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People Matter to God

Reading the bible can be overwhelming. There are so many people, stories, and teachings. It can all be a little (or a lot) confusing. I have friends who see the Old and New Testament as in conflict with one another, so they dismiss the bible, not recognizing the value in it.

When I read or study the bible I follow the simple inductive approach of asking questions about the passage I am reading. Finding answers to the 5Ws & H (who, what, when, where, why & how) is an important key to understanding what the bible says.

Start with Who

Start with the oblivious…if you are reading a New Testament book, start with the author. What does he say about himself? His life, faith, or his struggles?

No matter where you are reading in the bible, try to learn about the original audience. Who was the book written about? Or who was the book written to? Where did they live? What was happening with them? What was their culture like? How were they struggling or doing well in living out their faith?

Next, although most importantly note is said about God and Jesus. How are they described? What teachings or instructions are mentioned?

Make a List

I like to make lists…of all the things I need to remember. I have the general to-do list, today’s grocery list, and a someday list. I also make lists in my bible study journal about God and Jesus. Keeping a list of what I have learned from my bible study helps me in several ways. First, writing it down helps me remember what I have studied. Second, I include the scripture reference, so that I can find it again when asked about it. Third, a list helps me build a more complete picture or understanding about God and Jesus.

Start Today

Open your bible…read one chapter of a book. What did you learn about the author? What did you learn about the original audience (recipients)? What was said God and Jesus? Start your list. Think about what you have written…how does it align with what you had believed? Pray about your list…by asking questions or offering thanksgiving and praise.

Isaiah 45:5 “I am the Lord, and there is no other;

Besides Me there is no God.

I will gird you, though you have not known Me;

6 That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun

That there is no one besides Me.

I am the Lord, and there is no other,

7 The One forming light and creating darkness,

Causing well-being and creating calamity;

I am the Lord who does all these.

Does it really say that??

A case for studying the bible inductively or the danger of isolation in interpretation.

Hebrews…what comes to your mind? Is it Hebrews 11 – the “hall of faith” chapter? Or maybe you think of it as the “by faith” chapter, as it lists many Old Testament examples of people who lived by faith.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

What you may not think of is who wrote this letter…why he wrote it or even to whom he originally wrote. When we only pick out a favorite verse from a book of the bible, or even a chapter, and ignore the reason for the verse, we run the danger of misunderstanding it and misusing it.

On the other hand…when we read the entire book or even an entire chapter of the book and look at the verse in the context is was written, we are more likely to understand the intended meaning of the verse from both the author’s perspective and more importantly from God’s perspective. Remember…

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.    Hebrews 4:12