WATER BUGGING THROUGH THE BIBLE

Like a water skipper skips across the surface of a pond
pausing here and there for a morsel of food
darts off in different directions
without getting her feet wet
we skim across the surface of the Bible
pausing at a verse or two
looking for things we already knew
without getting our feet wet
plunge into deep waters below
drench yourself in words
that make you stretch and grow
your head saturated with excitement
and your heart filled with wonder and surprise.
                                                         - BJ 1991

FIVE SIMPLE STEPS FOR A BEGINNER IN BIBLE STUDY

A good prayer to begin with is Psalms 119:18 "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."

Vernon McGee once said, “Reading the Bible without the Holy Spirit is like reading a sun dial at midnight.”

Choose a short passage of scripture or a chapter to study, on your own  or for a weekly Bible discussion group. 

1. Read the text over as many times as you can fit in for a day or two. You may not understand what you read the first time through. the second time through a couple of things will stand out or bring questions to your mind. As you read through the passage again you will be amazed as little details sort of jump out at you. 

2. Simple observances - Who is mentioned in the text? When did the event take place, BC or AD, Where, country, city, in the wilderness, on a rooftop, in a courtyard? What’s happening, just the facts. If it’s a narrative, what facts and actions take place. If it’s a teaching passage, pay attention to the words and sentences structure. Write a note or two; in a note book, the margin of your Bible, or the back of an envelope. 

3. Ask questions that start with What? Why? How? Describe the  drama and dynamics of the event(s)stories actions and reactions. Ask What it mean at the time it was recorded? Then, you are ready to say what it mean today. Ask more questions — Why did Jesus speak in parables? How did the people respond at that time to Peter’s Pentecost Sermon? How should we respond. List main principles, themes, promises, commands and  truths  and build on them.

4. Ask“So what” questions. “So what” do these words  mean to me personally. Is there a challenge, a sin to forsake, an action to take, an example for me to follow?  Take a wide view first — how could  this passage make a difference in the world around me, In my church community, and in the lives of close friends and family; then ask — what difference will these words  make in my life today. If it doesn’t fit today, or this week; store it, in your mind or a note book, or on the inside cover of your Bible; it may work for you tomorrow, next Tuesday or next year. With an open mind you will discover something new about the Lord, something new about you. Find a key word, verse or thought you can take with you as you close the book, leave the study desk and walk into life.   

5. Surprise! By the end of a week you will have something to share with a friend, in your discussion group, or make a change or turning point in your own life.

When does God’s word begin to work in your life? When you find yourself doing it!

BJ-1990