Author: Phillip Hendren

Methods of Bible Study

~ Phillip Hendren

Bible study is the intentional and systematic examination of the Bible to gain a deeper understanding of its teachings, history, and application to one’s life.

Here are some core concepts:

  • Observation: Carefully examining the text itself, noting details like key words, phrases, characters, plot points, and literary devices.
  • Interpretation: Seeking to understand the original meaning of the text within its historical and cultural context. This involves considering different viewpoints and seeking to discern the author’s intended message.
  • Application: Applying the insights gained from the text to one’s own life, thoughts, words, and actions. This may involve making changes in behavior, developing a deeper relationship with God, or sharing the message with others.

Bible study can be a personal or group activity, and there are various methods and approaches that individuals or groups may use.

Key takeaways:

  • Active engagement: Bible study is not passive reading; it requires active thought and engagement with the text.
  • Holistic approach: It involves more than just reading the words; it’s about understanding the meaning and applying it to life.
  • Growth and transformation: The goal of Bible study is not just to gain knowledge, but to grow in faith and allow God’s Word to transform lives.

The H.E.A.R. Bible study method is a simple yet effective way to engage with scripture. Here’s a breakdown:

  • H – Highlight: As you read, mark verses or phrases that stand out to you. These could be things that are confusing, inspiring, or that you feel God is speaking to you through.
  • E – Explain: After highlighting, take time to explain what you’ve highlighted. What does it mean? How does it fit into the context of the surrounding verses and the book as a whole?
  • A – Apply: How can you apply these truths to your own life? What changes do you need to make? What actions can you take?
  • R – Respond: How will you respond to what you’ve learned? This could involve prayer, journaling, sharing with others, or making a commitment to change.

Key Benefits of the H.E.A.R. Method:

  • Engaging: It encourages active participation with the text, going beyond simply reading.
  • Personalized: It allows for individual insights and applications, making the study relevant to your own life.
  • Action-Oriented: It focuses on how to apply God’s Word to your daily life, leading to practical changes.
  • Simple: The method is straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Tips for Using the H.E.A.R. Method:

  • Create a dedicated time and space: Find a quiet place where you can focus without distractions.
  • Use a journal: This will help you record your thoughts, insights, and applications.
  • Be patient: Don’t rush through the process. Take your time to reflect and allow God to speak to you.
  • Pray for guidance: Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the truths of scripture.

The H.E.A.R., Bible study method was developed by Robby Gallaty, founder of Replicate Ministries.

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

Key Daily Passage & Cross References:

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21 ESV)

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:7 ESV)

waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (Titus 2:13 ESV)

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:18 ESV)

How did you hear the Gospel or God’s truths & promises:

Draw on our faith in God for all the truths and promises he provides under His providence and sustaining mercy and grace for strength in growing more in more in Christ centered living. Blessing and serving like Jesus. 

Prayer:

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. 🙏 (Jude 1:24-25 ESV)

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

 Key Daily Passage & Cross References:

 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:44-49 ESV) 

How did you hear the Gospel or God’s truths & promises:

 Crucifixion – Buried – Resurrection – Walks – Appeared – Commissioned – Accession 

Prayer:

 Father, thank you for our gift of redemption you have provided us from your original design and plan for humanity. Help me stay our perfect teacher, Lord and Savior Jesus. Our everything in life to be assuredly steadfast in the need for him, to be  in a humble attitude of repentence, and surrendering to the Holy Spirit guidance for our true identity in Jesus to understand the truth for our faith in God.

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren ~ Leave a comment

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

Children of God Love One Another

Key Daily Passage & Cross References:

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:2-3 NASB)

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, (John 1:12 NASB)

Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24 NASB)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Peter 1:3 NASB)

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 NASB)

How did you hear the Gospel or God’s truths & promises:

God is Holy, Man has a sin nature, Christ is our gift of salvation, repentance begins the process of cleansing our selves. Believe in the power of the work of Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit, helping us  to respond  by moving to trust and obedience.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for loving me and adopting me into your fsmily . Help me to represent you well in anticipation of Christ’s return.

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren ~ Leave a comment

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

Key Daily Passage & Cross References:

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2 NASB)

These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. (1 John 1:4 NASB)

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever; (John 14:16 NASB)

For there is ​one God​, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the ​Man Christ Jesus​, (1 Timothy 2:5 NASB)

Therefore He is also ​able to save forever those who come to God through Him​, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 NASB)

How did you hear the Gospel or God’s truths & promises:

Our advocate is Jesus who lives for intercession for us, sending us a Helper so we can be saved by walking under Christ’s righteousness.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for loving me and forgiving my sins through Jesus. Help me to love you above anything in this world.

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren ~ Leave a comment

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

God Is Light

Key Daily Passage & Cross References:

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— (1 John 1:1 NASB)

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it. (John 1:4-5 NASB)

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5 NASB)

but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. ​(1 John 1:7 NASB)​

How did you hear the Gospel or God’s truths & promises:

To maintain continual fellowship with God, we must confess our sins, fellowship with other believers, and pursue holy lives.

Prayer:

Father, you are the light. Help me to live in the light so that I can enjoy continued fellowship with you.

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren ~ Leave a comment

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

Key Daily Passage & Cross References:—Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (Colossians 4:2,5-6 NASB)

With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:18 NASB)

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB)

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; (1 Peter 3:15 NASB)

Prayerfully, Thankfully, Edifying, Mercifully & Lovingly; sanctifying Christ as Lord in our Hearts!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for making a way for us to have a personal relationship with you. Help me to share your extravagant offer of salvation with others. And help to be more like Jesus in all my relationships.

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren ~ Leave a comment

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. (Matthew 22:36-38 NASB)

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24 NASB)

knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether slave or free. (Ephesians 6:8 NASB)

And now I entrust you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32 NASB)

to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:4 NASB)

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren ~ Leave a comment

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

These are matters which do have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. (Colossians 2:23 NASB)

Take care that no one keeps defrauding you of your prize by delighting in humility and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, (Colossians 2:18 NASB)

who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ( 1 Timothy 4:3 NASB)

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Romans 13:14 NASB)

for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB)

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren ~ Leave a comment

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:10 NASB)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. , (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB)

and do not go on presenting the parts of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead, and your body’s parts as instruments of righteousness for God. (Romans 6:13 NASB)

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 NASB)

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise,  (Ephesians 1:13 NASB)

The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, (2 Timothy 2:24-25 NASB)