BY STEPHEN CHAVEZ, managing editor, Adventist Review

revival in spiritual things is always preceded by an increased emphasis on personal Bible study. Whether it's the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, the Great Awakening of the eighteenth century, or the Advent movement of the nineteenth century, personal Bible study is not only the spark that lights the fire of spiritual renewal, but the fuel that keeps it aflame.

If there's a downside to an increased emphasis on personal Bible study, it's that many people use the Scriptures as ammunition to fight those with different interpretations, rather than studying the Bible for inspiration and insight about how to live a more godly life, a life more in harmony with heaven's eternal principles.

Ellen White wrote: "It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones" (The Desire of Ages, p. 83).

Making Christ's character--as revealed in all 66 books of the Bible--the focus of our daily study may not help us win every argument about the Bible, but it will surely help us reflect Christ's love to the people with whom we interact every day.

The leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is recommending that every congregation set aside one week in January 2004 for an emphasis on spiritual renewal in preparation for this Year of World Evangelism. Begin with a systematic study of God's Word, corporately or individually. If it doesn't change the world, it will at least change you.