"Jesus thus calls on people to live as he lives, in contradistinction to the agonistic, competitive form of life marked by conventional notions of honor and status typical of the larger Roman world. Behaviors that grow out of service in the kingdom of God take a different turn: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Extend hospitality to those who cannot reciprocate. Give without expectation for return. Such practices are possible only for those whose dispositions, whose convictions and commitments, have been reshaped by transformative encounter with the goodness of God." - Joel B. Green

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The Letter Kills: 4 Quick Tips On How To Read Your Bible


4 Quick Tips On How To Read Your Bible
1.    Get in the presence of God. Most people (especially young people) gloss over this concept and jump directly into the text without first preparing their heart. Although God will speak whenever His word is read[1], the Bible reading becomes a chore rather than blessing. The texts often become stale and monotonous. Before entering into God’s word, ask Him to soften and prepare your heart to hear his words—He is always speaking through the Bible, slow down your day and try to hear what He is saying.
2.    Read a small portion very slowly. People often ask me, “Where should I start reading the Bible?” Usually I guide them to stay in one of the gospels, Ephesians, or the Epistles of John. The best results come in taking Scripture reading in small portions and reading it slowly. Meditate on one, two or three verses. Memorize the verse and let it really sink into your heart. Read this:
2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
One could read the whole book of 1 Corinthians, understand the purpose of spiritual gifts, but miss the heart of God and what He is speaking. Let his words become part of your heart. The information should lead you to know Jesus more—if it does not do that, it is not fruitful. [2]
3.    Ask questions and look for answers. Ask and write down all questions when reading Scripture. For example, read Philippians 2:5-11. Begin to ask questions like, “What does it mean that Jesus was in the form of God? “ or “How or what did Jesus empty of himself?” Ask theological and personal questions. If the Bible says in verse 5 “Have this mind among yourselves…” then “How do I live a life that reflects the life of Jesus?” Maybe you can ask yourself, “Where in my life am I not being a servant like Jesus…and how can Jesus help me change?” Ask questions always and when you cannot find answers ask your pastors or senior leadership for clarity.
4.    Look deeper into the text. After you have worked through the first 3 steps, begin to look for more depth in the scripture. You can do this by buying a study Bible—I personally prefer the ESV Study Bible because of its deepness and precision.[3] Another good source is through commentaries. You can Google the New Testament book you want to focus on, say the Gospel of Matthew, by typing in, “Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.” There are some decent, and free commentaries out there and also good, but "pricy" ones (You can find those on Amazon)—although I would still suggest using the ESV study Bible to begin.
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