The second session of Gongchen Academy, “Introduction to Bible Reading,” launched by Gongchen Church in mid-July 2024, has concluded its ten lessons. The course, led by the Rev. Jiang Mei of the church, aims to help participants grow in the daily reading of the Bible.
This session focused on key topics presented by Jiang, including the three mentors of biblical interpretation, the three guiding principles for interpreting the Bible, the primary literary genres within Scripture, the essential mindset for reading the Bible, the proper approach to Bible study, and the fundamental principles of biblical interpretation, according to Gongchen Church in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
Jiang emphasized that the three key guides for interpreting the Bible are the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, personal reasoning and logic, and church teaching. She identified theology, history, and literature as the Bible's three primary literary genres.
Regarding the attitude toward Bible reading, Jiang highlighted the importance of humility, urging Christians to seek understanding through reason while humbly submitting themselves before God. She also referenced Romans 12:2, emphasizing the need for a renewed mind: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," so believers may increasingly reflect the heart of Christ. Additionally, she stressed the necessity of seeking the Holy Spirit's enlightenment, as the Bible is divinely inspired and represents God's voice to humans.
Jiang also encouraged believers to learn from companions, teachers, and senior Christians who have a wealth of spiritual experience in their faith journey.
After each class, believers engaged in discussions centered around the questions Jiang had posed. For instance, they explored how to apply biblical interpretation principles in their daily readings. Various participants shared that, after attending Jiang’s class, they became more mindful of key interpretive principles and actively incorporated them into their study, which significantly enhanced the quality of their Bible reading.
Academy" training program in May to strengthen the spiritual lives of ministry staff and better equip them for service. Sessions are held every Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the small chapel on the church’s first floor.
The first session "Practice of Devotion", led by the Rev. Xu Qing of the church, helped the participants gain a deeper understanding of personal devotion, clearer guidance on how to practice it, and have begun building a daily habit of devotion.
The third session "The Gospel of Matthew", is ongoing, taught by Rev. Ying Huifang of the church, a retired Zhejiang Theological Seminary teacher.
从2024年7月中旬开始，拱宸学园第二期课程《读经入门》举行，由浙江省杭州市的拱宸堂江梅牧师带领 ，目前十次课时的《读经入门》已经结束。
据该教堂报道，在本期课程中，江牧师主要从圣经解释的三位导师、圣经的三大写作类型、读经时重要的态度、正确的读经之路、解释圣经的原则等几个方面来讲述。
该牧师指出，圣经解释的三位导师是：圣灵的光照、自己的理性、教会的教导。圣经的三大写作类型分别是：神学、历史和文学。而在读经的态度方面：当基督徒用理性来寻求的时候，应当谦卑俯伏在神面前。次外，心思要更新，不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化（罗12：2），使我们越来越能够以基督的心为心；第三就是求圣灵光照，因为圣经都是神所默示的，是神自己对我们说话。同时，信徒需要同伴、教师，以及年长的基督徒，因为他们有丰富的生命经历。
每次的课后，信徒们都会讨论江牧留下的问题。如：谈谈解释圣经的原则在自己平时读经生活中的运用。很多信徒表示，听了江牧的课后，大家有意识地关注了解释圣经的几大原则，并且加以思考和运用，有效提升了自己读经的质量。
目前每周五晚上，开始了拱宸学园第三期课程《马太福音》的学习，由浙江神学院荣休教师、教堂的应惠芳牧师讲授。
拱宸学园第二期课程《读经入门》学习侧记
The second session of Gongchen Academy, “Introduction to Bible Reading,” launched by Gongchen Church in mid-July 2024, has concluded its ten lessons. The course, led by the Rev. Jiang Mei of the church, aims to help participants grow in the daily reading of the Bible.
This session focused on key topics presented by Jiang, including the three mentors of biblical interpretation, the three guiding principles for interpreting the Bible, the primary literary genres within Scripture, the essential mindset for reading the Bible, the proper approach to Bible study, and the fundamental principles of biblical interpretation, according to Gongchen Church in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
Jiang emphasized that the three key guides for interpreting the Bible are the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, personal reasoning and logic, and church teaching. She identified theology, history, and literature as the Bible's three primary literary genres.
Regarding the attitude toward Bible reading, Jiang highlighted the importance of humility, urging Christians to seek understanding through reason while humbly submitting themselves before God. She also referenced Romans 12:2, emphasizing the need for a renewed mind: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," so believers may increasingly reflect the heart of Christ. Additionally, she stressed the necessity of seeking the Holy Spirit's enlightenment, as the Bible is divinely inspired and represents God's voice to humans.
Jiang also encouraged believers to learn from companions, teachers, and senior Christians who have a wealth of spiritual experience in their faith journey.
After each class, believers engaged in discussions centered around the questions Jiang had posed. For instance, they explored how to apply biblical interpretation principles in their daily readings. Various participants shared that, after attending Jiang’s class, they became more mindful of key interpretive principles and actively incorporated them into their study, which significantly enhanced the quality of their Bible reading.
Academy" training program in May to strengthen the spiritual lives of ministry staff and better equip them for service. Sessions are held every Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the small chapel on the church’s first floor.
The first session "Practice of Devotion", led by the Rev. Xu Qing of the church, helped the participants gain a deeper understanding of personal devotion, clearer guidance on how to practice it, and have begun building a daily habit of devotion.
The third session "The Gospel of Matthew", is ongoing, taught by Rev. Ying Huifang of the church, a retired Zhejiang Theological Seminary teacher.
Hangzhou Gongchen Church Completes Bible Reading Course
