Have you ever listened to a director's commentary on your favorite movie, or listened to a "behind the scenes" podcast for your favorite TV show? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how you can read God's word with the Author.

Reading with the Author.

Christianity is a relationship.

Matthew 25 is the parable of the 10 bridesmaids. The groom says "I don't know you." He probably didn't know the other bridesmaids either, but they were with the bride, so they gained entrance. You won't get into heaven because of what you know, but because of who you know.  

Since Christianity is a relationship, His word is meant to be read with Him. Reading the Bible isn't something you do FOR God, but something you do WITH God.

Reading the Author:

Make a D.A.T.E. to read the Bible with the Author

Day, time, & place

Approach with Prayer

Take your time

Examine yourself

Day, Time, & Place

If we want to know someone, we make plans with them, and we honor them by showing up.

Jeremiah 29:13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. [with all your heart]

Approach with prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Never stop praying."

Prayer is simply communication with God.

Your opinion of God's character will determine how you pray. If you believe in a prayer-hearing God, you'll become a prayer-loving Christian.

Embrace a "running commentary" with the Lord. Talk to Him as you read, and be open to His thoughts.

Take your time

Finishing all 66 books by the time the earth goes around the sun is a really arbitrary thing. When you read, focus on retention, not production.

Tips:

1. Emphasize each word.

2. Personalize the word.

"God so loved me, that He gave His only begotten Son, that if I believe in Him, I won't perish but have everlasting life."

3. Repeat the passage.

Evaluate yourself

Communication has a purpose. Scripture is God's communication, and its purpose is transformation.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

Transformation equation: (Information + Application) x Dedication = Transformation

Are you reading the Bible with the author?