Read the Bible like never before! E-Book

Leo Bigger

• Herausgeber: Icf Media Gmbh
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: Like never before!
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 218

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

31 inspiring ideas to discover the Bible in a new wayAlmost all of us have had some experience reading the Bible. For some it is truly enriching, but for others reading the scriptures is nothing but torture. Susanna & Leo Bigger have written this book because they are convinced that when God reveals Himself in the Bible, an encounter with Him is always beneficial, encouraging, and helpful. In the Bible, God reveals His heart and speaks to us directly."Read the Bible Like Never Before" aims to support you with 31 refreshing ideas on how you can discover and read the Bible in a new way. In this book you are encouraged to get to know our great God more intimately and marvel at what He has already done and still promises to do in your life.

Leseprobe

Read the Bible like never before!

Almost all of us have had experiences with reading the Bible. For some it is truly enriching, but for others reading the scriptures is nothing but torture. Perhaps you feel like you are being enslaved when you read the Bible. After all, as a good follower of Jesus, reading the Bible is almost a sacred duty. And only if it feels burdensome and difficult is it done correctly, because this struggle has to hurt. Maybe you also belong to this group of Christians who rather oppose the Bible and encounter it like an enemy. Instead of finding God in it, they look for reasons how God is not revealing Himself in it. For others, it is like having a good conversation with a friend, sharing ideas, and getting to know each other better.

How do you personally feel about the Bible? What are your experiences? Do you feel comfortable holding a book which is entirely about reading the Bible? Or do you feel a bit scared? We are both convinced that Bible reading should not be a torture, but that it can be fun. If God really reveals Himself in the Bible, then an encounter with Him is always comforting, refreshing, encouraging, and helpful. This book is designed to help you discover your way of reading the Bible. We all live out our relationships and friendships with others a little differently and we do this in our relationship with God as well. And that is fine. At the same time, we all have something in common in the way we live our relationships: We show each other our heart and have fellowship with each other. That is how we want to approach the Bible, too. In this unique book, God reveals His heart and speaks directly to us. We can get to know Him better and marvel at what He has done and still does in our lives today. If you find it difficult to read the Bible, it may be that you simply have not found the approach that is right for you. If you already enjoy reading God’s word, you will find a lot of new inspiration here to encounter our Father in heaven in a new way.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 | The Bible, New International Version

We should read the Bible so that we can become more like Jesus. God’s Spirit lives in us and works with and on us. So, it is important for our lives and also for our fellowship with God to know and believe His truths. By studying God’s word, we get to know God’s thoughts for our lives better and better. And the Holy Spirit will guide and lead us in this. The word of God has power. When we take it in by reading, studying, or thinking about it, we will change. More and more, we will recognize how God has already perceived us for a long time: as His beloved children. He has a wonderful plan and good thoughts for our lives. It is Him and His truths that we want to follow. Even if we do not always understand the Bible from the start, God’s word works on and in us. You can be sure that God will encounter you as you read and study His Bible. Because God is alive and loves to have fellowship with us. Get to know Him better. Through what He has given us: His Bible. His word. His heart.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8 | The Bible, New International Version

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 | The Bible, New International Version

God’s blessing

Leo & Susanna

The revenues of this book do not go to us as authors, but entirely to the vision of ICF Church. We want to see people become more like Jesus Christ, live fearlessly, and positively change their environment.

How we understand the Bible

When we think about how we want to read the Bible, it is also important to look at how we understand the Bible. 

The Bible is inspired

The Bible does not just encourage us in a unique way, it is inspired by God. God led the way by speaking to the prophets and apostles and He used them in a unique way by having them write the biblical scriptures so He could communicate with us. Therefore, the Bible is not simply a book like any other. God speaks to us through the Bible.

The Bible is holy

All of the scriptures in the Bible are incredibly special – they are the Holy Scriptures. The Holy God reveals Himself in this word. God’s holy ministry becomes visible in the Bible.

The Bible is binding

Even though the Bible was written by people, it is not merely the word of people, but at the same time God’s word. In the Bible we find God’s self-revelation that is not temporary, flawed, or relative in character. The Bible is God’s word, which we can really rely on, and which is the authority for our way of thinking, living, and actions. God, of course, still speaks to us in other ways today (through dreams, thoughts, conscience, other people, etc.). However, the inspired words of the Bible take a prominent position in this. That is why we always place our opinion under the claim of truth of God’s word.

The Bible is alive

The Bible is the only book that reads us. The words from God in the Bible are not only encouraging and comforting, but often also challenging or can trigger resistance and lack of understanding in us. We do not twist these offensive statements in the Bible, so they suit us, but we are willing to wrestle with them as well.

The Bible is understandable 

God speaks directly and clearly through the Bible. You do not need to study theology first to understand it. However, it is not that easy either. That is why we read it thinking, asking, and praying. In order not to get stuck in a subjective understanding, we also always read the Bible in conversation with other Christians.

Recognizing God’s names

We all live in a world that is full of voices. The radio, society, and social media constantly blare at us. They are all fighting for our attention. Daily we encounter different opinions on how we should think and act about certain things or also ourselves. In addition, we have our own „voices“ and thoughts in our head. Thoughts that encourage or discourage us to do or not to do something. Voices that want to keep us down or make us fearful.

Reading the Bible with the names of God means spending time reflecting on the truths that are in His names. You consciously let your thoughts circle around the truth of what God is like until it shows up visibly in your thoughts and life. In the following way of reading the Bible, we want to give more significance to a certain “voice” in our life: the voice of truth and life – that is, God Himself. 

The names of God say it all

God is described in the Bible with different names. These names reveal the various aspects of His nature and character. For example, when He calls Himself “El Shaddai,” we see what an all-powerful God He is. Shaddai comes from the Hebrew language and has many expressive meanings: “God of the mountain”, “God who destroys enemies”, “God who is confident”, “God who raises children”, or “God who is almighty”. Now, if our Father in heaven is the Almighty “El Shaddai”, what effect can this have on our lives and our circumstances and the “voices” within us? Our God works in almighty ways even in our personal lives. This is exactly how we can read the Bible, meditating on the attributes of God over our situations in life. God introduces Himself using many different names in the Bible. Let us discover them together.

The name above all names

Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for us and resurrected. God has given Him a place of honor and He is our savior. This is not only a name, but also describes His character and the reason He came down to earth. This name explains what He has accomplished.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

Philippians 2:9-10 | The Bible, New International Version

Jesus received His name directly from God (Matthew 1:21; Philippians 2:9) and is the ruler over the whole world (Philippians 2:10; Revelations). He is equipped with God’s power and rules (1 Corinthians 15:28). In Him, every person can find and know God. Jesus Christ has opened the way to God and is on our side. Yehoshua (short form Yeshua) is the Hebrew name of Jesus. This name includes the name of God Yahweh (YHWH) and means Yeshua, “the Lord who saves, the Lord who helps, the Lord who heals”. Jesus is God’s Son and came into the world as the Savior (Messiah) to save, help, and heal. What a powerful statement when we realize that Jesus Himself is on our side, standing up for us, and clearing the way for a life of abundance with God.

Meditate God’s name over your situation

Many athletes say that the challenge in pressure situations is rarely the pressure itself. The problem is the inner negative voices that call out. A person who has nothing to counter this stress can try to be as good as possible, but he will not be able to give his best in this situation.

Individual competitions can certainly be good goals. But how much more important it is that we can live a life that does not keep us feeling small or holding us back, but that we live the life God our Father had planned for us. This is how we can use the names of God to counter our inner voices.

When I (Susanna) preached my first sermons, quite a few voices came up inside me. All the thoughts wanted to stop me from standing on a stage and sharing with other people what I had experienced with God: “You can’t do that. You’re better off keeping away from doing that. Your husband is a pastor and can preach, but you can’t. Who is going to listen to you? You’re just going to embarrass yourself. People will laugh at you if you make a mistake. After all, what do you have to say...” It was quite noisy inside me, and the preparations were a huge challenge. However, eventually I got to the point where I realized that it could not go on like this. When I am afraid and uncertain, I have a God who is going through these difficult situations with me. God is my rock, my shepherd, and my protector. What should I be afraid of? I read the Bible verses about God and His attributes into my personal situation. And in addition, for each negative thought I deliberately took a divine attribute and a name of God that told me a different truth. So, my thoughts were no longer constantly only circling around my insecurities, but around the securities I have in God. He is my provider. He is my Father, the Almighty God who is by my side. This reflection and meditation have changed and strengthened my way of doing things.

In the following prayer you can see how you can pray based on the name of God. Here an example of the name of God El Shaddai.

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven. With all my heart, I thank you for being who you are. Thank you that I can be by your side and that you love me unconditionally. I am sorry that I have often believed the negative voices more than I have believed you and your truths. I want to learn to believe your truth more than anyone else. Thank you for helping me do that.

And therefore, today I speak out over my situation and my circumstances: You are the God of my mountains, the God who destroys my enemies, the Lord of lords, the King of kings, and therefore I myself can also be secure through you. You are the God who raises me and my children. And you are my God, the Almighty, who has power over all. I love you.

Amen

List of the names of God

The Most High – Daniel 7:18, 27The Almighty – Genesis 17:1Alpha and Omega – Revelation 1:8; 21:6; 22:13The Ancient of Days – Daniel 7:9Jealous – Exodus 34:14The rock – Psalm 18:2The blessed one – 1 Timothy 1:11God of gods – Deuteronomy 10:17Maker – Psalm 149:2The Holy One – Proverbs 9:10Lord of hosts – Isaiah 1:9 (New King James Version)The shepherd – Psalm 23:1The Lord Most High – Psalm 47:2Father – Matthew 6:9Etc.

Next Steps

1. Take your Bible and look for the names and attributes of God. Even if you read your Bible “in a normal way”, take notice of the characteristics of God. It may be helpful to write down the Bible verses separately or have them handy.

2. Observe your thoughts and behavior – especially the negative voices that try to make you feel small or try to distract you. Also pay attention to the opinions or attitudes that surround you. Now, in these very situations, begin to think about God‘s names and attributes. What do they mean to you? What is the truth? Which voice do you want to believe?

3. Little by little, perhaps one attribute of God or one Bible verse per “voice” will emerge, which will make the lies become more silent. In this way, you will be able to give a suitable response to these negative thoughts more and more quickly.

Drawing the sword

An innumerable amount of people love historical adventure and action movies. On the one hand, there is the hero who forces his way with a sword and liberates the country from a tyrant. He is not only interested in his honor, but above all in justice. The hero stands up for the good. Again and again, a number of people go into battle to overcome their opponents, usually involving a lot of hardship.

The Bible also encourages us to fight a good fight. Let us take a closer look at what that means exactly.

God’s word as a sword

In the Bible, the word of God is also called a sword that pierces everything. This “sword” has unimaginable power, is sharp, and gives us the ability to defeat enemies.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 | The Bible, New International Version

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17 | The Bible, New International Version

In the letter to the Ephesians, we are asked to equip ourselves for spiritual warfare. The apostle Paul describes the various pieces of armor that protect us. Likewise, we are to take up the sword of the Spirit – by which the Bible is meant. In the original text, “word” is “rhema”, which precisely translated means “spoken”. A deep secret is hidden in this. God wants to tell us that not only the words which God Himself has spoken, but also those which we ourselves pronounce, are decisive.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Romans 10:9-10 | The Bible, New International Version

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8 | The Bible, New International Version

By proclaiming God’s truths again and again with our own voices, this “sword” becomes alive and powerful. This sword is the only weapon of the spiritual armor which is described in Ephesians. It is not our own strength or cleverness that are the appropriate weapons in the battle against the enemy, it is the word of God. The best example is given to us by Jesus Himself, who also took up this weapon when He was tempted by Satan. Three times Jesus defeated the tempter with the simple words: “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10).

Whom are we fighting against?

Let us be honest: hardly anyone understands the spiritual world completely. We know that a lot of things are happening in the unseen world: angels and demons, curses, and maledictions, but also blessings and worries that cling to us and powers and forces that have an effect on us.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12 | The Bible, New International Version

We all find ourselves in difficult situations that cause troubles or worries. When I encounter problems or challenges, it often happens that Bible verses or songs with texts from the Bible come to my mind. More often in these situations, I choose to speak or sing these truths out loud, even if I do not know exactly what is going on in the spiritual world. I believe that the Holy Spirit leads us, guides us, and works through us. Even if we do not always feel and experience it directly. He knows exactly what offense is being launched against us or our environment at any given time. When we speak out and believe in God’s word, it has the power to change situations in a living and powerful way.

You fight with words and faith

From psychology, we know that saying things and believing in them sets inner processes in motion. Among other things, spoken words cause

wounds to heal faster.heart attack patients to recover quicker. asthma and arthritis to be relieved.depression, addictions, etc. to be cured.a person to suffer from flu and infections less often.etc.

We both had the opportunity to offer life counseling on a TV program some time ago. Many different kinds of people called us, and we were able to pray for them and help them with advice and thoughts from God. I, Susanna, remember very clearly a rather discouraged woman who contacted us. As a single mother, she was dependent on welfare benefits, had to move out of her apartment in the following days, and was understandably devastated.

Her last hope was God’s intervention. Her story made us feel sympathy and we prayed for her. Spontaneously, a Bible verse came to my mind, which I read to her. Rarely have I felt such power in the words from the Bible:

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs 31:25 | The Bible, New International Version

This verse was so different from this woman’s current life situation. The statement had strength, spoke life into her misery and dignity and hope for her situation. For me it was not just a kindly meant encouragement, but I felt the power in God’s word and deeply believed that this would also become reality for this dear woman.

Your current life circumstances that want to get you into trouble can be actively confronted by speaking out God’s word and believing these truths. That is why it is helpful for you to get to know your Bible better and better and to know God’s truths for every situation. For example, if someone is grumpy and impatient, Bible verses about financial success will not help him. But verses about kindness and love and Bible passages that encourage him not to just let himself go, will strengthen, and help him. That is why it is so important to study the word of God.

According to your faith let it be done to you!

Matthew 9:29 | The Bible, New International Version

When you begin to speak God’s words, the words gain power and strengthen your faith. Likewise, it helps you to accept God’s promises for you personally. When we learn to read the Bible in this practical way, it not only changes our everyday lives, but in the long run, our whole lives.

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven. l often get lost in the abundance of my thoughts. However, you have equipped me with your word for precisely this struggle! Please come, Holy Spirit. I thank you for having entrusted me with so much. I do not have to be afraid of circumstances or difficulties because your word has life-changing power, and you stand by my side. I believe and trust you. Thank you. I love you.

Amen

Next Steps

1. When you read a passage from the Bible, read it out loud to yourself.

2. Look for passages in the Bible that apply to different situations in your life. Use a concordance or www.Bibleserver.com. What does God think about you as a person, your family, your actions, etc.? What is God‘s plan for your life, your resources, your finances, your sex life, etc.?

3. Learn to say the following Bible verses out loud in challenging situations and difficulties. Begin believing in God and His word.

Bible verses for specific situations

Worries: Matthew 6:25 | Psalm 94:19 | Psalm 38:10

Fear: Psalm 4:8 | Philippians 4:6-7 | Matthew 11:28 | Philippians 4:6-7 | 2 Timothy 1:7 | Isaiah 41:10 | 1 Peter 5:7 | 1 Corinthians 10:13 | Proverbs 3:5-6 | Psalms 27:1-5 | Psalm 34:18 | Psalm 56:4 | Psalm 91 

Weakness: Isaiah 40:31 | Philippians 4:13 | 2 Corinthians 12:9 

Financial hardship: Proverbs 10:22 | Matthew 6:26

Sickness: Mark 9:23 | James 5:14-15 | James 5:16

Grief and sorrow: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 | Matthew 5:4

Help: 2 Samuel 22:0 | Isaiah 25:1

Loneliness:Psalm 23

Unloved: John 3:16 | John 15:13 | Jeremiah 31:3 

Refuge:Psalm 18:2 | Psalm 18:30-32 | Psalm 31:3-5

Guidance: Psalm 25:4 | Psalm 32:8

Journey: Psalm 121

Self-worth:Genesis 1:27 | Zephaniah 3:17 | Ephesians 1:11 | Psalm 139:15-16 

Meditating the verses of the day

This way of reading the Bible will please all those who do not like to read a lot. It is only about a single verse at a time. But beware, as this way of reading has more than meets the eye. Because the more and more precisely you read, the more and more clearly God will personally speak to you.

Many Christians take a moment at least once a day to do “quiet time”. This expression is associated by many with coming to rest with God and orienting the day around Him. Likewise, this time with God is the moment when you are re-energized: spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. For when we come together with the Creator of the universe, the source of all life, this influences our lives.  

Create your time with God

Some people intentionally take 15-30 minutes in the morning to talk to God and read in the Bible. Maybe you are more of an evening person and the later hours of the day are better for you – then take advantage of those. All of this is about maintaining a relationship with our Heavenly Father. You can use the following helpful structure to do this:

A – Aligning with God

B – (Brief) prayer

C – Checking out what is written in the text (reading)

D – Deepening by thinking about it

E – Engraving it in my mind

F – Fasten what has become clear to me

G – Get into prayer mode (adoration, confession, intercession, devotion)

I (Susanna) would like to give you here a short example of my personal quiet time with God. This should show you one way you can maintain your relationship with God just the way you are.

A – Aligning with God

To begin, I often listen to one or two worship songs from my personal playlist. I sit down, close my eyes, and start praying along with the lyrics. By doing this, sometimes particular lines get deep into my heart and show me what is actually bothering me; and sometimes it just makes me feel at peace. I want to encounter my God. These worship songs help me do this.

B – (Brief) prayer 

Now I pray briefly in my own words. I thank Him for His love and the great opportunity to encounter Him wherever I am. Most of the time, my concerns come up at this moment, the things that keep me busy, or are difficult for me. Writing these things down has also worked well. I ask Him to guide and lead me during this time.

C – Checking out what is written in the text

Now I focus on a verse for the day. You can find verses for the day in various places (YouVersion, Bible App, daily devotionals, etc.). You can also simply take a verse that you “come across”. For me it was the following verse for the day: