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Next Steps: A Simple Guide for Beginning Bible StudyI count myself as no “expert” in Bible study. I am just someone who was clearly convicted by the Holy Spirit to just simply begin about halfway through my time at seminary. It wasn’t for class assignment, it was just for Him. Just me getting into the Word to know Jesus and let Him change me. I can attribute every good thing in my life over these past 27 years to Him and His Word. What you are seeing in this small “guide” is simply my attempt to take my process that I go through and to share it with you. It is not THE way. It is just A way, though I believe what we share here are some important fundamentals for Bible study no matter how you go about it. The following is a basic presentation of the three main steps of any Bible study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application. It is crucial that Bible study takes place in order in these three steps, lest our interpretation or application become merely our own thoughts rather than being the message intended by the original author as inspired by the Holy Spirit. The following is a simple way in which to understand these steps and what is involved in each of them. Step III, Interpretation, additionally offers a way in which to organize one’s conclusions and present the truth which has been revealed through the Word if one would have the desire to present or share those findings. I pray for you as you enter this process. Remember, it is all about Him. Please don’t be distracted with the “how.” Instead, get caught up in the “Who,” and you will find Him revealing Himself to you in ways you did not expect, and your life will be changed.
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