The Study of Scripture
The study of the scriptures as contained in the Bible is listed first on our list of Values. We wish to help you in your study of the Bible and so we encourage you to:
1. Read the Bible
2. Study the Bible
3. Meditate on Scripture contained in the Bible
4. Memorize Scriptures from the Bible
We have organized helps for you in each of these areas. Get acquainted with the word. Become a student of scripture and taste and see that the Lord is good!
#1 Read the Bible
Book-at-a-Time Bible Reading Plan
Alternate between Old and New Testament books. This plan has readings for 6 days a week, allowing you to catch up on the 7th day, if needed.
52 Week Bible Reading Plan
Read through the entire Bible in one year with this plan.
Survey of the Bible 61 day Reading Plan
Read highlights from every book of the Bible in 61 days with this plan.
Family Reading Plan
Read through the entire Bible once a year and the Psalms & New Testament twice, includes suggestions on how to use the plan for your family. Prints out to a handy two sided tri-fold.
Why Should We Read the Bible? Article from gotquestions.org
Put it into action: Pick one of the above reading plans, click, print and start reading today.
#2 Study the Bible
Audio: Power Not Power message by Mark Rutland
Click on sites below for a huge variety of study materials from different Bible translations, commentaries, encyclopedias, dictionaries to Bible History and maps! Check out all the sites and pick your favorite.
Put it into action: During your reading time use one of the links above to look up a word, read a commentary or look at a different bible translation. Join a Bible study!
#3 Meditate on Scripture
The act of calling to mind some supposition, pondering upon it, and correlating it to one's own life....
Most references to meditation occur in the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms. The Hebrew words for meditation primarily were derived from two separate roots. The first (hagah) literally means “to utter in a low sound.” The word is used to denote the growling of a lion (Isaiah 31:4) or the cooing of a dove (Isaiah 38:14). Therefore it has been suggested that, in ancient Hebrew meditation, Scripture frequently was recited in a low murmur. The second root word (siach) has the basic meaning of “to be occupied with,” or “concerned about.” Thus meditation is the repetitious going over of a matter in one's mind because it is the chief concern of life. The constant recollection of God's past deeds by the hearing of Scripture and repetition of thought produce confidence in God. (From Holman's Bible Dictionary)
The Bible says to meditate on the Word of God. Psalm 1:2 says, "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalm 119:97 says. "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long." Joshua 1:8 reads, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
Put it into action: Try it! Commit time every day to meditate on a portion of scripture.
Want to understand meditation better? Want motivation? Read the article below:
#4 Memorize Scripture
MEMORIZE (mem·o·rize) to learn and remember something: to commit something to memory.
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11
Encourage yourself in the disciple of memorization by reading one of these good articles:
Why Memorize Scripture By John Piper © Desiring God Website: desiringGod.org
How to Memorize Scripture & the Topical Memorizing System
taken from: navigators.org
How Do You Memorize Scripture?
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
Put it into action: Start today. Pick a Bible verse and memorize it!