Bible How-To: Study

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our Bible studies? Who is he? Christians often talk about inviting him to be a part of study, but what should we expect from the Holy Spirit in this context? How do we know when he is guiding vs us leading? I have invited Pastor Matthew Tinkham Jr. (MDiv and PhD candidate) to help us understand the personhood of the Holy Spirit and his role as part of the Trinity. We also answer questions about what to expect when the Holy Spirit is invited into our Bible study. Find episode notes and more at www.biblehowto.com

Why do we pray over our Bible study? What can we expect from God in response to our prayers?Pastor Amy Cirigliano, Prayer Ministry Director for the SDA GCC, shares her insights through Bible stories, verses, favorite quotes, and personal stories.Learn how to pray, and what to expect when you pray in Jesus's name.PDF Notes are available at biblehowto.com/episodenotesPlease consider supporting our ministry. Like, subscribe, share, donate, and pray!

You have heard that setting goals is important. So, why not set goals for your time with God? How much time will you spend? When will you spend that time? What will you study? In this episode Jack Phillips, REACH Your Neighbor LEADS Coordinator, shares his experience growing in his personal study time and the importance of planning to improve. Plus, we discuss planning to share our testimony. So, you see, planning is more than setting aside time!Find PDF notes and more at biblehowto.com

During this break in our usual content, I thought it would be valuable to share my personal testimony. My story is a bit messy. It was hard to tell (I am sure you will notice in my slower, measured speech). But, I believe that it is important for me to share what God has done in my life! It is important to share that Jesus still has power to save! It is also important to show that Christians aren't perfect. We all need a Savior. I hope my story will inspire you to search the scriptures to find the loving Father that I have found!

"God is love," so the Bible tells us. But what does that mean? What kind of love? How does God want us to relate to him? How does this idea change the way we read and understand the scriptures? Join Pastor CJ Cousins of @livingforhimtv as we answer these questions and more! Learn more about Bible How-to: Study at biblehowto.com. Find episode notes, blog posts, study notes, and learn how you can support our ministry.

This is my second time reflecting on my experience as a new Christian podcaster. There are two parts: Podcasting (1:35) Spiritual Growth (14:10) and my purpose. This experience has been invaluable to me, so thank you for joining me. Please like, subscribe and share to help grow our ministry. Visit us at biblehowto.com for more information.

The Bible has EASTER EGGS! Pastor Nathan Renner, co-founder of Arise @Light_Bearers and Pastor at the @madisoncampuschurch, joins host Lindsay Esterline to discuss how understanding the literary devices used in scripture can enhance our understanding of the Bible. Discover how literary devices are used to focus the message. Learn about the various kinds of devices that we don't use in English. Answer the question, "How do I use this strategy if I am not a Hebrew or Greek scholar?" Find episode notes at biblehowto.com/episodenotes Please like, subscribe, share and PRAY! biblehowto.com

Do you want to learn to move past just highlighting scripture to marking your Bible with intention? In this episode Christopher Beason of Mission SONlight Chatt shares some practical tips for marking your Bible. Learn how to choose a study method that resonates with you. Then get tips on how to mark your Bible for future personal study, or for sharing. **We had some technical difficulties with recording outside of our studio. The sound quality is not what we had hoped for, but we didn't want you to miss out. We have provided subtitles wherever you watch us. Please check our website for the PDF notes at biblehowto.com/episodenotes Please like and subscribe, and share!

In this episode we explore further how context effects our understanding of scripture. Pastor Gary Rustad helps us look more closely at the context of the author as well as the context of the audience. Pastor Rustad shares examples of how context has effected his interactions with others, and examples from scripture. In the light of the Synthesis Principle the biblical context of the author and the audience being addressed may help us reconcile any discrepancies in the Bible. Visit biblehowto.com for episode notes. Please like and subscribe.

Why does God use symbols? How do we determine when something is  symbolic? How do we determine the meaning of the symbol? Pastor Ivor Myers of Power of the Lamb Ministries (@ivormyers) shares his "Phototheology" program, and helps us answer these questions and more. Find the PDF notes at biblehowto.com/notes and visit biblehowto.com to support our ministry.

Pastor Luke Steen (New Zealand) discusses the Synthesis Principle. If the Bible is the inspired word of God, how can there be errors, contradictions, or discrepancies? Pastor Steen helps us look at a few examples and gives practical help in reconciling conflicting passages. For our PDF notes visit biblehowto.com/episodenotes. Please subscribe, follow, like, share, and PRAY. Links to social media found at biblehowto.com.

Trusting God doesn't seem like a Bible study principle, but it is ultimately the goal of study. The idea is that through study we develop a relationship with God. That relationship will lead to trust in him. Pastor CJ Cousins discusses this with us, and gives us pointers on how to develop that relationship and trust. PDF notes for this episode are available at www.biblehowto.com/episodenotes Please like, subscribe and share! Visit www.biblehowto.com for more resources and to see how you can support our ministry.

How can comparing translations of the Bible and the original language affect our understanding of the scriptures? Pastor Peter Kulakov of Light Of Hope ministry (www.lohministry.com) joins us to share his experience as a pastor and translator. As a Bible scholar in many languages, Pastor Kulakov shares his wisdom with us. Pastor Kulakov also shares a little about his gospel work in the Ukraine. PDF Notes available at www.biblehowto.com/notes Like, subscribe, and share. Please consider giving to support our ministry.

What is the biblical principle that transcends time and culture? How do we apply the principle? What are the implications of misapplied scripture? Pastor Ken Norton helps us explore this topic. This is a difficult topic to discuss because application of biblical principle can be so personal. Yet there are universal truths that God requires us to apply.  Now that we understand that the goal is application, we can revisit this idea again and again as we use study principles to draw out the meaning of God’s word. PDF Notes: biblehowto.com/episodenotes

How can actively engaging with scripture through journaling enhance our Bible study experience?In this episode Pastor CJ Cousins, of Living For Him ministry (livingforhim.tv), walks us through his method of journaling through scripture. He explains how simple it is to use journal writing to enhance our understanding of the Bible and grow our relationship with God. Find the PDF episode notes for this episode at https://www.biblehowto.com/episodenotes 

How can understanding the cultural context of the scripture change or enhance our understanding of the Bible passage?Dr. Philip Samaan, author of the Christ's Way books and The Mideast Messiah -Cultural Insights Into Christ’s Life and Ministry, helps us to see how looking into the cultural context of the stories shared with us in scripture can enrich our understanding of what God is trying to communicate to us through the narrative.In addition to sharing his insight on the stories of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples and Mary washing the feet of Jesus, Dr. Samaan also shares his steps for "Relational Bible Study". These steps can also be found in his book Christ’s Way to Spiritual Growth.You can find the PDF notes for this episode and others at biblehowto.com/episodenotes.

Lindsay's short reflection on starting the podcast. Just a brief look back at the previous two episodes and what it's like to be a new podcaster as well as reflecting on what I have learned from our guests so far.My prayer is that you will be inspired by the knowledge and resources that each guest provides.Visit biblehowto.com/episodenotes to learn how you can support this ministry.

How does looking for the Gospel in the passage change your understanding of the scripture?In our first episode, we put everything into perspective. Dr. Elizabeth Talbot of Jesus101 (jesus101.tv) not only defines the Gospel for us, but she helps us put on "Christ-centered hermeneutical lenses" as we begin studying together. The Old Testament is just as valuable as the New Testament in helping us understand the scriptures. The entire Bible is pointing us to Jesus Christ!Dr. Talbot also shares three practical steps to help you get started studying the Bible for yourself. She also has a free gift for you so listen all the way to the end to find out how to get yours. Access the PDF notes for this episode and others at biblehowto.com.