Steps
to Following Jesus Today
August 31 – Bible
To learn about God and to develop a relationship with Him, our best
source of information about Him is in His own autobiography – the Bible. This
autobiography, however, is not simply about God’s life; it is about the
relationship of God with people. In the Bible we learn about God, and we learn
about ourselves as we identify with the people in the Bible. We see the
relationship of humanity with God as it continues through time. To learn about
God and how to have a relationship with Him, there is no substitute for
regularly reading His Word. In this message we will discuss different methods
of reading the Bible and make recommendations for adopting a routine reading
Bible program in your own life.
September 7 – Prayer:
A Conversation with a
Trusted Friend
Prayer is much more than talking to God. Prayer is designed by God to
be a conversation. He intends it to be like a conversation we would have with a
trusted friend. There is nothing off-limits with God. We can talk with Him
about anything. A key to prayer, like any conversation, is listening. Without
listening we are giving a speech, not engaging in a conversation. God desires
to speak directly into our lives. His Holy Spirit reveals the mind of God to
us, not only through His Word, but also through prayer. Regular prayer is our
opportunity to bring to God the things that concern us, the people we care
about, and to hear from Him about what is important to Him. Without prayer, our
lives are like a dry well. With prayer, God’s Spirit brings the Living Water of
His life to light in us.
September 14 – Bible
Study: Learning from Our
Family History with God
In addition to reading God’s Word, the Bible, we gain tremendous
benefits for our lives today when we study it, too. Studying the Bible goes
well beyond casual reading in the same way studying history goes beyond simply
reading an historical novel. God’s Word is a rich mine waiting to be explored
and excavated through study. Through study we find that God’s Word is a
beautiful tapestry intentional woven from beginning to end to create a picture
of God’s plan of redemption for humanity through His Son Jesus Christ. Study
reveals the connections between the Old and New Testaments and each book of the
Bible. Bible study unlocks the key to the treasure map when done in the power
and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit who brings His Word to
life.