about Noeo

This may sound like a strange way to encourage you to try these Bible studies, but imagine having some Pharisees attend your small group. We think of them as the “bad guys” of the Bible, but really they were meticulous rule-followers who were more concerned with knowing the Law than understanding God’s intentions in giving it. The truth is, if they came to our Bible studies, they would show up on time, with all their homework completed, having all the right answers. Their lives would look good on the outside. 

I’ve worried over the years about being a bit of a Pharisee (aside from the showing up on time part, which knowing me, would not happen). I love studying the Bible, doing my homework, and knowing all the things! But if I stop there, I miss the point. We really need to do more than just know the information in our Bibles. How are we doing, personally and corporately, at representing Jesus? What do we say when someone asks us what we believe and why? How should we handle disagreement or opposition? Let’s have a conversation about these things, as well as our own doubts, questions and concerns. My hope with Noeo Bible studies is to provide a tool that goes beyond the right answers, one that helps us think carefully about what we say we believe.

One unique feature of Noeo studies is that the time spent together in your small group won’t be focused on going over the homework. There will be time for clearing up problems or questions, but the big idea is to use the homework as preparation for a conversation about what was studied.  There is a “Talk about it” discussion page following each week of lessons, designed to encourage thoughtful dialogue, raise tough questions we should wrestle with as believers, help us put words to what we believe, and to challenge one another toward personal application.

Choosing a name for this study series was more difficult than I expected. I was looking for something that would reflect my heart for both asking thought-provoking questions and allowing God’s Word to impact us. Somewhere in my writing process I stumbled on the Greek verb noeo, and it seemed to fit what I hope we will all do with God's Word. It can be translated as:  to perceive, understand, think carefully, consider well, apply mental effort, reflect, ponder, heed. It is my sincere prayer that these studies will help us all to look deeply and honestly at the Word of God, and better represent Him to the world.