sermon notes

 Set up camp and be intentional.
If you really want to understand the Bible, not skipping around will help you! Reading a verse here and a verse there will not build your knowledge, but reading God’s heart by reading through the Bible will build your knowledge and your faith!
 
By setting up camp you are choosing to read and reread until you understand it. It means you are truly dedicated to understanding that little part of the Bible which will build the foundational blocks of your Biblical understanding.
 
Whether you are carving out 5 minutes or 25 minutes of your day to read, make sure you’re intentional about those minutes. Try your best to eliminate any distractions and focus on what’s in front of you. You can do that by committing to reading in the same place and at the same time, to the best of your ability. For example, “I will read my Bible every morning at 7 to 7:15am with my coffee on the couch in the living room." That way, you’ve already made your decision and you don’t have to remake it every morning! It’s a commitment!
 
Dig into context before diving into details.
Before you start a new book of The Bible, ask yourself and answer these 4 questions:
* Who wrote this book?
* Why did he write it?
* What was his main points?
* What was going on in history?
 
There are a number of Study Bibles out there that answer these questions at the beginning of each book. If you don’t have a study Bible, a quick Google search before you start a new book is a great place to start.
 
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
The only way you’ll understand God’s Word is if you ask questions.
 
The Bible can be complicated, weird and sometimes difficult to understand. For some, it can be intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be! Don’t fear not knowing and understanding. That’s the best place to start!
 
If you’re stuck on a specific passage and have a question, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us! Email info@thecoastlinechurch.com and one of our Pastors would be happy to get back to you!
 
Dwell in lessons throughout the day.
Don’t read just to check off the box. Read, but dwell on what you read throughout the day.
 
When you truly dive into God’s Word and He chooses to speak to you, you’ve got to choose to dwell in the message. God speaks when He wants you to hear AND do something about it! That requires putting in some work and seeking God’s truth throughout the day, not just in the morning.
 
Here are some tips to dwell on what you’ve read and learned throughout the day:
* Write a phrase on your hand.
* Pray every time you are in the car.
* Choose a verse from your reading to memorize, and write it on a post it note.
* Talk to a friend about what God is teaching you.
 
The key is to not stop spending time with God when you close His Word.