We recently introduced a new Bible reading method called Ante Faciem Dei, which means “Before the face of God.” It’s not the only method of Bible study, and it’s also not an entirely brand new approach to reading Scripture. Instead, we have collected some of the basic principles of Biblical hermeneutics (Biblical interpretation) along with key insights from other Bible Study resources and organized them in a way that fits with our core values of Eternity, Identity, and Community.
Where does the idea of reading “before the face of God” come from?
The Old Testament Scriptures are replete with references to the “Faciem Dei” – the face of God. The Hebrew word for the face of God is “panim,” and it often refers to God’s holy and favorable presence. In Exodus 33, the cloud of God’s glory descended at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and the LORD spoke to Moses “face to face.” In Psalm 27:8-9, we read that King David sought the face of God, meaning that his heart’s desire was for deep, abiding communion with God. And because of Jesus Christ, who is the gospel, we are guaranteed intimate, loving relationship with the Triune God forever (Hebrews 9:24; Colossians 1:19). Jesus Christ is the dwelling place of God’s glory. 2 Corinthians 4:6 states, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
We developed this method to encourage you to study the Holy Scriptures and meditate on the gospel regularly, personally, and in community for the ultimate purpose of deepening your intimacy with God. Together we are seeking His presence and joyfully living all of life under His authority and for His glory in humility, gratitude, and worship.
What is the Faciem Dei Bible Reading Method?
The method is designed to guide your personal study of Scripture and Community Group discussions by first encouraging you to slow down and remember why we read the Bible in the first place – to encounter the living God. The Holy Spirit who authored Holy Scripture (2 Peter 1:21) is same Holy Spirit that grants us the ability to understand it. Humbly depend on the Holy Spirit’s illuminating and transforming work.
Next, read your selected passage three times. Pause after each reading to ask yourself a series of provided questions. Feel free to record your answers in a journal. This will help you reference them later for Community Group.
Where can I get a copy?
We have printed copies available at the Information Table in the Foyer. Please take a copy and leave it in your Bible or journal for quick reference. Or you can access it here from our website.
Does this replace the Community Group Discussion Guide?
Sort of. We will continue to prepare a discussion guide for each text that we study in a more abbreviated form. This will include a few questions specific to the passage. However, Community Groups will primarily focus on discussing the answers to the questions posed on the Ante Faciem Dei card. This is meant to teach God’s people how to read Scripture and study it in community rather analyzing a sermon. So, in order to share with your Community Group, it’s important that you first read the text on your own and listen for God to speak to you through His word.
We hope that Ante Faciem Dei enriches your Bible reading experience. And we pray that as you read, you will “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).