Why not start the new year by jazzing up your Bible study/devotional time? We can all use a tune-up where we integrate new ideas or techniques, and reevaluate methods we use that no longer make sense because we’ve matured a bit.
A search of the internet reveals a variety of Bible study methods we can use to further our understanding of God’s Word. I’m starting a series where I test a limited number of these methods, one by one. Today we will cover the ACTS Bible study method. It’s not enough to read the Bible—we want to get the most out of it so we allow it to change us. That will take place as we study the Bible and apply it to our lives.
ACTS is an acronym, where each letter is the beginning of a keyword.
A = Ask. Pray that the Lord will help you understand the Word. In addition, you want to see Jesus in the Scriptures where possible, and what to believe Him for.
C = Chapter. Read the chapter or portion of chapter, paying attention to any details that stand out. Meanwhile, keep on asking for illumination of the Word.
T = Think. Did any particular brief passage stand out from the Scriptures? If so, think about it and write up a paragraph of your thoughts.
S = Scripture. Write down that verse and carry it with you through the day, asking the Lord how to apply it and how to believe Him for it.
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We will try out the method in Mark 1 in the World English Bible version (in the public domain).
A = Ask. “Lord, open the eyes of my heart to understand this chapter and how it might apply to my life. Show me see something wonderful about Jesus and how to walk by faith in Him.”
C = Chapter. Read Mark 1 carefully.
T = Think. Several things stood out to me in this chapter:
v. 3, “Make ready the way of the Lord!” tells me that I need to make sure I am ready to meet the Lord, whether upon rapture or death.
v. 11, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” I too want to be well pleased with this Jesus and keep Him first.
v. 17 “Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men.” Jesus changes the lives of those He called to follow Him. What work will He do in me?
v. 25 Jesus cast out the demon, which shows that He has authority over them all.
v. 30 Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, which shows He has control over sickness.
v. 35 Jesus took time to pray.
v. 38 Jesus was aware of what His mission was in life, which was to share the good news.
v. 41 Jesus was moved with compassion, not disgust, with this disfigured leper.
Now I take one verse and write about it. “v. 3, “Make ready the way of the Lord!” John here is telling people about the coming of the Messiah in his day so the people will be prepared to hear Jesus and believe His word. I need to do the same day by day, preparing my heart to receive from Him what He has to say, because He still speaks today.
S = Scripture. I will begin my day with this verse in my morning prayers to yield to the Lord in humility for the events of the day, ready to hear the Spirit guide me as I read the Word.
