Our Purpose

THE WORD OF GOD

Blue Book, Turning

THE BIBLE

Congratulations! As a new believer, you now need to start reading the Bible that contains the directions to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the reward of eternal life. Throughout the Bible, Jesus has given us guidelines to establish our relationship with Him and help us continue to have that relationship grow and become more and more a part of our lives. Everything we need to establish this personal relationship and to make it grow is contained in God's Word.

Where Do I Begin?

It is important to remember that the Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramiac, and Greek. All English Bibles are translations of the original languages. You will find subtle changes between various publishers so don't be alarmed. All are doing their best to translate the original languages into your every day English. At some point, want to refer to study helps that explain the nuances of Greek and Hebrew, but for now, just concentrate on obtaining a study Bible with a concordance, some cross-references, a topical or subject index and some basic maps. These will greatly enhance your reading of God's Word. You will also want to choose a contemporary translation such as the New International Version (NIV) or the New King James Version (NKJV) for easier reading.

Reading, studying and applying God's Word is one part of the communication between God and man. That is, God speaks to us in His Word and we listen and respond. Let's move on to the next part where we learn to talk in two-way conversation with our heavenly Father.

A NOTE ON TRANSLATIONS

Perhaps one of the most difficult problems in reading the Bible for the first time originates with the question of where to begin. With even the most avid reader, the scriptures seem a most formidable task to read from beginning to end. Although an experienced Bible student can cover Genesis to Revelation in a year or two, we do not encourage a new reader to attempt this at first try.

We encourage new believers to begin their study of the Bible in the Gospel of John. Jesus declares in John 14:15-17 that if we love Him, He will ask the Father to send us a Helper, the Spirit of Truth, to assist us in our studies, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." This means that your first task at hand is to solidify your relationship with Jesus Christ, receiving God's Spirit to help you fully understand His Word. Who is Jesus? Where did he come from? Where is he now? What did he teach? All of these questions and more can and must be answered by a thorough reading of the Gospel of John. John himself explained that the purpose of his gospel was to help us "...believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31).

Once the Gospel of John has been read, proceed through the letters to the various churches (Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians), other gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke), 1st John, James, 1st and 2nd Peter, and Hebrews. These will help you to understand the basic principles of the Christian life and faith. Once this has been accomplished, you might consider beginning a systematic study throughout the entire Bible. This is just a suggestion. The important thing is to let the Lord lead you as you learn to follow Him in every area of your life.

In reading or studying the Bible, remember these Pointers:

1. Ask Jesus to give you spiritual eyes to understand spiritual matters, For example, pray like this, "Jesus, help me to understand Your Word so that I may live it daily.

2. Think about what you read. Meditate on it. God uses His Word to speak to us, strengthen us, change our lives, purify our actions, and shape out thought. Hebrews 4:12 says, "The Word of God is living powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Let God's surgery change you into the person He wants you to be.

3. As you read, ask yourself questions related to the Scripture: Is this a promise I must respond to? "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life" (John 6:47). What must I do to obtain this?

Is God showing me something that I should do? "Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven..." (Mathew 10:32, 33) What must I do to be acknowledged in heaven?

Is there something for me to watch out for? "Watch and Pray so that you will not fall into temptation, "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Mark 14:38). Am I doing this?

Is there something that God wants to give me? "I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28).

4. As you read certain passages, you will find that Jesus is asking us to be obedient to His wishes, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you" (John 15:12).

5. Put into practice in your daily life what you have read in the Bible, "Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22).

For more insight on th importance of God's Word, look up these passages in Psalm 119, verses 9, 11, 15, 16, 24, 49, 93, 98, 105, 130, and 160. We're sure they will give you a solid understanding of why the Bible is so important to the Christian. Helpful Hint: Don't forget to use the index in the front of your Bible to locate the various books when studying on your own or following along at Bible studies. It takes time for all of us to find our way around Scriptures!