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Table of CONTENTS

Cross Connection - Introduction…………………... 3

Cross Connection - Bible Study…….……………... 4

Bible Study - Example……………………………… 6

30 Days with Jesus Reading Plan……...................7

Cross Connection - Bible Study Journal.................8

Cross Connection - Prayer ………………………....9

Cross Connection - Service………………………..11

Cross Connection - Service Journal……………....12

Kinds of Prayer - Appendix 1.….…………….…….13

How to Study the Bible - Appendix 2……………...18

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Cross Connection - Introduction
Congratulations for making the greatest decision of your life… to follow Jesus! Cross Connection
is designed to help you connect with God.

Life is full of interconnecting points. The key to

successful living is not only making right choices but
making GODLY choices.

There is a story about a man

who was very wealthy. One day
he came to Jesus and asked
Him how to receive eternal life
(Mark 10:17-22). He had never
stolen anything or murdered
anyone. He honoured his father
and mother and always told the
truth. Yet Jesus told him he still
lacked one thing…he needed to
sell all of his possessions and
follow Him. The man had made
many good decisions in his life
up until that point, but when he
heard the Words of Jesus
walked away. He rejected
Jesus and eternal life because
he wanted to live a good life
without giving everything to God.
Living the Christian life means
far more than going to church
on Sunday, giving some money
in the offering plate and not
doing certain things. Living the
Christian life is all about
connecting with Jesus and
allowing His life to live in you.
Galatians 2:20 says; “I have
been crucified with Christ, I no
longer live, but Christ lives
within me.”

A Godly life is developed by spending time with…GOD. As you spend

time with God you will find what is important to God will become
important to you!
There are three main parts to building a relationship with God. This journal is designed to help
you get started and hopefully form a habit in your life.

1. Cross CONSTRUCTION - Bible Study

2. Cross CONNECTION - Prayer
3. Cross CONFRONTATION - Service

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Cross CONSTRUCTION - Bible Study
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Psalm 127:1

In spite of all the technological advances and resources our North American society has
provided, life in many ways has not become better. God’s Word gives us two things to
consider:

1. A Warning. Unless God is the

architect and builder of our life, at
the end we’ll discover that all our
effort was in vain.
2. The Comfort. If however we
make God the architect and
builder of our life, He will make
certain our life becomes all that it
was designed to become.

A solid building is a result of following a well designed blueprint. An untrained person cannot
properly read a blueprint. They might be a really good person but nothing will help them build
unless they are able to read. Only a trained workman can read blueprints.

The Bible is our blueprint for a successful and powerful life. But in your natural mind you are
untrained to read it without the help of the architect. Who is the architect? God! So when you
read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what His Word means.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for
they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

…but God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:10

Construct your life according to the Word of God.

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible. Invite His
presence into your life everyday. Ask Him to teach you and guide you into all truth (John
16:13).

2. Everyday read God’s Word. Whether you read a verse a day or a chapter,
READ and think about it daily (Joshua 1:8; Romans 10:17). I encourage you to read the Bible
systematically. It is not recommended to read a verse in Matthew and then a verse from
Exodus. For new Christians read through each book of the Bible verse by verse, chapter by
chapter until you complete the book. This will help you understand the “context” of the intended
message.

3. Take notes - journal. As you read, take note of what you are reading and what
the Holy Spirit is saying to you. God wants to uncover the truth of the Word and apply it to your
life. Is what God says worth remembering? How can you remember everything God says? By
writing it down!

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Some things to consider when reading:

- Author
- Observations!
- Key verses, words, phrases!
- Theme - Questions you have about the passage.

Another helpful way is found in S.O.A.P. **

** (material copied from www.enewhope.org/firststeps/journaling by Wayne Cordero)

Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading
for today. Take time reading
and allow God to speak to you.
When you are done, look for a
verse that particularly spoke to
you that day, and write it in your
journal.
Observation
What do you think God is
saying to you in this scripture?
Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you
and reveal Jesus to you.
Paraphrase and write this
scripture down in your own
words, in your journal.

Application
Personalize what you have
read, by asking yourself how it
applies to your life right now.
Perhaps it is instruction,
encouragement, revelation of a
new promise, or corrections for
a particular area of your life.
Write how this scripture can
apply to you today.
Prayer
This can be as simple as asking
God to help you use this
scripture, or it may be a greater
insight on what He may be
revealing to you. Remember,
prayer is a two way
conversation, so be sure to
listen to what God has to say!
Now, write it out.

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Cross CONSTRUCTION - Example

Date: May 23, 2006

Scripture: John 6:1-14

Key Words:Jesus lifted up His eyes; He said this to test them,

for He Himself had in mind what to do; Jesus took, He prayed,
He gave; the people we filled

God always has in mind what to do.

Notes (Observation/Application):
Sometimes God will test me, to teach me, to show me His power and ability.

God requires me to be involved in the miracle. Unless I step out in faith,

nothing will get done. It wasn’t until the disciples handed the bread and fish out
that they multiplied. Lord, I may not have much but if I give it to You and trust
You with it, You can multiply it and make it more than enough.

Lord help me surrender everything to You, knowing that You know what You
are doing. Fill me with You Spirit and use me to perform miracles like this so
You will become famous in my generation.

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30 Days with JESUS
Reading Plan

Day Theme Passage

1 Jesus Foretold Isaiah 53

2 The Birth of Jesus Matthew 1:18-25
3 John the Baptist Baptizes Jesus Matthew 3:1-4:11
4 Water to Wine and the Samaritan John 2:1-11
John 4:1-26
5 Jesus Rejected in His Hometown Luke 4:14-30
6 Jesus Calls His Disciples Luke 5:1-11
Matthew 9:9-13
7 Sermon on the Mount Luke 6:17-46
8 A Centurion, a Widow’s son Matthew 8:1-13
Luke 7:11-17
Luke 7:36-50
9 Encounters with the Pharisees Matthew 12:1-13;22-45
10 Parable of the Sower, Weeds & Seeds Matthew 13:1-43
11 Jesus Calms the Storm Luke 8:22-25
Mark 6:45-56
12 Jesus Heals a Man, Woman and Girl Mark 5:1-43
13 Feeding 5000 Men John 6:1-14
14 Peter Identifies the Christ Luke 9:18-27
Luke 17:1-8
15 Healing by Faith Mark 9:14-32
16 Teachings and Parables 1 Matthew 17:24-18:20
17 Teachings and Parables 2 Matthew 18:21-19:15
18 The Rich Young Ruler Mark 10:17-31
19 Disciples Sent Out Luke 10:1-24
20 The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37
21 Jesus Teaches How to Pray Luke 11:1-13
22 Jesus Revives Lazarus John 11:1-44
23 Jesus Comes to Jerusalem Matthew 21:1-27
24 The Last Supper John 13:1-17
Matthew 26:17-35
25 Comfort of the Disciples John 14-15
26 Jesus Arrested and Disowned Matthew 26:36-75
27 Jesus’ Trial John 18:19-19:16
28 Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death John 19:17-42
29 Jesus’ Resurrection and Appearance John 20-21
30 The Great Commission and Ascension Matthew 28:16-20
Luke 24:50-53

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Example Page:
Cross CONSTRUCTION - Bible Reading

Date:

Scripture:

Key Words:

Notes (Observation/Application):

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Cross CONNECTION - Prayer
One of the easiest and quickest methods to communicate with anyone around the world is by e-
mail. Regardless of time or distance email is virtually instantaneous.

God may not have e-mail but He responds to

something every one can connect to whether they
have the internet or not and that is…knee-mail or
better known as PRAYER.
Prayer is instant, direct and the most effective means of connecting with God. You can talk to
God anytime, anywhere. Have a question…God has the answer! Did you discover something
new or exciting…thank God! This sounds like friendship doesn’t it…exactly.

Philippians 4:6-7 says;

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be
made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus.

Connect with God in prayer.

There is something very important about prayer that

every Christian needs to learn and that is effective
prayer is “with” God not “at” God.

In other words, don’t treat God like someone you just tell
your wants and desires to and then leave expecting Him to
“just do it.” That kind of prayer is what I call praying at God.
Rather pray with God. Listen to what He is saying to you and
thank Him for what He has promised.

Habakkuk 2:1-2; I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to
me, and what I will answer when I am corrected.

Many times you will have to change your attitude about things or even your desires to pray with
God. But God answers 100% of your prayers when they are with His Word.

Connect with God’s plan.

Another way to be effective in prayer is to come before

God without a personal agenda.

In other words, let God shape your life and future. You might
have a dream about becoming such and such or you want to
do this or that. Allow God to lead you into what He desires
for your life. No, God will not force things upon you but He
wants you to relinquish the authority of your life to Him.
Again, when you do that – God becomes responsible to
provide all you need for life and success!

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James 4:3;
You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Proverbs 3:5-6;
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge
Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Connect with God’s Heart.

What is the ultimate heart of God? Jesus said what does

it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul
(Matthew 16:26). God delights to answer prayer and
profoundly bless you with all sorts of good things.

But there is one thing that stands head and shoulders above
all other things that you could ever receive and that is a
growing revelation of Jesus Christ God’s Son.

John 5:39-40;
You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
Philippians 3:7-8;
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss
for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the
loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

Dear reader…above all else, learn Christ! He is the

very heart of God.
Some prayer suggestions:
a) Set time aside every day to pray with God.
b) Review your bible study notes. What has God said and what is God saying. Consider
both.
c) Go to God by faith, believing He hears and answers prayer!

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe
that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

 See APPENDIX 1 for different kinds of prayer.

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Cross CONFRONTATION - Service
Have you ever rowed a boat? In order for the boat to move in a straight line both left and right
oars must be in the water working together, otherwise all you will do is go around in circles.

God does not want you to live a

useless life. The Christian life
makes a difference, it moves;
God has a definite direction and
plan for His people. To claim
you have faith in God and not
show your faith by
accompanying works, your life
will be like a row boat with one
oar in the water – going around
and around.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving

yourselves. James 1:22. For as the body without the spirit is
dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26

Since Jesus has made a difference in your life…MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the life of
another! Find your place in the Kingdom of God and serve the Lord with gladness - Psalm
100:2.

On the following pages, journal the things you are believing God to do in your life and also ways
in which you can serve as God speaks to you.

After a few days review your notes and see how GOOD God is!

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Example Page:
Cross CONFRONTATION - Service

Date:

I am believing God for:

Ways I can serve God:

Date:

I am believing God for:

Ways I can serve God:

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 Kinds of Prayer
Appendix 1
Material adapted from A Royal Priesthood by Dennis Wiedrick. Used with permission.

Ephesians 6:18;
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in
mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Kenneth Hagin uses a wonderful analogy to illustrate the truth about “kinds of prayer”. He asks
people to think of any sport that is played with a ball. Well, that’s easy – basketball, football,
soccer, baseball, bowling, golf, tennis, etc. Everyone comes up with a different sport, all of which
are played with a ball. Yet, each of these sports is played with a unique size and shape of ball,
on its own special field, with different numbers on the team, all according to different rules. Now,
what would happen if someone were to yell “play ball!” and everyone tried to play their own game,
on their own field, by their own rules, at the same time? Mass confusion.

But that is exactly what happens with prayer. Someone says “let’s pray!” and twenty different
people will come up with twenty different ideas of twenty different issues, to pray about twenty
different ways.

The following is a brief description of several different kinds prayer listed in the bible and will help
you pray more effectively.

1. The Prayer of Thanksgiving.

Psalm 100:4;
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise
his name.

Ephesians 5:19-20;
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in
your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18;
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will
for you in Christ Jesus.

Thanksgiving should be a regular and frequent prayer we employ. Never be like the 9 lepers who
failed to give thanks for the grace of God (Luke 17:11-19).

2. The Prayer of Adoration.

Psalm 52:9;
I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is
good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Luke 1:46-49;
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he
has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call
me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name.

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Closely linked to the prayer of thanksgiving is the prayer of adoration. The scriptures, especially
the Psalms are full of these kinds of prayers. The “oil of gladness” is poured on us as we lavish
our praise upon our God.

When you feel your prayer time is drying up or becoming laborious, enter into a time of praise and
adoration.

3. The Prayer of Confession.

Psalm 32:5;
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

1 John 1:8-9;
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness.

As we come into the presence of a Holy God it is important that our conscience is clear.
Confession means we agree with God. When we confess our sin, we agree with God that we are
wrong and need His forgiveness. Confession can also be used in a positive way.

Philemon 6;
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full
understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Have you considered all the good things you have in Christ? Confess with your mouth what God
has said about you. Acknowledge the good things God has promised in Christ and overcome evil
with good.

4. The Prayer of Repentance.

Isaiah 66:2b;
"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my
word.

2 Corinthians 7:10;
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly
sorrow brings death.

2 Peter 3:9;
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient
with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

While confession deals with the actual sins committed, repentance deals with the attitude of the
heart that committed them. Repentance implies a complete turn around and movement in the
opposite direction away from sin and toward God.

5. The Prayer of Petition.

Romans 8:32;
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along
with him, graciously give us all things?

Philippians 4:6;

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Petition is a legal term that implies an approach to an authority to obtain certain provisions that
are promised. Our relationship with God is guaranteed by Christ and firmly rooted in His
commitment.

When we pray the prayer of petition we no longer need to try to earn God’s favour, but simply
come to Him on the merits of Christ’s finished work on the cross and there make our petition.
These petitions are made not in our name but in the name of Jesus.

6. The Prayer of Faith.

Mark 11:22-24;
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain,
'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he
says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in
prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

James 5:15;
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If
he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

The prayer of faith is a kind of prayer used at a certain time, to accomplish a certain task. Review
Mark 11:20-26 for the ground rules for this kind of prayer.

a. Have faith in God. The literal translation says “have the God-kind of faith”. Human faith will
accomplish nothing. Our faith must have its origin in God.

Our faith must come as a gift from God. Faith comes by hearing (having audience with) and
hearing by the word of God.

Once we receive a gift of faith it is up to us how we manage it. We can cause it to grow by using
it or cause it to weaken by neglecting it (James 2:14-26). But even if our faith is as small as a
mustard seed, once planted in God it will grow so powerful even “a mountain will be cast into the
sea” because of it.

b. Speak with your mouth what you believe in your heart. Avoid being drawn in by the
world’s system and demand to see before you believe. God’s way is when you believe then you
will see. Speak out your prayer as if you already have received what you are praying for.

c. Forgive. There is an important element to the operation of the prayer of faith, it is forgiveness.
Many sincere people have prayed the prayer of faith to no avail not because they didn’t hear from
God but because they continued to harbour unforgiveness toward someone else.

Unforgiveness will short circuit the prayer of faith every time. The condition of your heart affects
the outcome of the prayer of faith.

The prayer of faith is offered only when the will of God is already understood. The best and
most sure way to know God’s will is – the Word of God. If it is in the Word you can pray it with
confidence.

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7. The Prayer of Agreement.

Matthew 18:19;
“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be
done for you by my Father in heaven”.

1 Peter 3:7;
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them
with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that
nothing will hinder your prayers.

By very definition the prayer of agreement must always be prayed by more than one person.
Something powerful happens when Christians stand together in unity and speak the promises of
God.

Forgiveness again is a huge issue for the effective release of this prayer. Forgiveness must
precede prayer if we desire to receive from the Lord.

When we don’t forgive, the enemy has legal right to interfere in our lives because we don’t qualify
for the protection by God because of our unforgiveness.

If you are experiencing trouble in prayer ask the Lord to reveal to you what is hindering your
prayers. Do not damage your faith any longer, as you attempt to make God’s Word null and void,
by claiming something that God has already declared “off limits” to you (because of unforgiveness
in your heart). Test and see if you truly comply with the terms and conditions of the new
covenant.

8. The Prayer in Other Tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:2;
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one
understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:14;
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

Jude 20;
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy
Spirit.

God has provided such a variety of exciting avenues to communicate with Him.

It is very important to note that God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship in spirit
and in truth. It is with our spirit that we commune with God. We cannot approach God from the
natural mind because the natural mind does not receive the things of the Spirit of God.

As we pray in the Spirit our natural man is unfruitful but our spiritual man is built up. We
communicate mysteries to God in the realm of the spirit. The enemy cannot attack this kind of
prayer because he cannot understand what is being said. We are speaking in a heavenly
language.

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9. The Prayer of Intercession.

Isaiah 53:12c;
…For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

1 Timothy 2:1-2;
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for
everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in
all godliness and holiness.

2 Samuel 21:1-3;
During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought
the face of the LORD. The LORD said, "It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained
house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death."

The king summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not a
part of Israel but were survivors of the Amorites; the Israelites had sworn to [spare] them,
but Saul in his zeal for Israel and Judah had tried to annihilate them.) David asked the
Gibeonites, "What shall I do for you? How shall I make amends so that you will bless the
LORD's inheritance?"

Today, it has become popular to use the label of “intercession” to cover all kinds of prayer. But
intercession by its very definition always involves “standing in the gap on behalf of another”.
You can read two examples in the verses above (Isaiah 53:12c and 2 Samuel 21:1-3).

While intercession will involve, from time to time, all of the previous kinds of prayer mentioned,
intercession is primarily concerned with the “priestly” function of being touched by and then
carrying the sins or the needs of the people before the throne of God to obtain grace to help in
their time of need.

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 How to Study the Bible
Appendix 2
The Bible is written in such a way that anyone who desires to know God and how to successfully
live the Christian life can read and do so.

John 16:12-13;
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"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when
He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on
His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to
come.

The BASICS
Observation: This answers the question…what does the passage of scripture say? Observation
is the foundation that must be laid if you are going to accurately interpret what the Bible is saying.
To become skilled at observation it requires time and practise.

Interpretation: This answers the question…what does the passage of scripture mean? Careful
observation leads into accurate interpretation. If you do not take enough time with observing the
passage then your understanding might become coloured with your own presuppositions - what
you think, what you feel or what other people have said rather than what God’s Word says.

Application: This answers the question…how does the meaning of the passage of scripture
apply to me? Once you understand what the passage means you are then responsible to put it
into practise. The ultimate goal of scripture is to become more Christ like.

2 Timothy 3:16-17;
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All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
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correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1. Observation
* Identify the Context - context rules! The context of the passage is the environment, the setting
or the parts surrounding the particular verse.

* Observe the Obvious - things that are easy to see. Repeated words, people, places, ideas etc.

* Deal with the passage Objectively - in other words, let the text speak for itself. Don’t just read
the parts that “mean something to you”. Learn to read and know the “whole” Word of God.

* Read with a Purpose - this is done primarily by asking questions. Who, What, When, Where,
Why and How.

2. Interpretation
* Again remember, Context Rules. The context of a verse or chapter makes a huge difference.
What are the surrounding verses? What book is the verse found in? What and where is an event
happening?
Who is speaking?

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* Scripture will never contradict Scripture - if you find that it appears that way then it is for certain
one or both of your interpretations is wrong. Many times scripture will explain itself in other parts
of the Bible.

* Do not base your doctrine on an obscure passage of scripture. An obscure passage of scripture
is one that the meaning is not known or easily understood. Your doctrine should be based on
clear and repeated passages of scripture.

* Interpret scripture literally. The Bible is not a book of mysticism. God has given us His Word
that we might know the Truth and the Truth will make us free. The Truth of God and the freedom
it brings is REAL.

Essential Tools for Bible Interpretation

1. Exhaustive Concordance - an exhaustive concordance shows you where every word in the
Bible is located. Several concordances are available like Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, and
the New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance.

2. An Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words - this kind of dictionary gives more expansive
definitions of words which will help you greatly in understanding a passage more fully. Some
excellent word study books are The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament by Spiros
Zodhiates; Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words by W.E.
Vine; Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament by Laird Harris; Wuest’s Word Studies from
the New Testament by Kenneth S. Wuest.

* Keys to figure things out. Though the Bible is meant to be interpreted literally, there is a lot of
figurative language in it.
Simile - a simile is an expression or stated comparison of two different things or ideas that uses
the connecting words like, as, such as or the word pair as…so. Example - Psalm 42:1; Revelation
1:14.

Metaphor - a metaphor is an implied comparison between two things that are different. A
metaphor is different than a simile in that a metaphor is not a stated comparison…it is implied.

Example - John 15:5a;

"I am the vine, you are the branches…”

There are two metaphors in this passage. One compares Jesus with a vine and the other
compares Jesus’ audience with branches. You have to study the context to discover who they
people are.

Exaggeration - another word for exaggeration is hyperbole. It is deliberate for emphasis or

effect. Example - Psalm 119:20; Matthew 23:24.

Personification - an object is given characteristics or attributes that belong to human beings.

Example - Isaiah 55:12.

Irony - is a statement which says the opposite of what is meant. Example - 1 Kings 22:1-23; 1
Corinthians 4:8 (it is obvious the Corinthians have not become kings nor does Paul want to reign
with them).

When it is not easy to discern if a statement is ironic, then examine it as first a true statement.
Does it make sense in the context? If not, examine it as irony.

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Parables - a parable is a story that teaches a moral lesson or truth. Though a parable is not
usually factual, it is a story that is true to life. Parables are designed to usually have a central
point. Parables amplify a doctrine, rather then establish them. Example - Luke 15.

Types - a type is a prophetic symbol designated by God. A type prefigures something or

someone to come. Example - Romans 5:14 (Adam is a type of Christ).

Symbols - a symbol is a picture or an object that stands for or represents another thing.
Example - Revelation 1:20.

Prophecy/Revelation - prophecy means to speak forth the mind and counsel of God. Some
scholars have divided prophecy into two categories.

a. Foretelling Prophecies - contains a message about what God will do in the future. Daniel 7
lays out the course of history from king Nebuchadnezzar right through to the second coming of
Jesus Christ.

b. Forthtelling Prophecies - contains a message about what God is going to do in the present or
immediate time. In Daniel 4 God told king Nebuchadnezzar in a dream what would happen to
him if he did not repent.

3. Application
Bible study is more than the gathering of information…it is a life transforming process. No matter
how much you know about God’s Word - if you fail to apply it Scripture will never benefit your life.

Some Helpful Questions…

How does the meaning of this passage apply to me?

What truths am I to embrace, believe and order my life by?

What changes should I make in my beliefs and in my life?

2 Timothy 3:16-17;
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All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
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correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Doctrine (teaching) - this is what the Word of God says on a particular subject. God’s Word is
always true!

Reproof - exposes areas in your life that are not in line with God’s truth. The application of
reproof is to accept God’s word, agree with it (confession) and acknowledge where you are wrong
in thought and behaviour.

Correction - correction begins with repentance. Repentance is changing your thinking so that
your life line up with God’s Word. Sometimes this is very difficult to do but God has not left you
without help. Whatever God asks you to do, He equips you for. The Holy Spirit not only shows
you your error by gives you the power to live for God.

Instruction in Righteousness - The Bible is your handbook for living rightly before God.

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