Faith Essentials 2: HOW DO I READ THE BIBLE?

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Video

Please watch the Video 'How Do I Read the Bible?' before starting this study.

After all that God has done for us, His mercy and kindness, we can't help but love Him. When you love someone, you want to discover more about them. You want to talk to them and have them talk to you. The bible is the way God speaks to us.
What a gift to be able to have God speak to us every day!

The bible really is a gift for us to enjoy.
Look up Psalm 19.7

What are the benefits of reading the bible that it lists?

LIFE'S TOOL

The Bible is an essential tool for your ongoing Christian growth.
The Bible is the Word of God. It was written by various people who were called by God and inspired by Him to write it.
The Bible is God’s handbook for life. He knows the best way for us to live. It is in the Bible that He shows us how to live in such a way to experience the fullness of life. God caused the Bible to be written so that we would know Him better and know His plans for our lives.
His Word shows you who you really are, who He made you to be and how to live this new life in Christ.
God's word will become a cherished tool to you as it helps you get through life's toughest challenges and seasons.

Look up Psalm 119.105 in your bible.

Why do you think the Bible is described as a ‘light’?

FOOD FOR YOUR SPIRIT

God will speak to you as you read the Bible by drawing particular verses to your attention which will provide answers, encouragement or will challenge you about things in your life. As you read the Bible you will find that it is ‘spiritual food’ that will strengthen and encourage you.

Matthew 4:4 (NLT) Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Your faith will grow as you feed upon Gods word. Faith comes from hearing the bible. The more you know of Gods Word, the more your faith strengthens.

HOW DO I READ THE BIBLE?

There are various ways to read the Bible. You need to find the best way for you.

* It is a good idea to start with one of the Gospels in the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. These books tell you about the life of Jesus.
* There are great Bible studies on the YouVersion Bible App which can be used on your smart phone, or Tablet. (Take a look at some with your guide.)
* Find a quiet place where you can concentrate and won’t be distracted.
* Before you read, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you are reading. Expect to hear from God.
* You will find certain things will stand out for you. Pay special attention to them. Having a highlighter ready could be useful and a notebook you can write down the things that stand out. God may be wanting to talk to you about these things or wanting to teach you something.

The Bible is a big book. Be patient in getting to know it. It will take time, but as you read it each day, you will become more familiar with it.

JOURNAL WITH S.O.A.P.S

Journalling is simply writing down what God reveals in His word to you. It helps you get the most understanding out of Gods Word and helps you apply the word so that you may obey it.

1 John 2:4-5 "If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him."

S - SCRIPTURE: Write down the Scripture chapter or verse you are looking at.
O - OBSERVE: Think about who was it written to? Write down what stands out to you?
A - APPLY: What would change in your life if you applied this verse to your situation?
P - PRAY: Pray about this topic and ask for Gods help to change your heart and life.
S - SHARE: Who could you share this word with as an encouragement? It's a blessing to receive from God, and an even greater blessing to give!

PRAY

Lord, I thank you for your Word that helps me to know you and your ways. Help me to prioritise your word in my life. Help me to apply it to my life and obey you in every area of my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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