STEP 1:
GOD’S PLAN-PEACE AND LIFE.
God love you and wants you to experience His peace and life. The Bible says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (JOHN 3:16 NJKV).
STEP 2:
OUR PROBLEM-SEPERATION.
Being at peace with God is not automatic, because by nature we are separated from God. The Bible says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (ROMAN 3:23).
STEP 3:
GOD’S REMEDY-THE CROSS.
God’s love bridges the gap of separation between God and you. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says: “(Jesus) Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness –by whose stripes you were healed” (1 PETER 2:24, NKJV).
STEP 4:
OUR RESPONE-RECEIVE CHRIST.
You cross the into God’s Family when you receive Christ by personal invitation. The Bible says: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (JOHN 1:12, NKJV).
MOVING FORWARD WITH GOD
1* choose a book of the Bible. For a new Christian, we recommend starting with the gospel of John.
A Gospel-teaching pastor may be able to help you get started. We also have materials to help people who are new to Bible study. Please contact us if you have not already received them.
2* Read for understanding. A common mistake is to read the Bible like any other book. The Bible is meant to be read thoughtfully, for understanding. God’s word is given to us for information as well as formation, so that we might become like Christ.
3* Look for key words or phrases. Be ready to investigate. Locate words or a phrase that gives special meaning to the passage. For example, in the New Testament, JOHN often uses words such as “life”, “light”, and “love”. PAUL uses the phrase “in Christ”. Many times, there is a depth of meaning in these words that we do not recognize if we are reading lightly. A Bible commentary or dictionary can be helpful.
4* Study to know God. God reveals Himself through His word. A common mistake when studying the Bible is to devote most of our attention to discovering things that seems to apply to us. The first and ultimate purpose of Bible study is to know God. Being each time of reading or study by asking god to show you more of Him.
5* Make application to your life. God also intends that you apply the Bible to your own life and circumstances (LUKE 11:28, JAMES 1:22-25).
After considering how the passage relates to knowing God and His ways and His will, consider how it applies personally to you. Studying the Bible with other Christians can help.
6* Keep notes on what you read. As God’s word increases our understanding of Him, we will be transformed by the things that God is showing us. Write down your thoughts in response to questions like: What does this passage tell me about God?
Is there a warning; a promise, or a law stated or implied? How should I apply that to my life?
PRAYER:
“O God, I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sin. I am willing to turn from my sin. I receive Jesus Christ as my savior; I confess Him in the fellowship of His church. In Jesus Name. Amen”.
SCRIPTURE FOR MEDITATION.
Psalm 119 (the completeness of God’s word).
Matthew 22:29 (the power of understanding).
Luke 24:27 (Christ in all of the Bible).
Luke 24:45 (godly insight).
Acts 17:11 (the power of Bible study).
2 Timothy 2:25 (importance of correct understanding).
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (inspiration of scripture).
Hebrews 4:12 (the power of scripture).
NOTE: - DO NOT CONFORM ANY LONGER TO THE PATTERN OF THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORM BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND. ROMANS 12:2.
