IF YOU NEED A BIBLE, we would love to give you one. Or you can pick one up in a style that you like. There are many options when it comes to Bibles. We recommend these versions:
New Living Translation (NLT) or New International Version (NIV)
New Living Translation (NLT) or New International Version (NIV)
You can also download the YouVersion Bible App
Download the YouVersion Bible app so you always have your Bible with you! An account is free and will allow you to access the many Bible reading plans available on the app. The Grove Church is on YouVersion - you'll be able to view & take sermon notes, access announcements, & more! You can even share your plan & engage in studies with your friends & others from the Grove and read the Bible together.
You will notice there are many different versions or translations of the Bible available. We recommend the New Living Translation (NLT) or the New International Version (NIV). Both of these are easy to read, reliable translations of the Bible.
Download the YouVersion Bible app so you always have your Bible with you! An account is free and will allow you to access the many Bible reading plans available on the app. The Grove Church is on YouVersion - you'll be able to view & take sermon notes, access announcements, & more! You can even share your plan & engage in studies with your friends & others from the Grove and read the Bible together.
You will notice there are many different versions or translations of the Bible available. We recommend the New Living Translation (NLT) or the New International Version (NIV). Both of these are easy to read, reliable translations of the Bible.
Many people feel overwhelmed when they first start reading their Bible,
but you don't have to.
Another GREAT resource is BibleProject
BibleProject is a nonprofit, crowdfunded organization that produces free Bible videos, podcasts, blogs, classes & educational Bible resources to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone everywhere. Their resources allow everyone to experience the Bible in a way that is approachable, engaging, and transformative. Reading your Bible, then checking out the resources they have tied to the scripture you are studying gives a whole new perspective! Check it out at the link below or search "BibleProject" in your app store for the app!
BibleProject is a nonprofit, crowdfunded organization that produces free Bible videos, podcasts, blogs, classes & educational Bible resources to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone everywhere. Their resources allow everyone to experience the Bible in a way that is approachable, engaging, and transformative. Reading your Bible, then checking out the resources they have tied to the scripture you are studying gives a whole new perspective! Check it out at the link below or search "BibleProject" in your app store for the app!
A GREAT WAY TO START - THE S.O.A.P. METHOD
The SOAP Bible Study Method is a popular method of studying the Bible. If you are looking for a simple, yet powerful way to study God’s Word, this is a great way to start! You can use a simple reading plan from YouVersion or if this is your first time reading the Bible, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) are a perfect place to start - Theses books describe the life of Jesus and His ministry on earth. The Gospels will help you understand who Jesus is and who you are in Him.
As for the SOAP method, it is broken down into four steps - Each letter of the name represents one of the four steps for this method of studying the Bible.
Before we break it down more, we would love to recommend that you BEGIN WITH PRAYER. Adding another "P" at the beginning doesn't give you a snappy little acronym, but we ought to begin by praying - that looks like praising our God for who He is, humbly confessing any sins you have not spoken to God about, praising God for what He has done in our lives and expressing gratitude for it, asking Him to meet any needs that may be weighing on your heart, and finally asking Him to give you eyes to see and a heart that understands what you are about to read. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you in your time of study.
After you pray, the first step of the SOAP method is to SCRIPTURE: simply write out the verse of scripture in your journal or notebook. This might seem like such a simple step but we are more likely to remember something that we have physically written out (and not just spoke out loud).
OBSERVATION:
Once you’ve written out the verse, the next step is to make some observations about the verse.
The third step of the SOAP method is APPLICATION. As you meditate on each verse, ask yourself these questions, then write down the answers and any other thoughts or questions the Holy Spirit puts on your heart:
The final step of the SOAP method is PRAYER - to talk to God about what you have read. Whatever He revealed to you as you studied, ask Him for guidance and wisdom as you apply what you have learned.
Confess any sins that were brought to light during your study and ask for forgiveness. Ask for grace and wisdom as you set out to make the necessary changes in your life as a result of what was revealed to you today!
THIS IS JUST ONE METHOD OF STUDYING GOD'S WORD. There are many ways to study the Bible and many tools available. Learning from others how to study the Bible is one reason to get involved in a Bible Study or small group at The Grove.
The SOAP Bible Study Method is a popular method of studying the Bible. If you are looking for a simple, yet powerful way to study God’s Word, this is a great way to start! You can use a simple reading plan from YouVersion or if this is your first time reading the Bible, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) are a perfect place to start - Theses books describe the life of Jesus and His ministry on earth. The Gospels will help you understand who Jesus is and who you are in Him.
As for the SOAP method, it is broken down into four steps - Each letter of the name represents one of the four steps for this method of studying the Bible.
- S – Scripture
- O – Observation
- A – Application
- P – Prayer
Before we break it down more, we would love to recommend that you BEGIN WITH PRAYER. Adding another "P" at the beginning doesn't give you a snappy little acronym, but we ought to begin by praying - that looks like praising our God for who He is, humbly confessing any sins you have not spoken to God about, praising God for what He has done in our lives and expressing gratitude for it, asking Him to meet any needs that may be weighing on your heart, and finally asking Him to give you eyes to see and a heart that understands what you are about to read. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you in your time of study.
After you pray, the first step of the SOAP method is to SCRIPTURE: simply write out the verse of scripture in your journal or notebook. This might seem like such a simple step but we are more likely to remember something that we have physically written out (and not just spoke out loud).
OBSERVATION:
Once you’ve written out the verse, the next step is to make some observations about the verse.
- What stands out to you about this verse?
- Note key words or words/phrases/ideas which are repeated in the verse (or surrounding verses)?
- Are there any commands that you should take note of?
- Write out any questions you may have or words or phrases you don't understand within this verse so you can meditate on it further or dig deeper. This is a great time to read other versions of the Bible as well for a better understanding of the text (YouVersion Bible App is great for this!). Read trustworthy commentaries for further clarity.
The third step of the SOAP method is APPLICATION. As you meditate on each verse, ask yourself these questions, then write down the answers and any other thoughts or questions the Holy Spirit puts on your heart:
- What attributes of God's character are revealed in the passage? We study the Bible to know God - what did you learn about God in this passage?
- What did I learn about myself in light of who God is?
- How should this truth change me?
- How can I apply this verse to my life? What is God trying to tell me?
- Is there an area of my life that I need to change as a result of reading this verse?
The final step of the SOAP method is PRAYER - to talk to God about what you have read. Whatever He revealed to you as you studied, ask Him for guidance and wisdom as you apply what you have learned.
Confess any sins that were brought to light during your study and ask for forgiveness. Ask for grace and wisdom as you set out to make the necessary changes in your life as a result of what was revealed to you today!
THIS IS JUST ONE METHOD OF STUDYING GOD'S WORD. There are many ways to study the Bible and many tools available. Learning from others how to study the Bible is one reason to get involved in a Bible Study or small group at The Grove.