This may seem like a silly question. Obviously, if you are reading this introduction, you have decided to begin Bible Study. But why? One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is: "Why are we doing what we are doing?"

Think for a minute, why have you decided to study the Bible? You may have felt the need to know more about the Book you claim to believe contains God's word. Maybe you enjoy the fellowship and prayer support of your small discussion group. Maybe you are seeking a closer relationship with the Lord. All of these are good reasons to be part of a Bible study.

The Bible is God's communication to human beings. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God directed human authors to write those things we need to know in order to live in a way that pleases Him, and draws us into relationship with Him. In our human relationships, we know spending time together is one of the most important ingredients of any relationship if we want it to grow and develop. This is also true in our relationship with God. God wants to be intimate with us. The Bible is God's tool for communication.

The life goal of every Christians should be to become more like Christ. In writing to the Corinthians Paul said, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Cor. 3:18). The only way to be "transformed" by God's Spirit is to know what God says and then let His Word sink deeply into our heart. As God's Word (through the power of the Holy Spirit) penetrates our hearts, our minds are changed and our behavior is altered. The Bible is called the "Living" word because our hearts are "quickened" by the Holy Spirit as we read it. Prayer is the most important part of Bible study. Each day as you begin your study, pray and ask the Holy Sprit to open your mind. Ask that your heart be ready to hear what God has to say (specifically) to you that day. Pray that your heart and mind will be quieted so that you will clearly hear God's word.

Many people, Christian and non-Christians, think they know what the Bible says even though they have not studied it. Sadly, many Christians attend church all their lives and never take the time to study God's word for themselves. The problem with this lack of knowledge is that their Christian beliefs are founded on vague ideas they picked up here and there in a sermon or from a friend in conversation. When asked to give an account for their faith, these undernourished Christians falter and feel insecure. In addition, people who do not know what the Bible says are susceptible to false teaching. In Romans, the Apostle Paul warned believers, "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people" (Rom 16:17–18).

Bible Study is a three-part process. As students, we must first look at the original context. We need to ask questions that give us a sense as to why the book was written, who wrote it, when was it written and for whom was it written. We also need to discover, through our study, the main themes and the genre of the book. Is it poetry or narrative? Is it a letter or revelation? All these questions must be answered before we can begin to interpret Scripture. Interpreting scripture means discovering what the text means. What did the original writer intend to communicate? After discovering the meaning of the text the Bible student can finally ask the question; "How does this passage apply to me?" Too often, we rush to personal application and primary goal then changes from "What does God Say?" to "What do I think?" or "How does this passage make me feel?"

This systematic process of Bible study allows information to enter our mind and challenge our thinking. Our changed minds then touch our hearts so that our inner beings are transformed. Finally, because we are being transformed, our new-found love for God and his amazing grace in our lives, causes us to act in new ways. Bible study for knowledge sake alone is meaningless. The purpose for Bible study is a changed life and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Studying the Bible is the most exciting thing you can do. Its implications are universal and personal. When you study the Bible you join a host of men and women down through the ages who have desired a closer walk with God. As you being this adventure, be prepared for God to work His amazing grace in your life. Come expecting to meet your creator. Are you ready to talk with God?