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How to Study the Bible – Bible Study Made Simple — Christianity
How to Study the Bible – Bible Study Made Simple

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do!

But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way.

In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives.

Topics covered in this podcast:

💡 Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible
💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life
💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We’ve covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!)
💡 Topical Bible study lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and more
💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life
💡 4 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

To find more from Nicole, visit https://nicoleunice.com/.

Copyright: © https://www.lifeaudio.com

Latest Episodes:

Fierce Faith (A Bible Study on 1 John 1) Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

This short letter is rich, deep, and will challenge how we have looked at Bible study so far. This pastoral letter, written by an older Christian, encourages us toward assurance and confidence in our faith.
As we begin to open this letter, remember that this letter has a tone of fellowship, joy, and blessing.
Big Overview of the Letter:
Circular themes of true doctrine, obedient living, fervent devotion
Walking through 1 John 1 with the Alive Method:
1. What does it say?
Themes of light/darkness, cleansing, sin
2. What’s the back story? 
Connection back to the gospel of John 
Circular themes--keep a list of questions 
3. What does it mean? 
There is a process to forgiveness 
There is a path to our righteousness 
4. What does it mean for me? 
The practice of confession 
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/walkingwithgodromans/
**Don’t Miss Our Lent Series!** Starting in March, we will be walking through Lent with a special series: How to Pray. We will be looking closely at the Lord’s Prayer together. Find out more at: https://nicoleunice.com/howtopray/
Follow Nicole:
Website: https://nicoleunice.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(Rebroadcast) Making It Personal – What Does It Mean for Me? Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

Nicole will be back next week! Until then, we are re-airing her first episodes on the basics of Bible study. If you didn't catch these episodes when they first aired, be sure to listen. These episodes lay the foundation for Nicole's simple but powerful approach to Bible study.
****
Let’s review the first three questions you ask of Scripture:
1. What does it say? Can I restate what the passage says?
2. What’s the backstory? What’s our context and history in the time it was written?
3. What does it mean? What is the principle at play, what is it teaching me about God and our interaction with him?
Today, we’ll unpack question four – What does this mean for me? All of our work in studying and understanding the Bible is all meant to move us to this place: where our lives are transformed by who and what we know.
What can Scripture give us?
1. Encouragement and priorities for the hard or mundane seasons of life.
2. Conviction leading to repentance when we sin (2 Corinthians 7:8-13).
3. Worship as a response to what we now know about who God is and what he has done!
For more, check out:
Take the 30-Day 'Help, My Bible Is Alive' Challenge: https://nicoleunice.com/help-my-bible-is-alive/
You can find more from Nicole at https://nicoleunice.com/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(Rebroadcast) What to Do When You Get Stuck Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

While Nicole is taking a much-needed break, we are re-airing her first episodes on the basics of Bible study. If you didn't catch these episodes when they first aired, be sure to listen. These episodes lay the foundation for Nicole's simple but powerful approach to Bible study.
****
In this episode, we’ll look at the three most common issues that can derail our Bible study and how we can overcome them:
Problem 1 - These passages contradict! How can I possibly find the meaning?
Questions to ask yourself: What else happens in Scripture related to this topic, beyond this verse? Is it bound in a cultural time or is it a timeless principle?
Problem 2 - It seems like the God of the Old Testament and the New Testament disagree.
Questions to ask yourself: What if I’m wrong? Have I read both the Old and New Testament in their entirety? Have I explored the backstory?
Problem 3 – The Old Testament doesn't seem relevant in my life.
Questions to ask yourself: Have you read large passages (several chapters or even an entire book) of the Old Testament at once? Can you read it for the larger story and not only read at the verse level?
Resources Mentioned:
The Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight: http://urlme.cc/Ll8q
For more, check out:
Take the 30-Day 'Help, My Bible Is Alive' Challenge: http://urlme.cc/vzQp
You can find more from Nicole at https://nicoleunice.com/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(Rebroadcast) Unpacking Principles and Finding Meaning Jan 17, 2022

Show notes

While Nicole is taking a much-needed break, we are re-airing her first episodes on the basics of Bible study. If you didn't catch these episodes when they first aired, be sure to listen. These episodes lay the foundation for Nicole's simple but powerful approach to Bible study.
****
“The minute you have asked ‘why?’ – you have become a theologian.” – Carolyn Custis James
First, the bad news: you might be a little uncomfortable with this part, at least a first. But the good news (and it really is good news!) is that as you know more, it more it becomes easier to pull the principle out of Scripture.
In this episode, Nicole talks about the five filters we use to understand what a passage is teaching us about God, ourselves, and the world we live in:
1. Is the principle or theory reflected in the passage?
2. Is the principle timeless?
3. Does the principle transcend culture, gender, age, status, etc.?
4. Is the principle harmonious with the rest of Scripture?
5. Is this principle relevant then and relevant now?
For more, check out:
Take the 30-Day 'Help, My Bible Is Alive' Challenge: https://nicoleunice.com/help-my-bible-is-alive/
Grasping God’s Word by Duvall and Hays: https://amzn.to/3rn2gE9
You can find more from Nicole at https://nicoleunice.com/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(Rebroadcast) Digging Deeper - What’s the Backstory? Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

While Nicole is taking a much-needed break, we are re-airing her first episodes on the basics of Bible study. If you didn't catch these episodes when they first aired, be sure to listen. These episodes lay the foundation for Nicole's simple but powerful approach to Bible study.
****
If you’ve ever gone to a play, you’ll have been handed a playbill before the program began. This playbill gives you some important information like the characters, the setting, and the scenes you’ll see when the lights dim. The backstory helps us engage with what’s in front of us.
When we read the Bible, we also need a backstory. The problem is, we often want it to ignore the backstory and apply the Word immediately to our lives instead of asking what it meant to the original audience. But when we do this, we misapply Scripture.
Join Nicole in this episode as she unpacks how we can understand what’s going on behind the scenes of the passages we read.
Nicole’s Favorite Study Bible: The NIV Study Bible - https://www.amazon.com/NIV-Study-Bible-Hardcover-Letter/dp/0310438926/
Check out Nicole’s book on this topic: Help! My Bible Is Alive: 30 Days of Learning to Love and Understand God’s Word: https://amzn.to/3A7Yy5j
You can find more from Nicole at https://nicoleunice.com/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(Rebroadcast) The Basics of Bible Study Jan 03, 2022

Show notes

While Nicole is taking a much-needed break, we are re-airing her first episodes on the basics of Bible study. If you didn't catch these episodes when they first aired, be sure to listen. These episodes lay the foundation for Nicole's simple but powerful approach to Bible study.
****
Here’s a secret of the universe: there are always basics of everything. If you want to be physically fit, you have to do cardio and strength training. If you want to be a good cook, you have to learn how to chop, mix spices and know how flavors complement one another. And if you want to be good at reading and understanding the Bible, there are basic skills you need to learn as well.
In this episode, we’ll unpack just what those fundamental skills are, through Nicole’s 'Alive Method,' by asking four basic questions of every passage of Scripture.
Check out Nicole’s book on this topic: Help! My Bible Is Alive: 30 Days of Learning to Love and Understand God’s Word - http://urlme.cc/OroK
You can find more from Nicole at https://nicoleunice.com/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(Rebroadcast) Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible Dec 27, 2021

Show notes

While Nicole is taking a much-needed break, we are re-airing her first episodes on the basics of Bible study. If you didn't catch these episodes when they first aired, be sure to listen. These episodes lay the foundation for Nicole's simple but powerful approach to Bible study.
****
Most of us want to hear from God, but when we actually go to the Bible, it feels irrelevant, archaic or just plain confusing. In this episode, Nicole addresses three of the common obstacles we face in spending time in the Bible and how to get past those into a vibrant relationship with God through His Word.
Check out Nicole’s book on this topic: Help! My Bible Is Alive: 30 Days of Learning to Love and Understand God’s Word - http://urlme.cc/OroK
Follow Nicole:
Her Site | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Tetiana5

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Wrapping It All Up (Romans Bible Study Chapter 16) Dec 20, 2021

Show notes

Questions We Ask Every Time We Read the Bible:
1. What do the verses say?
2. What's the backstory? What's the context?
3. What does it mean? What are the principles of this passage?
What does it say?
Over the past 16 weeks, we have learned the truth about sin, the power of faith, and the fulfillment of the law with love.
In closing this book, Paul encourages us to be wise about others and wise about the way we love and create unity within the body of Christ.
What does it mean for me?
Be able to tell someone what the book of Romans is about! What would you say if someone is curious? What would you say to them that would inspire them to read the book for themselves?
Nicole’s Wrap-Up of Romans:
“The book of Romans: the truth about sin, the power of faith, alive in Christ, released from the law, free in the spirit, suffering for a reason, more than conquerors in this world! Mercy always reigns -- for Israel and for us. Now we are transformed! So, at home and at work, whether weak or strong, we fulfill the law with love! We need each other, and everyone matters. But let’s be wise --seek unity and love, not division or strife.”
Resources:
Help! My Bible Is Alive
Follow Nicole:
Her Site | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Image Credit: Getty

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For the Glory of God (Romans Bible Study Chapter 15) Dec 13, 2021

Show notes

Click here to subscribe to Nicole's mailing list and receive bonus resources on Romans
Click here to join the conversation in Nicole's Romans Facebook group
Questions We Ask Every Time We Read the Bible:
1. What do the verses say?
2. What's the backstory? What's the context?
3. What does it mean? What are the principles of this passage?
What does it say?
All the practical matters that Paul has been teaching lead to bringing praise and glory to God.
What’s the backstory?
In the New Testament, it is very clear that the Old Testament matters. There are several connections to the Old Testament that cross reference what we read in the New Testament.
It is not only important to the encouragement it gives us, but the endurance that it gives our mind.
What does it mean?
Three principles:
1.Our purpose is God’s glory.
2.Not only in this passage does God give us our purpose, but He provides his Word and himself for our endurance and encouragement in our purpose.
3.Our purpose is to live in harmony and hospitality with believers because that glorifies God.
What does it mean for me?
The way we experience hospitality with others brings God glory. Hospitality is a state of mind which leads to action.
Resources:
Help! My Bible Is Alive
Follow Nicole:
Her Site | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Image Credit: Getty

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When We Disagree (Romans Bible Study Chapter 14) Dec 06, 2021

Show notes

Click here to subscribe to Nicole's mailing list and receive bonus resources on Romans
Click here to join the conversation in Nicole's Romans Facebook group
Questions We Ask Every Time We Read the Bible:
1. What do the verses say?
2. What's the backstory? What's the context?
3. What does it mean? What are the principles of this passage?
What does it say?
Romans 14 instructs readers to not do anything to cause a brother or sister to fall or stumble. We learn through this passage that we are the ones responsible for making efforts to cultivate peace and build those up around us.
What’s the backstory?
As the early church is being established, there in a specific dispute over whether Christians must abide by Jewish food laws. In this passage we find Paul giving instruction on how to interpret disagreements. First and foremost, he encourages readers to do what ultimately leads to peace.
What does it mean?
The principle of this passage is not about ceremonial foods, it is about what to do when we have different views within the kingdom of God. We are instructed to honor the one whose faith is weak and honor what they believe leads them to peace.
What does it mean for me?
As we go into the holidays, be mindful of what this means for you and do what leads to peace and mutual edification.
*****
Resources:
Help! My Bible Is Alive
Follow Nicole:
Her Site | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Image Credit: Getty

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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