Photo Designed by AI

Before we can get our hands dirty I think it is best to have a look at the history of the Bible.

The Bible isn't just any book. It's a collection of 66 books, written over a span of about 1500 years, by around 40 different authors from various walks of life. Kings, shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors - a diverse group united by divine inspiration.

And get this: despite being written over such a long period by such a varied group, it tells one cohesive story - God's redemptive plan for humanity. Just like the way the Bible says that the whole Bible is inspired by One Author but different writer; God Almighty is the Author but the writer are man, that is why it has the same theme and message all over it despite the time span and different writers - now that is amazing!

Now, I know what you're thinking. "That's all well and good, but how does that apply to me, living in the 21st century?" I'm glad you asked!

Let's face it, in our fast-paced, notification-driven world, cracking open a book that's thousands of years old might not seem like the most exciting way to spend your time.

Photo Designed by AI

We just cannot help ourselves. We tend to choose, always, other things instead of reading the Bible. Some people even place it on the table so that people may see and think that they are studying their Bibles (God have mercy). And if this was a school book to prepare for the exams we would fail! Because it is just sitting there in front of you like some kind of a table decoration....

We have went further to deceive ourselves that we will read our Bible apps in our phones. "Once I get home today I will read one of the gospels...." And once the time arrives you are watching Netflix, football, playing games or scrolling on TikTok, laughing and enjoying yourself! By the time you realize that you have wasted precious time your on your way to your bed to sleep. Then you encourage yourself once again and say, "I'm tired and deserve some rest, I can't read while I'm tired; definitely tomorrow I'll read my Bible!"

Before you know it the whole year is finished up, again! Despite all of the attempts you have made, and even set up notification bells on, you still cannot read your Bible let alone studying it on daily basis. You have convinced yourself many times over that you are ready to open your notification messages and read. But does that really work, does it make you to read your Bible app? The answer is, 'No!' You have once again and again failed your exams!

It is time to wake and take God's Word seriously!

Now lets look at what the graphs and numbers have to say about the poor Bible study that many are shying away from the truth.

The data might seem like far fetch but it is the reality of how little and how granted we take the word of God despite the Gospel nearly reaching the whole world today, and the Bible being translated into many different languages and tongues that people can understand.

Gone are the days when only the Jewish scribes and doctors of the Law, and the religious rulers, like the Pope in our age, were the once that had copies of the Holy Scriptures. Right now, almost anywhere, anyone can access the Bible, whether physically or digitally; through friends, family, relatives, neighbors, and even through the internet, it is all for free!

Lets not mention the mobile applications that you can download in the language you prefer. Now there is no excuse of not studying the Bible, because all this is free information just waiting to be accessed all over the world, hallelujah!

A 2020 study by the American Bible Society found that Scripture engagement was associated with higher levels of hope and lower levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, 33% of those who read the Bible regularly reported feeling love for others, compared to just 27% of non-Bible readers.

But it's not just about feeling good. The Bible has been a catalyst for social change throughout history. From the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement, biblical principles have inspired people to fight for justice and equality. Even today, 63% of Americans believe the Bible has positively influenced society, according to a 2022 Barna Group study.

On a personal level, the Bible offers practical wisdom for every aspect of life. Relationships, finances, work ethic, dealing with difficult people - you name it, the Bible has guidance for it. It's like having a wise mentor available 24/7, ready to offer advice tailored to your situation.

Still not convinced?

But perhaps the most compelling reason to dust off your Bible is this: it's a love story. Not a sappy romance novel, but an epic tale of God's relentless pursuit of a relationship with you.

Yes, you. In a world where 36% of Americans report feeling lonely "frequently" or "almost all the time" (according to a 2023 Gallup poll), the Bible reminds us that we are known, loved, and never alone.

Let's be honest, we've all made excuses for not reading our Bibles. Our closets are full of them and it is costing us a lot of oxygen to survive and thrive in this wicked-dying world! These are nothing but the lies of the Devil that you have been feeding on all this years and it has to stop, and repent!

You are supposed by now to have been a teacher and spiritually matured, but you are still a baby and in need of sincere infant milk, because you have neglected the Word of God for worldly things.

No one is going to change your life and the way you live but you alone. And the first step is to realize that you need help and your soul is suffocating and in need of radical change before your faith is shipwrecked and beyond repair. Many have fallen from grace into to grave errors that cost them eternity because of lack of knowledge caused by lack of Bible study.

False prophets are playing with peoples lives' and deceive many because they know that christians no longer want anything to do with the Bible. They think that the person who is supposed to read the Bible is the preacher, not them. Even the preachers themselves see no need to read the Bible anymore because they are too busy to read, pray and fast to God. They are like programmed machines that repeat over and over what they know and once read years ago while they where in Bible school (what a shame!).

Now it is time to change to change our lives and empty our closets of the excuses we have fully packed in there. It is time to make time for God and His Word. Ready to dive in?

Here is how the SOAP method works:

The SOAP method is easy to remember but way harder than it sounds to practice. These are just tips, more work needs to be done and have a long way to go before we can confidently say that we can implement them effectively.

Remember, reading also requires focus and commitment. Not will this help you with your Bible study but also with study other materials.

Habits are stubborn and difficult things that are very hard to break, let alone consistency. To really make progress one has to realize that what you will be trying to attempt has many times defeated you before. So this time you have to come with a different approach and strategy.

We start small by taking baby steps until we reach the level of consistency. We can change our habits by replacing them with new habits. Make time for yourself and fully commit yourself that at the end of this month you want to see progress. And remember that it is not going to be easy at all. All habits die hard: you might be victorious these week and before you know it back to your old ways--so baby steps are the key to being consistent....

Here's what you can expect: