God wants you to get to know Him.
One of the primary ways that we come to know Him and that He speaks to us is through the Bible.
A Simple Way to Start
There are different versions of the Bible. We recommend reading in the Message version or New Living Translation. The book of John is a great place to learn about the life of Jesus and His message. You can also start by looking up the reading plan titled, What’s Next on the YouVersion App.
SOAP METHOD
The SOAP method is a way to not only read the Bible but to allow God to use it to adjust your life and bring about a new way of living that offers more freedom.
S // SLOW
The first section of SOAP is to remove all distractions, grab your bible or use your bible app, and set aside time to read and learn God’s truth from Scripture. Highlight, underline, or rewrite any of the verses that really stick out to you. Re-read it as many times as you want.
O // OBSERVE
Next, write what you observed about the verse or passage. Maybe this is something you observed for the first time. Maybe the Scripture has begun to reveal a truth about God or His character. How does it make you feel? Any observation you find, write it out. There is no right or wrong answer here.
A // ACT
This is where you make it real. How can you apply this Scripture to your life right now? Can you apply it to your relationships, your career, your generosity, etc.? What action can you take today to live out this verse?
P // PRAY
Write down your prayer to God. He cares for you. He hears you.
As you take the step to read the Bible and make it part of your daily life, you will see how it is relevant to everything that you face. God will use your time in the Bible to teach you about His truths and draw you closer to Him. If you have any questions about what you are reading or need more information about where to start, do not hesitate to email michaell@eastown.church. If you’ve got a few more minutes, watch this great video from The Bible Project which illustrates and explains the origins, content, and purpose of the Bible.