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How to Read the Bible With Purpose and Clarity

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” –Hebrews 4:12

When training believers at home or overseas, East-West desires to empower them with simple, reproducible tools that help them grow in basic spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible, prayer, and evangelism.

The Sword Method

When it comes to encountering the character of God through Scripture, we equip followers of Jesus using the Sword Method of Bible study.

The Sword Method helps believers learn how to read the Bible as well as understand and apply it to their lives. It starts with a simple picture of a sword, which has four sides that coincide with four questions. We encourage them to ask these same four questions every time they read a passage of Scripture.

Four Essential Bible Reading QuestionsThe Sword Bible Study Method

The four questions are:

  1. What do I learn about God?
  2. What do I learn about man?
  3. Is there an example to follow?
  4. Is there a command to obey?

How the Sword Method Guides Us

Using these four questions, believers of every walk and background can discover more about God, humanity, and how they can display their love for Him through obedience to His word. Our hope in using simple tools, like the Sword Method, is that every Christian feels confident and competent to walk in their God-given authority as they seek to bring Him glory by making disciples of all nations.


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