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Bethel Baptist Church, Fairmont WV, 404 Fairlane Avenue, Fairmont, WV (2026)

06/15/2026

Week 5: Bible Study Methods
Day 2: The Importance of Prayer—Is there anything in the way

From my own personal experience and listening to others, I know that many people do not start their Bible studies with prayer. It is a missing component that most people just do separately at another time. While it is okay and even recommended to have a separate time of prayer as well, we should not dismiss the importance of prayer before our personal Bible study. It focuses our hearts toward God; it invites the Holy Spirit to have access into our minds while we study to teach and guide us; it also helps us to turn our wills over to God’s will; and gives us a positive and thankful heart to begin our study.
Prayer focuses the heart
Jesus, at a pivotal point of ministry—in fact right before He was taken away by the Sanhedrin to be accused of blasphemy and be put to death, said some powerful words to the disciples that He brought along with Him to pray: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) We can sit down to do the right thing as those disciples did that night, but they fell asleep. They missed the opportunity to pray and perhaps receive power or wisdom that would’ve been available.
Our spirit is willing to sit down and read and study the Bible, but our flesh wants to do anything else. The flesh is weak. Our natural mind is weak. We must be alert and pray to God to focus our thoughts. The psalmist prayed simply, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18) This is a good way to start each Bible study recognizing that your mind will try to wander. We need God to focus us that we leave time with Him with something instead of sleeping through it.
Prayer gives access to the Holy Spirit
As we begin to focus on God through prayer, the flesh becomes weaker and the Spirit is given more control. We don’t have to pray any special prayer to give the Spirit access. He is always with us. It is more of a surrender to Him instead of your own thoughts, feelings, and desires during this time of devotion. He will teach us: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26) and when we aren’t sure what to pray or ask for, He will pray for us. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
Before this can happen, we need to be sure to have a time of confession in our prayer time, even very simply, before our Bible time. We can’t hear God when we have things between us and He won’t hear us. It’s just like any relationship. We need to confess our faults to Him or agree with Him about the ways that we have gone against His Word. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)
A good prayer to pray to be sure that you have a clear heart with God is “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) Pause and listen if God reveals anything to your heart of something that you need to confess. Agree with Him, and then you allow access to the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide you.
God’s Will Be Done
Usually, we go through life with our own agenda, Bible study not being different. We think we know what we want to read and even what we want to take away from the Bible study, but prayer helps put our hearts in a place where we will be more open to allowing God to reveal things to us and pause us in the middle of our agenda. If you recall from our general study on prayer, one of the components of the model prayer is surrender to God’s will. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 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.” (Matthew 6:9-13)
God has a purpose for your life every day. He has already gone before this day and knows what you need to confront any battle or to overcome any weakness or what you will need to remain humble in the presence of a great blessing. Prayer helps us turn over ourselves to allow God to reveal some of these things to us that we are better equipped for the day, but even a short prayer before we open His Word, will help us to recognize these things as He speaks to us through His Word.
By the time we have spent that time with God, our hearts are already turned from all the mess of yesterday and the to-do lists today and fears of tomorrow so that we can focus on what God has for us at the given moment.
This doesn’t have to be your prayer time where you break down everything and have a big list of all the people and situations in your life. It can be short and sweet, making sure that there is nothing between you and God and asking Him to show you something from His Word today. Just make that little time and it will impact the rest of your Bible time. God even told us, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

06/14/2026

Sunday Service Pastor Patrick Bostedo 6/14/26

06/14/2026

Week 5: Bible Study Methods
Day 1: The Basics Memory Verse: Hebrews 4:12
Before we get into details of how to study the Bible, recall that there are some basics that we need to always keep in mind when making time to spend with our Savior. We went over these in week 1, lesson 6, but it never hurts to repeat. In fact, it is usually by repetition that we learn. So, when you set down to have that “God and I” time, keep these things in mind.
1. Pray first. Always pray before reading so you are ready for the Holy Spirit to teach you. The Psalmist prayed, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18) Prayer prepares our hearts for what God is going to show us. It also helps get some distractions off our minds, so we can already have our hearts toward Him.
2. Set apart time to be in your Bible like it’s an appointment. It doesn’t have to be at the same time every day, but you should plan a time every day. As the saying goes, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” Without this daily time set aside, we will likely never make it to “God and I” time.
3. Set apart a place where you can have alone time with God and won’t be bothered much. Your time and place may change from day to day depending on your schedule and family needs and that is okay. It may help to go over your schedule the day before and set a time and place where you and God can be alone for some time. If you have a busy schedule and a large family, it helps to set apart several shorter times to be sure to be nourished to handle all those daily responsibilities with God’s leading and favor.
4. Have Bible study tools ready. You must have your Bible to study it. I’d advise using a physical Bible instead of your phone or computer, though that will work too. You can also use your phone or computer for other tools such as a dictionary or concordance. You should have at least a dictionary (Websters 1828 recommended) to look up unknown words. (Even looking up words you know may surprise you.) Have a notebook or way to take notes and a few pens/pencils ready at your set place. If you are using a journal, have it with you and plan to write at least one thing down before you get up. The best Bible study tool, however, is the Holy Spirit of God that is within us. We must learn to let Him teach us and guide us because God speaks to each of us differently—intimately and personally—within our given situations. If we rely on commentaries and other people’s writings, we may miss out on what God has for us.
5. Plan what you are reading. Use your Bible plan, but don’t feel like you have to stick to it. Stop when the Holy Spirit stops you. For instance, if you are reading Proverbs three and while you are reading, you feel a need to stop at verse five then stop and go deeper into that verse.
6. Let God lead. As the last suggestion indicates, stop when you have a question or just feel a need to go deeper. This might be hard at first, but you’ll begin to understand the small voice of the Holy Spirit as you continue studying and recognize when God is prompting you to pause. Although you have a plan, it is much more important to meet with God than check off how much Bible time you had. You can always read/study more later or even pick up where you leave off the next day.
7. Ask questions. Do you remember the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions you went over in English class back in the day? Well, those are actually beneficial in Bible study. You won’t always have time to go this deep and look at all the questions, but it is good to do it sometimes. In fact, do it as much as you have time to do so. The Bible is intricately connected, and asking questions helps us see those connections and have a deeper understanding.
8. Here’s the simple thing you should take away from at least one verse every time you study:
Observe—What does the passage say?
Interpret—What does the passage mean?
Apply—What will I do about what the passage says and means?
We will dig deeper into these steps throughout the week, but don’t be overwhelmed. These are only tips to help you study more efficiently. You won’t use all of them every day but knowing them will surely benefit you as you grow. For now, perhaps you are on the simplest Bible plan and are still having a difficult time writing down something that you learned every day. That is okay. Trust the process. You are growing. You are learning. You are being renewed. Just keep going and stick to these basics to guide you. Never quit!

06/13/2026

Week Four: Our Bible: God’s Inspired Word
Day 7: A Testimony of the Word of God’s Impact

A recent statistic found that only 11% of Americans read their Bibles once a week. This is such a sad statistic when we think about how influential the Word of God is. Many people have heard it over and over again that they need to read their Bibles, but it is still hard for them to choose to make the time. I can only suggest that they have not truly given the Word of God a real effort.
I was saved at eleven but didn’t commit to the Lord until I was 32 years old. I was at the end of myself, and God was right there for me. I began to go to church and with that came reading my Bible. It wasn’t really mentioned that I should read my Bible. I would just read for the Bible study group that I was in, and I was reading with my kids at home. When I started attending the Reformers Unanimous program, I began to hear about the benefits of being in the Word of God and the program had many weekly challenges that kept us in the Word of God, not just reading the Word but studying and memorizing it as well.
This was life changing for me! How do I know? I had been to the end of myself before. I had even said prayers of “repentance” and my life didn’t really change. I had gone to church before and, again, my life didn’t really change. Once I started reading, studying, meditating on, and memorizing the Bible, my life began to change. Don’t get me wrong. I had to take a step of faith in confessing to God in repentance and walking away from my old life to take repeated steps after Him. I also needed church which kept me grounded and accountable. However, when I talk about a change in me, it was the Word of God that did it! “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
When I committed to the Lord, I was full of hurt and bitterness that showed itself in anger, pride, and violence. I had self-medicated for almost twenty years of my life. I had been tired of my situation. I had been tired of my attitude. I had been tired of my behavior; yet I needed something more. I needed Jesus. I wasn’t told how this thing would work. I just started reading my Bible more, studying it, thinking about it, journaling and memorizing it. I enjoyed going to church. I enjoyed learning the new songs, but my home life was still chaotic, and many times I was still reacting in those angry prideful and violent ways until one day I didn’t. I had a calm in a time when I would usually explode.
See, there is a renewing and sanctifying work that the Word of God does if we would give it the time and effort. Most people quit before they ever get there. Let that not be you! Give the Word of God your heart. Truly hear these lessons. Learn the verses and explore how they apply to your very life. You will be surprised of the person that is in you! I know I am, and to think He’s not even done with me! Hallelujah!
– Danielia Williams-Bostedo
We’ve all tried to change. We all desire better. None of us are perfect and we want to be better Christians, better spouses, parents, and friends. We want to do better for our society. Yet, we often seek change in all the wrong places and wrong ways. What could it hurt to try the Creator of the universe who knows all and is all powerful? I read a quote once and the writer was talking about how so many Christians go to therapists for help and write off God, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit. He said, “Scripture is the only reliable manual for soul-study. It is so comprehensive in the diagnosis and treatment of every spiritual matter that, energized by the Holy Spirit in the believer, it leads to making one like Jesus Christ.” –John MacArthur.
Don’t take my word for it. Don’t take his word for it. You can take God’s word for it though, and we looked at plenty of things this week which should help you better understand why the Bible is important and reverence it more. “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” (Proverbs 13:13)

06/12/2026

Bridge to Recovery Pastor Patrick Bostedo 6/12/26

06/12/2026

Week Four: Our Bible: God’s Inspired Word
Day 6: Why You Should Study the Bible

What an amazing gift it is that God left His Word for us! We saw just a glimpse this week of how precious and wonderful the Word of God is. If you recall in Lesson 1.6, we gave an introduction of Bible study. Today, we’ll look more at why we should study the bible, as prayerfully this week has opened your eyes to just how much the Bible has changed the world and how much it has the power to change you.

First, we are commanded to study the Word of God. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) To study means to apply the mind to; to read and examine for the purpose of learning and understanding; to consider attentively; to examine closely. Studying is deeper than just reading. It is that meditation that we’ve talked about previously—thinking about and thinking about, pondering, considering, taking apart and applying it. Why did God command this? So that we can be approved unto Him, not ashamed and know how to correctly discern what is truth.

We are also commanded to live by the Word of God and that it is by the Word of God that we will be judged. “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)

While we most certainly should do all of God’s commands because they are for our good, let’s look at some of that good that should help us realize why we should study the Word of God.

As our memory verse this week tells us, Scripture is useful for direction in how to live out our daily lives. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16) All means all and that is all that all means. Scripture is another word for the Word of God. Inspiration means God-breathed. Profitable means useful or beneficial. So, just from the first few words we see that every bit of the Word of God has been God breathed to benefit us. Benefit us how? For doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get right) and instruction in righteousness (how to stay right).

The Bible contains everything available to know God and live to be more like Him. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:2-4)

In that one passage, we can see that grace and peace are multiplied; we have all things that pertain to life and godliness and are able to have a part of God’s divine nature all through the Word of God. Amen!
The Word of God reveals direction to our paths. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

The Bible also reveals our own hearts. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Most importantly, the Word of God reveals the heart of God as it is God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) So, by this revelation of God and His heart, we are reminded of our purpose in life (Genesis 1:27; Colossians 1:16). We are conscious of the penalty for sin and therefore aware of souls that are without Him and our duty to share Him with others (John 3:16-21). We are motivated to live righteously and holy so that we can be a good witness to others (1 Peter 1:13-25). We are reassured of God’s love when we fall short (1 John 1-2; Romans 8:31-39).

06/12/2026

It's Friday, and it's time for Bridge to Recovery. We have a meal at 6:30 PM and then our meeting starts at 7:00 to 8:30. We hope to see you at 404 Fairlane Avenue.

06/11/2026

You ARE loved, friend!

06/11/2026

Week Four: Our Bible: God’s Inspired Word
Day 5: What Translation Should I Use? [taken from Project One Generation, Faith Bible Institute]

Today, there are over 100 Bible translations in English alone. In many languages, there is only one translation and many languages do not yet have a Bible. For those who speak a language where more than one translation is available, a choice must be made concerning which translation should be used. Sincere Christians with pure motives do advocate various translations. However, all translations are not equal. Heare two key issues to consider when choosing a Bible.
The first issue is the Translation Method. Most modern Bibles are translated with the purpose of being as easy to read as possible. This goal sounds good, but accuracy should never be sacrificed for readability. Most modern versions reword or paraphrase the main thoughts of each verse (dynamic equivalency). These Bibles are easy to understand because they are almost commentaries, but this introduces too much danger that the opinions of the translators will be added to the text. The belief that every word is inspired leads to the conclusion that we should use a Bible where the words themselves are translated as literally as possible (formal equivalency).
The second issue is the Translation Text. There are essentially two different versions of the Greek New Testament in existence. The tradition, majority text is based upon thousands of ancient manuscripts from a great variety of geographic areas from many different centuries. This was the accepted text of true Christian Churches throughout the history of Christendom. The newer, critical, minority text is based upon a small handful of manuscripts from limited geographic locations, which were accepted by modern scholars as superior, essentially because they were once believed to be older. This claim to superiority based upon age is no longer accurate now that manuscript discoveries have revealed that both manuscript types undebatably go back to at least the second century.
Since manuscripts of both text types are equally ancient, the wisest course is to trust the Greek Text trusted by Christian Churches for the bulk of Christian history, which was the basis for almost all translations into other languages from the second through the end of the nineteenth centuries.
Modern textual criticism is based upon the theory that the true text of the New Testament was lost for over 15 centuries and had to be rediscovered at the end of the 1800s from a small handful of manuscripts of a type that had not been used by Christian Churches since the third century. By contrast, Scripture declares that God will preserve His Word in all generations (Psalm 12:6-7; Matthew 5:18). We therefore recommend Bibles based upon the Traditional, Majority, Received Text.
In the English language, these two principles of Translation Method and Text lead us to recommend the King James Version.

06/10/2026

Wenesday Evening Pastor Patrick Bostedo 6/10/26

Bethel Baptist Church, Fairmont WV

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