Bible Study

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Your growth and effectiveness as a disciple (follower) of Christ will take place as you prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in reading and studying the Bible. It is easy to listen to other's comments and read their books, but there is NO SUBSTITUTE for your own personal reading and studying the Word. Otherwise you are just studying about the Bible rather than the Bible itself.

Recommended Study Bibles

A good study Bible is essential It will provide cross references to other verses with the same or similar content. Key words will be define and study notes help fill in background information. It also includes Bible era maps and a concordance, a listing of verses by key words to help you find verses in the Bible. The two Bible to the left are highly recommended.

Regular, faithful Bible study allows you to gain an intimate, personal relationship your Father in heaven. There are no shortcuts to this process.

In Hebrews 4:12 we read

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (ESV)

Several simple points flow out of this verse:

  • The Bible is a living document, not an old, dusty, history lesson from thousands of years ago. A very common reaction to reading and stuyding the Scriptures is for believers to find it speaking to them personally
  • It is an active document, it has impact in a believers life on a daily basis, meeting personal needs
  • It is sharper than any two-edged sword, it cuts both ways, it convicts of sin on the one hand, and lances the wound to allow healing to proceed on the other, cutting to the very heart of the matter

Other verses that are helping in our understanding of the scope, power, and authority of the Bible is found in 2 Timothy 3:16:

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV)
  • All scripture is given by inspiration of God - literally breathed out by God
  • It is profitable - it has value
  • Profitable for doctine - contrary to the thinking of many, doctrine is a very positive thing. It is simply an orderly understanding of what Scripture teaches about God and the duty required of us
  • It is profitable for reproof - showing us our faults and convicting us of sin
  • It is profitable for correction - the Bible does not just point out or faults and failures, but provides corrective directions on how to walk properly
  • It trains in reighteousness - providing instruction in Godliness
  • This then produces a believers who is complete, that is equipped with everything necessary for all the good works God calls us to do.
  • Ephesians 4:26-31 lists areas where God's Word points out faults in our lives . Psalm 119 points out the psalmist's experiences with God's Word. This psalm teaches that God's Word gives directions for living. Verse 9 asks, "How can a young man keep his way pure?" Read Psalm 119:9 and write the answer to this question. As God's Word takes root in your heart, your faults and defects will be corrected by the Bible's influence
  • God's Word Is Profitable for Instruction in Righteousness (godly behavior). Bible study is your spiritual food. Just as your physical body benefits from nutrients in the food you eat, your spiritual life benefits from consistent Bible study. Jeremiah 15:16 says, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them."
  • There Are Several Methods of Learning God's Word. One of these can be compared to the fingers of your hand. It is easy to lose your grip if you hold something with only one or two fingers. If you hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate on God's Word, your grasp of its truth will become a firm part of your life
  • Hear—Write Romans 10:17 below. Listen to your pastor's sermons and to Bible studies. Take notes on what you hear. • Read—Write 1 Timothy 4:13 below. Set a goal to read a certain amount from the Bible each day. For example, read one chapter daily from the Gospel of John. • Study—Write 2 Timothy 2:15 below. When you study, ask the following questions: • What promise is there to claim? • What example is there to follow? • What command is there to obey? • What sin is there to confess and forsake? If you haven't done so already, enroll and faithfully attend your church's Bible study. • Memorize—Write Psalm 119:11 below Memorizing Scripture gives you the opportunity to share God's Word and assists you in overcoming sin. Seek to memorize at least one Scripture verse every week. • Meditate—Write Joshua 1:8 below. Meditation is spiritual digestion. It is analyzing and dwelling on a verse over and over. Meditate on a Scripture verse during the day as you drive, rest, walk, jog, or play.

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