Bible Study
Bible study
This describes most people in the world we have created for ourselves. We have built our homes in luxury, bought our shiny new cars, and made sure our children wanted for nothing. Yet, we are not that happy and most of the times we cannot pinpoint the why.
Now is the time to take a personal journey, find the path to our inner happiness and everything else will fall into place. "Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead! " Peter 1:6 There is a fail proof plan that has more substance than the newest fad climbing up the NY Times Bestseller's list. Even better yet, you probably have the master plan in your house hid for special occasions, but if it is so special why is it hidden?
Find the family bible and instead of looking at it as ancestry documentation think of it as your new life coach. If your bible is a ceremonious tomb and you want something more accessible you can find out which bible would best suit your Bible Study needs. If you like poetry, literature, and the sounds of exotic words rolling off your tongue the King James Version is for you. Now there are Bibles you can download directly to your computer which is a great resource to have. If you are in need of a Bible for your desktop or lap top computer Click Here!. If you want a layman's terminology so you are not tripping over words you do not understand the New American Standard Bible, which is the same exact translation but is written in every day language. There is the Amplified Bible, which is for a deep studying but can be quite intimidating. One verse can be explained in paragraphs. Last, there is the New International Bible. This is written in a modern age context. This is not an exact translation verse by verse it is a translation on the same ideology. Once you are determined, which bible matches your level of study you are ready to begin.
A bible dictionary, a blank notebook, and a study guide are also some tools that will assist you. A bible dictionary will help you look up words to see their origins. Sometimes the depth of a word is lost in translation. A notebook for you to write down questions, thoughts, and record your journey will be a useful tool. A study guide can direct your bible study in the route that interests you the most.
Next, acknowledge Bible Study is going to take a commitment. The benefit of your studies will not be realized unless you are dedicated. Do not have the time for your regular life let alone another project? Do you make sure you do not miss your favorite show every week? How much time do you spend on face book? The cell phone? Like everything else in your busy life, you must make priority for the important things. Schedule this into your life. Pick your quiet space, shut off all potential intrusions; they will be there when you get back.
The one way to make bible study manageable is to pick a chapter, character, or event that interests you the most. This way you will not be so intimidated to start. There is no rule you have to start in the beginning and go to the end. The Old Testament is stories that introduce us to God and how he influenced those who believed in him. The New Testament is the birth and teachings of Jesus Christ.
A most critical step in bible study is to go in with a clear and receptive mind. You are reading God's masterpiece, start with a prayer, and ask for assistance. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you and watch over you. " Psalm 32:8 How often do you have the chance to sit and have a frank talk with an author about their book? He will help you clear your mind and your understanding will be a greater depth. Meet him in quiet and calm, an almost meditative state.
Read completely the chosen book. Have a notebook next to you as you read, ask yourself questions, write notes on how this applies to your life and how to translate this to self-improvement. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you." I Corinthians 3:16
Next its time to begin your actual bible study, look at the verses, break them down; if you are using the standard version look up the King James Version and hear the rhythm of the words. Use your bible dictionary and look up the origins of the original text. Absorb what these words mean to you, how they can expand your self-absorbed life. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. " John 14:27
Now here comes the next step. No knowledge in the world is helping anyone if it is kept hidden away. Put your newfound knowledge to practice in your life. This is in fact the gain of bible study. The Bible is not just a pretty storybook; it is a road map to the way of truly living your life so you feel fulfilled and joyful. "Happy is the man who finds wisdom and understanding for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and profit better than gold." Proverbs 3:13,14
This does not mean you have to stand on a corner ringing a bell proclaiming the second coming. This is to be your very best person. We were created after God's own image. It was his will for us to be vessels for his love, patience, and understanding. Practice love, true love for your fellow man. Be patient when the girl in the checkout line is slow and awkward. A word of kindness can stay with a person for days and just may be the cornerstone to seek his or her own personal journey.
It really doesn't take long to digest God's word if you stay at it on a regular basis. After a while you will be ready to teach others either at your church or at home with a smal group. For a great resource to help teach the Bible Click Here!
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