UBCNews - Business - Bible Study Corner: The Strategies Experts Use To Fully Appreciate God's Word

Episode Date: November 16, 2025

Welcome back to Bible Study Corner! I'm here with our guest today to tackle something that, honestly, many of us struggle with - how do we really appreciate God's Word, especially those challenging Old Testament passages? You know, I think we've all been there, right? Starting Genesis with great intentions, then hitting Leviticus and just... getting stuck. Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/

Welcome back to Bible Study Corner. I'm here with our guest today to tackle something that, honestly, many of us struggle with. How do we really appreciate God's Word, especially those challenging Old Testament passages? You know, I think we've all been there, right? Starting Genesis with great intentions, then hitting Leviticus and just getting stuck. Oh, absolutely. And that's such a common experience. You know, I always tell people.

The Old Testament isn't just background material we can skip. It provides necessary context for understanding the New Testament. Without it, the New Testament makes little sense. The Old Testament sets the foundation of God's story and introduces us to a God who is seeking to restore humanity to himself. That's such a powerful way to frame it. So why is it so important for Christians to study the Bible and particularly the Old Testament so thoroughly?

Well, studying the Bible helps us avoid theological error, first and foremost. But beyond that, the Bible is full of individuals facing moral choices, life challenges, and situations that are applicable to us even today. Paul reminds us that the Old Testament was written for our instruction and encouragement. It reveals God's character and provides lessons that are directly applicable for Christians today. Right. That makes sense. So what study tips should people know to make understanding these stories easier and actually improve their enjoyment? Great question. First, effective Bible study involves observation, interpretation, application, and personal reflection.

But here's something practical. Ask questions and write them out while reading. Take time to listen for God's answers. I actually had this experience recently where I was reading through judges and I wrote down like 15 questions. about why God allowed certain things to happen. Over the next few weeks, as I kept reading and praying, many of those answers started becoming clear. That's fascinating how that questioning approach opens up understanding. What other strategies have you found helpful? Use a Bible study journal to record insights and reflections.

It's really transformative. Also, read the Bible with someone else to create accountability and dig deeper. There's something powerful about discussing what you're learning with another person. And here's a key tip. Read the Old Testament multiple times to catch important details. Use cross-references to locate other passages

that might shed light on what's going on. I see, go on. Oh, and here's something that might sound backwards. Start with the New Testament first. I know, I know it seems like cheating, but becoming familiar with Jesus through the New Testament makes it easier to recognize him in the Old Testament. The Old Testament contains prophecies about the Messiah,

and when you know how the story ends, you can see the foreshadowing everywhere. That point about cross-references and connecting the Testaments really sets up our next piece. Practical reading strategies. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Betty Johansson is a West Texan, born and raised, and still living in her hometown.

She is a former teacher and has taught seventh grade science, and integrated physics and chemistry. Having turned her hand to writing in recent years, she creates faith-based works of fiction and nonfiction to inspire and inform readers. Learn more at the link in the description. Picking up on those cross-references, how do you handle the challenge of context

when you're jumping between different books? That's where those multiple readings really come in handy. The Old Testament lays the foundation for the teachings and events found in the New Testament. Those seemingly dry passages are part of God's bigger narrative. I always encourage people to ask God for a passion for his story. The Holy Spirit can teach us so much more than any commentary, so invite him into your quiet time. Mm-hmm. Interesting. And what about those really dense passages, the genealogies, the laws,

the prophecies that feel so removed from our daily lives? Here's the thing. Don't try to power through those sections like you're cramming for a final exam. Read slowly and allow yourself space to dig deeper. Ask questions and write them down. I mean, really write them down. Then listen for God's responses. It's the same principle we talked about earlier, but apply to those challenging passages. That's such practical wisdom. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if we approach the Bible more like God's personal story to us, rather than just a rule book. Exactly. The Bible provides wisdom, knowledge, peace, joy, and love. It's God's message about life, relationships, and work. When we read it, we're learning who God

is. Both the Old and New Testaments reveal God's character in unique but complementary ways. The Old Testament demonstrates God's power, holiness, and eternal purposes, while the New Testament reveals His grace and redemption through Christ. So to everyone listening, what's one small step you can take this week to deepen your Bible study experience? Maybe it's getting that journal, or finding a reading partner, or simply asking more questions as you read. The Bible is full of practical wisdom for daily life,

and studying it leads to spiritual life. growth and maturity. Thanks for joining us on Bible Study Corner, and remember, you can find writing resources at the link in the description.