As I began preparing to write this post, I had to think back and ask myself, “Why did I want to study the Word of God?

At age 18, I learned IN THE BIBLE that God loved me and sent His son Jesus to die on the cross to make a way for me to go to Heaven. I was a sinner, and my sin should separate me from heaven and God for all eternity. Christ paid my sin debt,giving me eternal life.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.   

2 Corinthians 5:21 for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

If the Bible could show me that – What other truths could I learn in the Bible? Here are my three reasons to study the Bible for yourself.

Reason #1 – I want to know more.

If God could show me my need for salvation and how to get it in three verses, what else could I learn?

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Reason #2 – It is good for me.

God’s Word is going to show me how to successfully live the Christian life.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Reason #3 – To grow as a Christian.

I was new to the Christian walk, a baby, and I needed scripture to show me what God wanted for my life.

If you are just beginning your Christian Walk, here are a few guides/helps on how to study your Bible.

1. Have tools available – pen, highlighter, paper, Bible – this is all you need to start.
2. Set a specific time – schedule it! It can be just a few minutes to start.
3. Begin with prayer – ask God to help you understand and apply what you learn to your daily life. James 1:5
4. Be Consistent – You will grow in your faith the more you study. Romans 10:17
5. Meditate on it – God promises to help you, when you spend time studying His Word. Joshua 1:8
6. Memorize it – I will give you understanding to live a Godly Christian life. Psalm 119:11

Two things to remember:

1. If you don’t understand something, write it down – keep reading – many times as you continue to read, the question will get answered. If not, ask a Godly Christian friend to help you understand.
2. If you can do nothing else, JUST READ, don’t worry about understanding everything. It takes time to learn the Bible. (I am still learning more from the Bible every day, and I have been doing it for over 30 years!)

Make your study time yours! – not Mom or Dad’s, family or friends – but YOURS. Yes, group Bible Studies are good, BUT you need a personal time with the Lord, one-on-one. Friends and family will not always be there. God promises He will. Hebrews 13:5b “I will never leave thee or forsake thee.”

Not sure where to begin, start in the New Testament book of John, then go to Romans.

I will pray for you as you begin to study God’s Word.