How To Read The Bible: Unpacking Our Recent Equip Night
Hello, Mission Church family!
Our recent Equip Night focused on a fundamental and important topic—How To Read the Bible. The Bible isn’t just a book; it's a roadmap, a comfort, and a place to encounter the living God. But, let’s be honest, it can also be a challenge. During our discussion, many of you shared that the biggest hurdle is simply maintaining focus and diligence amidst the myriad distractions of daily life.
The Challenge of Distraction
I shared about when I started to read the Bible and suddenly found myself planning how to rearrange the garage. Sounds familiar? It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in finding that the enemy often tries hardest when we’re trying to focus on God’s Word. It's a reminder that reading the Bible is not just an intellectual exercise; it's a spiritual discipline.
Building a Plan and Community
One of the key takeaways from the night was the importance of having a plan and not going at it alone. Reading the Bible in community not only helps us keep accountable but also enriches our understanding as we share different insights and perspectives.
Piper’s IOUS: A Guide to Prayerful Reading
Many found John Piper’s IOUS method particularly helpful. Before reading, we pray:
I—Incline: "Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain" (Psalm 119:36).
O—Open : "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law" (Psalm 119:18).
U—Unite : "Unite my heart to fear your name" (Psalm 86:11).
S—Satisfy : "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love" (Psalm 90:14).
These prayers prepare our hearts and minds to engage deeply and fruitfully with Scripture.
Tips and Tools for Effective Bible Study
To further support your journey through the Bible, here are some recommended resources that align well with our reformed theology and the Acts 29 vision:
1. The Gospel Coalition : Offers a wide range of Bible reading plans and in-depth articles that discuss theological themes and practical application.
2. Ligonier Ministries : Provides thorough study guides, devotional materials, and a helpful blog that tackles both simple and complex biblical questions.
3. Desiring God : Home to Piper’s writings and sermons, this site offers profound insights into how to engage with God’s Word passionately and persistently.
Dive Deeper
For those who want to go deeper, consider joining one of our Discipleship Groups where you can engage with others and tackle the scriptures together. Be sure to use the "Four Foundational Questions" to ask every time you read the Bible:
1. What do we learn about God?
2. What do we learn about people?
3. What do we learn about relating to God?
4. What do we learn about relating to others?
Wrap Up
As we continue our journey through Scripture, let’s encourage each other to approach God’s Word with hearts that are inclined, eyes that are open, spirits that are united, and desires that are satisfied by nothing less than His steadfast love.
For The Gospel,
Billy