Tag: Bible study

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.

Life changing bible study

I had read and studied my bible for years and knew “the church answers”, yet I lacked a desire to share my faith and the confidence to defend it, if questioned.  Then several years ago I started studying the bible inductively. This simple three step approach (see other resources for inductive study steps explained) allows me to study through a book at my own pace, following the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Now when I finish studying a book or sometimes even a chapter, I can’t wait to tell someone about what I have learned.  Often my husband and I will spend Saturday mornings sitting at the kitchen table with blibles open as we study the word of God together.  Yes, studying the bible inductively has been life changing!

Below are a few tips I have learned to help you stay in the word and enjoy the life changing benefits of it.

1. pray through

We need to continually pray through our study time.  Asking for God’s help and the Spirt’s leading to teach us.  Our goal is not to gain knowledge of the bible but to deepen our relationship with the author!

2. schedule in

As with any relationship, we need to schedule time to talk with and listen to God.  It works best for me to have my quiet time in the mornings.  If I get busy with the day before sitting down with the bible I seldom do.

20130411-150135.jpg3. write down

Writing lists, summaries or questions I have help me to better understand and remember what the text is saying.  I use a simple compostion notebook as my study journal.

4. mark upIMG_1235

Marking repeated words in a paragraph, helps me to recognize the theme of the passage.  The marking slows me down, keeps my mind engaged and I am better able to understand what I have read.

5. look around

When come to a verse or even a word I don’t understand, I look up cross-references.  It is not unusual for me to spend several minutes flipping back and forth in the bible, reading cross-references and jotting down notes.  If I still have questions, then I will turn to a bible dictionary or commentary.

6.  think about

Meditating is the best way I have found to remember and live out the truths of the bible.  Throughout the day, I will prayerfully think about a particular verse, biblical principle or instruction I have learned, asking God to show me what I need to do in light of this truth.

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