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rich fork church
3993 Old Highway 29
Thomasville, NC 27360
info@richfork.com
336.476.6258 | map
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the Gospel
What is the Gospel Story?
The Gospel Story is timeless and true. It is like many good stories you've heard or read, but the more you read, the more you'll realize this is not just another story--it is THE story. It defines us all. It makes us think about who we are and who we can become.
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
john 15:4-5
How to Study the Word
right context | right questions | write it down
Understanding the context of Scripture ensures we apply it properly because we understand the original intent of the writer.
right context
Studying the Word
- Review the verse itself and key word(s) that stand out in the verse (look up meanings)
- The verses around the verse, the section of scripture, the chapter, the book, old/new testament, and relation to the rest of scripture
- Author and Date (Who wrote the book and when?)
- Audience (Who is the book written to? Main characters in the story and/or text?)
- Main points and overall purpose of the book
- Historical background, cultural significance, setting, people, rulers, etc.
- Scripture references; let scripture interpret scripture as much as possible
questions to consider
Learning to meditate on the Word helps us apply it to our lives. It requires us to ask questions and dig a little deeper.
right questions
Studying the Word
- What does this passage say? (look at it again and again; look at key words)
- What does this passage mean to its original audience? (research this)
- What is this passage teaching me about God? (His character or attributes)
- What does this passage tell us about man? (mankind as a whole)
- Is there a command to obey? Is there a promise to claim? Is there a sin to avoid? How is this applicable to me?
- How does this passage change the way I relate to people? (What actions must I take in response to this passage?)
- What does this passage prompt me to pray? (For God, for others, for my community, for family, etc.)
questions to consider
It is difficult to live by truth if we do not know it. Memorizing Scripture means we write the truth of God's Word on our heart and mind.
writing the word on your heart
Scripture Memory
- Study the verses (right bible, right context, right questions, use Blue Letter Bible app)
- Write it out on a note card
- Read it out loud 10, 20, 100 times if necessary
- Write it again 10, 20, 100 times if necessary
- Repeat it regularly, listen to it, dwell on this verse(s)
- Make it applicable to you/your life (journal all you know on this verse)
- Get accountability to memorize (wife, friend, co-worker, group member, kids, etc.)
tips for memorizing
Prayer
what is prayer?
A humble, continual, and steadfast private and communal conversation with God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in which we worship and adore Him, surrender to His will, make requests for all things according to His will, offer thanksgiving for all things, confess our sins and ask forgiveness, and seek protection and deliverance from evil.
Ways to Pray: Prayer Acrostics
A - Adoration
C - Confession
T - Thanksgiving
S - Supplication
a.c.t.s
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Y - Yield
p.r.a.y
Jesus Sets the Standard: The Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:9-13
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Thanking God for who He is, His character, and holiness.
Laying down your will, wants, and plans so His will is priority.
Ask for your needs and others, show gratitude for what He's done.
Confess your own sin, ask forgiveness, and forgive others.
a model to follow
The Lord's Prayer
praise & adoration
surrender
requests/gratitude
confess & forgive
protection & deliverance
Ask for protection and deliverance from temptation and battles.
