Learn to Be a Bible Tourist

Check list for a Bible Tourist

Stones to look under:

Names (personal and geographical)

Geographical locations (has this place been associated with other incidents?)

Words

1. Words that are repeated or have special importance in the incident
2. Words that may be translated differently but are from the same root
3. Choice of words used in dialogue (formal, informal, casual, angry, etc.)

Descriptions

1. Word pictures used to describe a person, place, thing or event
2. Specific descriptions of a person, place or thing's looks or features
3. Use of processes in nature to describe events in the story
4. Note the verbs that are associated with God in each given incident

God's Design Revealed

1. Anything that God says or does that indicates He is working out His plan to restore an individual's character
2. Anything that contrasts God's methods with Satan's dealing with people
3. Links that connect the text or story with similar events or actions in another text or story

     Learn to see God's actions as recorded in the Bible as though you were a tourist visiting an incredibly fascinating place for the first time.  As a tourist in a new country, you are very aware of your surroundings.  You notice the tiny details of the landscape, the characteristics of the people that you meet, the smells of different foods and maybe animals.  You take photographs and perhaps write your thoughts in a journal so you will remember what you've experienced on your vacation.  Do the same with Bible study.  Using Bible geography books and atlases, dictionaries or word books, and books on Bible customs and social activities, you can develop a new awareness of what it was like to live in Bible times.

By beholding
we become changed

How to Get to Know God

Things to study to know God better:

1. Biographies

— How does God relate to the people in the Bible stories?
— What do their biographies tell you about how God will relate to your personal situation?

2. Prophecies

— What does He want to accomplish? How does He reveal His will through prophecy?

3. Doctrines

— What principles guide His life? How has He communicated these to His people?

4. History

— What does His actions reveal about Himself in the working of history?

5. Word Studies

— What has He said and in what manner has He said it?
— Why were particular words used by the Bible authors?
— Where else to these same words appear in Scripture?

6. Types and Symbols

— What items does He use to communicate His will to mankind?  — Why do you think He used these particular methods?