As a student in the Masters of Theology program at Ohio Christian University I find it necessary to create this blog beginning with the subject of “How to Study the Bible."  First and foremost the bible is the word of God, and is inspired by God the creator of the universe.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."  Therefore in order to do the will of God one most know the will of good.  The only way to know God’s will for our lives is to study his word, which is found in the Holy Bible.

Effective Bible Study

  In order to have an effective bible study it is important to have a bible with the proper translation that you can understand.  I like the King James Version, but I also read from a much easier text in the New Living Translation also known as NLT. So find yourself a good bible and make a goal to read it daily.  I would suggest that you begin by praying and asking God for understanding and revelation of his word before you read.  Matthew 7:7-8 KJV or King James Version says “ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

     According to God’s word you can expect to gain knowledge and all that you are looking for if you seek it.  You should also pick a book in the bible that you would like to read.  Of course you can start with the book of Genesis and work your way through to the end in Revelation. But I was taught to take a little at a time, and read to understand it not just to read it.  It was suggested to me to read from the book of proverbs in the morning, and to read a psalm at night.  Proverbs is a book of wisdom with thirty-one passages.  You can actually read a proverb each morning and start your day off with the mighty wisdom of God.  You can then read a psalm which speaks of God’s praise, his wonderful works, and awesome power.  When reading the bible do it consistently.  Also re-read the bible because you can gain understanding and new meaning each time you do so depending on what is going on in your life at the time.

Christ-like life

     In order to live a Christ-like life it’s important to study the bible and to learn about the key people in the bible and their stories.  When you start with the book of Genesis you learn about how God created the heaven and earth from nothing.  You also learn about how God created the first man and woman Adam and Eve.  It’s important to know where we came from and what God expects from mankind.  All of this and more can be found in various books of the bible.  In following Moses and the children of Israel we learn about a forty year journey from bondage to the promise land.  There are many stories of miracles and God’s mercy towards his chosen people.  When we learn about different people in the bible and what they have gone through it helps us to learn more about ourselves, our faith, and what great things God has planned for us.  As we look at the lives and challenges of others sometimes we can see ourselves.  We can also see God’s faithfulness in how he brings biblical characters through many trials and tribulations.  Through reading God’s word, and fellowship with other believers we learn how to live a victorious Christ-like life.

Practice of Christian Ministry

     The practice of Christian ministry comes through many different facets.  As believers of Christ we must study God’s word to show ourselves approved, but we must also fellowship with the body of believers.  The bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25 KJV “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."  So it is important for us come together as a body of believers to learn, support, and strengthen one another.  The bible says that “iron sharpens iron, so does a man sharpen the countenance of his friend” Proverbs 27:17 KJV.  It’s encouraged that followers of Christ read the word of God regularly, and attend church where the word is taught.  Not only should we attend church, but we should get involved in a ministry and be active.  Furthermore, when a Christian attends church he or she should look to learn more by taking courses in discipleship, or any training that will increase one’s knowledge of Christ.  It’s great to read the bible and other support materials, books from notable pastors, Christian magazines, articles etc.  The more we surround ourselves with the people of God, and read his literature, the more Christ-like our lives become.