How do we move from just reading the Bible to truly being transformed by it?
In this episode, we unpack simple, practical ways to engage with God’s Word daily and build rhythms that actually fit your life.
We also talk about finding what works best for you—because every season looks different. Whether you’re reading for relationship and renewal or diving in for deeper study, both matter.
And remember: always read through the lens of the original audience the author was writing to. God’s Word is timeless—but how we live it out today can look different depending on culture and context.

Takeaway Guide
1. Prepare Before Reading
Goal: Create consistent habits that invite God’s presence and prepare your heart.
Pray first: Before opening the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and understanding (1 Corinthians 2:11–12).
Example prayer: “Lord, open my eyes to see what You want to teach me today.”
Schedule your time: Choose a daily time slot to meet with God and set a reminder.
Pick a starting point: Start with John, Luke, or Acts, or follow a reading plan (Crossway, BibleProject, Bible App).
Make a plan and stick with it: Print or bookmark your plan and track your progress.

2. Read in Context
Goal: Understand what the text really says—not just what we want it to mean.
Ask context questions: Who wrote this? Who were they writing to? What was happening at that time? What comes before and after?
Note the type of context:
Historical/Cultural: What was the world like then?
Literary: What kind of writing is this (story, poetry, letter)?
Covenantal: What promise or covenant was in place?
Read surrounding verses: Understand the passage within its full neighborhood.
Use study tools: Study Bibles, commentaries, or BibleProject videos can help deepen understanding.

3. Reflect and Apply
Goal: Move from information to transformation.
Reflect daily: Pause after reading to meditate on what God is saying (Psalm 1:1–3).
Journal insights: Write thoughts, questions, or key verses in a notebook or your Bible margins.
Ask growth questions:
What does this reveal about God?
What should I do differently?
Live it out: Apply one truth each day—speak it, pray it, or act on it.
Share what you learn: Talk with a friend, small group, or family member.
Weekly Challenge
Choose one set time to read each day.
Follow your chosen plan for seven days.
Write one reflection per day (even a sentence).
On Sunday, review your notes—what truth stood out most?

📖 Explore more Bible study tools and resources at:
goodnews.church/bible-study

This week, Tonna Heinemann and Pastor Isaiah Fern unpack why the Bible still matters today. They dive into how the Bible was written, how it’s been preserved through persecution, and why knowing what you believe and why you believe it is essential for every follower of Jesus.

They also explore how the Bible was compiled, why certain books didn’t make it into the canon, and how translation efforts—like the YouVersion Bible App—are helping make God’s Word accessible to people around the world.

Scripture Reference:
Matthew 4:4 — “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Resource Mentioned:
YouVersion Bible App — Access the Bible in thousands of translations and languages.

Key Takeaway:
Don’t just own a Bible—open it.