“And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.”—Colossians 4:16 (ESV)
From the beginning, the Scriptures were intended to be read, interpreted, and studied within the context of a thriving community. This truth hit me recently as I was studying Colossians. And since I was studying it in the Faithlife Study Bible, sharing this insight with my own community was a snap.
When I got to Colossians 4:16 in my readings, I was reminded of the importance of being part of a community of believers whose shared lives revolve around the Word. I was also reminded of a Bible study some of us at church were talking about starting. Sharing this verse, with a reminder to my church’s Faithlife Community group about getting that study started, seemed like a great idea.
I simply highlighted the verse, right-clicked, and then chose the “share to Faithlife” icon (example). Then, from the dropdown menu, I chose the group I wanted to share this verse and message with, and I wrote my message (example). If I’d wanted to, I could have right-clicked the passage, chosen “Add community note” (example) and shared my note in the Scripture text itself.
Not only would people from my church group see this message when they log in to their Faithlife Community (example), they’d also see a note when they’re reading through Colossians in the Faithlife Study Bible. My note would show up inline with a little icon (example). Clicking the note would open a Community Notes pane (Logos 4 example).
Sharing notes with Faithlife Community groups, creating corporate reading plans, and forming discussion groups around books and Scripture are amazing ways to anchor your community in God’s Word.
If you haven’t downloaded the Faithlife Study Bible, it’s free through March 2014!
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4 Reasons the Westminster Bible Companion Is for Everyone
Ever needed a point of entry into a difficult Bible passage, whether for a sermon, a Bible study group, or your own understanding? The Westminster Bible Companion series has you covered. It’s researched and written with such clarity and precision that anyone could benefit from using it.
In this in-depth, approachable series, such renowned scholars as Walter Brueggemann, J. Gerald Janzen, and Eugene H. Peterson inform your study of God’s Word. Pre-order this balanced commentary and discover why it reaches to the masses.
1. It’s a commentary for your congregation.
Written with the everyday churchgoer in mind, these volumes offer applicable exegesis and valuable insight that speak to everyone.
2. It’s a commentary for your students.
These commentaries have been used by students for graduate-level exegesis and beyond. The classroom conversation never runs dry when the Westminster Bible Companion series is present, and it provides these very same study benefits for Bible study groups.
3. It’s a commentary for you.
For years, the Westminster Bible Companion Series aided pastors in sermon preparation, helped professors in research, and gave Bible study leaders points of entry for talking about difficult texts. Containing verse-by-verse commentary on the Bible’s entire text, this is easily one of the most accessible, complete commentaries you can find.
4. It’s hard to beat Pre-Pub prices.
See for yourself why this series is loved so dearly by student, pastor, and layperson alike. This “everyone” commentary is truly priced for everyone, to boot! Westminster’s preorder price is $249.95—if you were to order Westminster as hardcover copies, it would cost you over $800. This is easily one of our most affordable yet complete commentaries.
Head over to the Westminster Bible Companion Series page and read some of its sample pages. If you like what you see, grab it while it’s still on Pre-Pub. Once these books ship, the price will go up to our regular figure—$399.95.