Unlocking the Bible's Power

When I started following Christ the Bible was really confusing to me.

I would hear Christians say all the time, " Just study the Bible and God will give you answers".

I thought...sure!!!!!!! (major sarcasm)

The Bible was full of confusing stories that really didn't have much to do with me.

I mean seriously...Jonah and the whale... (rolling my eyes here)

Beyond the crazy stories I just didn't get how I could hear from God and how He could direct me concerning the things I was facing in my life.

I would try over and over to read Scripture...but I would find myself lost. (just being honest here)

One day I happened to read an article on study/commentary Bibles and how they help you to read and understand the Bible better.

I decided to purchase one to see if it would help offer me some guidance.

A commentary Bible offers commentary at the bottom of each page in the Bible to help you understand and break down the verses you are reading.

For example...
Did you know that the book of Romans was written by Paul when he was probably on his 3rd missionary trip to Corinth...
Romans is actually a letter that Paul wrote to the Christians churches in Rome.
Paul actually delivered the letter to a woman(Go Women!!!), by the name of Phoebe, and commends her for her help. (Romans 16:1-2)

The commentary part is on the bottom

These are just three examples of how a commentary can help you to unlock some of the history and background of the Bible.

For me, that was really helpful in understanding the Bible better.

As I began to study with the commentary I found myself glued to the pages of Scripture just digging for more and more about what God did and how He wanted to reveal Himself to me.

I spent time researching what words meant. You know...those words like "propitiation" and "intercessor" and "transgression". I know I rehearsed those words for years as a child in memory verses...but I never really knew what they meant or how they applied to me!

As I did this the Bible and it's meaning started to leap off the pages.

I read verses like, " Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. I Corinthians 12:9-10

I would refer to this verse for strength and a reminder at how I needed to act when I was struggling with a difficult person at work. I would be reminded of the fact that as a follower of Christ we are held to a standard and to show others Christ's love!

So God was using the words of Paul to remind me how I should live and love now!

I know this might seem like a simple thing to some people...but I have heard so many people say that they struggle with knowing how to hear from God in the Bible.

There are so many different ways you can study, but I thought I would just write about what works for me in hopes that it helps someone to find a way to better connect to the Creator of this Universe!

His Word is so full of promises for our future...
It covers how we should live and walk and...how we should love others!

I encourage you to get a commentary Bible and see if it helps you to dive deeper!

He has so much He wants to tell you!

Oh how He loves you and me!