the bible: read it for yourself
The Basis
The basis on which this resource has been developed is:
The Bible is the Word of God
It is "God breathed" and all sufficient (1Timothy 3:16).
It is accessible to all
Though the teaching ministry is vital in the church, everyone may engage with the scriptures and hear God’s voice for themselves.
The Aim
The booklet presupposes no background knowledge and is intended to be an encouragement to all, even those with little or no knowledge of the Bible, to read it carefully for themselves with the expectation that God will speak to them. It provides:
- Some help in reading this particular type of Bible literature;
- A model for approaching the Bible to "Hear the Word of God";
- Background information about the book;
- Explanatory notes about contemporary customs and religious words whose meaning is not self evident in the text. Encouragement to share your reading of the Word of God with others.
A model for approaching the Bible
Below is a general model for approaching any authoritative writing. It is being applied to reading the Bible on the understanding that God has spoken in His Word, and continues to speak through it into the lives of those who are open.
LOOK - What does it say?
- The Text
- What questions does it raise - Who, Why, What, when, where, etc?
- What surprises you or catches your eye?
- The Context
- Are there things in the surrounding text or are you reminded of other passages in the rest of the Bible that may shed light on this one?
LEARN - What does it mean?
- How do you answer the questions that the passage raises – What is being conveyed through it?
- Summarise what the passage is saying in a few sentences.
LISTEN - What is the point?
- What is the main point or message?
- Which verse(s) might best sum up the passage’s message?
- How do you think it does this?
LIVE - What should you do now?
- What does it show about God?
- His character and nature?
- His grace *
- His gift of Jesus **
- How did God want the people then respond?
- How does God want you to respond?
* God’s grace, his generosity to undeserving mankind, is fully revealed in his gift of Jesus. However, it is evident through the history of all his dealing with man.
** The history of the Bible after the fall, describes Gods plan to retrieve a people through the gift of His Son. The Old Testament prepares for and foreshadows this and the New Testament reveals its fulfilment. Thus all the Scriptures speak in some way of Jesus. (Luke 24:27)
Books available
- John's Gospel;
- Nehemiah;
- Esther;
- Jonah; and
- Galatians.