Why study the Bible book by book?

The Bible invites us to know God. Scripture reveals His nature, His ways, and His commands which give us a glimpse into His majesty and power. When we study God’s Word, we gain needed guidance. When we know God’s Word, we learn how to follow Him in faith.

Opening God’s Word is such a privilege! Still, it can be a challenge to fully understand it. We need to know God’s Word—what it says, its message, and how we can best apply it to our lives. That’s why studying the Bible book by book is so valuable. Explore the Bible offers individuals and groups the background needed to grasp the primary teachings of each book by studying its foundational passages. Each quarter we examine a different Bible book, exploring the culture, events, and teachings. The complete study plan for Explore the Bible journeys through each book over the course of nine years.

Explore the Bible resources are built on these three principles:

1. Grasping the cultural, geographical, and biblical context of a passage helps us to understand its message. Who were the original recipients of the book? Where and under what circumstances did the events of a passage unfold? Gaining a deeper knowledge of the context enables us to comprehend a passage better.

2. Studying each Bible book as a whole helps us see how it fits with the full narrative of Scripture. When we gain a working knowledge of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation, we see the big picture of God’s purpose and plans. We learn who God is, what He is about, and how He works.

3. Followers of Jesus and those far from God need to examine God’s Word so we can act on what it teaches.  We do this individually and as a group. Just knowing Scripture isn’t enough; we are called to apply its truth to our lives.

Studying God’s Word allows us to know Him deeply and equips us to follow Him by faith. Thankfully, we don’t have to have all the answers. God’s Word is trustworthy and true. We can count on its truths to guide us each day as we continually learn more about its Author.