Spiritual Growth Resource Guide

Below is a mini resource guide for newer believers. I have often been asked how to read the Bible, what to pray about, beneficial Christian books to read, and Christian music to check out. Below is a guide to all of these questions, plus more.

Study Plan For Bible Reading

-The simple goal of Bible reading and study is to know and enjoy Jesus more

-Important to pray before you even open the Bible

Prayers For Bible Reading:

1. God thank you for your Word. The grace to have God’s written word and the grace to read it freely.

2. Open my eyes to your word. Help me to understand what I am reading (Psalm 119:11)

3. Remove any distractions and burdens of my soul as I read your word.

4. Help me to be a doer of the word, not just a hearer. (James 1:22)

5. Open my eyes to see Jesus in the text (since all of the bible points to Him)

6. Open my eyes to applying the text to my life.

7. Help me to delight in reading your word and to not be bored or apathetic as I read.

8. Let your word pierce my heart, convict me, challenge me, encourage me, comfort me through your word.

-Important to pick one book and do a study through it, instead of jumping around the bible

- Once you have picked a book, read the background and context of the book (Usually found in a study Bible before the book) Answer the questions:

1. Who wrote the book?

2. Context of the book.

-Old or New Testament?

-What kind of book is it? (Law, Poetry, Wisdom literature, Prophecy, Narrative, Historical, Epistle?) Depending on what kind of book it is, depends on how you should read it.

-Where does the book fit in the story line of the bible? (Before Christ? After Christ?)

-Where was the book written geographically?

-Who was it written to?

-Why was it written? (what was the purpose for it to be written?)

1. What is the theme of the book?

-After these questions are answered then it is good to read, it is important to get the context so you better understand what you are reading, and so you don’t misinterpret the text

Things To Look For While Reading

1. Repetition – Repetition of words or points

2. Relationship between ideas or parallels from one paragraph to another or one chapter to another.

3. Cause and effects

4. Ifs and then – If you do "this" then "this" will happen.

5. Therefor’s – what is the therefor, there for?

6. Pay attention to cross references in your Bible

- Keep in mind, the whole Bible is one book that points to Jesus. Not separate random books for different teachings. One book. One Story. Pointing to One person: Jesus.

-When you have picked one book to study, read the chapters in its entirety instead of paragraphs. This helps to understand the text better.

As you have read through the chapter or chapters, Write down and answer these questions:

1. What was the author saying?

2. What are some verses that stuck out to me?

3. How does that apply to my life?

*As you read, write down any questions you have. This is very important. Try to figure out the answer on your own without looking at the study notes. Then ask someone these questions. Then compare everything to your study notes.

- Try not to go straight to the study notes, by doing this, it is teaching you to think for yourself. Use study notes as a last resource.

4. Lastly: Respond. Respond in prayer asking God to help you apply what you learned and thanking God for His word again and thanking Him in general.

-This is an option, but you could also physically write down the chapter or chapters you are reading, it may help to see things you haven’t before and help follow along and pay attention to what you are reading.

Other Spiritual Disciplines

1. Praying through the psalms

2. Read a proverb a day (31 proverbs, 31 days)

3. Bible Memorization –VERY IMPORTANT

Texts That Would Be Beneficial To Memorize:

1. Psalm 1

2. Psalm 23

3. Ephesians 2:1-10

4. Anything or all of Romans 8

5. Colossians 3:1-10

6. Philippians 3

7. Romans 8:26-28

8. Hebrews 1:1-4

9. Philippians 2:5-11

Things To Pray For:

1. Growth in Holiness in thoughts, deeds, and desires

2. Growth in delighting and finding satisfaction in Christ

3. Spiritual Growth in the Church

4. Boldness to share the gospel

5. Opportunities to share the gospel

6. Growth in understanding God’s word

7. Wisdom in everyday life

8. Salvation for specific people

9. Trust in God more

10. Opportunities to be glorify God in everyday life

Other Helpful Resources

Sound Pastors To Listen To (Sermons)

1. Eric Mason

2. Matt Chandler

3. David Platt

4. John Piper

5. Mark Driscoll

6. Paul Tripp

7. Ben Stuart

8. Leonce Crump

9. Tim Keller

10. J.D. Greear

Sound women teachers

1. Nancy Leigh Demoss

2. Jen Wilkin

3. Susan Hunt

Recommended Christian Books For Every Believer

1. Just do Something – Kevin DeYoung

2. Desiring God – John Piper

3. Knowing God – J.I. Packer

4. The reason for God – Tim Keller

5. Church Membership – Jonathan Leeman

6. What is a healthy church member – Thabithi Anyabwile

7. Spiritual Disciplines – Don Whitney

8. Praying the Bible – Don Whitney

9. When people are big and God is small – Ed Welch

10. Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem

11. What is the gospel – Greg Gilbert

12. The cross of Christ – John Stott

Article-Based Websites

1. DesringGod.org

2. Thegospelcoalition.org

3. Theblazingcenter.com

4. mbird.com

5. Timchallies.com

Podcasts

1. The briefing

2. AskPastorJohn (Soundcloud)

3. Thegospelcoalition

4. The blazing center

5. The Village Church Podcast

Blogs For Women

1. Equipping Eve

2. Chapter 3 Ministries

3. Satisfaction through Christ

4. Out of the ordinary

Cross Centered Worship Music To Assist In The Journey

1. Sovereign Grace

2. The Village Church

3. Renovation Music

4. Norton Hall Band

5. Austin Stone Worship

6. Indelible Grace

7. Citizens and Saints

8. Ghost Ship

9. Kings Kaleidoscope

10. Aaron Keyes

11. Hymns