Rick Warren's Blog, page 647

Turn Your Beliefs into Behavior

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)

I was once asked what the best translation of the Bible is. My answer was, “When you translate it into your life.” That’s what Bible study is all about. If you’re not translating God’s Word into your life, you’re not studying the Bible the way God intended.

Four Steps to Make God’s Word a Habit

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.” (John 8:31b NASB)

It’s a really important step to commit to reading your Bible regularly for a short period, maybe a few weeks. It’s a great way to get started, but you should never leave it there. Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine” (John 8:31b NASB). It’s the long-term commitment to learning from Jesus and his Word that makes us his disciples.

God’s Word Will Unlock Your Potential

“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b-32 NLT)

Truth be told, you can’t even fathom your full potential. Only your Creator can. Only God, the one who made you, knows all you are capable of being. Your parents, your spouse, your friends, your boss — they only get a glimpse of your potential.

Let the Bible Be Your Mood Elevator

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 NIV)

Are you down in the dumps? Do you need a mood elevator?

Steps to Effective Bible Study (Part 2)

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’” (Matthew 4:4 NIV)

God wants us to apply his Word and let it change our lives, but it starts with studying God’s Word. How do you do it? Yesterday I gave you two general principles for Bible study that apply to any Bible study method.

Steps to Effective Bible Study (Part 1)

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18 ESV)

Studying God’s Word will change your life if you put what you learn into practice. But it all starts with your willingness to study his Word.

Enough Light for the Next Step

“Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people.” (Psalm 119:130 CEV)

Everyone needs light. You need physical light to make sure you can see the world around you, to avoid running into obstacles.

The Bible Contains Your Inheritance

“I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32 NIV)

You have an inheritance coming to you. If you read God’s Word, the Bible promises one for you.

The Bible Does the Impossible in Your Life

“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth.” (James 1:18a NIV)

God wants to use his Word to give you a fresh start in life.

The Bible Will Always Survive and Change Lives

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35 NIV)

The Bible is the most despised, derided, denied, disputed, dissected, and debated book in all of history. It has been under attack for centuries, for everything you can imagine.