This guide accompanies the series On the Run and will help you to dig deeper and spend time in Scripture throughout the week. Reading Scripture helps us to learn about God and stay close to Him.

If Scripture reading isn’t a regular rhythm we encourage you to reorder your daily routine to make it a priority. We strongly encourage you to use a notebook or journal and use the SOAP method for Bible Study detailed down at the end of this page.

Overview & Context

Check out these videos from the Bible Project which explain how to read prophetic literature and provide an overview of the book of Jonah.

Week 1

This week we began looking at Jonah and God’s invitation to join Him in His plan to save all people. We invite you to read through the book of Jonah this week with us.

Scripture Reading

Use SOAP: Read the Scripture. Write down your Observations and Application to your life. Pray in response to what you’ve read.

Day 1: Jonah 1

Day 2: Jonah 2

Day 3: Jonah 3

Day 4: Jonah 4

Reflection Questions

Take some time to think about the reflection questions from this week’s message.

  1. How have you experienced God running after you?

  2. What is keeping you from caring about others like God does?

Week 2

The big idea from the message this week:

When you receive God’s grace you should be ready to share it with others.

Scripture Reading

Use SOAP: Read the Scripture. Write down your Observations and Application to your life. Pray in response to what you’ve read.

Day 1: Ephesians 1:1-14

Day 2: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Day 3: Acts 4:1-22

Day 4: Acts 16:11-40

Day 5: Romans 1:8-17

Reflection Questions

Take some time to think about the reflection questions from this week’s message.

  1. Who around you might be reaching out for God right now?

  2. How can you show them that God is right there with them?

Week 3

The big idea from the message this week:

Your words have the power to turn people back to God.

Scripture Reading

Use SOAP: Read the Scripture. Write down your Observations and Application to your life. Pray in response to what you’ve read.

Day 1: Acts 2

Day 2: Acts 3

Day 3: Luke 11:29-32

Day 4: Isaiah 61

Day 5: Psalm 77

Reflection Questions

Take some time to think about the reflection questions from this week’s message.

  1. What has kept you from using words to turn people back to God?

  2. What is the most natural way for you to talk about Jesus?

Week 4

The big idea from the message this week:

God wants you to have a heart like His.

Scripture Reading

Use SOAP: Read the Scripture. Write down your Observations and Application to your life. Pray in response to what you’ve read.

Day 1: Luke 10:25-36

Day 2: Luke 11:1-13

Day 3: Luke 11:33-53

Day 4: Luke 12:1-12

Day 5: Luke 15

Reflection Questions

Take some time to think about the reflection questions from this week’s message.

  1. What has this series revealed about your heart?

  2. What will you do to have a heart more like God’s?

BRIDGEPOINTE’S APPROACH TO SCRIPTURE READING

This guide uses the SOAP method for Bible study. SOAP is an acronym for Scripture, observation, application and prayer. It’s a powerful tool that moves you from the text into the reality of your life. Using this method consistently will make it a habit and something you are familiar with. We suggest using a journal or notebook and using this method to work through any passage of Scripture.

Scripture

Write the scripture reference and read through the passage slowly.

Observation

Write down what you notice from the reading. For example...

• What’s the main point the author is trying to get across? • What’s something challenging or new?
• Is there anything in the passage you want to study more?

Application

Write down how this applies to your life today.

• How does this challenge you to live as a disciple?
• How does it intersect with your current life circumstances?

• Is God speaking a word of encouragement or challenge to you directly?

Prayer

Write your prayer to God in response to what you’ve read.