Next up in our Bible Study Journal Template series (remember we started this a while ago), is the Alphabet Bible Study Method. I think this is method would be a great starting point for someone who needs really clear direction when reading and analyzing or pondering the Scriptures. It’s a very simple, clear-cut, to the point method without a lot of room–literally and figuratively to get lost in, if that makes sense?
I’m working on posting the various Bible Study Journal Template ideas I gathered from this book, Learn to Study the Bible. This book walks the reader through 40 different methods of studying the Scriptures and I guarantee there’s a method for everyone in here, if not more than one!
We’ve already covered the Timothy method, here’s an excerpt from that post, “The Timothy Method begins this way, “Ask yourself this simple question: What purpose does the Bible serve?” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 answers that question, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.””
We’ve also already covered the Daily Bread method in this post on Matthew 9. Here’s an excerpt from that post, “The Daily Bread Bible Study is one of the simplest ways to begin discovering the specific truths that the Holy Spirit has for us each day.”
Bible Study Journal Template
Today we’re going to look at the Alphabet Bible Study method and I’ve designed a Bible Study Journal Template for you to use following the author’s instructions using this study method. This template coordinates with the free Bible Journaling Printables in the bright rainbow design.
The Alphabet Bible Study method uses the first six letters of the alphabet to dig deeper into the Scriptures in an almost overly simplified way. But don’t be fooled, simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy. As you read through a passage and then start filling in your Bible Study Journal template, you might be surprised how much you uncover once you start writing!
To get started, choose a passage to read and prayerfully read through it at least three times according to the author of the book, Learn to Study the Bible. He suggests first reading it silently, then aloud, then slowly reading through it pausing at the end of each verse. This tells me this Alphabet Bible study method would be a great one for large passages or entire chapters.
Once you’ve read through your chosen passage three times, now it’s time to give it a title. A stands for “A Title.” You could just write down the section or chapter heading your Bible has but I encourage you to come up with your own. You might have to read the passage again or you might have to work through a couple more letters to become more familiar with the passage before you title it. Make sure your title clearly identifies the main theme of the passage.
Next is the letter B, it stands for “Best Verse.” Choose your favorite verse from the passage and write it in the box. You might also make a note out to the side of the verse you’ve just written stating if the verse encouraged you or convicted you, or answered a question you’ve had. Describing why you chose this verse would be something interesting to look back on later.
The next letter on our Bible Study Template is C, “Cross-Reference.” If your Bible has a notes section as the bottom start there. Also, Google is a fantastic friend while trying to cross-reference the Scriptures. The author of the book suggests also writing out a brief description summarizing each reference; consider how these other verses help you understand God’s Word better.
D is the next letter in our Alphabet Bible Study method and it stands for “Difficulties.” The author directs us to write down any verses that are difficult for us to explain and then do some research. He suggests checking the context, similar passages (cross-reference), commentaries, etc. This is the place to dig deep and ask questions. Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your questions and in finding the answers. Remember what I always say though, I don’t worry or get discouraged when I don’t understand something I read in the Scriptures. I figure if God wants of needs me to completely understand something I’ve read, He’ll make sure I do! And if I don’t…maybe someday?
Next up is the letter E, “Essentials.” From the author, “Outline or summarize the most important points of the passage. In this step, you are only observing and recording what the passage says, not what it means.” (emphasis mine) He suggests making an outline with headings and sub-points to define the contents.
And now we’re to the letter F, “Final Thoughts.” What are your final thoughts on the subject, the person of interest, the instructions you believe was God speaking into you as you read His Word? Did God convict you of unconfessed sin? A bad habit you need to break? An apology you need to make? What did you discern while reading this passage and did it shed light on your intentions or God’s intentions for your life?
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
+Hebrews: 4:12
I filled out our Bible Study Journal Template while reading Ephesians 1. In the collage you’ll see I first used the template “nice and neat” and then I got “messy” with it by adding color and additional notes. After reading Ephesians 1, I decided I wanted to add another letter to our Alphabet Bible Study, G, for God.
I noticed this chapter stated a lot about God, His character, attributes, and plans so I wanted to record them. You can see by the picture I added the letter “G” to the top of the page in purple. I chose the color purple because it made me think of royalty and this chapter mentions that God/Jesus is far above any ruler, authority, power, or leader. (In the shop I have a Bible Study available on the Character of God and one on the Names of Jesus.)
Please, make any and all of the free Bible Journaling printables or this Bible Study Journal Template your own! I design these to be a guide, a jumping-off point, not an end to themselves.
Click HERE to download your free Bible Study Journal Template.
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