Studying the bible

All top shelf athletes have a training regimen they repeat every day to be at the top of their game. Followers of Christ should strive for a daily training regiment of Bible study if they want to develop into fully matured followers of Christ. If we are to hear from God, we need to establish the habit of regular Bible study. We want you to get to know God personally and obey what we hear from Him. Daily devotions are of upmost importance in the life of a Christian. When you miss a day, you will notice. When you miss two days, your spouse and kids will notice. And when you miss three days, your world will notice. For a lifetime of growth, personal Bible study is paramount.

Soap

For a lifetime of spiritual growth, consistently spending time with God's Word is essential. At Cheraw First a number of things through the years have helped our church grow but one thing will stand head and shoulders above everything else - daily spending time with Jesus in His Word. Self-feeding will be the heart of a healthy Christian and a twenty-first century church. We like using the SOAP method of Bible study; Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.

Scripture

As you read a particular passage in God's Word, ask the Lord to bring home to your heart one text in particular. That is a prayer the Holy Spirit loves to answer.


Focusing on one main thought or truth from your daily Bible reading can speak more to your heart than volumes of eloquent verbiage. Allow God to speak an apt word to you by focusing on one main thought from your daily reading - not five, ten, etc.


Big Idea: What is the one verse that speaks to you today.

Observation

The question is never "Does God Speak" but rather "Am I listening?" To best hear from God you must still your heart. 


As the Holy Spirit highlights one single thought, observe carefully what the verse says. Think about to whom the passage was originally addressed and why it was written. Ponder its meaning, its tone, its purpose. Ask the questions; Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How as you observe the verse.


Big Idea: What is God saying? Journal about it in your own words.

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Application

After you've carefully observed what the text says, take time to write out how you plan to put into practice the lesson God has just brought to your attention. Application answers the question, "How does this verse or thought apply to me?"


"God is not interested so much in making you happy and healthy as He is in making you holy." 

Adrian Rogers


"Only the Book without error can correct

and control our erring lives."  David Jeremiah


Big Idea: How will I be different because of what I have just read?

Prayer

Finish your time in Bible study by talking to God through prayer. Use the Scripture you just read as your guide.


Ask Him to help you apply what you have just read and learned. Don't forget to tell Him how thankful you are for the power of His Word! 


"We were created to live a life of prayer."

Billy Graham


"Satan can't keep God from answering our prayers, but he will keep us from asking." Adrian Rogers.


Big Idea: Write out a prayer in response to what you have just read and journaled.