“You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. And the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39 NLT)We’re not really studying the Bible until we do two things. First, write down what we’ve learned, and, second, talk it over with others. God will change your life when you do these two things.

Writing down what you’re learning from the Bible helps you remember it. Whenever you sit down and read God’s Word, keep a pencil and paper nearby (or a computer if you wish). Simply write down what you hear God saying to you. Keep a journal. You’ll be able to go back and review what God taught you for years to come.

Then, talk with others about what you’re learning in God’s Word. That’s why we all need to be in some kind of small group ministry. That’s where you study God’s Word and talk about it with other people. It’s an incredibly important spiritual discipline.

In the Bible we learn about a small group who did this. Acts 17:11 says, “The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth”(NLT).

These believers were searching the Scriptures. They were having a small group discussion. Are you doing the same? Are you in a small group? If not, what causes the delay in joining one?

Talk About It

• When you were a student at school, what tactics did you use to help you remember what you were learning?

• Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. What are you going to do today to take the first step in joining a small group?