The SOAK Method of Bible Study
One of the best pieces of advice I could give would be to slow down, take time and meditate on God’s Word – even journal through Scriptures. The goal is NOT to get a piece of information or the perfect application for the day, but to focus on spending time with Him and giving Him room to speak into our lives. Making sure we can understand how to do that is important, but we have to make this all about Him and allow Him room to talk to us, work with us, lead us through the Spirit. The SOAK (or SOAP) method helps.
Scripture
Read through the selected scripture twice, preferably, listen to it, or even write it down. Let the words from God sink into you. Take your time – don’t jump to the next step.
Observation
As you spend time pondering the scriptures, allow yourself to ask questions about it. What jumped out at you? Was anything a surprise. Did something connect to something else you’ve read? Did something seem off or even wrong? What did you notice about the text?
Application
Look for some ways to apply what we’ve observed into our life that day. Sometimes that will be most obvious than others, but after time spend pondering what’s in the text, we should be able to walk away with something that God has led us to that we can work into our lives.
Kneel / pray
I like the word “kneel” better here for 2 reasons: 1) because it fits the anagram idea better (why would someone SOAP in scripture, as opposed to SOAK in scripture), and 2) the imagery behind “kneel” means to submit to God what you’ve found or come up with and leave it to Him to make the final determination on what He wants for you out of that time.
Sunday worship gatherings
Gather with us each Sunday for separate adult and children’s Bible studies at 9:30am and our Worship Gathering at 10:45am. Come as you are and be prepared to connect with God as well as make new friends.
TUESDAY DRIVE-UP
FOOD PANTRY
If you’re hungry and need food for your family, help is available. We respect your privacy and will not turn down anyone. The pantry is open the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Click for schedule and information.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous opportunities to join along with us as we serve the community. Whether it’s youth city soccer leagues, the FCA, or grocery bagging with the All Veterans Center, we have lots of ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus!
WEDNESDAY
PRAYER & YOUTH
Join us for prayer at 4:30pm, as it is through prayer that we bring all our needs to God. Then at 6pm, our youth group meets to help them process scripture’s impact in their daily world, including relationships, love, and unity.