From Presidents, to pastors, to teachers, there is recognition of the importance of the Bible. President Abraham Lincoln wrote, “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from The Savior of the world is communicated to us through this Book.” President Theodore Roosevelt stated, “No educated man can afford to be ignorant of the Bible.” Evangelist and writer R. A. Torrey said, “Do not study commentaries, lesson helps or other books about the Bible: study the Bible itself. Do not study about the Bible, study the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, and only the Bible is the Word of God.” Pastor and author A. W. Tozer wrote, “Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”

   Still, to some, Bible study remains a mystery. Here is one method. First, read the book of the Bible you choose through several times. Consider listening to a dramatized version on YouTube. As you read, underline, and write down the repeated words and phrases. Find the date, historical setting, and general audience to whom this book was written; often that is right in the text! From that, a clear picture emerges of doctrine, that is what we learn of God, Christ, man, and salvation, and then make contemporary application. You can also write an outline. Here is a partial example of my study notes of 1 John, using the method mentioned earlier.

   Christianity is a relationship where we know: know God, know truth, know Scriptures, and know eternal life. Christians know that sin must be dealt with and that Jesus Christ came to make us right with God. There are differences between those who walk in light, as God is light, and those who walk in darkness. The world and its systems are opposite of Christ.

   John was confident in bearing witness to this amazing Son of God, as he personally had seen, heard, and lived with Christ. John’s purpose was to provide joy for all Christians who followed Christ, even through times of struggle. (They were under Roman rule in 90 AD.)

   John spoke lovingly as to “little children” (1 John 2:1 NKJV). He stressed that Christians can have knowledge and believe with complete confidence. Believers can live righteous, Spirit-filled lives of victory. At the same time, he warns that antichrists and false prophets will always seek to lead people from the truth. True believers persevere in loving the Father, confessing Jesus as the Son of God, by living an overcoming lifestyle, by loving their brothers, by relying on Christ for cleansing, and by not loving the world.

   After your own personal study, visit a website like the Bible Project or GotQuestions.org to solidify what you have learned. We always must remember that we don’t study for study’s sake. Kay Arthur, Bible teacher, author, and co-founder of Precept Ministries International, stated: “Ultimately, the goal of personal Bible study is a transformed life and a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.” Join me by jumping into the Word daily and letting Christ transform us into His image! In an uncertain world, we can know the security and hope of putting our full confidence in Jesus Christ and His unfailing written Word.