Here is a guide that will help us better understanding on why we should study the Bible!

The purpose of Bible study is so we can collectively grasp an understanding of God through His word.

In small groups we become a community sharing our personal journey to really discovering exactly what God wants each of us to do and what direction the Holy Spirit is leading us.
(WE ARE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST!)

      I want all of you to know that I am so excited to sit here and start this Bible study, it has been something I have wanted to do for a long time. I am more excited to see what God has in store for all of us as we study His word and share the experiences we have along the way. So please, please pray for me and all that come this way and join our group and dig in to the riches of the blessings God has in store for all of them that hunger and thirst after His righteousness we will be filled, Amen.
  I believe right here is a great place to put this scripture from the great book of              Psalms chapter number 1;1-3. 1.Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Here is the Bible study website: 
www.crusadingforchrist.com/crusading-for-christ-bible-study/

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against thee.
2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved  unto God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightly  dividing the word of truth.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Between the "already" of your conversation and the "not yet" of your final home going, few things are more important in our life as a Christian than a understanding of the word of God and how it applies to our life practically and functionally. We must study the word so we can be at a level when God speaks to us we understand His voice and act accordingly. That means we have to have a level of biblical literacy to not only hear His voice but act on it as well.
        One of Gods greatest gifts to His children is the word of God the Bible. and sealimg us with the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 4:30 " And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption."   
This is why we are told in the book of Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. 6. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your pathways."  
Listen I know and will confess myself that studying the Bible is sometimes very hard to understand but I realized the more I read it the more God reveals His truths to me and gives me knowledge and wisdom just like He promised. 

Proverbs 4:7 "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding"
Colossians 2:3 "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Proverbs 8:1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

It is very interesting to me that when the Apostle Paul was writing to the church at Corinth
and he tells the Christians we have something the world doesn't have, we have God's spirit living in us thereby we can know the things of God. Listen as you read these passages of scripture and just hear the voice of Paul as he is telling the new Christians you have something that is going to change your life forever, the Holy Spirit of the living God wow! 
  1st Corinthians 2:1-16 1. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ
So here we go! 

 1. God Consciousness 
When we study the Bible we would do good to look at the first four words in the book of Genesis "In the beginning God" We have to realize as children of God this is one of the greatest statements in the entire Bible, from this point to Revelation 22:21 and it says "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. It is all about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in the book of 1st John 5:6-8 "This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one". 
  And since we were created to love and serve God we really need to get to know God, Amen. For example I have been married to Annette going on 42 years, now when I first met her and fell in love with her what do you think I was doing? I was asking her out on dates, going to church together, eating over her house as much as I could, calling her on the phone I was getting to know her right? Well the same is true about God. When I got saved on November 9th 1975 I fell in love with God and my Savior Jesus Christ. I wanted to know Him better and the more I read the bible and went to church the more I loved Him. So we need to be studying, praying and seeking the Kingdom of God, 

In the book of Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God .

The renewing of your mind, a God consciousness. We are all human and we know that if we don't do bible study on a regular bases we will slip into the world and the devil will get an advantage of us and the next thing you know you won't be in church and you be studying the bible. Now I want to mention a few more scriptures that will help us remember to study.
  Philippians 2:5-10 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father 

And here we have it, so that we can be like Christ, and that's as good as it gets. There is an old saying and it goes like this, the Bible will keep you out of sin or sin will keep you out of the Bible you have to decide.

2. Self-Awareness
  Here we have to ask ourselves a question, are we going to be honest before God and confess that without Him we are nothing but with Him we are children of a living God and according to the book of Romans 8:37  "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" 
The word of God will get us a self-awareness of our many victories over the flesh and we will defeat the devil when we hide the word of God in our hearts. Psalms 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee"  
If we know how sin will affect us and it has blinding power spiritually speaking we need to study the word of God to keep us from sinning against God, and ourselves, the word is a powerhouse of wisdom and knowledge and if we are ever going to be the soldiers of the cross we need to be then we have to study. Amen

Remember we are creatures of faith and the bible tells us in Romans 10:17 
  "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God". Amen 

Remember what Paul taught us in the book of Ephesians chapter 6, he told us to put on the whole armor of God. Eph.6:10 and Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

This is why we study, imagine this is you in the Armor and God is instructing you to go to battle and the only offensive weapon you have is the Word of God and you haven't studied it!

3. Studying the Word will give us a knowledge of Gods plan for us! 

Remember in the book of Matthew Jesus was teaching disciples to pray and in that prayer He said something that was very challenging yet very profound. Let's read it, 
Matthew 6:9-15 the Lords prayer: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Jesus said in verse 10 Thy kingdom come . Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
You see my dear brothers and sisters by reading and studying the word of God we can know God's will. That is so exciting to me to know the God that created everything can also take the time to lead me personally in my faith journey to more like Him everyday.
Romans 12 for example tells us not to be conformed to this world but be transformed, lets just read it.
    I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Practical Principles 1. Knowing God’s will begins with presenting your bodies as a living sacrifice. Give your whole being to God: your physical body, your personality, your past, present, and future, your mind, your words, your finances—everything. 2. If you want to know God’s will, do not be conformed to this world. Don’t masquerade as if you really belong to the world. That would be patterning yourself inconsistently with who you really are. 3. God’s will can be found in the pages of Scripture. God speaks to you through the Bible and that’s why you need to read the Bible every day and memorize it. God will never contradict what is written in Scripture. 4. God will speak to you through certain circumstances. When you are in the will of God, circumstantially, things will come together. Doors will open or close.

The journey maybe long and some days feel like your not going to make it, but I promise you on the authority of God's word we will make it and God has promised all of us that he will never leave us or forsake us! Amen 
Deuteronomy 31:6   "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5b "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Amen

The great prophet Jeremiah in the eighteen chapter God teaches Jeremiah a great lesson, as you read this remember God is talking about a nation and a people, vs.1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
In Romans 9:20-21 here God is talking about His Church: "20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour"?

Again the question is how close are we to God? Do we hear that still small voice, or are we always looking for the wind, earthquake and the fire? Sometimes we need to just sit back and listen to that still small voice of God. Remember He is the Potter and we are the clay. After all that's what He made Adam out of, and that's where were going back to. Amen
Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

Remember when we pray Jesus said this in Matthew 6:6-13
But thou, when thou pray, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which sees in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

4.  Romans 12 tells us not to be conformed to this world, but be you TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind!

Transformation what a beautiful word God uses right here, when we are saved by the grace of God something begins to happen to us that will take a life time to finish, That's right you will never be everything God wants you to be until you receive your glorified body. In the mean time God is always working on us to make us more like Christ everyday. 
  On November 9th 1975 when I was saved my journey began and it's still going on today praise the Lord! I am a long way from what I was on November 9th 1975  when I was first saved, I know more now then I ever have, I love God more and more the closer I get to Him the closer He gets to me. I know I still have a long way to go, but it gets sweeter everyday 
       James says in chapter 4:5-10 "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

So as we study the Bible there will be a Transformation take place it is exactly what God wants from everyone of us Amen! 

 In the book of Philippians 2:5-11
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Here again we see the transformation of our minds and hearts! 
Now that were saved this is a journey not a sprint, take your time read the bible, memorize scripture, hid it in your heart Psalms 119:11-12 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes." 
And tell it to the world! (Lost People) just in case you forgot. lol

5. Sharing the GOSPEL with the World
Matthew 16-20 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

I AM Constrained (2nd Cor. 5:14) For the love of Christ constrained us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead.

I AM Commanded (Matthew28:19-20) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  

I AM Convicted (1st Cor. 9:16) For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

I AM Called (2nd Cor.5:20) 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

I AM Chosen (1st Peter 2:9-10) 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

I AM Convinced (John 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  

I AM Concerned (Romans 10:1-2) Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel/ world is, that they might be saved. 2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  

So in conclusion, Why do we need to study the Bible it is this: 
IF YOU WANT TO EAT FROM THE MASTERS TABLE YOU HAVE TO PULL UP TO THE TABLE, AND THAT TABLE OF EVERLASTING FOOD, JOY, WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, GRACE, MERCY AND LASTLY LOVE WILL NEVER BE EMPTY AND THAT TABLE IS 
The word of the Living God: The BIBLE 

I hope you enjoy this little E-Book it's from my heart and I hope to have more to come.

God bless you all please keep me in your prayers and remember God loves you and so do I.

All the pictures and illustrations came from https://www.bing.com/images/search?q  and I want to give them the credit!  Thank you!