Arise & Shine For Jesus Ministry
The Waste Places Shall Be Restored, Isaiah 58:12
Now What? Day 3 - How Can I Understand The Bible?
Today's Bible Reading: John 7, 8, and 9 Chapters
As I told you in chapter 2, the Bible is one of the best ways by which a person can grow spiritually. There are five ways by which the Bible can become a part of your life.
HEARING THE WORD
Notice that I often refer to the Bible as "The Word." This is because it is God's way of communicating with us. We use our words to express ourselves to others; God uses the Bible to express Himself to us.
Because hearing is one way of receiving the Word of God into our lives, in these first days and weeks of your Christian experience form the habit of attending every church service possible. There you will hear the Word of God.
But Seek Ye First, The Kingdom of God, Matthew 6:33
Home
Form the habit, too, of sitting near the front of the church, so you will not be distracted. Always take your Bible and look up passages the speaker refers to. Take notes; it will help you remember helpful points.
READING THE WORD
Another way to get the Word of God into your life is to read it regularly. The kind of habits we form determine our character, and one of the best habits you can form is to read the Bible every day.
Set a reasonable pace for yourself. Start by reading fifteen minutes in the morning and perhaps the same amount before going to bed at night. Carry a New Testament and read it during lunchtime.
For your devotional reading, use a Bible in which you can underline with a pen and perhaps write notes in the margin.
MEMORIZING THE WORD
Notice that each of these gets a little harder. But memorization is one way of obeying the verse, "Thy word have I hid in my heart" (Psalm 119:11.)
Start with some of the verses I am listing each day. First look at the various parts, noticing what each really means. This is very important. Then notice the importance of the words. For example, in Psalm 119:11 the important words are "word," "hid" and "heard." Memorize the reference too.
MEDITATING ON THE WORD
If you heard, and read, and studied, and memorized the Bible, you have something to meditate on. In the many spare moments during the day--working around the house, waiting for an elevator, driving down the street--you can put your mind in gear. If you can't sleep at night, try thinking about a passage or verse from the bible.
UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE
There's nothing mysterious about the Bible. Just think of it as God's way of talking to you. However, this outline will help you understand any part of the Bible, long or short.
POINTS.
(1)What does this passage or verse say?
(2)What are the various parts?
(3)What are the subjects it speaks of?
PROBLEMS
(1)What does this verse or passage say that you don't understand?
(2)Write down the problems and find the answers later, by your study or by asking an older Christian.
PARALLELS
(1)What similar thoughts are found elsewhere in the Bible?
(2)The more you study, the more help you will have here
PROMISES
What blessings and helps are stated or implied?
PERILS
What warnings do you find?
PRECEPTS
What commands are stated or implied, for you to obey?
Bible Study For Today
John 7:14, What attitude will help a person to know if certain teachings are true?
John 7:37-39, What happens to the one who believes on Jesus?
John 8:31, How can we really be Jesus disciples?
John 8:32, What will the truth do for people?
GOOD VERSES TO MEMORIZE:
John 7:37
John 8:12
John 8:32
© 1964 by Gospel Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Isaiah 60:1, Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen thee.
