The belief in the transforming power of God’s words given to us in the Bible is central to true Christianity. A bible study is not a bible class where one teaches and others listen, nor a form of sharing where people give their opinions or understandings of what they believe the Bible says.

Rather a bible study is an in-depth study of what God’s word says about any particular matter. All the answers we need can be found in the Bible, through the various stories and parables, etc. The Bible gives us a report, an analysis of what, why, how, when, where, and whom.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” (Psalm 7-9)

A bible study can help us to arrive at a clear understanding of precisely what the Bible is saying about specific subjects, instead of what any man is saying. Consequently, the Bible can be understood and applied in such a way that it can become a helpful and practical part of one’s thinking and way of life.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

It would be true to say that some of the Old Testament such as scriptures relating to Jewish laws relate to the old covenant but by no means all. That is why 2 Timothy 3:17 says:

“ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”

The KJV version of the Bible is the version most often recommended by bible scholars as although not perfect, and some words such as ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ are now out of general use, it does give a far more faithful rendering of what was originally said.

Yea, Hath God Said

Most of the other bible versions are inaccurate and contain omissions and alterations where words and/or their meanings have been subtly altered to facilitate certain beliefs held by the organisations or individuals in translation from the original manuscripts. Thus they have become not only translations, but intepretations.

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20)

We can easily apply what it says in the Bible to ourselves and our own lives to find out what to do in any given situation. Along with prayer to God in the name of Jesus, asking that the Holy Spirit is given to teach us and guide us in our study.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26)

The True Holy Spirit

Lastly, a word of caution. Jesus warned of great deception in the Last Days by false teachers:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:4)

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)