Do you regularly check out and believe the Bible or find it irrelevant for our world today? Man I still, after thirty three years, find it very interesting and relevant. In fact I can’t seem to get to the bottom of this Book. And Oh, what peace I enjoy when reading or listening to it via MP3s!
People have questions today. The Bible has answers! People have problems today. The Word of God is our Solution. It doesn't even mater what the question or need is, the Word of God is the Answer. He addresses it. Jesus Christ, the living Word, can meet all your needs!
Do we believers ever outgrow the need to memorize or internalize God’s Word? No way! Putting God’s Word in your heart is kinda like planting seeds that will eventually bear the fruit of a righteous life. This is so important!
If you are faithful in reading God’s Word, you can be sure that you’re growing thereby; and if you’re hiding His Word in your heart, you’ll be rejoicing to meet Him on high. ~Hess
Do you have questions for when you study that can help you think deeply and grow spiritually? The Bible may be way old, but its truths are always new.
Fresh!!!
We don’t study it for mere head knowledge. Who wants to become puffed up like a religious Pharisee who doesn’t do what Scripture says?
We dig in because we desire to worship the Lord better, to mature spiritually and to practically help others with God’s truth as they apply it. So many people lack understanding. Too many preachers are unclear. We need to be ready to explain the Scriptures in terms people can understand.
Ask for wisdom and ask God to use you to fish with His Word!
Perhaps in this high-tech world that we live in, there is a new application of an old truth that God will show you as you pursue Him and meditate upon His Scrptures?
One thing to remember… the Bible wasn’t written to us but it was written for us. So with that in mind here are some good questions for any fisher of people to ask as you prayerfully read your Bible.
1. Who is the author of this letter, book, or passage?
2. When was it written and who was it written to (the recipients)? Why?
3. What can I find out about the historical context, the location and background of this book?
4. Can I see a general outline or structure emerging in this passage?
5. How many repeating words can I find and without over spiritualizing the text.. is there any significance to this repetition?
6. Can I discover any prominent theme or unusual words here that call for deep, closer, better investigation?
7. How does the passage fit into the surrounding paragraph? Chapter? Book?
8. What is the reason for the author placing this passage or verse here and not in some other context?
9. In a nutshell, what does the author want us to know and do? Can you put these in two sentences?
10. What is the main point of this passage?
11. Can I see intercession or personal evangelism ..or anything that reveals the missionary heart of God in this text (if you can, perhaps this verse could become the main nugget as you appeal in whatever sort of altar call that God leads to present, pastor/study leader)?
12. How do I think this passage would have touched or affected the original audience?
13. Is there an eternal truth or principle that can be applied to my own culture where I live?
14. How does this text reveal the urgency, compassion, burden or holiness of Jesus Christ our Savior?
15. How does God desire to see this passage function in my life?
16. What kind of response does this passage call for from you?
17. Can I see ministry happening in the text as a natural outgrowth of spiritual strength from a person’s walk with Jesus? How specifically did the person get so strong in the Lord? Did they put personal worship ahead of ministry service to others? How do you do that in your own life?
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ~2 Timothy 2:15
Give me the insight, Lord, as I hear Your Word today, so I will truly understand Your Message and Your way. ~Monroe
Now we have received.. the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. ~1 Corinthians 2:12
Do you ever tweet the Word, or inject God's truth into a Facebook conversation? Why not? Do you ever ask for permission to share a Bible verse when you are telling some fellow student or work friend about what Christ has done in your life?
Maybe there are some more questions to ask that you’d like to add to this list? Feel free.
