Expert: Brenda Martin - 8/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brenda

I'm a new reborn, I would like to know of a way or ways of strengthening my faith and making sure that I don't go back to what I used to be. Please help.

ANSWER: "ways of strengthening my faith"

this bible based article will give you some ideas--

"The Key to Faith

Accurate knowledge of God and his will as revealed in the Bible is the basis of our faith. Without such reliable knowledge, our faith in Jehovah would be like a house of cards that could topple over with the slightest breeze. Paul encourages us to render sacred service to God with our “power of reason” and to ‘make our mind over.’ (Rom. 12:1, 2) Regular study of the Bible can help us in that regard.

Ewa, a regular pioneer in Poland, acknowledges: “If I did not regularly study God’s Word, I would stop growing in the accurate knowledge of Jehovah. My Christian identity would quickly begin to deteriorate, and my faith in God would weaken—I would be heading for spiritual bankruptcy.” May that never happen to us! Consider the example of a man who increased in accurate knowledge of Jehovah and consequently enjoyed His approval.

“How I Do Love Your Law!”

The poetic song listed as Psalm 119 in our Bibles conveys the psalmist’s feelings about the laws, reminders, orders, commands, and judicial decisions of Jehovah. The psalmist wrote: “For your statutes I shall show a fondness. . . . Your reminders are what I am fond of.” He also wrote: “How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern.”—Ps. 119:16, 24, 47, 48, 77, 97.
The expressions “fondness” and “concern” suggest meditation on God’s Word, in fact, taking delight in such meditation. Those expressions emphasize the obvious love that the psalmist had for study of the divine law. That love did not spring from a mere welling up of emotion in the psalmist’s heart. Rather, he had an earnest desire to ‘concern himself’ with the law, to gain insight into Jehovah’s words. We can see from his attitude that he wanted to get to know God and his will as accurately as possible.

It is clear that the psalmist’s love for God’s Word came from the bottom of his heart. We can ask ourselves: ‘Is that true of me? Do I delight in reading and analyzing a portion of the Bible each day? Do I approach the reading of God’s Word diligently and prayerfully?’ To the extent that we can answer yes to those questions, we are likely “increasing in the accurate knowledge of God.”

Ewa remarks: “I constantly try to improve the quality of my personal study. Since receiving the ‘See the Good Land’ brochure, I have used it nearly every time I study. I try more and more to look things up in the Insight on the Scriptures and in other reference works as needed.”

Study With a Receptive Mind

As Christians, we believe that it is God’s will “that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) This fact underscores the value of reading the Bible and striving to “get the sense of it.” (Matt. 15:10) One aid to that end is studying with a receptive mind. This was the attitude that the ancient Beroeans demonstrated when Paul shared the good news with them: “They received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.”—Acts 17:11.

Do you follow the Beroeans’ example of having eagerness of mind and keep your mind free of unnecessary distractions while you are studying the Bible? A Christian can work at imitating the Beroeans, even if in the past, he did not view study as pleasurable. Furthermore, some people tend to read and study less as they advance in age, but that need not be true of a Christian.

Regardless of one’s age, it is possible to work at avoiding distractions. And as you read, you can eagerly look for information that you can share with others. For example, could you make it a point to mention to your mate or to a Christian friend things that you have read or learned during your study periods? Doing so can effectively fix in your mind and heart those things while having a positive effect on others.

Regarding your study periods, follow the example of Ezra, the ancient servant of God who “prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah.” (Ezra 7:10) How can you do so? You can create an environment conducive to study. Then, sit down and pray to Jehovah for his direction and wisdom. (Jas. 1:5) Ask yourself, ‘What do I expect to learn during this study period?’ As you read, be on the lookout for key ideas. You may want to make a note of these or mark portions that you especially want to remember. Consider how you could use the material when preaching, when making decisions, or when encouraging fellow believers. Near the end of your study period, briefly review what you have covered. That will enable you to retain what you have learned.

Ewa describes her approach: “As I read the Bible, I use the cross-references, the Watch Tower Publications Index, and the Watchtower Library on CD-ROM. I make notes for myself with a view to using them in my ministry.” Some have long enjoyed studying deeply, becoming absorbed in spiritual matters. (Prov. 2:1-5)

Increasing in Accurate Knowledge Is Worthwhile!

Deep study of God’s Word can bear “fruit in every good work.” (Col. 1:10) As that proves to be so in your life, your advancement will be manifest to all. You will be a spiritual person with a comprehensive understanding of Bible truths. Your decisions will be more balanced and the help you give to others more skillfully rendered, free of the extremes that often mark uninformed ones. Above all, you will draw closer to Jehovah. You will have a deeper appreciation of his qualities, and this will be evident as you tell others about him.—1 Tim. 4:15; Jas. 4:8.

Regardless of your age or experience, make every effort to keep on finding delight in God’s Word and engaging in deep study of it with a receptive mind. You can be confident that Jehovah will not forget your efforts. (Heb. 6:10) He will pour out on you his rich blessings."(end of article)

This bible based article was written by Jehovah's Witnesses, Im sure you will find it helpful, for further information on this, or any other bible subject, you can go to www.watchtower.org for a wealth of bible subjects.

all the best
Brenda


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again Brenda
Is there a book that I can get that will help me with reading the bible, like a guideline that will show me what to read when?

Answer
There is a really excellent Bible Aid entitled - "What Does the Bible Teach", with chapters such as--

"What is God's purpose for the earth"

"Where are the Dead"

"Why does God allow Suffering"


So you can study the bible by subjects,as you look up the scriptures cited throughout.

You can obtain a copy of this marvellous book from www.watchtower.org by clicking on the button "ask someone to call" & a Witness will call at your house with a copy.Or you can obtain one yourself from your local Kingdom Hall or any of the Witnesses locally.

all the best
Brenda