Scripture ABCD’s

My purpose for this bible study is two-fold. Number One, my heart is crying out for the connection that I find within our church family on a weekly basis. As much as we try to duplicate the church experience with drive-in or online church, it is nearly impossible for me to experience fellowship. The distance that has been required by our state to mitigate COVID-19 has made loneliness one of my dominate emotions… for months.

Number Two, there are many times when I do a bible study that I fill out the guide with the intention of having it change my life forever; but the changes I hoped for are so short lived. Life swamps me and the excitement of a book cannot sustain me. As I pondered why, I was challenged by Isaiah 55:11 which says, [When God speaks] It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. I realized I often forget to apply the scriptures of the bible study to my life TODAY. I count on my life looking more biblical in the hypothetical someday and rob the Word the power to impact me as I live currently.

Somehow, for me, a bible study also often becomes more about filling out each blank. The demands on my time are often unsustainable. I have the greatest intention of devoting an hour or more to the study of God’s Word but I am lucky to get 10 minutes a day! Raising three kids that require intense supervision to keep everyone safe does not allow that amount of time. I think that most people are busier during this time of isolation and mitigation than ever before. Just surviving right now is a full-time job!

As I researched different methods of bible studies like the Abide, IDEA, Inductive, ACTS, WORD, SOAP, and more, I realized that I wanted to combine most of these methods while adding a section that would allow us to apply the rhythms of Olympic View Baptist Church to each scripture. I also wanted it to be catchy and easy to remember. So, here is one way you can study the scriptures that will be assigned on a daily basis throughout our study.

Scripture ABCD’s

Preparing the Heart

Start the daily reflection and study time with a prayer asking God what he wants you to understand about the questions and scripture.

A – About the Scripture

This is where you will paraphrase the scripture. Try to answer the questions: What is God showing me? What does this scripture tell us of God? What is the command it is telling me to follow? What truth is it communicating? What sin is being challenged or repented of?

What is the key verse of the passage?

B – Background

This can be as deep as you want it to go. It is helpful to note the people, places, and when of the scripture. Who is writing to whom? If you want to delve deeper: How could the culture impact the message? Why did the author write it? What theme or concept is this scripture connected to: forgiveness, the life of Jesus, etc. Are there any related scriptures?

C – Connection (Based on our Rhythms)

All actions begin as thoughts and a desire of the heart. How does this passage change what I love, value, and worship the most? What practical actions and differences will I experience in the list below? What people, circumstances, sins, or conversations come to mind that I may need to pray for, repent of, or attempt reconciliation with? Who am I grateful for, praying for, or may need encouragement based on this scripture?

D – Declare

Write a prayer about the scripture and how it applies to your life, family, home, and relationships. Ask for wisdom to understand and the strength and courage to change as God has challenged you with this scripture.

So, what is your purpose for this bible study?