You do not need to be an expert to teach the Word of God.  In fact, some would argue that an advanced degree in a seminary actually hinders your ability to teach.  Sound strange?  In our experience, we have found that a great majority of sermons and Bible studies tend to drive the audience to a somewhat premeditated conclusion.

There is generally nothing wrong with this.  From our childhood we are taught to structure our essays and messages concisely so that at the beginning, the audience knows what your talking points will be and what they are supposed to get out of it.

This approach may work well in academic circles and “how to” books, yet it is a complete and total disaster when employed in an attempt to teach the Word of the Living God.

Open the Bible as if You Have Never Read It Before

The holiness and perfection of the Bible allow us to learn something new each time that we read it.

For this reason, we would like to encourage you and your audience, beginning with this study, to open the Bible as if they have never read it before.  Many Christians have preconceived notions and prejudices regarding the parts of the Bible which must be overcome for the Word of God to move in a new way in their lives.  Opening the Bible as if you have never read it before accomplishes this goal for most people.