eDisciples - Personal Bible Study

Millions of people self-identify as Christians yet many of them never open a Bible or engage in personal Bible study in their free time.

Expecting to get enough spiritual food to stay spiritually healthy in one or two church visits a week is as silly as thinking you can get enough food in one or two restaurant visits a week to keep you physically healthy.

No one is more responsible for your personal spiritual growth than you. This should be your motto:

If its to be, its up to me.

How To Grow Spiritually
1. Thirst - I Peter 2:2,3, Matthew 5:6

Develop the habit of quenching your spiritual thirst with the written word of God. Read the Bible with a believing heart and an open mind to hear what God has for you.

"Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." - Matt 5:6

2. Teachability - John 14:26, 16:13

Develop a willingness to learn through group study and self-study. If you don't take an interest in developing your spiritual life, you will be the loser. If you have a question about what the Bible teaches, seek out the answer for yourself.

"the Holy Ghost... shall teach you all things" - John 14:26

3. Time - Ecclesiastes 3:1

Develop the discipline of setting aside quiet time with God on a regular basis. Even if its just 5 minutes or 15 minutes a day, reserve time for God and His word.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." - Eccl 3:1

4. Tools

Develop your library of Bible study tools. To get started, buy a Study Bible.
You read investment books or books about sports or your favorite hobbies. Developing your spiritual life also requires tools.

a. Learn to "listen" to the Holy Spirit as you read and study the Bible

b. Learn to pray about verses you don't understand and expect God to answer your prayers.

c. Learn to compare scripture with scripture because the Bible often explains itself if you'll take time to read cross-references.

d. Buy and use a good study Bible with notes, outlines and maps

e. Buy good commentaries on your favorite books of the Bible

f. Keep a notebook to write down what God shows you in the Bible

g. Use online resources like the ones at this Link.