NEW LIVING WATER for the Thirsty Soul
(A tiny study on John’s Gospel )
Happy Summer, friends! I don’t know about you, but I need to be refreshed by the Word. Only Jesus Christ can offer us this “living water.” Bible studies always reflect our current life demands. Most of the time, I need to be in a focused study with group accountability. Other times, I need the freedom to “solo study”. Needless to say, only you know how you need to study this summer. Sit down with your Jesus & your schedule. Ask Him, “What do you want me to do this summer? How can I know more of You?” This tiny Book of John study is built on 2 things –what Jesus said about Himself and the miracles He performed to validate His words! Every person needs this book: the non-religious person investigating Christ, the new believer & the longtime Christian who needs to be reminded & refreshed by His identity. Do this at your own pace. Print this out & dive in! You might get it all done in one week & then have days when you can barely read a whole chapter. You set your pace around ONE goal-getting in the Word. Need accountability? Ask a gal pal to meet for coffee every two weeks to talk about what you’re learning. ENJOY THIS. Ask God to help you. Finally, be willing to be changed by the One who wants to give you Himself! 🙂
- BATHE YOUR SOUL Read the entire book of John in 1, 2, or 3 occasions over the summer. Your goal is to literally read & keep reading! This book on Jesus’ identity will wash over you & bring deep peace. His identity brings power!
- STEP IN Read the book with paper & pen nearby. At the end of a chapter, ask yourself: What is the main point of this chapter? Now, make that your “Chapter Title”! I love this exercise because it truly helps in learning a book! (For example, a chapter title for John 1 might be “He is the Word.”)
- DRINK DEEPLY The names of Jesus Christ are sources of great strength & joy. It’s absolutely life-changing to know the 7 names of Jesus! Read these, write them down, and let His identity change yours! Which of His names inspires you today?
- WATCH THE WAVES The miracles of Jesus Christ go hand-in-hand with His claims. How does this connect with the “I AM” statements Jesus makes?
- GO WITH THE FLOW Ask God to help you take action with what you learn. Ask yourself: “How does this change my life?” Write a list with the 3 things you’re learning from the book of John. Consider asking someone to hold you accountable to taking steps toward life change in the specific areas God has shown you.
- DIVE IN THE DEEP END and memorize some of the following verses: John 3:16, 3:30, 10:30, 14:6, 15:4- Many of these verses are crucial in understanding the identity of Jesus. Why not pick 2 to memorize at your own pace?
Want more challenge? Try these ideas:
*Divide these questions into weeks and begin to read other Bible translations to help study key verses. Write out the Scriptures you’re studying-it helps to learn them!
*I love to find the “power” words or phrases and look them up in the original Greek language. (#nerd).
*Incorporate prayer at the beginning & end of your study time. Pray for yourself, your loved ones, and the world. Ask God to make you aware of people’s needs.
*Write out some of the key verses (maybe the “I AM” statements of Christ) and put them in your car, in your backpack, and on your mirror. When you are discouraged or struggling, read these verses about Jesus. His identity gives you strength!
*How can you do this tiny study of John with some pals? Open in prayer, take turns reading the Bible passages, focus on 1 or 2 important verses and talk about them. Let everybody pick a question to answer “What does this teach me about Jesus?” “How does this change my attitude towards God and people?” “Do we know other friends who would be encouraged by these words of Jesus?” I’m excited for you-God has huge things He wants to do in you & through you! Tristie Fisher
