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YOUR BIBLE
"From page one to the final word, we believe the Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. This diverse collection of ancient books overflows with wisdom for our modern world.
As we let the biblical story speak for itself, we believe the message of Jesus will transform individuals and entire communities."
- The Bible Project
WHAT IS THE BIBLE?
When you pick up the bible you may think “Woah, this book is huge!” and you are not wrong. This is partly because the bible is actually not just a book. It is a library of books getting its name from the greek word “Biblia” or “Books”.
It is a collection of 66 books from over roughly 40 authors written over the course of 1,500 years. It contains various types of literature and themes, and were written to audiences coming from a variety of backgrounds, and contexts.
This is sometimes why reading the bible can be confusing – or feel like it’s going over your head. But here is the thing: The books contained in the bible were written by people under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so we call it “God’s word” because we believe that through that inspiration he is revealing his heart, character, and will to us, and for today.
Watch this short video to better understand what the Bible is.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU ARE READING.
When you pick up the bible it may feel daunting. Usually people start on page one, and very quickly it can feel odd, even out of date. There’s a lot going on here, so it’s okay if maybe you have done that, and then got up to the first couple of pages, and thought “This is strange, I am out.” We’re glad you are back at it if thats the case.
Understanding what you are reading will play a huge role in your enjoyment, and ability to apply it into your life.
There are three really helpful things to understand: Understanding the story, how it’s being told, and who the main character is.
There are three really helpful things to understand: Understanding the story, how it’s being told, and who the main character is.
UNDERSTANDING THE STORY AND HOW IT'S BEING TOLD
Understanding the story of the bible.
Understanding the literature of the bible.
It helps to start with some understanding of WHAT you are reading. Namely you are reading an epic unified story about God and his relationship with humanity. It is a story that starts in creation and continues to a vision of Jesus returning to set all things right. Theres a helpful video of that called “understanding the story of the bible.”
It also helps to understand that you are not reading a modern novel, or text book. There is deep and profound literature contained in scripture with different styles techniques and aims – it helps to have some understanding of that. Check out “understanding the literature of the bible”
Understanding the story of the bible.
Understanding the literature of the bible.
UNDERSTANDING THE MAIN CHARACTER.
The bible is split up into two main sections; the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Old Testament mainly revolves around the redemption story of the Nation of Israel, through their covenant with God. It reveals God’s law and heart for holiness and justice, and also reveals how we as humanity could not possibly meet God’s perfect standard. This is re-enforced time and time again through the writings of the prophets who look forward to a coming saviour.
The New Testament reveals that saviour as Jesus of Nazareth. The long awaited messiah. It reveals how through him, God’s redemption plan for all of humanity jumps the national and cultural borders of Israel as he had always intended it to.
This is the main point – God came for us when we could not do it on our own.
WHERE
TO
START?
With a little understanding it makes approaching the way that you read the bible way more accessible.
We suggest starting with Jesus. Namely we suggest starting with the book of Mark.
We also suggest watching the bible project video that corresponds with the book of Mark to help you understand the context, themes, and literary techniques that give your reading of it tons more depth and meaning.
And last but not least – we suggest journalling as you journey through the bible. There are a whole bunch of reasons why this is great advice, (better memory retention, the ability to look back on it your thoughts and prayers, ensuring greater depth of internalization and understanding… etc.) and it is a great practice to hold. We recommend using SOAP as we find it checks all of those boxes.
We put that on your bookmark to make it super easy – but it’s down below again in case you have no idea what that is supposed to mean.
SOAP
SOAP is a simple and effective journaling method to help you engage with what God is speaking through scripture.
It is an acronym that breaks down a journal response into four sections.
Anytime we open our bibles, it is good to begin by praying. Ask God to speak to you through his word.
Read whatever passage you are intending to read for your allotted time. (again start with the book of Mark)
As you read be aware of verses that jump out at you. If you need to, read the passage more than once. Once you have read it is time to journal.
Start with SCRIPTURE by writing down the specific verse or verses that stood out to you (you can just put the reference ex. Mark 4:39, or write out the whole passage ex. 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.)
Then make an OBSERVATION about that verse (or verses) that stood out to you.
Next write down how that verse has APPLICATION in your life, and how that scripture and observation is relevant today.
Finally write down your PRAYER that you are compelled to through this exercise. It may feel strange to write down prayers, but it is a great exercise in asking God for something specific and being able to look back in the future.
THE BOOK OF MARK
Jesus was not the king the people were expecting.
Mark’s account doesn’t shy away from the unexpected nature of Jesus’ arrival on Earth, but he also makes clear that Jesus is who he says he is: the Jewish Messiah and the son of God.
Many of the Jewish people hoped that the Messiah would come to overthrow the Romans and rule as king, but that wasn’t what Jesus did. He came to serve and to usher in God’s Kingdom on Earth. And he didn’t come in royal authority and power—he came to humbly sacrifice his life in order to save his people.
Who Is Jesus?
The Gospel of Mark is a carefully crafted story that asks the reader: is Jesus the Jewish Messiah? Mark includes specific details and story to show Jesus’ messianic authority and identity as God’s son. He’s making a case for who Jesus is, and he leaves the answer up to the reader to ponder. What will you choose to believe?
SOAP
QUICK
GUIDE
SCRIPTURE
What verse stood out to you?
OBSERVATION
What do you see in the verse you are reading?
APPLICATION
How can you apply what you just read to your life?
PRAYER
Ask God to help you use this scriptures truth in your life, take time to listen.
What verse stood out to you?
OBSERVATION
What do you see in the verse you are reading?
APPLICATION
How can you apply what you just read to your life?
PRAYER
Ask God to help you use this scriptures truth in your life, take time to listen.
GO
Even from home, or in a different city the call of Jesus is to go and make disciples of all nations.
If you are looking for ways that you can connect with Nova Church Online to help serve and “GO” we would love to connect with you.
GIVE
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SERVE
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