A Bullet Journal Bible study

“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”
Luke 1:30

A Bullet Journal Bible study: Observation

1. Introduction

The word of God has a lot to offer and teach us. It teaches us valuable lessons, instructions, values, revelation, knowledge and so much more. We should become like a sponge to absorb the word and still it will take us more than a lifetime. Absorbing the world through accurate observation is part of the first steps of a Bible study.

Bullet Journal Bible studies are ideal for creative types and visual learners. It is a great tool to enhance memory and to saturate in God’s word. It is fun and at the same time very informative and thorough. I also like to do Visual Bible studies because it has the advantage of both pictures and written information and it allows more than enough research opportunities.

During observation notes and reading an unpacking of the assignment or chapter takes place. With the coming Christian celebrations of the birth of Christ, I am specifically looking into the divine visitation of the angel to Mary and the process of the early days in a kingdom assignment.

I will also be explaining the importance of observation in Bible study and the process of observation.

1.1Biblical facts on angels

Created by God

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. (Genesis 2:1)
Genesis 2:1

Angels are spirit beings

Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.
Psalm 104:4

Messengers

He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.” (Daniel 9:22)
“an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…” (Matthew 1:20)

Submission to Christ

“…Jesus Christ,who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand with angels, authorities, and powers in submission to him.”
1 Peter 3:22

2. Gather information with basic questions.

I’ve gained numerous lessons and valuable experiences in asking questions whether I’m doing a bible study or facing a challenge in life. Questions are a way to unlock the hidden truths in God’s word and bring about revelation.

Questions about the word of God initiate a response from the Holy Spirit.

In this post, I used the following type of questions to explain observation in a Bible study and also to explore the first chapter of Luke.

Classic Journalist questions

Word questions: for eg. the Hebrew meaning of Elul in this chapter

Who? Where ?

Asking and searching for these outcomes will give us insight into the background of the story and it helps the believer to gather some basic knowledge that serves as a framework for the deeper, revelatory study.

Both the birth of Jesus and John we’re announced by the same angel, Gabriel, to Zechariah and Mary. Gabriel is a high-ranking angel because he appears in the presence of God and delivers direct messages from Him. This implies then that the assignment was of a higher level and also indicates the spiritual ranking of the individuals.

The visit of the angel to both parties appears in one chapter, and the angel also mentioned it to Mary and hereby we can assume that it is a linked visit, meaning that the birth of John is connected to the life and ministry of Jesus.

The archangel, Gabriel, visited Mary at an appointed time to fill her in about her kingdom assignment after he reassured her that she had been highly favored.

A kingdom assignment matches the spiritual ranking of a believer

Zechariah and Elizabeth

Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly
Luke 1:6

Mary and Joseph

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.
Luke 1:26-27

3.Outline of a BUJO observation

When?

Words for the month of Elul

Repentance
Mercy
Return

The time aspect in the chapter will give us an indication of the traditions at that time and the significance of the year, month, or day.

During the time of the visit of the angel to Mary, it was recorded as the sixth month, Elul according to the Hebrew calendar. In the Gregorian calendar it is the eighth month, August. It is a time of true repentance and a turning to God, a time Mary conceived through the Holy Spirit. By this time Elizabeth was already six months pregnant.