Immerse: Living In God’s Word Together | Mike Popenhagen

Immerse: Reading God’s Word Together

1.25.26

Luke 8:4-15  While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” 

When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” 9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,  “ ‘though seeing, they may not see;  though hearing, they may not understand.’   

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.  

Why We Are Reading Through The Bible

1. It immerses us in the teachings and heart of Jesus.

2.  It roots us in the history of our faith.

3. It grounds us in the theology and convictions of the early church.

4. It  strengthens our personal faith.

5. It creates a shared spiritual rhythm.

How To Read The Bible

1.  Choose a bible translation that speaks to you. 

2.  Scripture: Read slowly one chapter a day.  

3.  Observation: Ask questions about the text.

What does this reveal about God?

What does this reveal about mankind?

Is there sin to be avoided?

Is there a promise to be claimed?

Is there an example to follow?

Is there a command to obey?

What stands out to me and why?  

4.  Application: How can you apply this to your life? 

5:  Pray: Start & end your time with prayer.