Encounter God. Live Transformed.
why read the bible?
People often ask, how do I hear from God? The Bible is the written Word of God. Meaning, you read the Bible, you are listening to what God wanted to say. We read the Bible to get to know Jesus and How he lived which helps us today.
Introduction
The Bible is the infallible Word of God, God breathed, authoritative and foundational for the existence of mankind.
how did we get the bible?
40 authors over 1050 years wrote the Bible with one common theme, Jesus Christ is the savior.
Bible basics
Old Testament – 39 books
New Testament – 27 books
Together make up The Bible.
Deeper understanding
The Bible has been proven by scientists, archeologist and historians to come to the same conclusion, Jesus was in fact who He said he was.
Understand it
Read it.
Read prayerfully.
Read expectantly.
Pray what you read.
live transformed
S.O.A.P. – Look below to how to get the Word of God in you to transform you.
Bible Study | S.O.A.P.
The SOAP method works like this:
– S for Scripture. Read prayerfully. Take notice of which scripture(s) catches your attention and mark it in your Bible. When you’re done, reread the verse(s) you marked and look for one that particularly speaks to you. Write it in your journal.
– O for Observation. Focusing on that scripture, tune in and listen to what God is saying to you through His Word. What is it about this scripture that specifically stands out? What does God want to reveal to you or teach you? Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide and show you what God is saying.
– A for Application. Think of how this verse(s) applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or correction for a particular area of your life. Use your journal to write how this scripture applies to you today.
– P for Prayer. Wrap up your SOAP time in prayer. Talk to God about what you’ve just read. This can be as simple as thanking Him for revealing a truth from the scripture, or it may be asking Him for greater insight or wisdom as to how it applies to your life. Remember, prayer is all about relationship. It’s a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say.
That’s it! S.O.A.P. It is as simple or deep as you want it to be. This in a easy to use method that will help you learn how to study the Bible. If you can read consistently, prayerfully and expectantly, I can assure you, your walk with God will never be stronger.
where to start
If you are not sure where to start reading your Bible, read in the New Testament, with the gospel of John (4th book). Read 1 chapter per day for 21 days and follow the above steps to live transformed.
Foundations Next step
encounter god
get baptized
read your bible
