Personal Bible Study

God's word is powerful! God uses it to bring people into relationship with Him. He uses it to transform lives. He uses it to bring comfort and peace. He uses it to speak personally to us.

Paul reminded Timothy that "from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (1 Tim 3:15). He reminded Timothy to continue in God's word. And we know that God's word is just as vital for each child of God if we are to grow in Jesus (1 Pet 2:2)

We therefore really encourage everyone in Street Baptist Church to regularly spend time reading God's word and praying each day. It's not something we do as a duty, but because those who are true Christians have been brought into relationship with Jesus, to speak to Him and listen to Him speaking to us is a natural part of our relationship with Him.

In these pages you will find some tips to help you in your personal Bible study and prayer times. We trust that you will find them helpful. We know that you will be greatly blessed as you spend time with God each day!

Reading the Bible

The Bible is the most powerful book that has ever been written!

It’s a collection of 66 books, originally written in three languages over millennia. The Bible was inspired by God and through it He speaks to us today. It doesn’t simply teach certain facts; it gives God’s own words, introduces Him to the reader and helps the reader get to know Him.

The Bible is all about God's plan of salvation in Jesus from start to finish (John 20:32). It is the life of Jesus Christ which divides the Bible into two: the Old Testament looks forward to His arrival and prepares for it; the New Testament tells of His life, death and resurrection, showing how they deal with the problem of sin. It makes plain that new life is possible for those who believe in Jesus Christ. The purpose of the Bible is to change our lives (2 Tim 3:16).

Getting to know God is the purpose for which we were made. In order to do this we need to spend time speaking to him and letting him speak to us. This is a brief introduction to reading, understanding and acting on what the Bible says.

Bible Reading in 2013

We are so pleased that you are interested in reading the Bible and spending time with God in prayer in 2013.

In 2011 we, as a church, encouraged as many as could to follow through the E100 Bible Reading plan. We had great feedback on that, and know that many were really blessed by using this scheme.

In 2012 we encouraged those who do not already have a Bible Reading plan to follow through a plan that we put together.

For 2013, we're encouraging you to consider following the 3 year "Walk With The Word" bible reading scheme that takes you through the Bible in three years with weekly email support.

How not to read your Bible

(From thegospelcoalition.org blog, January 2nd, 2013, view original)

When it comes to daily (or not-so-daily) Bible reading, January 1 can be a welcome arrival. A new year signals a new start. You're motivated to freshly commit to what you know is of indispensable importance: the Word of God.

Yet this isn't the first time you've felt this way. You were entertaining pretty similar thoughts 365 days ago. And 365 days before that. And 365 days . . . you know how it goes.

So what's going to make this year different? What, under God, will keep you plodding along in April this year when staying power has generally vanished in Aprils of yore? From one stumbling pilgrim to another, here are five suggestions for what not to do in the 12 months ahead.

Further help with Personal Bible Study

Reference books

A study Bible that has maps, time lines, concordance and cross-references is really useful. It’s helpful also to gradually build up a collection of reference books, such as a Bible dictionary, concordance, commentaries, etc, etc! There are many, many helpful books available.

Keeping a journal

Many people find it valuable to record in a notebook what they discover as they read the Bible. It’s a great way to review what you have been learning.