About this Bible study
In the early 1970's students computed math problems on a slide rule. Computers had huge rooms to house them and researchers had to sign up for time to use them.
Things have changed. One author said,"Today. we are preparing college students to hold jobs that haven't been created, using technologies that haven't been invented, to solve problems that we do not know exist."
Technology changes, nations change, cultures change. But God's word has endured and has as much relevance and wisdom today as when it was written thousands of years ago.
Before we begin looking at what the Bible says to you, you should have a Bible. There are a lot of websites and mobile sites that you can access to read the bible on the go. I don't care which translation you use as long as it is true to the original text. I really want you to have a bible. You can read for yourself what the bible says and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom to see what God is saying to you in the passages we talk about. Don't just listen to me and think that is all that is necessary. God wants to speak to you and He has written to you. God is a personal God.
Before reading God's word spend a few moments just talking with your Father (prayer). His means of communicating with you is extremely mobile. You can talk with Him anywhere. Ask Him to open your mind and heart to hear His word. So many times we have the things of the world in our mind and can't really hear what He is telling us.
One more thing. God gave us His Word, not as a set of rules to keep us in line, but as a guide to life. Guidance on family values, friends, work. Don't just go to God and ask Him to provide you with "requests". Ask for guidance.
We read and study the Bible (His word to us) for several reasons. It is a book for studying so that it can be applied. The Bible is God's Word. It is as binding as the laws of nature. We read the Bible to gain wisdom. We can ignore it, but we do so to our own loss. The Bible is a kind of manual on how to live with other people. Reading it is necessary to understand God's purpose for you in your life.
But don't read the Bible just for the knowledge. Before I started to read the Bible, I only partially loved God and certainly did not see Him as a Father, but since I have been reading the Bible daily, I have come to love God with all my heart and have no trouble seeing Him as the Father I have never had!
This leads to the importance of understanding the way of salvation. You can be saved from the grip and punishment of sin.
