The Bible is one the greatest gifts God has given us, which is why it’s important for us to read it and study it every day.

The Bible IS God’s word to humanity. It is 66 books compiled into two testaments, the Old Testament (everything before Jesus) and New Testament (Jesus’ birth and on), making up one entire book.

The Bible isn’t just a book you read, but it’s a book that reads you. It teaches us what it means to follow God. It was written over a span of more than 2,000 years, and it is STILL relevant to us today.

The ideas of love and forgiveness, redemption and courage, mercy and grace, compassion and creativity, all come from the Bible. This book has impacted and shaped history, cultures, and societies.

The Bible is the most translated book in the world. It’s been fully translated in over 682 languages. It has consistently been on the #1 best seller list for years.

The Bible includes war and betrayal, sex & scandal, messy family genealogies, poetry, love letters, biographies, history, kings, kingdoms, prophetic writings, songs, wisdom, underdog stories, comeback stories of redemption, and the beginning of time and the end of time. This book has changed countless lives and it’s still changing people’s lives today.

The Bible is more than a book – it’s God’s word to US!

One of the best ways to read and study the Bible is called the SOAP Method. SOAP is an acronym that stands for the following:

Scripture – Read a section of the Bible every day. It could be a few verses, a chapter, or multiple chapters.

Observation – Observe what is happening in these verses and write down what you notice.

Application – Ask how you can apply and live out what you have read and observed in your life.

Prayer – Talk to God about what you just read.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

2 Timothy 3: 16-17 (NLT) “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.”

NEXT STEPS

Read John 3:16 and SOAP. Write down each step and take note of what you’re reading and learning. Try to SOAP every day this week. If you don’t know where to begin, start by reading and SOAPing through the Book of John found in the New Testament.