Renewed Faith in the New Year: How to Study the Bible

Kick off the new year with a fresh start in your spiritual journey by embracing a renewed commitment to Bible study. Whether you're new to the faith or seeking to reconnect, discover transformative ways to enrich your understanding of the Word. I'm Paula, your host, and today we're diving into practical strategies to ignite your spiritual growth. From incorporating journaling as a tool to chronicle your progress, to joining Bible study groups for shared insights and accountability, we cover it all. We also explore the power of prayer and how to incorporate it seamlessly into your study routine.

Find my - 5 Steps to Enhance Your Bible Study in the New Year

Explore how to choose a Bible study approach that resonates with you. For beginners, the Gospels are a great place to start, offering deep insights into Jesus' life and teachings. Devotionals provide manageable daily reflections for those with packed schedules, while topical studies help apply biblical wisdom to specific life challenges. On this episode, we also introduce the SOAP method—Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer—a powerful framework for personal Bible study. Equipped with these tools, you'll be ready to embrace the new year with a renewed purpose and deeper faith.

Transcript

Paula Behrens: 0:03

Welcome to another episode of Living on Purpose in Christ, where we journey together to grow in faith and deepen our relationship with Jesus. Hi, I'm Paula, your host, and today we're focusing on how to embrace a new year with a fresh commitment to study the Bible. Whether you're new to the faith or looking to renew your spiritual journey, this episode is for you. As we step into a new year, it's a perfect time to reflect on new beginnings, both physical and spiritual, right For new Christians and really for all Christians. Starting this year with an intentional plan to study the Bible can be a transformative experience. The Bible is not just a book, but the living word of God, offering wisdom, comfort and guidance. First, let's talk about embracing this journey with a heart open to learning. Imagine starting a walk with a friend. The more you walk together, the closer you become. The same is true with God. The more time you spend in his word, the more you grow in your relationship with him. Diving into the Bible daily doesn't require hours, though. Just a few consistent minutes can spark lots of growth. Start small and build up to more time as you grow comfortable. Journaling your reflections can help you track your spiritual journey and recognize how God is moving in your life, serving as a testament to your growth. While individual commitment to Bible study is enriching, community involvement is equally vital. So join a Bible study group or engage in virtual communities to share experiences and gain diverse insights. This will foster accountability, deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith through shared encouragement, and also incorporate prayer into your study routine. Begin by asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and clarity and reflect on how the passages resonate with your life. End your time with gratitude, seeking God's wisdom and direction throughout your day. Such practices align your heart with God's will Set a regular time and place for your Bible study to build a consistent habit. Choose a quiet, comfortable space, free from distractions, whether it's morning or evening, to fully engage with the Word. Okay, so let's talk about choosing a Bible study approach.

Paula Behrens: 2:44

For new Christians, starting with a structured approach can be particularly helpful. So start with the Gospels Matthew, mark, luke and John firsthand accounts of Jesus' life, teachings and sacrifice. Understanding Jesus' story is foundational to comprehending the rest of the Bible. Diving into the Gospels can be an illuminating experience, as these books not only recount events in Jesus' life, but also provide a direct connection to his words and parables. As you read, take notes of verses or passages that resonate with you and revisit them in prayer and meditation. This approach helps establish a strong spiritual footing, setting the stage for further exploration of the Bible's complexities and its messages of love, redemption and hope.

Paula Behrens: 3:39

Use devotionals, like the ones in the Faith Building Club. These devotionals are designed for daily reflection, often including a short passage, an explanation and a prayer. They will guide you through scripture in manageable portions. That's a good thing. Devotionals are especially useful for those with busy schedules like you and me, providing a moment of calm, reflection and spiritual connection each day. They inspire personal growth and offer a practical way to integrate biblical teaching into your everyday life. By following a devotional, you can cultivate a habit of daily scripture engagement that will deepen your faith understanding and support your spiritual journey.

Paula Behrens: 4:22

And then there are topical studies. If there's a specific area of life you're seeking guidance in, such as forgiveness, love or faith, the club also offers resources focused on these and other topics. Topical studies allow you to interact with scripture in a way that is directly applicable to your current life circumstances and spiritual inquiries. They offer a concentrated focus on relevant Bible teachings, helping you to apply divine principles to real-world challenges. This targeted approach can be particularly beneficial when navigating specific life events or when looking to reinforce particular virtues. One popular method for individual study is called the SOAP method.

Paula Behrens: 5:12

S stands for scripture. Write down the verse or passage you're studying. This helps you focus and remember. O is for observation. What stands out to you? Are there any repeated words, themes or commands? What is the context? A stands for application. How can you apply this scripture to your life today? Is there a lesson, a promise or a call to action there for you? And P stands for prayer Prayer, always pray. Pray over what you've learned, asking God to help you implement his word into your life.

Paula Behrens: 5:49

And those resources, utilizing those resources the ones we have in the Faith Building Club and others is so very important. There is a wealth of resources available to you, like Bible apps. Many of these apps offer reading plans and audio options allowing you to engage with the Bible even when you're on the go. Now, when I use an audio Bible, I like to have the words in front of me too, so I can see the words, I can read them and I can also hear them. And then Bible studies written Bible studies. Check out your local Christian bookstore. These will include notes, maps and historical context to help you understand the passages more deeply. We also offer four new Bible study lessons each month in the Faith Building Club, and then there are some online sermons and podcasts.

Paula Behrens: 6:44

Listening to teachings on scripture can offer new insights and interpretations. Okay, so this is a journey, not a sprint. Commit the whole year to study the Bible and remember that it's not about perfection but progress. As you dive into his word, be prepared for him to speak into your life in profound and powerful ways. As we conclude today's episode, I challenge you to take the first step in this fresh start for the new year. Pray for God to guide your heart as you open the pages of the Bible. He promises that his word will not return void. It will accomplish what he desires. Thank you for joining us today. May this new year be one of discovery and growth as you walk with your Savior. Until next time, be blessed.