Engaging the Bible

 

    Engaging the Bible means that you have an approach to reading God's Word.  Christians need to make an effort to reading the Bible out loud and silently, study different translations, memorizing verses, praying scriptures, and journaling thoughts and prayers.  When you are with other Christians you should discuss what you have been reading and study God's Word together.  

    The way you engage the Bible reflects your adoration for God.  If you don't have any alone time with him, how can you love Him?  Reflecting on what you read means you are listening to what He is saying to you today.  Spending time in God's Word is a form or worship.  You worship God for who He is and His great Character.

    When you worship God, confess any sin or just your need for Him.  Take a real look at yourself and who you are without Him.  See your sinful nature.  It is the only way you will ever ask for forgiveness.  You have to ask and ready to change for God to be able to forgive you.

    Hold onto thanksgiving in your heart for all of God's beautiful blessings.  Praise Him for your salvation.  When you are able to acknowledge all He is doing for and in your life, you can go to Him with confidence for supplication.  Supplication is asking God for help in meeting needs or to work in someone's life.

    The sooner you start reading the Bible, the easier it gets.  The Bible is God's Word.  It is broken down into books and scriptures.  This helps you memorize verses or passages.  The more you are in the Bible the more you have revelation, inspiration, illumination, conviction, and training.  God's Word causes transformation from the inside out.

    Salvation comes from hearing God's Word and believing.  Once you have salvation true transformation begins with the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  The more you submit to obedience to God, the more you will grow spiritually.

    Training by God's Word is important.  It is learning expectations and how Jesus lived.  Training is learning to accept reproof and correction to be more righteous.  Teaching helps you grow in truth.  Reproof gives discipline.  Correction gives restoration.  You need all this to face temptation, life problems, and pressure and not crumble.  You have to be intentional and committed to the Bible to be able to utilize all the tools that God has given you.

1 Chronicles 16:34-35, Psalm 51:7-15, 139:23-24, 145:1-3, 147:1-6, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 6:18-20, Philippians 2:12-13, 4:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, & 1 John 1:9-11