also take in to consideration their motivation -- is it out of friendship, concern, conversion...
Reply:If I were to join a Bible study, the person I was going with would have to be extremely hot. That, or we'd have to be studying it as the collection of myths and stories it is.
Reply:I recommend you read and study the Bible on your own. Start in the New Testament.
Reply:1- If they allowed me to pray 1st. YES


2- If they want to prove they are correct by using any other source than the Bible, they can only teach me lies or are in a cult.


3- If they have to come in two's and one is a novice, chances are - Mormon or Jehovah witness - both cults.


But I say bring on the study. God will show up and one may get saved. I used to put tracts on ALL their cars while they were in church learning lies.


I would not debate with them, but show them God's Love, God's Son. and His plan through the Bible. I would address mistakes in their books and see if they could explain the contradiction (without being arrogant).


In short - I would open in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to do what He does best. Lead us into truth and bind up demonic forces in Jesus name.
Reply:The only criteria I would have is whether or not I can find something better to do with my time.





Peace to you.
Reply:1) The primary credential is the willingness to use - and base everything - on a bible. I am not adverse to bible study with anyone, credentials or not.





2) Offered and never spoke - well, *if* I refused, then I would understand if they never spoke to me of it again. An *occasional* offer (say, once or twice a year) would not go amiss, though.





3) Not using bible - I'm OK with this too. The problem here is, if anything in the "extra" book contradicts what I believe, then the "presenter" is going to find that out from me very quickly. I will ask *why* he believes the things he believes, and I will not be satisfied with "that's what we're taught", and I will make that plain. When someone tries to "sell" me on a belief contrary to one that I currently hold, I am always open to it - but it must always be confirmed by scripture, or I will most likely not adopt it. If it in any way appears contrary to scripture, then I *definitely* will not adopt it.





Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/
Reply:Forgive me the lack of modesty but I would not have to ask or look for credentials. I would know within ten minutes how much that person understood of the Scriptures, how much historical knowledge he had, and easier than all, the religious background.
Reply:I'd want them to be a Rabbi...for sure
Reply:Credentials: same faith as you, formal biblical education, patient.