Embracing the Journey: Connecting with God's Word
Summary
Staying connected to Jesus is the essence of our spiritual journey, and one of the most profound ways to maintain this connection is through engaging with His Word. Just as young children learning basketball understand the goal but struggle with the process, many of us know we should read the Bible but feel lost in how to approach it. The Bible is not merely a task to be checked off; it is a journey to be embraced, a journey that shapes us into the image of Jesus.
Psalm 19 beautifully illustrates how God communicates with us. The first six verses describe general revelation, where nature itself declares the glory of God. The sun rising and setting is a daily reminder of new beginnings and God's presence in our lives. However, creation's message is limited, and we must be careful not to worship the creation over the Creator. David then introduces us to special revelation through God's Word, which is perfect, trustworthy, and more precious than gold. It refreshes the soul, makes the simple wise, and brings joy to the heart.
Understanding the Bible in its context is crucial. It was written over 1,100 years by 40 different authors, and its richness requires us to engage with it thoughtfully. We can do this through hearing, reading, and studying. Hearing was vital in biblical times due to widespread illiteracy, and it remains a powerful way to absorb Scripture today. Reading allows us to interact with the text, and studying provides deeper insights. A good study Bible can be an invaluable tool, offering context and explanations that enhance our understanding.
To truly grasp the Bible's message, we must prepare our hearts, dig into the text, reflect on its meaning, and apply its teachings to our lives. This process transforms us, aligning us more closely with Jesus. The challenge is to read the New Testament over the next five months, using resources like The Bible Recap to guide us. This journey is not about guilt or rushing but about forming new habits and deepening our relationship with God.
In this journey, community is essential. Engaging with others who are more mature in their faith can provide support and insight. Whether through a private Facebook group or personal connections, sharing this journey enriches our understanding and growth. Remember, the key is to just show up, like Noah, who faithfully built the ark despite challenges. When we engage with the written Word, we grow deeper in the living Word, drawing closer to God and His eternal truths.
Key Takeaways
- Engaging with the Bible is not a task but a journey that shapes us into the image of Jesus. It requires intentionality and a willingness to explore its depths, much like learning a new skill. [01:14]
- Psalm 19 reveals two ways God speaks to us: through general revelation in nature and special revelation in His Word. While nature declares God's glory, His Word provides the perfect, trustworthy guidance we need for our lives. [05:52]
- Understanding the Bible requires context. A study Bible can help us grasp the historical and cultural background, making the text more accessible and meaningful. This understanding is crucial for applying Scripture to our lives today. [15:04]
- The process of engaging with Scripture involves preparation, digging into the text, reflection, and application. This approach transforms our understanding and helps us live out the teachings of Jesus in practical ways. [18:54]
- Community is vital in our journey with the Bible. Engaging with others who are more mature in their faith provides support and insight, enriching our understanding and growth. Just as Noah showed up daily to build the ark, we are called to show up and engage with God's Word. [32:41]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:14] - The Journey of Scripture
[02:04] - Challenge for All Believers
[03:28] - God Speaks Through Creation
[05:52] - Special Revelation in God's Word
[06:26] - The Value of God's Word
[08:45] - Personal God in Our Midst
[10:23] - Engaging with the Bible
[11:00] - Hearing, Reading, and Studying
[14:15] - Choosing the Right Bible
[15:04] - Understanding Context
[17:32] - Bible Translations
[18:54] - Reading for Transformation
[21:05] - Context and Continuity
[24:51] - Genres in Scripture
[32:41] - Community and Action
[34:09] - Just Show Up
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 19:1-11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Psalm 19, how does nature communicate the glory of God? What are some examples given in the sermon? [03:28]
2. What are the different ways God’s Word is described in Psalm 19, and what purposes do these descriptions serve? [06:26]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of understanding the Bible in its historical and cultural context? [15:04]
4. What are the three methods mentioned in the sermon for engaging with the Bible, and why is each method significant? [11:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of general revelation in nature differ from special revelation through Scripture, and why is it important to distinguish between the two? [05:52]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that engaging with the Bible can transform a person’s life and align them more closely with Jesus? [18:54]
3. Why might community be considered essential in the journey of engaging with the Bible, according to the sermon? [32:41]
4. How does the sermon challenge the listener to approach Bible reading as a journey rather than a task? What implications does this have for personal spiritual growth? [01:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current approach to reading the Bible. Do you view it more as a task to complete or a journey to embrace? How might you shift your perspective to deepen your spiritual connection? [01:14]
2. Psalm 19 describes God’s Word as more precious than gold. How do you currently value Scripture in your life, and what steps can you take to increase its value in your daily routine? [06:26]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible in its context. What resources or strategies can you use to better understand the historical and cultural background of the passages you read? [15:04]
4. Consider the role of community in your spiritual journey. Who in your life can you engage with to support and enrich your understanding of the Bible? How can you initiate or strengthen these connections? [32:41]
5. The sermon challenges listeners to read the New Testament over the next five months. What practical steps can you take to incorporate this challenge into your daily schedule, and how can you hold yourself accountable? [27:35]
6. Reflect on the idea of “just showing up” as mentioned in the sermon. What are some practical ways you can consistently engage with God’s Word, even when faced with challenges or distractions? [34:09]
7. How can you apply the teachings of Psalm 19 to your life this week, particularly in recognizing God’s presence in both nature and Scripture? What specific actions can you take to live out these teachings? [03:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Journey of Scripture
Engaging with the Bible is not merely a task to be completed but a transformative journey that shapes us into the image of Jesus. This journey requires intentionality and a willingness to explore the depths of Scripture, much like learning a new skill. As we immerse ourselves in the Word, we are invited to experience a profound connection with Jesus, allowing His teachings to mold our character and guide our actions. The process is not about rushing or feeling guilty for what we haven't done; it's about forming new habits that deepen our relationship with God. [01:14]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What new habit can you start today to engage more deeply with Scripture, and how can this habit help you grow closer to Jesus?
Day 2: God's Dual Revelation
Psalm 19 reveals two profound ways God communicates with us: through general revelation in nature and special revelation in His Word. While nature declares God's glory, offering a glimpse of His majesty and creativity, it is through His Word that we receive perfect, trustworthy guidance for our lives. The Scriptures refresh the soul, impart wisdom, and bring joy to the heart. By engaging with both forms of revelation, we gain a fuller understanding of God's character and His desires for us. [05:52]
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate both the beauty of nature and the truth of Scripture into your daily routine to better understand God's presence in your life?
Day 3: Contextual Understanding of Scripture
Understanding the Bible requires us to consider its historical and cultural context. Written over 1,100 years by 40 different authors, the Bible's richness demands thoughtful engagement. A study Bible can be an invaluable tool, providing context and explanations that enhance our understanding. By grasping the background of the text, we can apply its teachings more effectively to our lives today, allowing Scripture to speak into our current circumstances with clarity and relevance. [15:04]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the historical and cultural context of the Bible, and how might this change the way you apply its teachings to your life?
Day 4: Transformative Engagement with Scripture
The process of engaging with Scripture involves preparation, digging into the text, reflection, and application. This approach transforms our understanding and helps us live out the teachings of Jesus in practical ways. By preparing our hearts, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's Word. As we reflect on its meaning and apply its teachings, we align ourselves more closely with Jesus, allowing His truth to guide our daily decisions and interactions. [18:54]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need the guidance of Scripture today, and how can you intentionally apply its teachings to that area?
Day 5: The Importance of Community
Community is vital in our journey with the Bible. Engaging with others who are more mature in their faith provides support and insight, enriching our understanding and growth. Just as Noah showed up daily to build the ark despite challenges, we are called to show up and engage with God's Word. By sharing this journey with others, whether through a private group or personal connections, we gain new perspectives and encouragement to persevere in our spiritual walk. [32:41]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for spiritual support and accountability, and how can you encourage each other in your journey with God's Word?
Quotes
"If you haven't been with us, we've been in a series called Remain, and the whole idea is staying connected to Jesus. And I believe that a way of how that looks is that we spend time in His Word. And I coach a kindergarten basketball team in Upward, and those kids are just awesome. I just love them. They got so much energy. They're so much fun. And if you ask them the objective of basketball, they know it. Get the ball in the hoop. But how to get it there, that's kind of a little different story." [00:00:00]
"We kind of know the objective, to read the Bible, but how to get there, what to read, and to understand. We feel a little lost in that, and yet I don't think that's really God's desire for us. I think His desire is that we can learn the Word, and the Word can speak into our lives, and help to shape us into the image of Jesus." [00:00:36]
"King David wants to communicate something to you and I this morning. You might be surprised, but this is what he's communicating. Say it with me. God speaks. He still speaks. He still speaks. He still speaks. He still speaks. He still speaks. God speaks today. God is not silent. He still speaks into our lives. And so the psalmist gives us, David gives us some ways in which God speaks." [00:03:05]
"David writes, The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth. speech night after night they reveal knowledge they have no speech they use no words no sound is heard from them yet their voice goes out into all the earth their words to the ends of the world in the heavens god has pitched a tent for the sun it is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber like a champion rejoicing to run his course it rises at one end of the heavens and mates its circuit to the other nothing is deprived of its warmth these first six verses are what theologians call general revelation go look out in nature and if you look close enough you'll see a creator I love this verse because it says in the first six verses theologians call general revelation go look out in nature and if you look close enough you'll see a creator I love the picture of the sun rising and setting like a bridegroom if you've been with a couple on a wedding day they are so excited for that day and they know that today today begins a new chapter a new day in your life and so the writer in many ways is saying that every day is a new day it's a new day for new adventure it's it's a new day for new joys in relationship with god and it's also a time when there might be a new day for you and it's a new day for you and it's a new day for you might be difficulties but god is with us look around but here's the problem here's the problem and David hints to it creation speaks with a limited vocabulary and and what what happens in our culture today and might I add can even happen for those of us who go to church somehow we come to the place and we will worship the creation and not the Creator we can get confused about the message" [00:03:40]
"He says, the law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold and much pure gold. They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honey cone. By them your servant is worn, and keeping them there is grace." [00:05:59]
"You can through hearing, through reading, and through studying. Okay. So that first way is hearing. And I want to remind all of us, that for those who were listening to Scripture, those Old and New Testament, most people who attended a synagogue, they were hearing Scripture. You might remember the Apostle Paul says, faith comes by hearing. Why does he say that? Because that's the cultural context." [00:11:00]
"most of people were illiterate they didn't know how to read and they didn't have scrolls in their home they didn't have a bible sitting on their nightstand they had scrolls that were in the synagogue and they may or may not have access to all of that and so hearing was a vital part of being able to engage in god's word if you look at lots of the old testament psalms you'll see repetition and you go why does it keep saying the same thing over and over that's because they're memorizing it and repetition helped them to memorize scripture we don't do that so much anymore we have access to it but some of you are auditory learners and the best way to you to do this is to listen and there are all kinds of apps for your phone that you can get and you can listen to scripture matter of fact i remember in my i've seen the bible in cassette form and in cds all kinds of ways that you could have listened to scripture and for some of you that's going to be your best method you're in a season of life that is so busy and so frantic you're trying to say how can i do this well it may be that you're going to listen to scripture on the way to work okay and on the way home maybe you're going to listen to it in scripture my wife ignores me every morning when she's having breakfast she has it right there in her ear set she's listening to scripture she listens to it when she goes to bed at night so there are various ways hearing can be your way of taking in scripture and of course there is the reading and just taking time and we're going to talk about ways that you can do that uh in in as i give you the challenge today but reading it and taking it in and making a i'm a guy that hearing doesn't work for me i need to be able to write and so i write in my bible by the way and it's not oh it's okay to do that um i write in my bible i make notes" [00:11:30]
"I reference back to things. That helps me to take the word in. And the third way is to study it. Now, my challenge to you is not going to be about studying scripture, because that is taking a deep, deep dive. And I want to encourage you, if that's where you're at, take our class with David and Cheryl Holm, and they will help you in walking through verse by verse and digging a bit deeper. But for most of us, most of us, we just need to either hear or read. And eventually, we may get to that place. So, how do I engage? I can hear. I can read. I can study." [00:13:20]
"Study Bibles help you to get that context. They will give you notes for verses and such to help explain certain things to you. But understanding that history becomes important. Take, for instance, you're going through the genealogies of the Gospel of Matthew. You notice Matthew starts with Abraham. But you go to Luke, and he starts with Adam. Why does he? do that? Well, Matthew is writing to a Jewish audience. And who is the father of the Israelites? Abraham. That's why he starts there. Luke is writing to a Gentile audience. He wants to look at humanity, so he starts with Adam." [00:14:55]
"So a good study Bible helps you with that. Good study Bible is going to cost you 25 to 35 bucks, but I'm going to tell you, if you don't have the resources for that, and you don't have a good study Bible, I got four of them up here, right here. And your church will give that to you. That's how much we believe in it. And I'll buy more if I need to." [00:15:52]
"After you're done with that, after digging in, take time to reflect. Spend some time. That goes under digging. We'll have to clear that up. But spend some time reflecting on what you heard or read. Are there words or phrases that stand out to you that you feel are speaking directly to you? Are there questions that you would like to ask someone? Who has a greater understanding of Scripture?" [00:25:52]
"Who am I to be? The Bible is about shaping us into the image of Jesus. One of the hard books to read in the New Testament is the book of James. He's the half -brother of Jesus. But I'll tell you, he'll rock your world. Because he's all about living out what you're trying to do. reading james says don't just listen to the word do it do what it says he's writing to christians asking us to live into this he's calling us to action" [00:27:19]
Chatbot
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