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Bible Study & the New Believer

Bible study is an integral component for growth in faithfulness and understanding for the recent believer. All who believe recall the fervor they had for reading and sharing the scriptures at that moment they first believed. However, maintaining that fervor requires ongoing individual & corporate Bible study.

Bible study reveals to us the deep truths that exist in God’s word. By combining our personal Bible study with commentaries and notes from our corporate Bible study we enlighten our understanding of scriptures. Through this we find that regardless of how much we study there is always more to learn. There seems to be no limit to the amount that we have to learn about our God and opportunities to stand in awe of Him. This develops an ongoing love for scriptures within us and keeps our desire to share God’s word strong.

Bible study also helps our faith in God to develop and grow. As we understand God’s plan and our role in it, that awe inspiring understanding further strengthens our faith. By keeping our faith strong we can continue to develop even when we go through the emotional ebbs and flows of our spiritual life. It’s easy to commit to study when we are on a spiritual high, but when times are tough or we feel that our connection with God is weak only our faith will give us the commitment to go on. A new believer is particularly susceptible to these emotional changes, as such an ongoing commitment to Bible study is critical and will result in a strengthening in faith.

As noted, personal Bible study has significant implications for new believer. Setting aside a regular time to go beyond just reading the bible and engage in a deep understanding of the truths it holds contributes to the spiritual maturity of the new believer. Corporate Bible study also has significant benefits part of which results from a shared understanding of scriptures with your local brothers. Both of these aspects of Bible study are imperative for the growth of the new believer.

Submitted by Frederick C. Martin