4:109 – How Do I Learn the Whole Story?

#faithbites #faithjourney whole

Setting

As you may know, everyone learns a bit differently. Some like to watch videos while others read. Some want lectures and others want written step-by-step instructions. There is no right way to learn, just the right way to learn for that person. Maybe someone should write a dissertation on that. (He hehe). A few days ago, we talked about the importance of reading the whole store. We need to understand the overall message of God’s word and not just a few scriptures here and there. But how can we do it without starting in Genesis 1:1 and going through Revelation 22:21?

I had this conversation with one of our pastors and he gave me a few resources to share with you.

• The Bible Project – https://bibleproject.com/ This site has short videos on every book of the bible even on how to understand the themes of the bible. One video, Intro to the Bible, starts in the beginning and explains how it is written. Want to learn how to read Biblical Narratives or Biblical Poetry, that is here too. Great site!
• YouVersion (The Bible App) – https://www.youversion.com/mission/ – This has comparisons of versions and daily reading plans. Want to read a specific book, this helps you understand that book.
• BibleGatgeway – https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/?version=NIV – Not only will you find verses and every translation under the Son (see what I did there), there are study tools and reading plans. It’s a great way to work through the bible by book or by theme.

Today’s Questions: What tools can you use to learn the Whole Story? Beyond tools, how do you make time for learning the Bible? Beyond the Bible, how do you make time daily for God?

Scripture

• Deuteronomy 11:18-20 – “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ¹⁹ You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. ²⁰ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates
• Joshua 1:8 – This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
• Psalm 119:11 – I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
• John 5:36-40 – “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. ³⁷ And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, ³⁸ nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. ³⁹ You study^[c] the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, ⁴⁰ yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Reflection

Just as we learn differently, God brought us different ways to learn and keep his word with us. From memorization (lay up these words), binding them on us (writing them down), and teaching them to our children. You can’t teach them if you don’t know them. He also tells us when to read them, day and night. If we know the word, then we are less likely to Sin.

God didn’t say we had to learn them only from absorbing them from a Pastor nor did he say to only read them nor did he say to only right them. God is multimodal just as we are. Find the best way to learn and study in the word that works for you.

As we close, remember there is no one perfect way to learn the Word. Find what works best for you and make space for it. Time to watch a Bible project video.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for your word. Thank you for giving us different ways to learn and embody your teachings. Just as you made us different, we all can learn the Bible in a unique way. Help us to find the way that works best for us so we understand your whole story and can advance your kingdom here. In your name, Amen.