Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 4

7 Differences between the Gospel of John and the “Synoptic Gospels”

One day in a grocery store parking lot, I shared the first five verses of the Gospel of John with the young man who helped me with the bags. I don’t remember how the conversation about spiritual things began, but he questioned the divinity of Jesus. I had memorized the passage when I was an elementary age girl, but not reviewed it in years. On that day however, these verses, which declare that Jesus is God, flowed freely from my tongue. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

What is a “Gospel?”

John is one of four books in the New Testament known as a “Gospel.” These books – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – are accounts of Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. The Greek noun translated “gospel” is euangelion. The word refers to an announcement of good news or “glad tidings.” The word was in common use in the Roman world when Mark connected it to his account of Jesus. However, Mark claimed it and redefined it, declaring the ultimate good news to be Jesus Christ and His message of salvation. (For more about the Gospels as a literary genre see “4 Tips for Understanding the Gospels.”)

Each of the Gospels shares a unique eyewitness account of Jesus. All four are divinely inspired and share truth about Jesus and His work. But each also reflects the author’s experience, personality, and specific purpose in writing.

What was John’s Purpose in Writing?

John left no doubt about why he wrote his account of Jesus’ life and work. He clearly stated it near the end of the book: 

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”   John 20:30-31

Here’s a recap of John’s two-fold purpose:

To declare the truth about the identity of Jesus – John presented evidence in his account to prove that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah.To encourage saving faith – John wanted unsaved readers to believe in Jesus to receive eternal life and he wanted to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith in Jesus. 

John carefully selected and organized the content of his Gospel to accomplish his purposes. The fourth Gospel is heavy in theology to relate the deep truths about Jesus’ divine nature. Jesus is our God, only Savior, and one true hope for eternity. John also gives overwhelming evidence that we can rest secure in Jesus’ eternal promises.

7 Ways the Gospel of John is different from the “Synoptics”

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are commonly referred to as the “Synoptic Gospels” because of their similarity in both form and material. But John’s Gospel does not carry that description. In fact, over 90% of the material in John is unique, not included in the other Gospels. (Also see “What are the Synoptic Gospels?“)

Although the following list is not comprehensive, here are a few of the unique characteristics of John’s Gospel:

The only Gospel that begins with the beginning – The other Gospels open in the first century. They start with the circumstances of Jesus’ birth or the beginning of His ministry. But John did not record Jesus’ birth or baptism. He backed up to the beginning and highlighted the eternality and divinity of Jesus. In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1).Includes just seven miraculous signs – John chose the miracles he used to further his purpose. Even more interesting is the fact that five of these seven are not found included in the Synoptics. For instance, only John records Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Canaan (John 2) and the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11). John refers to these miracles as “signs” because they are proof that Jesus is indeed the divine Son of God.Favors personal interactions over the crowds – John highlights one-on-one deep conversation between Jesus and individuals. Only John recorded Jesus’ encounters with the Pharisee Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus did not just engage with the multitudes. He sought out the individual and met their personal needs.Shares seven “I am” statements – I am the bread of life… I am the good Shepherd … I AM. The grammatical structure of these seven declarations implies Jesus’ divinity. The Jewish leaders clearly understood Jesus claimed to be God.Jesus’ teaching primarily in lengthy discourses – While Mark’s Gospel is action-packed, John’s Gospel weighs heavy with teaching. John does not include any parables. Instead, John favors long, deep discourses. John is the only Gospel that includes Jesus’ teaching on the bread of life (John 6) and the lengthy teaching of His disciples on the night He was arrested (John 14-16).Washing of the disciples’ feet – Only John records the amazing act of service Jesus performed during the last supper in the upper room. Jesus set an example for His disciples by kneeling down and washing the dust off their feet (John 13).Emphasis on the Holy Spirit – John includes Jesus’ lengthy explanation to His disciples of the coming Holy Spirit and His role in their lives (John 14-16). Two opportunities to study the Gospel of John Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of John – The newest volume of the Deep Rooted devotional series has just been released! This series uses the 4 R method to guide you through a book of the Bible. Every volume shows you how to interact with and respond to Scripture, not simply read it. This new volume breaks down the Gospel of John in 50 doable-sized chunks. By the time we get to the end of John, you’ll have a working knowledge of the book’s content and understand its key spiritual truths. You also may fall in love with Jesus all over again!Reading the Bible Together Facebook Group – In this ongoing group for women we work through one Bible book at a time. We will begin the Gospel of John with an introduction to the book on Saturday, September 21st. (Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of John” is an optional resources.) To join, follow the link and answer the three easy questions.

7 Differences between the Gospel of John and the “Synoptic Gospels” by Kathy Howard.

When should I use Bible Study Resources to Aid My Study?

An incredible abundance of Bible study resources is available to us today. Between websites, apps, and good old-fashioned books, we have access to a wide range of resources and information. But resources can also be overwhelming and distracting, and we don’t need them as much as you might think.

Christians have constant access to the best Bible study teacher in the world, the Holy Spirit. If you have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus, the Spirit of God lives in you. He helps us understand spiritual truths, reminds us of what we already know of God and His Word, and gives us wisdom to apply it all. (See “How the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible Study.”)

We don’t need to run to resources every time we read our Bibles. In fact, I encourage people to work through the study process first, without referring to anything other than the Bible. Observe the text to see what it says. Use the proper interpretation tools to discover God’s original meaning, eternal truths, and spiritual principles. Ask the Holy Spirit how to apply those truths and principles to your life. We can do all that without referring to outside resources. (See “The 4 R Bible Study Method for Every Day Use.”)

5 Times to Use Bible Study Resources

Don’t get me wrong. I use resources often. But I want to give God the opportunity to teach me and speak to me through His Word before referring to resources

So, when should we use resources? The following list is not a comprehensive, but the following are situations when you almost always want to turn to outside resources for help.

Before you start reading or studying a new Bible book – Perhaps you’re going to be going through an entire book of the Bible using a reading or study plan. Background information like the author, date of writing, audience, and historical and cultural situation helps us establish the proper context for the book. And the right context is vital for full and correct understanding of the book itself. For more on the need for this knowledge and where to find it, see “First Steps to Study a Bible Book.”To get information on the historical and cultural context – The general background for a book is not the only time we will need help understanding the context. Every book of the Bible was written during a very different time, place, and culture. Every book mentions situations and circumstances we can’t properly understand without knowing more about that time and culture. The original audience didn’t need any explanation. They were living in it. But we often need help. Study Bibles, Bible dictionaries, and commentaries can help with this kind of information. My favorite resource for historical and cultural information is the two volumes of the IVP Bible Background Commentaries. (See the New Testament and Old Testament volumes on Amazon.)For definitions and explanations of the original language –Your English Bible is a translation of the original. If you want to find out more about a key word in a passage, try looking up the definition of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. Looking deeper into the meaning and broader usage of the original words God chose to use can broaden our understanding of His Word. The good news is, these tools are available to everyone. And many of them are free! For a list of resources and how to use them, see “Resources to Study the Original Languages.”To make the best use of your time – Sometimes the passage we’re reading mentions a person, thing, or topic we aren’t familiar with. Rather than searching the whole Bible for information, which would derail us from our current passage, we can quickly look it up in an outside resource. For instance, if your passage mentions the “Feast of Tabernacle” and you haven’t a clue that that is, rather than scouring the Old Testament look it up in a Bible dictionary.When you’re stuck or confused – Sometimes, no matter how much we work through the passage using good study techniques, there’s something we just don’t understand. It happens. Thankfully we have easy access to the wisdom of biblical scholars. When you do refer to a trustworthy commentary, keep in mind that these resources are not divinely inspired or free from error. (See “4 Tips for Handling Difficult Bible Passages. “)Suggested Resources

You don’t have to have a big home library for successful Bible study. A combination of reliable online sources and a handful of printed resources will cover most needs for the lay Bible student. Check out the following for my recommendations:

Five Bible Study Resources for Your Home Library Ten Online Bible Study Resources Resources to Study the Bible’s Greek and Hebrew Words

What are your favorite Bible Study Resources?

When should I use Bible Study Resources to Aid My Study? by Kathy Howard.

How the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible Study

Many people think the Bible is hard to understand and even harder to apply. But Christians are not alone in Bible study. The Holy Spirit helps us as we read and study God’s Word.

If you have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit is fully present in your life. In his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul taught that all Christians have the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-10). To emphasize this truth he also declared the opposite. Those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all (Romans 8:9 NLT). (If you aren’t sure about your salvation, see “How to Know Jesus.” If you want a better understanding of the Trinitarian nature of God and the role of the Holy Spirit check out “The Joy of the Trinity” by Tara-Leigh Cobble.)

Jesus called the Holy Spirit our “Helper.” The Greek word translated “Helper” in the ESV (See John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, and 16:7) indicates that the Holy Spirit is our counselor, advocate, and intercessor. He is One who comes to our aid. The Holy Spirit’s role in our lives is especially important when it comes to reading, studying, and understanding God’s Word. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. (Also see “Are You Deep Rooted in God’s Word?” and “4 Spiritual Benefits from God’s Word.“)

5 Specific Ways the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible StudyGives Understanding of God’s Truths (1 Corinthians 2:13-14) – The truths of God sound foolish to non-Christians because they don’t have the Holy Spirit.  Only the Spirit of God can give understanding of spiritual truth. Since the Spirit indwells all Christians, we have the spiritual capacity to understand what we read in the Bible.Reminds Us of the Truths We Know (John 14:26) – On the night Jesus was betrayed, He assured His disciples that He would not leave them alone when He left. He would send the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would not only be their Teacher, He would help them remember everything Jesus had already taught them. I experience this when I read my Bible. Often, when I encounter a fact, principle, or truth, the Spirit brings to mind something from another passage I’ve read that correlates, reflects, or enhances. Convicts of Sin (John 16:8) – The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts the non-Christian of their sin and need for a Savior. He is also the one who convicts the Christian of specific sins and the need for repentance in our ongoing walk with Jesus. The Spirit uses God’s Word to do this. We may be actively reading when the Spirit uses God’s Word to point out sin in our lives. Or He may bring God’s truth to our minds at another time. But His conviction is always based on the righteous standard of God revealed in His Word.Gives Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:13) – The dictionary defines “wisdom” as “the knowledge of what is right or true and the judgment needed to rightly apply it.” Knowing God’s truth is not enough. We also need to apply His truth to our lives. The Holy Spirit provides the judgment we need to make that right application. (See also “4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life.“)Uses God’s Word to Refine Us (2 Corinthians 3:18, Hebrews 4:12) – The Holy Spirit wields the Word of God like a sword to cut away sin any and everything that doesn’t look like Jesus. He uses God’s truth like a smelter’s fire to burn away impurities and fleshly desires. Every time we open the Bible is another opportunity for the Holy Spirit to make us a little more like Jesus.Recognize the Holy Spirit’s Work

The Holy Spirit is probably the least recognized member of the Trinity. We believe He indwells us, but we rarely think about or consider Him when we read and study God’s Word. Let’s change that. For instance, the next time we open the Bible, let’s ask Him to give us understanding, to teach us, to show us how we should apply God’s truths to our lives.

The Spirit is our advocate, our Helper. Let’s lean on Him today.

Have you ever thought about the Holy Spirit’s role in helping you read and study the Bible? Which of these ways surprised you the most?

How the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible Study by Kathy Howard.

Help for Understanding the Bible’s Wisdom Books

The wisdom books of the Bible include Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs. Some of the Psalms also fall into the wisdom classification. Wisdom, one of about eight types of literature found in the Bible, is an ancient writing form that can sound very foreign to modern ears. 

Unfortunately, many Christians don’t spend much time reading the wisdom books in the Bible. And when we do, we often struggle to understand what it means. Or worse yet, we misunderstand and don’t even realize it. (See also “Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Genres.”)

This post shares four types of wisdom literature and gives some practical tips for reading and studying the wisdom books of the Bible. (See also “8 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs” and “5 Tips to Help You Understand the Psalms.”)

Wisdom Literature Defined

If you looked up “wisdom” in a dictionary you’d find a definition something like this: “The knowledge of what is right or true and the judgment needed to rightly apply it.” Not a bad explanation. In general, “wisdom” is the ability to make good choices in life. But for the Christian, there is more to it. True wisdom is the ability to make good, godly choices in life.

The Bible acknowledges and teaches that God is the source of wisdom. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Therefore, if we truly want to live a wise life, we will submit to God and His commands. 

Wisdom literature seeks to help the reader make the best choices in life. Biblical wisdom literature guides the reader to make the best godly choices in life.

Ancient teachers of wisdom wanted their students to remember what they learned. Therefore, they employed various literary techniques to make their wisdom memorable. Wisdom teachers used literary tools like poetry (Psalm 73), acrostics (Proverbs 31), alliteration (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8), word pictures like similes and metaphors (Psalm 1), parables, allegories, riddles, and more.

Before we break down the different types or styles of wisdom writing, let’s consider one thing to keep in mind with all wisdom literature. Ancient wisdom writing is grounded in ancient life. The wisdom teachers used examples and images from a culture and time very different from ours. But the core wisdom is timeless, valuable, and applicable to our lives today. 

4 Types and Tips for Understanding

The genre of “wisdom” literature includes several specific types or different styles of wisdom writing. While the various wisdom books of the Bible may use a primary style, most include multiple types. 

Proverbs 

A proverb is a brief, pithy statement expressing a principle about life that is generally true. They state simple, observable declarations about life in easy-to-remember terms. To this end, the teachers used a lot of imagery and figurative language. They do not teach doctrine or consider every possibility that may impact a given situation. Proverbs are principles, not promises. They teach probable truth, not absolute truth. (Also see “3 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs.”)

Tips for understanding proverbs:

Seek the underlying principle. Look beyond any imagery and figurative language to find the foundational timeless principle. View it as a principle, not a promise. These guidelines for wise living don’t cover every possible scenario or circumstance. They do not guarantee outcomes, but rather give us the best opportunity for a desired outcome.Don’t impose our modern, Western mindset and values. Remember proverbs are based in ancient culture and ancient standardsPoetry 

Poetry comprises 33% of the Old Testament. There are various types of poetry, including prayers, songs, liturgies, and wisdom.

Parallelism is the basic foundation of ancient Hebrew poetry.  This literary devise combines two lines that focus on a single idea. Although there are numerous variations of parallelism, most are slight variations of two primary types. In “synonymous parallelism” the second line enhances, adds to, and agrees with the first. In “contrastive parallelism” the second line stands in contrast or opposition to the first. 

Because of this basic structure, we understand that the second line does not express a new idea but rather teaches us something more about the first line. (See also “How to Read Hebrew Poetry” and “5 Tips to Help You Understand the Psalms.”)

Tips for understanding poetry:

Consider the parallelism – Remember that the second line is not separate and distinct from the first line, but a reflection of it.Keep the whole poem in mind – Each poem is a unit. Each verse must be considered in light of the overall context.Watch for word pictures – Literary devices like metaphors, similes, and hyperbole are not intended to be taken literally. Look for the spiritual truth the word picture teaches.Instruction

This type of wisdom writing is a brief exhortation or command urging the hearer to obey. The teacher’s purpose is to persuade the hearer to adopt or stop certain behavior. The teacher’s goal is to help the hearer. The instruction usually includes the command and a reason to obey. These can be short or more lengthy. (See Ecclesiastes 8:2-3, 12:13 for examples.)

Tips for understanding wisdom instruction:

Identify the primary command – The command may be surrounded by clauses that support and explain. Boil it all down to the one, basic instruction.Recognize the benefit – Usually the teacher encourages his readers to obey his instruction by telling them how obedience will benefit them. Examine your life in light of this command – Wisdom is meant to be applied! Personal Story or Reflection

Wisdom teachers often share a key truth or moral he learned from either personal experience, watching the experience of someone else, or from deeply thinking about things he has observed in the world. After telling the story or relating his observations, the author concludes with his moral. This type of wisdom writing is heavy in Ecclesiastes. See Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 and 4:7-12 for examples.

Tips for understanding personal story/reflection:

Summarize or restate the primary moral of the story – Identify the basic wise principle the teacher made with his story. This moral will be timeless, crossing all historical and cultural gaps. Double-check your conclusion – The components of the teacher’s story will support the moral. If they don’t, rethink your conclusion.Determine how the moral can be applied – Check your life against the key truth of the story.The value of ancient wisdom

Although there are things outside our control that impact our circumstances, much of our life will be determined by the choices and decisions we make. The wisdom books of the Bible teach us how to apply God’s wisdom to our lives today. The more we fill our minds with God’s truth and align our thinking with His, the more we will naturally begin to exercise godly wisdom. 

Have you done much reading or study in one of the Bible’s wisdom books? If so, what’s your favorite?

Help for Understanding the Bible’s Wisdom Books by Kathy Howard.

5 Tips for Reading Familiar Bible Passages

Familiar Bible passages are a bit like old friends. Because we’ve known them so long and are so comfortable around them, we don’t expect to find anything new or different when we’re with them. And if there was something about them we didn’t know, we might miss it simply because we aren’t looking. 

Some passages in Scripture are so familiar to us we might think there’s nothing more to be learned from them. After all, we’ve read them countless times. We’ve heard sermons on these passages. We’ve done Bible studies on them. But if we think we know everything about even the most familiar passages, we would be wrong! We will never be able to plumb the depths of God’s Word. 

One of my examples

I thought about this recently when I read 1 Corinthians 13, the “love chapter.” I’ve read this passage dozens and maybe even hundreds of times. I’ve highlighted, underlined, and made notes. I’ve identified spiritual truths and timeless principles. But that day it impacted me in a new way. God gave me a greater understanding of the relationship between love and the spiritual gifts He gives us. God also called me to repentance for not always using the gifts He gave me in a truly loving way.

Just a word of caution here. We can only learn something “new” from a passage in that it’s new to us. Every verse in the Bible has just one meaning, the one God originally gave it. The truths are eternally the same. We will NEVER find something “new” that wasn’t there before. But God can teach us things we weren’t previously ready to understand.

Every time we study Scripture we continue to build our knowledge and understanding of God, His will, and His ways. There are some things we can’t understand before we’ve learned something else. And every time we return to a previously studied passage, we are in the middle of different life circumstances. God will then apply the same spiritual truths to our life in a different way. 

5 tips for reading familiar Bible passages: Read it from a different translation – Some passages are so familiar we almost have them memorized without even trying. But, if we read the passage from a less familiar translation, our minds won’t get ahead of our reading. We will begin to notice things we hadn’t seen before. Also, if you read from a translation that falls in a different translation category than your usual one, it will add even more benefit. (For more on this, see “ Why Are There So Many Bible Translations? ”)Pretend you’ve never read it before – First, set aside any preconceived ideas so the Holy Spirit can teach you. Then, even if you’ve studied this passage countless times, do it again like it’s the first time. Don’t skip any steps. (Also see  “What is Inductive Bible Study? ” and  “4 R Bible Study for Everyday Use .”)Don’t hurry – It’s oh so easy to rush through familiar tasks. And it’s tempting to skim passages we feel we know well. But when we hurry, we don’t allow any space for the Holy Spirit to teach us, to speak to us. Observe it – Ask it questions. Mark it up. Look for something you haven’t noticed before. (Also see “ 10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study ” and “ Do You Mark in Your Bible? Reasons You Should .”)Look for new application – Every passage may have just one meaning, but those truths have endless applications for our lives. Our circumstances change. We change as we grow older and grow spiritually. God can take a truth you learned 30 years ago and hit you upside the head with it in a totally different way. So, even if you don’t technically learn a principle or truth you didn’t know before, ask God how he wants to apply those long-known things to your current circumstances. (Also see “ 4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life. ”)

What are some passage that fall into this familiar category for you?

5 Tips for Reading Familiar Bible Passages by Kathy Howard.

Do You Mark in Your Bible? Reasons You Should.

I used to think it showed God disrespect to mark in your Bible, so I didn’t. But years later my understanding changed. God’s words, His divinely inspired message is perfect and holy but the ink and paper on which it’s printed is not. I also heard many godly men and women who marked all over their Bibles. 

Henry Blackaby, pastor and author of Experiencing God, always marked in his Bible. He highlighted, marked, and write all over it. I heard him talk about it one time. When he filled one, he started over with a new Bible. He planned to keep them to pass to his grandchildren.

Writing in your Bible is not new or trendy. Dwight L Moody, the 19th century evangelist and author, wrote in his Bible and encouraged others to do it too. In his book “How to Study the Bible,” Moody wrote “Mark your Bible, and instead of it being dry and uninteresting, it will become a beautiful book to you.”

I was convinced, I just didn’t know how to start.

Then I begin to do Inductive Bible Study. The first step – observation – is all about digging into the passage and asking it questions to see what is there. Observation seeks to determine what the passage says. We must know what it says before we can know what it means. In this first step, we need to record our observations. Although there are different ways to do this, I love to do it right in my Bible. (See also “What is Inductive Bible Study?” and “10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study.“)

What about you? Do you mark in your Bible?  If not, consider the following reasons to start.

3 Reasons to Mark in Your BibleMakes it come alive – When I mark and write in my Bible I feel as though I am physically interacting with it. I touch it, feel it, take it in. Simply reading is far more passive. When I mark in my Bible it is much harder to walk away from the truths I discover. They scream to be applied.Implants the passage in our hearts and minds – Marking, highlighting, and writing helps us remember what we read. When we engage more senses and activity in our study time, our learning and memory skyrocketIncreases our understanding – The marking process helps us observe the text. And when we observe we actually begin to “see what it says.” That’s the first step in solid Bible study.6 Ways to do it

Exactly how you choose to write in your Bible is a matter of preference. The goal is to do it in a way that most benefits your study, understanding, and application of God’s Word. Everyone learns differently. You may want to try a few different ways to see what best fits you.

Color-coding or highlighting – Some people use colored pencils or different colored pens to mark or write. I use 6 different colored highlighters. For instance, I use orange to highlight key words and yellow for facts. When I look back at a page these things pop out at me. (See also “ Look for Key Words When You Study the Bible” and “ Bible Highlighting for More Effective Bible Study .”)Symbols – Kay Arthur teaches an expanded system of symbols for marking a passage. Although it works for many people, I tried this for one study and found it too tedious. However, I do use at least one basic symbol to make certain things stand out. For instance, I put a box around connecting words like “but,” “therefore,” “so,” and other words that show connection between two parts of a passage. Emphasis Marks – This may include using asterisks, arrows, underlining or something similar to draw your eye to particular element of the text. For instance, Dwight Moody used his pen to go over key words to make them boldly stand out from the rest. I sometimes use an asterisk next to key spiritual principles in the text.Numbering – You can add small numbers next to words or phrases in the text to keep up with multiples of things. It could be repeated key words, promises, characteristics, or anything that you could make a list out of. Lines – I often draw thin lines to make connections from one part of a passage to another. Particularly if a topic in that days passage directly relates to something I read the day before. (Of course this only works if these two sections are on the same page!)Writing – I love my wide-margin journaling Bible. Because it provides extra space for writing. I use the margin to record my observations and note things like cross-references or definitions for original language. Others write things like points from sermons they heard on the passage or how God used the passage for personal application. (See also “ Bible Journaling can Enhance Your Bible Study. “)

What about you? If you write in your Bible already, I’d love to hear how you do it. If you don’t yet write in your Bible, I’d love to hear why or if this post has changed your mind! Leave your thoughts in the comment section of the blog page.

Do You Mark in Your Bible? Reasons You Should. by Kathy Howard.

4 Ways To Apply Scripture to Your Life

Ever wonder just how you should apply Scripture to your life? It can be overwhelming. While every passage in the Bible has just one original meaning, the specific application for an individual’s life can be virtually endless. And, the application can change depending on our circumstances and level of spiritual maturity. (For more on good, solid Bible study methods see “What is Inductive Bible Study?” and “The 4 R Bible Study Method.”)

However, God’s Word gives us some guidance about ways God wants to use His truths in our lives. In Paul’s second letter to his spiritual son Timothy, God inspired Paul to write some truths about Scripture that show specific ways God wants to use it in our lives: 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

Four Ways to Apply Scripture

The following are four broad categories for application to guide your time in God’s Word. Each category includes various ways to specifically apply Scripture.

1. Teaching (Doctrine) – What to BELIEVE

God’s Word tells us what we should believe about God and His Kingdom. What we believe about God matters. Right thinking leads to right living. What we believe and how we think reveals itself in our character and behavior. 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT

Our spiritual transformation begins in our minds. As our thinking aligns with God’s thinking the Holy Spirit shapes us more and more into the image of Christ.

As you observe a Bible passage for what you should believe, here are some of the things you can note or record:

Truths about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy SpiritTruths about salvationKey truths and spiritual principles – these can be taught in stories, word pictures, comparisons and contrasts, and more. For instance, consider what Jesus’ statement, “I am the bread of life” in John 6:35 teaches us about Jesus.2. Reproof (rebuke) – When to REPENT

A reproof or rebuke reveals a need for repentance. It reveals something that’s wrong in our lives like a behavior that goes against God’s holy character. In these cases, God wants us to stop what we are doing or where we are going.

As you read and observe a Bible passage, look for things like negative commands or negative examples. For instance, Ephesians 4:25 commands us to “put away falsehood.” And Peter’s denial of Jesus on the night He was arrested serves as an example for us of what not to do!

3. Correction (obedience in the right direction) – What to OBEY

Biblical correction is different than rebuke. Rather than stopping wrong behavior, correction is meant to instill right behavior. To get us going in the right direction and to foster behavior that pleases God. 

As you read and observe a Bible passage, look for positive commands and positive examples in biblical narrative. For instance, “Submit to one another in love” (Ephesians 5:21) is a positive command. And Peter’s obedience to go to the home of the Gentile Cornelius to share the Gospel is a positive example (Acts 10). I felt it only fair to also share a positive example of our friend Peter! 

4. Training (spiritual growth) – Where to SUBMIT 

God uses Scripture to shape our character and underlying attitudes. He can do this by adjusting our beliefs, building our trust in God, purifying our character, instilling humility, growing in holiness, and so much more.

As you read and observe a passage, ask the Holy Spirit to be your teacher, to show you how He wants to use God’s truths in your life. Then the hard part is submitting to the Spirit’s work because it often involves trials, rebuke, and correction. But we must allow God to do His work.

Some General Helps for Better Bible Study

Before we can apply a Bible study passage, we need to observe it to see what’s there and interpret God’s original meaning. Th following are some resources to help you do just that!

4 Tips for Handling Difficult PassagesThe 4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday UseVideo Teaching on the 4 R Bible Study Method4 Tips to Help You Understand the Bible10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study

4 Ways To Apply Scripture to Your Life by Kathy Howard.

Are You Spiritually Tired?

The book of Hebrews was written to believers who were spiritually tired and needed encouragement to keep going. The following post is adapted from Kathy’s new devotional book “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Hebrews.“

My husband and I enjoy spending time on St John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands. However, getting there is not easy. It requires planes, taxis, and a ferry. But weary travelers are rewarded with incredible beauty and the peace that comes from smaller crowds. We wanted to share our favorite island paradise with our kids and grandkids, so a few years ago we arranged a family trip. Our group of thirteen ranged in age from almost three to sixty-three.

They exhibited a lot of excitement on the first leg of the trip. But by the time we changed planes in Miami, then landed in St. Thomas, where we endured a long wait for our luggage even the most travel-hardy among us were weary. And of course, the little ones just wanted it to be over. Wayne and I tried to energize them with descriptions of the sunsets and stories about our favorite beaches and snorkeling trips. While our efforts didn’t accomplish a complete makeover, it did bolster them enough to finish the journey. By the end of the vacation they all declared they would do it again!

The Hebrew Christians were Spiritually Tired

The Jewish Christians who first received the letter we know today as “Hebrews” were “road weary.” Following Jesus had led them into some painful, difficult places. Although they had not yet died for their faith, they had endured public reproach, imprisonment, and the confiscation of their property. Due to this persecution, they were considering abandoning their faith in Jesus and returning to Judaism. So the author of Hebrews harshly warned them that if they rejected Jesus they would not find salvation in the Jewish faith (Hebrews 10:26-31). The Law of Moses only revealed sin, it could not cleanse it.  (Also see “3 Reasons to Read and Study Hebrews.” and “10 Characteristics of Faith from the Hall of Faith.”)

Then the author followed the warning with an exhortation to hold onto their faith in Christ. He asked them to remember what they’d already endured and urged them to keep an eternal focus. He also encouraged them to patience. God might seem slow to deliver, but if they persevered, the Messiah would return and bring justice. The earthly hardships would soon pass, but the spiritual benefits would last forever.

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36)

We can Experience Joy in Suffering

The author also reminded them of their joy in the face of past suffering (Hebrews 10:34). Although seemingly counterintuitive, we see this spiritual principle throughout Scripture. For instance, Peter described suffering for Christ as a blessing and privilege because the “Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Peter 4:14). Persecution in this life for the name of Christ makes us partners with Him in His suffering and means we will share in His glory in the life to come (1 Peter 4:13). 

Like these first century Jewish Christians, too often our fear of persecution outweighs our joy of anticipation. But we must not become discouraged and turn back. Suffering is temporary, but the reward is eternal. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and our focus on eternity. One day our temporary suffering will yield to unimaginable blessing. 

Does the promise of Jesus’ return impact your daily life? What can you do to foster an eager expectation of His appearing?

This post was adapted from Kathy’s new devotional book  “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Hebrews.”

More about “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Hebrews”

Are you spiritually exhausted? Following Jesus can be hard. Discouragement, difficulties, and defeat often wear us down. So, why bother? The book of Hebrews answers that question. This 40-day devotional journey provides encouragement to run our race of faith with endurance and reminds us that our Savior is far superior to anything and everything the world can offer.

Like the rest of the Deep Rooted devotional series, the Hebrews volume uses the 4-R Bible study framework to help you learn how to interact with and respond to Scripture, not simply read it. These meaty, daily devotions will increase your hunger for God’s Word, encourage spiritual growth and stability, and lay the groundwork for a life-long, spiritually-healthy habit. 

WANT TO “KICK THE TIRES” BEFORE YOU BUY? DOWNLOAD THIS FREE 5-DAY SAMPLE OF DEEP ROOTED HEBREWS

(See “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Hebrews” on Amazon.)

Are You Spiritually Tired? by Kathy Howard.

Look for Key Words When You Study the Bible

Key words are one of the first things to look for when you OBSERVE a Bible passage. Before we can understand what a passage means, we must observe it to know what it says. Observation is the first step in inductive Bible study.  (Also see “What is Inductive Bible Study,” “The 4 R Bible Study Method,” “10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study,” and “9 Tips to Help You Interpret the Bible.”) 

While not every passage you read will have obvious key words, many will. With just a little practice, this tool of the biblical author will become easier to spot.

What are Key Words and Phrases

Biblical authors often taught through repetition. They emphasized important points and truths by using the same words or phrases over and over. The author intentionally used this repetition to draw our attention. This literary tool is like shining a spot light on a speaker on a stage. Listen up. Notice this. This is important. 

Recognizing these repeated words or phrases are key to understanding the author’s main point. We don’t have to guess what’s important because the author clearly shows us. 

When you look for key words in a passage, be sure to record them in some way. I use an orange highlighter to mark every instance of the key word in a passage. That way they jump off the page. But come up with a way that makes sense to you. For instance, you could record them in a journal or write them in the margin of your Bible. (Also see “Bible Highlighting for More Effective Bible Study.”)

Key words might be a noun, an adjective, or a verb. And it’s not just single words the biblical authors used this way. They also used phrases and clauses. (I give some examples below.)

When you look for key words, also look for variations. The author might use different tenses of the same word. For instance, in Hebrews 12:26-28, the author used “shake” and various tenses (“shook” and “shaken”) five times.  

Be sure to include any pronouns or synonyms the author used in place of the word to mean the same thing. For instance, in Philippians 1:12-17 Paul used the word “imprisonment” (ESV) three times. But he also used the word “here” to refer to prison, so he used the same key word four times in that short passage. 

Different Ways the Biblical Authors Used Key WordsSaturation in a short passage

This is the most noticeable use of key words and phrases in Scripture. When we see the same word of phrase used multiple times in a short passage it really jumps out at us. 

For instance, in Psalm 136, the psalmist used the clause “His love endures forever” 26 times in 26 verses. That makes it pretty clear what he wanted us to understand. God’s love is faithful and eternal. 

In John 1:4-9 the Gospel writer included the word “light” seven times to describe Jesus and His work. John obviously wanted us to learn something about Jesus and His nature.

Repetition through a whole book

John also used the word “light” 27 times through the whole Gospel. When you read the book in a short time frame it’s noticeable. John wanted us to see “light” as a theme of his Gospel. 

Running theme through the whole Bible 

I’ve also noticed that “light” is a theme throughout God’s Word. 

From…

And God said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) 

To…

And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:5)

And all in-between…

To provide structure

Sometimes an author used a repeated key phrase to help organize his material. For instance, in the book of Judges, the author used the phrase “And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD” seven times. Each time it introduced the start of a repeated cycle – the people sinned, God judged their sin through enemy oppression, the people cried out for help, and God raised up a judge to help them.

To show a change or shift

I just studied the Gospel of John so I have lots of examples from this incredible book. In John, he referred to Jesus’ “hour” seven times. The first three times Jesus said His “hour has not yet come.” The last four times He said “the hour has come.” John wanted us to notice this important change. In the first half of the book, John focused on Jesus’ ministry and preparation of His disciples. Then the time came for Him to turn toward the cross. His ministry was over, the time had come for Him to lay down His life. 

To establish a pattern

In the passage commonly referred to as “The Hall of Faith” (Hebrews 11:1-40), the author used “by faith” eighteen times. This repetition not only highlights the author’s main point, it also set a pattern for his list of examples. All his examples showed that if we want to please God we will life “by faith.” We don’t just have faith we must live by it. No matter our circumstances or when we lived. (If you want to learn more about the book of Hebrews see my new devotional book “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Hebrews.”)

Have you ever marked key words in a passage before? If so, how do you mark or record them?

Look for Key Words When You Study the Bible by Kathy Howard.

Summer Bible Study Suggestions

Do you have a plan for your summer Bible study? School’s out and many of the women’s Bible study groups have ended until the fall. It’s easy to let time in God’s Word fall by the wayside during this fun and less structured time of year. But that doesn’t have to happen.

We all need regular, consistent time with God. Yes, summer schedules make it more difficult, but it’s not impossible. With just a little planning and an intentional attitude you can make God’s Word a priority even now.

The following suggestions include a range of different types of Bible study opportunities. Some are resources I provide and others are from sources I trust.

Private Facebook Bible Reading Group

I’ve been leading “Reading the Bible Together” on Facebook for almost 10 years. This encouraging, active community includes women of all ages and walks of life who want to be in God’s Word. The members pray for one another and welcome all.

We read through one Bible book at a time, maintaining a pace that allows us to go a little deeper. The group fits any schedule, you can stop in anytime. We have women from all over the world so everyone reads and comments when it works best for them. Here’s the details:

Summer Study: 1 & 2 CorinthiansFormat: Daily written group posts for reading assignment, questions, and discussionIntroduction: Saturday, June 22, 2024 Readings & Discussion: Begins Monday, June 24, 2024Cost: FREEResources needed: Your Bible and a journal or notebook or the “ Deep Rooted Journal. “

To Join, follow this link to “Reading the Bible Together,” request to join, and answer the three easy questions. Note: Currently we are about halfway through Hebrews but we begin a new book in June. You are welcome to join now to see how it all works. If you want to hop into Hebrews that’s fine too!

How the group works:

Readings & discussion questions for Monday through FridayDaily posts scheduled for 5am Central timeAverages 20-30 verses a dayFormatted to help you get into the Word for yourselfThis group is FREENew Bible books begin immediately after one endsYou can start and stop at any timePersonal or In-person small group study

There are so many resources available to help you study the Bible on your own. Or you could invite a few women to join you. You could meet once a week in someone’s home to make it cozy and casual. Here’s some ideas:

Bible reading plan – I’ve got several on my website, but you can find others on BibleGateway or YouVersion apps.Deep Rooted book – Each volume of my “ meaty” devotional series works through one book of the Bible using a simple inductive study method . Each volume is either 40 or 50 days of reading and discussion so that works great for a summer Bible study. You may even have time for two. Choose from Mark , Acts , Romans , or Hebrews . Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Hebrews is the newest volume! If your faith feels a little road weary, this beautiful encouraging Bible book may be just what you need! By the way. “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of John” is coming in September.Your own Bible reading plan – Pick a book of the Bible or a topic. Decide how many days of reading you want to cover and map out what you’ll break it down. To help you gain confidence in your Bible study see “ The 4 R Bible Study Method.” LifeWay Women Online Summer Bible Study

This online study provides video teaching and group discussion through LifeWay’s online platform.

Study: “ Come Home” by Caroline SaundersFormat: Weekly video teachings, 7-sessions Begins: June 13, 2024Cost: No cost to participate, but participants must buy the bookResources: The Bible study “ Come Home” is requiredJennie Allen Online Book Study

This 6-session, online video teaching is based on Allen’s book “Untangle Your Emotions.” Check it out HERE.

Format: Video teachingBegins: June 10, 2024Cost: No cost to participate, but you’ll want the book “Untangle Your Emotions” Resources: “ Untangle Your Emotions, ” Additional free downloadable resources providedNote: The Amazon links to the book are my affiliate link.

Do you have a plan for summer Bible study? I’d love to hear how you will be intentional about staying in God’s Word.

Summer Bible Study Suggestions by Kathy Howard.