Reading, Understanding and Memorizing Scripture Makes us Stronger

Review the video and Scriptures below.  Why do you think it is important for every Christian to read, understand and memorize the Bible?

• Why Engage the Word (This is a promotional video, but the content in the beginning is very valuable)
• Psalm 119:10-12 
• James 1:22-25
• 2 Timothy 3:15-17
• Psalm 119:105

There are many ways to know and understand Scripture 

• Take a few moments and review this video on how NOT to study the Bible.  It is a different kind of video, but it has an important lesson. Not this way... 
• The Bible is written in various languages and versions.  Talk to your mentor about which translation will be best for you.  Compare a variety of different translations.  A very inexpensive way to access different versions is to visit www.biblegateway.com .
• Your mentor can help you understand some of the basics on how to use your Bible.  He can also help you find a good starting place.
• Attend church.  Listening to the pastor's sermons, attending Bible studies, and fellowshipping with others from the church provides numerous opportunities for you to understand and apply important priciples from the Bible.
• Practice the discipline of reading a portion of the Bible each day.  As you read, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you.  When you have finished, write down your thoughts.  What is God trying to say?  Is there a truth I should know?  Is there a promise I can rely on?  Is there a sin to avoid?  Is there an action to take? 
• Study the Bible with a group of friends. Make sure the leader is experienced in understanding  and teaching the Bible.  You can join our mailing list and receive weekly Bible studies. Or find a Bible study by visiting the MOSAIC wibsite.
• Memorize Scripture.  Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." 

More Serious Bible Study

In his book, 12 Steps in the Master's Plan, Obed Jauregui gives some excellent tips on how to study the Bible:

We do not fill our bodies with a large amount of food and then starve ourselves for two or three weeks. It would not be healthy. What is true for us physically is also true spiritually. Consistency is crucial for good spiritual health. Here are a few ideas that might help you:

1.      Choose a good time without interruptions. Then discipline yourself to keep the schedule.

2.      Study in the same place. Preferably, this will be a place with good light and will have a table where you place your Bible. This will help your body to dedicate more time and your mind to adapt more quickly to the Bible study. It may be at home, in the office, or even in the car.

3.      Keep at hand all your needs: Your Bible, dictionaries, paper, etc. Today your computer can be an incredible resource. Put it to good use by exploring the various Bible study tools that are currently available.

4.      Ask God to give you understanding. The Holy Spirit is the greatest teacher, and He will guide you in the treasures that you are seeking.

5.      Ask yourself three questions about every verse or small portion that you read:

·         What does it say? This is "observation". Be sure to understand the context of the words. Try to answer the questions who, what, when, where, for what, and how in each passage.

·         What does it mean? This is is "interpretation". Search into the thoughts and the teachings of the author. What did he want to teach his original public? How would they have understood the teachings of their world?

·         What does it mean to me? This is "application". With all sincerity, self examine if you have:

   i.      Sins to abandon.

 ii.      Promises to claim.

 iii.      Examples to imitate.

 iv.      Commands to obey.

v.      Obstacles or mistakes to avoid

Each day, at the end of the Bible study, you will discover that God speaks to us through His blessed word and according to our personal need because he knows us, loves us, and wants to help us in our daily life.