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I Have Decided to Follow Jesus!
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU?
Now that you have made this decision – what happens next? Here are some practical steps that we believe will help you greatly as you step into this new life of faith.
HOW DO I READ THE BIBLE?
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word and that it is accurate, authoritative and applicable to our everyday lives.
Whether we read it in book form, scroll through it on our mobiles, or even listen to it while sitting on a bus, the Bible is far more than an interesting historical document with a few wise thoughts thrown in.
It is the way in which God, the Creator of the world, has chosen to communicate with us and to tell us, not only who He is, but also who we are and what our purpose is.
The Bible may be an ancient book, but its message is timeless and is as relevant to us today as it was to its first hearers’ thousands of years ago. As we apply the truths found within its pages, it has the power to transform our lives.
You can download the Bible for free.
THE S.O.A.P METHOD OF BIBLE STUDY
Scripture, Observation, Application & Prayer – there are many different ways to study the Bible and we recognise that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to getting the most out of your devotional time with God. The method we’ve chosen to highlight doesn’t require a great theological knowledge and is designed to open your eyes to the Bible in a deeper way.
A BIBLE
Choose a version that resonates with you. If you’re not sure, find a verse or passage in one version and read the same passage in a few different versions. See which version you connect with the most and find easiest to read and understand.
A NOTEBOOK & PEN
With the convenience of smartphones and computers, many of us rarely pick up a pen to write with these days. Yet writing is a deliberate art and it is startling how your brain processes things differently when you write. You will find that what you write becomes so much more personal and memorable.
A QUIET PLACE
Find a place that you can go to as regularly as you can that will become your ‘place of meeting’ with God. It may be your bedroom, a seat on your veranda, or a chair in a corner of your living room. Wherever it is, make it a time and place where you won’t be disturbed.
1. SCRIPTURE
Write out a key verse that speaks to you from the passage you have just read.
For example – For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)
2. OBSERVATION
What stands out to you in what you have read? What do you see? Are there word patterns, repetitions? Are there lots of verbs or several characters or just one?
For example – God risked everything for us, He gave his only Son… even though people could and would reject His sacrifice for them. He loved, so He gave. He died so we may live.
3. APPLICATION
Ask yourself how you will respond to what God is saying to you today. How can you apply what you are hearing? Is there something you need to do?
For example – Today, what has leapt off the pages is the fact that ‘He loved, so He gave.’ What is my response to His love? I think it means to love others regardless of their story or opinion. Therefore today, in all my encounters with others, I choose to love first regardless of how I am received.
4. PRAYER
Praying at the conclusion of your time of study, seals what God has revealed to you through His Word. Thank God for His presence and His Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to outwork it as you go about your day.
For example – Father, thank you for speaking with me and showing me Jesus in your Word. Help me Holy Spirit to remember this deep, unconditional love today and help me to see others the way you see them. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
HOW DO I PRAY?
When we think about prayer it often seems to be a mysterious activity but it can be described most simply as a conversation with God. This conversation can take place anywhere and at any time. We speak to God and then we listen for what He has to say to us. We are unlikely to hear God’s response as an audible voice but, as we take the time to be still and listen, we may be reminded of a verse we have read in the Bible, or a sentence from the sermon we heard on Sunday that is relevant to our situation.
Dig deeper by exploring our study series on prayer below.
SEE YOU ON THE WEEKEND!
