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. 

In Hebrews 4:12 it says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Which basically tells us that 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 relevant to us today and always will be.

The story of scripture involves God’s love and forgiveness, redemption and courage, mercy and grace, compassion and creativity, sin and death. 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, 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 revelation to us.

At Shiloh Terrace we teach people to read and study the Bible using 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 (ESV) “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

NEXT STEPS

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