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This is a study of what the Bible says about God, Christianity and life. A biblical perspective will always be applied. While other materials may be cited, the biblical viewpoint will be the final authority in each lesson. Since the Bible is understood by faith (Hebrews 11:3) believing what it says will result in the most profitable study.
Read I Thessalonians 2:13 and note that the Bible is not the word or words of men, but the Word of God, the truth and that it works effectively (effectually) in those who believe it.
How do the words or phrases in I Thessalonians 2:13 distinguish the Bible from other books?
The Bible can be read anytime and anyplace by simply opening it and selecting a passage. Every word, verse, chapter, book and Testament stands on its own. The best approach to understanding and applying what the Bible has to say, is to maintain a systematic reading schedule that takes you through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Read I Timothy 4:13 and notice the purpose of reading is to receive exhortation (or encouragement in seeing all that God is and does) and understand and apply doctrine (which are the truths that God teaches throughout the Bible)
When a person accepts Jesus Christ as his/her Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells the new believer. The Holy Spirit’s job is to bring things to remembrance that have been read and use them to explain other things.
What have you experienced when you’ve read your Bible in the past?
Read John 14:26 to understand how the Holy Spirit brings things to a believer’s remembrance.
Read John 16:8-11 to understand how the Holy Spirit interacts with people who are not believers. He convicts them (or brings a verdict of guilty) of their sin because of their refusal to believe on Jesus, of righteousness, because Jesus went back to the Father, where only the righteous can go, and of judgment because sin and Satan will be judged by God.
The Bible explains itself and the Holy Spirit helps our understanding. Consistent, daily reading will also make this time profitable.
Read I Corinthians 2:12-13 for an example of how the Holy Spirit helps us understand things in the Bible by comparing them and bringing them to our minds as we read.
List some questions you have about the Bible or any subject it covers.
Finally, note how the Psalmists repeatedly asked the Lord to help them understand the Bible and the wondrous things that God had said and done.
Read Psalm 119:18 and notice the importance of prayer in conjunction with reading to understand the Bible and the will of God.
Believe – Pray – Read – Grow in the knowledge of God
Read each section before meeting and write down any questions you have about the verses in order to make the best use of the time spent with your Foundations’ partner. The appendix serves as a quick reference guide listing terms and definitions.
Discipleship is not a process of education as much as it is the adaptation of the Word of God in such a way that it changes our lives. Therefore, it is not designed to increase our knowledge as much as it is to change our conduct.
List questions you have about God, the Bible or the Christian life. Keep a running log of these and the answers as you work through the Bible material. Ask God to help you understand the Bible and find the answers to your questions as you go. You can also discuss them with your Foundations partner but it is more exciting to find them yourself as you progress through the Bible. Record any insights you receive from Bible reading or questions you’d like to review with our Foundations’ partner.