What We Can Learn from Jesus Walking on the Water

When was the last time you went swimming or boating? Chances are that you had a great time! But it’s also possible you may have dealt with waves on a windy day, making the water pretty miserable and dangerous. Although humans can swim or be in a boat on the water, we’re not able to walk on the water like Jesus did. 

I’m still working through the Gospel of John and studying John 6. Last week, we discussed the miracle of Christ feeding the 5000, and today, we’ll focus on the next miracle: Jesus walking on the water. 

Jesus walked on the water, and his eyewitnesses, the disciples, shared their stories about this experience. Their accounts of this miracle can be found in the following Gospels: 

• Matthew 14:22-33
• Mark 6:45-52
• John 6:16-21

Each of these gospels shares unique eyewitness accounts from these three disciples. The details shared in each one are slightly different, offering a unique perspective on the same event. When you put all three accounts together, it’s quite an event! 

Many theories delve into the symbolic aspects of this miracle. However, we’ll focus on the significance of this miracle to our daily lives and look at one verse that’s a little challenging to understand. 

The Setting of the Miracle

The miracle of Jesus walking on water came right after a day filled with teaching and healing. Jesus and the disciples were already tired and hungry, searching for a place to rest and eat. However, the crowds saw them and followed them to the mountains on the sea. Despite their exhaustion, Jesus had gut-wrenching compassion on them and sat on the mountain, teaching and healing the multitudes all day into the evening. 

When it was evening, the disciples suggested to Jesus that He send the crowds away. They needed food and drink, but there was nowhere to buy these in the mountains. Jesus told the disciples to feed the people. They found a boy with two small fish and five barley loaves. Jesus took these, blessed them, and handed the food to everyone there. He made enough for everyone to be completely satisfied. No one left there feeling hungry! 

After this, some of the men determined that Jesus was the long-sought Prophet spoken of by Moses. They were determined to make him king. Knowing what the men intended, Jesus left and went further into the mountains, where no one would find him. There, he spent time in prayer with God. 

This is where we begin the story of Jesus walking on water.

The Details of the Miracle 

Matthew and Mark say that Jesus urged the disciples to get into a boat and leave quickly. Some believe this due to the situation's urgency, with men wanting to force Jesus to be king. On the other hand, John says that Jesus had already left for the mountains. He says the disciples decided to get into the boat and head out. 

Does it matter that these details are slightly different? Not really. They’re all saying basically the same thing—the disciples headed out in a boat late in the evening, Jesus had gone into the mountains to pray, and the multitude had been sent away after they were fed. 

As the evening went on, the disciples found themselves in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. By this time, the winds had come up, creating huge waves. The disciples were having trouble rowing the boat in this weather. 

According to Matthew and Mark, the disciples didn’t move very far. By the fourth watch of the night (between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.), it was dark and stormy. Jesus, on the mountain, looked out and saw the disciples toiling without making progress in the boat. So, He decided to go and help them. 

Put yourself in this scene: It’s dark, and the wind is howling, creating huge waves. You’re in a boat trying to get to the other side of the lake, but the wind keeps you from making progress. How scared would you be? The disciples were pretty frightened by this time. But what came next made them terrified. 

The Gospels then tell us that Jesus decides to walk out on the sea to help the disciples. They believe He’s a spirit or ghost when He first appears in the dark. But then, Christ calmly tells them it is He and they should not be afraid. How amazing! 

Matthew then says Peter is filled with faith in this moment and asks Christ to command him to come to Him on the sea. Jesus complies, and Peter starts to walk out to Jesus, but he “sees” the wind and starts to fear. At this point, Peter begins to sink into the water. Jesus then reaches out to save Peter and rebukes him for his unbelief. They then step into the boat and are immediately at the shore. What a miracle! 

But what are we to learn from this astounding event? Before we look at the significance of this miracle, let’s consider one verse that stands out in John 6. 

The Disciples' Hearts Were Hardened

In Mark 6:52 NKJV we read, “For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.” I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve read this passage, each time skimming over this verse. It didn’t seem that important. But this time, the verse stood out to me in a big way. 

If you’ve read about the Exodus in Exodus 5-15, you will have come across verses that say Pharoah’s heart was hardened. In those cases, “hardened” means that the pharaoh opposed Moses and his requests. But what does “hardened” mean in Mark 6:52? 

“Hardened,” in this case, comes from the Greek word “poroo” (Strong’s G4456), which can mean “to petrify, to render stupid or callous, blind, harden.” While the disciples worshipped Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah, they did not have a deep understanding of what this meant. They had just experienced the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Now, Jesus had rescued them from the stormy sea. The disciples could not understand the depth of these miracles—that Christ had authority over not only material things (such as food) but all of nature and even more. 

This verse struck me pretty hard. How often do we worship Christ as the Messiah and Son of God yet fail to understand He has all power and authority over everything? As human beings, we find this challenging to understand. 

The Significance of Jesus Walking on Water

Now, let’s look at the significance of Jesus walking on the water. What does this miracle show us? 

Jesus is the Son of God & the Messiah

This miracle shows us that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. He has power over all aspects of our lives, from multiplying food to feed 5000 to calming a stormy sea and saving Peter from sinking into the waters. 

When the disciples see Jesus on the water, He says, “It is I” in Matthew 14:27. This phrase translates into the same meaning when God tells Moses His name in Exodus—“I AM.” (Exodus 3:13-15). Jesus is the same God who appeared to Moses and chose the Israelites as His people. 

Not only did the disciples recognize Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 14:33), but we are to do the same. 

Jesus Cares for Us

Jesus could have called for angels to help the disciples; instead, He chose to walk out to help them Himself. He loved the disciples and wanted to help them. He had also cared for the needs of the multitude when He fed the 5000. 

In the same way, Jesus cares for each of us today. Sometimes, we go through hard, challenging times that feel like being on a stormy sea. It can be scary and stressful. But God knows what we need and when we need it. Christ comes to our rescue just at the right moment. 

Why does He make us wait? It may be to grow our faith, but it may also be He is waiting for certain things to align before we can receive His help. We may be like Peter and have doubts and lack faith; however, Jesus still loves us and will come to our aid. 

Just like Jesus stepped into the boat and immediately helped the disciples, He does the same with us. He steps into our situations and problems, helping us in all ways. 

Concluding Thoughts

Jesus walking on the water, right after the miracle of feeding the 5,000, demonstrates who He is. We may be like the disciples and not yet comprehend who Christ is. We can be like Peter, too. But over time, our faith and understanding grow from experiences, prayer, Bible study, and time spent in worship. You can’t help but come to love Him. 

When we call out to the Lord in the storms of life, He will hear us and reach out to save us at the right moment, like He did the disciples amid the stormy seas. Faith is the key--we must keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the wind and storm around us. 

Learn more through our Jesus Walking on Water Bible Study! The paid version of the study is based on the three Gospels that relate to this miracle. You’ll find an outline of what happened and the significance of this miracle, as well as study questions and questions for reflection. You can print out the Bible study or use it for digital Bible study! You can find the Bible study over at our Gumroad shop!

 God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!   

 

Building a Strong Foundation Through Bible Study

 

Learning how to study the Bible can feel intimidating to a new believer or a Christian who wants to know more about God and Christ. Bible study is how we get to know God and understand Him more. But what process should we use? What’s the best Bible translation to use? What supplies are needed for Bible study? 

This post will offer guidance on these and other questions. If you’d like to learn why we should read the Bible, check out this post. 

What Bible Translation Should I Use for Bible Study? 

Anyone who has searched for a Bible to read knows there are many different translations. That can be overwhelming when you first start studying the Bible. Which translation is best for studying? 

It’s best to invest in a good study Bible. A study Bible contains notes to explain certain passages, historical references, maps, and other helpful reference materials, which can all be extremely beneficial for Bible study. 

The translation you choose is really up to you. What translation is the most comfortable for you to read? That’s the study Bible that may work best for you. 

If you’re unsure of which Bible translation to use, consider asking your pastor or mentor. They can help you determine which translation is best for your studies. 

You can find different Bible resources on our Resources page. There are some apps that provide a wide variety of Bible translations, such as the YouVersion app. You can also download free Bibles with the eSword app. 

These apps are helpful for anyone who would like to have several different translations without making a huge investment. Bibles can be expensive; however, there are plenty of free Bibles available online to keep costs down. 

Which Bible Study Method is Best? 

Each of us is a unique individual, and we each learn in different ways. There’s no one Bible study method that’s best for everyone. It’s important to choose a method that fits how you learn. Thankfully, there are several Bible study methods to explore! 

Most Popular Bible Study Methods

There are many ways to study the Bible; however, I've put together some of the most popular methods. 

1. Inductive Bible Study

The inductive Bible study method is more in-depth. It is best for anyone who wants to “take a deep dive” into the Scriptures. Inductive Bible study can deepen our faith and understanding of Scripture, making the Bible relevant to each of us. 

There are three basic questions for inductive Bible study: 

• What does the text say? 
• What does the text mean? 
• How do I apply what I’ve learned? 

Of course, there are also additional questions you can ask when using this study method:  

• What does this passage mean? 
• What is God telling me? 
• How does this apply to me? What will/can I do about it? 

2. Devotional Study Method

The devotional study method combines reading the Bible with prayer, study, and reflection on the passages. When using this Bible study method, the Holy Spirit shows you how to apply the passage to your life. 

The devotional Bible Study method relies strongly on prayer and waiting to see what the Holy Spirit shows you about a specific verse or passage. 

3. Verse-by-Verse Bible Study

Another popular Bible study method is the verse-by-verse method. Not all of us have time to read and study a chapter a day, but we can usually fit in a shorter study like this. 

A verse-by-verse study method focuses on a small number of verses. You may want to use a Bible reading plan for this method. It is best for those times when you don’t have time for a deep dive into the Scriptures. 

4. SOAP Method

The SOAP method is one some people find easy for reading and studying the Bible. SOAP stands for: 

Scripture: read a short passage aloud and/or write the verse out. 

Observation: the next step is to observe and ask questions about the verse(s), such as: 

• What did you notice about the passage? 
• What is the main message? 
• What verses/words/ideas stood out for you within the passage? 

Application: ask the Lord how He wants you to apply what you’ve learned in your life. 

Prayer: for yourself and/or others. 

This study method is extremely popular because it’s easy yet provides a more in-depth experience with the Word. You can study the chosen passage in 15 minutes or take longer. Individuals or study groups can use the SOAP method. 

5. Verse Mapping Method

Verse Mapping is also a popular way to study the Bible. It involves the following steps: 

• Choosing a verse and reading it and the surrounding verses to gain context. 
• Studying the historical background of the verse/chapter/or book
• Exploring keywords in their original language
• Reading cross-references to other verses (to gain more understanding)
• Writing the verse, journaling your thoughts, and taking notes

I can’t tell you which method is best for you. It depends on what works best with your learning style. You may also want to consider your interests (e.g., do you enjoy deep word studies, learning historical information, etc.). 

You may want to ask your mentor or pastor for guidance on which Bible study method you should use. They know you and can recommend the best method to help you learn the Bible and grow closer to God. 

What Method Do I Use? 

That’s a hard question to answer! I use a combination of the inductive, devotional, and SOAP methods. The one I use the most is the inductive Bible study method, which I use only because it’s how I learn best. 

How Do I Choose Which Bible Verses to Study? 

That’s a great question, especially considering that the Bible has 66 books and thousands of verses! With so much content to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some tips for choosing where to start your Bible study! 

1. Use a Bible Study Plan

If you’re new to studying the Bible, you may want to start out by using a Bible study plan. The YouVersion app has a wide range of plans to choose from. You can also do a Google search using these words “free Bible study plan.” 

Choose a plan that interests you. You may want to print it out and put it inside your Bible for reference. Use the reading plan as a place to start your Bible study. 

2. Pray for Guidance

Bible study is meant to deepen our relationship with God, so you may want to pray for His guidance on where to start studying. Ask Him to lead you to what He wants you to study. You’ll definitely receive some input on where to start. 

3. Choose a Topic

Do you have a specific need or interest? If so, you can also start your Bible study there. For instance, if you’re experiencing a lot of anxiety, reading about this topic in the Bible can ease the anxiety and teach you to trust in and rely on God. 

No matter what topic you’re interested in or need to study, this method works. The Bible is the Word of God and our spiritual nourishment. It provides exactly what our souls need to learn and grow. 

Here, again, you can pray for God’s guidance. He will lead you to the answers you need during your Bible study. 

4. What Your Church is Studying

Another place to start is with what your church is currently studying. Have you read a passage at church, or did your pastor read one that especially spoke to you? That may be the place where you can start your Bible study. 

Is It OK to Write or Underline in Your Bible? 

Many people write, draw, paint, use highlighters, and underline in their Bibles. I personally don’t write in my Bible much because I want the text to be fresh each time. 

If I want to make a note, I write it down in a notebook with the scripture reference. I can refer back to that note at any time. When I encounter that specific verse again, it appears fresh and may hold more in-depth meaning without previous notes being present. There’s nothing there to distract me from what God is saying.

Having said that, I do make short notes in my Bible, but these are rare. 

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. 

Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV  

The scriptures are the living Word of God. Each time we read a verse, it may hit us in a completely different way or at a different depth. This is why I don’t want to be distracted by my past notes. I have them—either in digital or handwritten form. So, I can look back on each note easily, and the Bible remains fresh each time I read it. 

My method works for me; however, each of us is unique. My method may not work for you. And that’s OK! It’s OK to write, draw, paint, and underline in your Bible if that works for you! 

Tools You’ll Need for Bible Study

You might have seen YouTube videos showcasing various Bible totes brimming with various study supplies. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, it's crucial to remember that the focus of Bible study should always be on the Word of the Lord, not the tools we use to study it. This is a key point to keep in mind to avoid any potential distractions. It's easy to become addicted to needing the latest “pretty and shiny” Bible study supplies and tools. These can distract us from God. 

Another issue is that it’s not necessary to have so many supplies and books. If you can afford them, go for it! But if these things are too expensive for your budget, they’re unnecessary. When it comes right down to it, all you really need for a Bible study is a Bible and a notebook (or a laptop/mobile device to take digital notes. 

These resources can also be beneficial for Bible study: 

• Bible dictionary
• Commentary
• Colored pencils (not required, but some find them useful)

That’s it! If you can’t afford to invest in a Bible, Bible dictionary, and a commentary, it’s OK! You can access these resources freely online, such as the Blue Letter Bible. Another free resource is eSword (you can download many of these resources for free). You can find the link and information on this free app on our Resources page. 

You can study the Bible with minimal supplies, especially with these and other free resources available. Remember, Bible study aims to focus on the Word of God to learn about our Father and Jesus Christ.

Concluding Thoughts

Many believers are fine with only reading the Bible. They learn as they read and don’t feel the need to study. However, studying the Bible enriches our spiritual lives and our knowledge of God. 

Bible study also enhances our spiritual growth, helping us grow from immature believers to more mature believers. The Word of God is the spiritual food we need to grow and become closer to Him. 

You'll need to make some choices regarding Bible translation, study methods, etc. If you have any questions, it’s best to ask your pastor or mentor for guidance. 

But one thing I know for sure is that if you love to study, Bible study will surely enrich your life. Be sure to start and end your Bible study with prayer, asking God for guidance. He is faithful and will definitely light your path with His Word. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page! 

Why Study the Bible?

 

There was once a young mother who had two young children. She was a stay-at-home mom who dearly loved her kids. This mom had worked for several years but decided it was best for her to stay home and raise the kids. So, she did. But over time, the mother found something was missing from her life.

 

This young mother decided that she needed to make some friends. But where could she connect with other young mothers? At that time, there weren’t many places for mothers to gather together with their children, except for church. So, the mother decided to connect with other mothers at one of her town’s local churches. 

She turned to the church she had attended as a teenager. This church was familiar, and there were still people there who remembered her and her parents. So, she started attending church, getting involved in the choir, and meeting other young mothers. 

Over time, something began to happen. This young mother’s faith began to blossom, and she had a strong desire to know God more closely. So, she joined a Bible study led by the church pastor and found the class fulfilling for her mind and soul. 

This mother didn’t know that the Bible could have such a draw for her. But she learned many things about God, His Son, Jesus, and so much more. Over the rest of her life, the Bible became a stable anchor through some hard times and good times. Studying the Bible continued to be a major part of her life. 

It was/is Me

As you may have gathered, that short tale is about me. Long ago I was that young mother staying home with her kids. I found being a stay-at-home mom fascinating, fun, and a lot of work. But over time, I realized it was necessary to have some friends for the kids and myself. 

At that time, my faith was there, but it was still in the infant stage. Something in me wanted more, though, so that made me start attending church and getting involved with kids’ activities. That led to becoming involved in the choir, the Bible study, and an intercessory prayer group. Through it all, my faith and awareness of God began to grow.

The Word of God Grows Our Faith

Bible study has been an integral part of my life all these years, though I haven’t talked about it all that much until now. In this modern age, it seemed necessary to remind each of us about the importance of studying the Bible and learning more about God. After all, the Bible is the foundation of our faith! 

Some people believe that once you’re saved, that’s it. You don’t have to worry about anything else regarding your faith or where you go after death. But that’s simply not true. In that state, our soul remains infantile—an immature soul. The problem is that we’re called to grow and mature in the Holy Spirit in this life.  

Reading the Bible is part of growing more mature in Christ; however, Bible study is also needed. It’s through Bible study that we build the foundation and anchor of our faith. 

…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ…

Ephesians 4:14-15

Growing in Christ means practicing prayer, reading the Bible, Bible study, and living and practicing your faith in life with others. These activities grow our faith and knowledge of God over time. More importantly, these are ways to have a deeper relationship with God. 

If you want to know God more deeply, Bible study needs to be part of your life. Studying the Word of God deepens and strengthens your faith. The Scriptures are the food our souls need to grow and mature in the faith and knowledge of God. 

The Word of God Corrects Us

Some find one aspect of Bible study difficult to deal with. They find it hard that the Word of God corrects us at times. Correction is part of the Scripture’s purpose, as it says in Proverbs 3:11 NKJV, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” 

In this verse, the Hebrew word for “chastening” can mean “correction, reproof, discipline, and instruction.” Each of these words is part of the process of chastening. No one likes to be chastened or rebuked; however, as children of God, we do require reproof and discipline at times. God chastens (teaches, guides, and disciplines) us through different means, including His Word, the Bible. He does this because He loves us. 

When He corrects you through His Word, your conscience feels guilty. He may show us how we’re wrong and how to fix it, though He may only show that we’re wrong. In that case, we need to pray for guidance on what’s wrong and what we must do to correct it. This can all happen through reading the Scriptures, during prayer, or when we’re washing the dishes. It definitely can happen when we’re reading and studying the Bible. 

The Word of God Teaches Us

As we read and study the Bible, God’s Word can teach us, but only if we’re open to His guidance. 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 

Psalm 119:130 NKJV

Studying God’s Word brings enlightenment, growth, understanding, and more. It also helps us avoid becoming caught up in false doctrine and lets us know when someone’s quoting Scripture incorrectly. When we’re not protected by knowledge of the Bible and God’s power, we’re left open to all types of errors and the cunning craftiness of others. On the other hand, when we know God’s Word, we are filled with His Holy Spirit and can be wise. However, we must remain humble in order to receive His teaching and guidance.

This is not to say that we can’t sin. Yes, we can and do sin, even if we’re studying the Bible. We’re humans, and we will make mistakes. However, when we study God’s Word, we are better informed and armed to avoid some mistakes. We can trust God to correct us when we need it. 

When we combine God’s Word with prayer, we are safe and cannot be led astray by false doctrines or those who would do us harm. 

God’s Word Causes Us to Love Him More

As we read and study the Bible, the words cause us to love God and Christ that much more. Read the miracles performed by Jesus. Learn of the mercy He showed the adulterous woman. Study God’s instruction for Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Issac, and the mercy that He showed them both. How can we not start to love this God who has given His only Son to die for our sins? 

As you study the Scriptures, you can’t help but start to love our Father and Jesus. The Word becomes more precious to us as we read and study it more. 

Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. 

Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV

An Invitation to Study God’s Word

If you haven’t already started, I’d like to invite you to study God’s Word in the Bible. Why not give it a try for a few weeks and see what happens? You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it! You may develop such a taste for the Word that you keep studying the Bible for the rest of your life! 

This is what happened to me with God’s Word, and I pray you experience a growing, deep hunger for His Word, too. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page! 

Why Should We Read the Bible?

As a Christian or a new believer, reading the Bible is instrumental to learning about faith, hope, and redemption through Christ. Sure, you can listen to plenty of sermons and learn about God and Jesus Christ; however, the real work is done when you read the Bible, pray, and spend time with God. These activities go hand-in-hand with attending church and being with fellow believers. 

In the last post, we discussed what the Bible is. So, today, we’ll talk about why reading the Bible is important to our spiritual lives. 

Isn’t the Bible Archaic Literature? 

Many new Christians and non-believers ask this question, and it’s a good one. Yes, parts of the Bible were written between 4,000 and 2,000 years ago. This was during a time of great change and upheaval for humans. Writing was invented during this time, and it played a significant role in recording history and accounts that had only existed in oral form up to this time. But how could the Bible, being so old, still be relevant to our 21st-century lives? 

The Bible speaks to us of people and events from ages ago. But that doesn’t make the Bible old and obsolete. Consider we humans--human nature hasn’t changed much in the ensuing millennia. What’s more, God never changes. All through the Scriptures, He shows us His characteristics, His plan for our redemption, His love for us, and all that He has done for us. Remember, the Bible is like a love letter from God to each of us. This love letter never changes, and what it teaches us about God remains true through the ages. 

One Example of Human Nature 

In the Bible, we learn about the great patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, along with Jesus Christ. Consider the lives of the patriarchs. In these stories, we find relatable examples of mistakes that could be taken directly out of our own lives. 

For instance, consider Abraham and Sarah. In Genesis 16, we read about how they tried to make God’s promise of a son come true on their own. Sarai gave her maid, Hagar, to Abram as a wife. She was to act as a surrogate mother on behalf of Sarai. The resulting children would belong to Abram and Sarai. What could go wrong? To find out, read what happened in Genesis 16. 

In spite of the problems that ensued, God still promised Abram and Sarai that they would bear a son. And they did. God’s promise was fulfilled in His own time, in spite of their actions. Doesn’t this sound like a story right out of our modern lives? 

What happens when we try to fulfill God’s promises on our own? The result is usually less than pleasant and may bring chaos and harm. So, we haven’t changed much since the time Abram and Sarai lived.  

This is only one example from the Bible of how humans acted much the same as we do today. From these examples, we can learn to be obedient, knowing God will fulfill His promises in His time. Doing our “own thing” only causes problems. So, we still have a lot to learn and the Bible has a lot to teach each of us. 

The Bible is the living, breathing Word of God, and its teachings are as applicable today as they were thousands of years ago. 

God and the Bible Act as Anchors in Our Lives

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…

Hebrews 6:19a NKJV

God and the Bible are anchors in our everyday lives, including the good times and the bad. But why are they said to be anchors? 

The Bible is filled with allegories, metaphors, similes, types, parables, and analogies. These are used as teaching tools and to create a picture to help us understand what the Bible tells us. Equating God and the Bible to an anchor may not make much sense at first. So, why is this imagery used? 

To understand this metaphor, let’s consider a large cruise ship. These ships are enormous, with some of them carrying thousands of people. Now, think about the anchors required for these ships—they’re gigantic! A cruise ship anchor is typically between 10-20 feet long, 15-20 feet wide and may weigh between 10 to 20 tons (20,000 to 40,000 pounds). Moreover, most cruise ships carry two anchors (port and starboard) at the front of the ship. 

These massive anchors hold the ship in place and keep it stable when docking. Both anchors are also attached to chains (one chain attached to each anchor). The larger the ship, the larger the anchors and chains need to be. 

So, how does a ship’s anchor relate to God and the Bible? God is our Sovereign, the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. He provides hope and a stable foundation. The Bible is a spiritual anchor that keeps us grounded and connected to God. With the foundation of God and the Bible, we can weather all the challenges that life has to offer. Circumstances or situations do not move us—our belief and faith remain intact in good times and bad. 

No matter what we’re going through, if we’re anchored to God through the Bible, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, we can get through it. 

The Bible is Our Spiritual Nourishment

…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

I Peter 2:2 NKJV

The Bible is also the source of our spiritual nourishment. God’s Word is pure spiritual milk for our souls. The Word has been given to us so that we can be raised on its spiritual food. As we become more nourished (from reading the Bible), we become spiritually stronger and closer to God. 

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:4 NJKV

When Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days, He fasted all during this time and naturally became hungry. But He remembered the scripture above. Satan tried to tempt Christ to turn desert rocks into bread He could eat. Jesus withstood this temptation and told the devil that we can’t live only on bread but that we also need the Word of God. 

This is also a wonderful example of why we need to know the Scriptures. What happens if temptation comes your way? Or how can you discern if someone is using Bible verses incorrectly or misquoting the Bible? The only way is to know the Scriptures; use them like Jesus and the apostles did to refute the evil one and those trying to lead you astray.

God’s word is the spiritual food that we need to live as Christians in this world. We also need the spiritual nourishment the Bible provides to learn about God and how to grow closer to Him. 

The Bible Gives Us Light

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 

Psalm 119:105 NKJV

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…

2 Peter 1:19 NKJV

Another metaphor often used in the Bible is the word “light.” Light may refer to the natural light provided by the sun, moon, and stars. But it can also mean light coming from a lamp and spiritual light that brings knowledge and understanding (illumination). 

The Bible also uses light as a symbol of goodness, holiness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and God’s revelation. All light comes from God, for He is holy. When we read and study the Bible, the Word (the Light) helps us learn the truths of God, who He is, and what He’s teaching us about life in Christ. 

We face uncertain, troubling times. We may live in a place where it feels as if evil has taken over. But when we read the Bible, the Word of God enlightens our lives and souls. We can learn how to avoid stumbling on our Christian walk and follow the Lord’s path. Without the Light of His Word, it’s impossible to see how to proceed on this journey. 

Concluding Thoughts

Why should we read the Bible? Isn’t it obsolete in the 21st century? The answer is that God and the Bible are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. We humans may be more advanced in some ways, but we continue to have the same human nature as our ancestors. 

As we grow in faith, God and the Bible become our anchors and the foundation of our lives. When we know Scripture, we can maintain our faith and hope. Nothing and no one can sway us or make us doubt. 

Finally, the Bible shines a light on our spiritual journey. How can we follow Christ if we can’t see the path? The Scriptures provide us with the light we need to make the journey safely and securely. God, through Christ, also shines a light on our paths. 

If you haven’t started yet, why not consider reading the Bible? You might want to start with the Gospel of John in the New Testament and then go on from there. If you don’t have a Bible, you can find free Bibles available on our resources page. These are available through the apps or websites listed there. Choose a Bible that’s easy to understand and start reading! 

John is a great place to start, as he talks about the Light, Jesus’ life and ministry, and so much more. He was a first-hand witness to Christ’s life and offers some stories not found in the other Gospels. It’s a great place to start your Bible-reading journey. 

God bless,

The Bible: Foundation of the Christian Faith

Some people have been familiar with the Bible since attending Sunday school as kids. But many others, including non-believers and new believers, can feel pretty intimidated about reading the Bible.

The Bible is extensive and includes content that’s easy to understand, as well as other material that can appear to be exceptionally challenging. It also has content that can feel a bit boring. The Bible includes stories about people and places we don’t know much about or even how to pronounce their names. So, how should we handle all of this?

Many of us leave the Bible on the shelf, where it sits unused, gathering dust. Yet, this holy book is the foundation of the Christian faith. Reading the Bible is essential to the Christian walk on so many levels. So, in this article, we’ll do an overview of what the Bible is, how it came to be, and much more.

What is the Bible?

The word “bible” comes from the Greek word “biblia,” which means “books” or “scrolls.” The name “Holy Bible” was chosen for this large book because it is a library of 66 books. There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. These books were written at different points in history and in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

Christians consider the Bible to be the inspired word of God. It contains sacred texts that are the foundation of Christian theology and faith. These texts teach believers how to worship, about morality & spiritual growth, and other aspects of faith.

Each book of the Bible is different in length and literary style. For instance, the Old Testament (the Jewish Bible, also called the Tanakh) contains poetry, worship, songs, histories, and more. All these books date from before Jesus Christ was born.

On the other hand, the New Testament includes the Gospels (they detail Christ's life, death, and resurrection), early church history (after Christ’s ascension), letters, and more. But what do all of these diverse books have in common?

The books of the Bible all tell us about God. They explain who He is, His attributes, tell us about God’s love for us, explain His character, and His plan for our redemption. The entire Bible explains that God loves us. You could think of the Bible as a love letter from God to each of us.

The Bible is the Inspired Word of God

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV, the Bible says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable doctrine for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This verse tells us that God has created all the texts of the Bible. He did this by writing through human authors.

God worked with the authors of the Bible through the Holy Spirit. In other words, the Holy Spirit guided the Bible writers' words and writing styles, using their own words and styles. Even so, these writers wrote what the Holy Spirit showed them to write. 

All parts of scripture have divine authority and are true. The texts were written for our instruction, as Paul says in Romans 15:4 NKJV, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” 

The Bible also helps us understand faith. From Genesis to Revelation, you can read about the faith of real men and women. You can read about this in Hebrews 11, where Paul talks about all the greats of the faith—from Abraham and Sarah to the apostles and others. 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

Who Wrote the Bible? 

Many people wrote the Bible over centuries. What’s interesting is that God used many different people to write the Bible, including kings, poets, uneducated fishermen, doctors, etc. God didn’t choose writers based on their level in society, their job, or their education. 

Our heavenly Father chose writers He knew would be faithful to Him and what the Holy Spirit wanted them to write. God even used insignificant people (those whom society determined were insignificant or worthless) to write the Bible. 

What are the Old and New Testaments of the Bible? 

When you look at the Bible's Table of Contents, you’ll see it’s divided into two main sections: the Old and New Testaments. Each testament is a library of books, letters, historical documents, etc. 

The Old Testament

The Old Testament comprises books that make up the Jewish Bible (called the Tanakh). The Christian Old Testament includes all the same books as the Tanakh; however, they are arranged differently than in the Jewish Bible. 

The Tanakh has the Old Testament books arranged in the following sections: 

1. Torah (Teaching): these books are called the Pentateuch in the Christian Old Testament and include the same five books.

2. Nevi’im (Prophets): this section includes historical books, such as Joshua and Judges. It also contains the major and minor prophets, such as Isaiah and Ezekiel. 

3. Ketuvim (Writings): this part of the Jewish Bible includes books of poetry, wisdom, literature, and historical writings, such as the Psalms. 

The books of the Christian Old Testament include each of these books, but they are arranged differently. Protestant Bibles arrange the Old Testament in this way: 

The Pentateuch (Torah; the Law): includes the first five books of the Bible:

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy

Historical Books: include the books from Joshua through Ester, which describe the Israelites’ new life in the Promised Land. 

Writings: this section is further divided into the poetic books and includes Psalms, Proverbs, and Job. Next are the Five Festival Scrolls. These include the Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Ester. Finally, the Writings section ends with the historical books of Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. 

Major Prophets: the books in this section include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Hosea. 

Minor prophets: these books include Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. 

Differences Between the Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Bibles

Here, it’s time to mention that there’s a difference between Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Bibles. These Bibles contain the same books as the Old Testament. However, the Catholic Bible and Orthodox Bible contain additional books. These are called the deuterocanonical books (also called the Apocrypha). The books here are: 

• 1&2 Esdras
• Tobit
• Judith
• Additions to the Book of Esther
• Wisdom
• Sirach
• Baruch
• Epistle of Jeremiah
• Additions to the Book of Daniel
• Prayer of Manasses
• An additional Psalm
• 1,2,3,4 Book of Maccabees

Each book is separate and discusses different stories and characters. For instance, the Maccabees were a family who lived during the 400-year break between the Old Testament and the New Testament. They play an integral role in the Jewish revolt against Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria.

Interestingly, these books were included in the Jewish Talmud (different from the Tanakh) and the Greek Septuagint (the Greek version of the Hebrew Bible). 

The deuterocanonical books are valuable; however, in the 4th century, St. Jerome doubted that these books were divinely inspired. He then discouraged them from being included in the Christian Bible. However, these books were affirmed as canonical at the Council of Rome (in 382). 

However, Martin Luther (known for the Reformation) recommended separating the Apocrypha from the rest of the Bible. He believed they were not divinely inspired, though Luther found these books valuable and interesting. 

From that time to now, the Protestant Bible has not included the deuterocanonical books found in the Catholic Bible. Otherwise, the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles and the Protestant Bible use the same Old and New Testament scriptures. 

It’s a little more complicated why the Apocrypha is not included in the Protestant Bible, but this gives you a brief overview of why Catholic and Protestant Bibles differ slightly. However, the Apocrypha does contain some valuable information about the intertestamental period (the 400-year gap between the Old and New Testaments). 

The New Testament

The New Testament books are not found in the Tanakh but in Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic Bibles. The New Testament follows the Old Testament (the Apocrypha in Catholic & Orthodox Bibles). These books primarily discuss the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

The books also discuss early church history (in the Acts), how to live a Christian life (the letters of Paul), and more. The last book of the New Testament, Revelation, was written to seven churches facing persecution and how to maintain their faith in that scenario. Some consider Revelation also to be a prophecy of the end times. 

Concluding Thoughts

The Old and New Testaments of the Bible offer a diverse, multifaceted tapestry of faith. The Holy Bible is the divine revelation of God’s presence and purpose in the world and our lives. Through the Bible, God reaches out to each of us, showing us how to come into right relationship with Him and live a life of service and faith. The Bible is God's Word and the foundation of our faith.

The Bible is a love letter from God, our Father. He wrote the Bible for all the people of the Earth. Every time we read and study the Bible, we can learn more about God and how He works in our lives. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!