In November of 2025 at its annual fall meeting, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, voted that the focus for the next five years, would fall under the theme “Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission. Today I will focus our attention on the first part of the statement “Grounded in the Bible”.

How are we to be grounded in the Bible? This is accomplished by knowing the word. To know the word, we must study the word. Study involves work. It involves careful reading of the scriptures. Paying attention to words, sentences and paragraphs. Ask yourself what is the emphasize of this paragraph. What is the focus of the author(s)?

Study Tools

Pray for understanding. Recognize that the one who gave the inspired word, is the best one to interpret it. Approach the scriptures as a student. A closed mind cannot receive.

Use a modern version to gain clarity where possible. The English of the beloved KJV has not been updated since 1911, but our English has moved on. Philippians 3:20 in the KJV says “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:”. Compare it to the NKJV which translates it as “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”. KJV uses conversation “talking” the NKJV uses “citizenship” referring to belonging to a country.

Background of the text

A good Bible dictionary or Encyclopedia comes in handy here. They help the reader understand the social, economic, political and literary circumstances surrounding the people to whom the book of the Bible was written.

A study Bible or commentary comes in handy to give details on the text of the scripture. There are many free commentaries online which can aid in the study of the scriptures. A concordance helps the reader see the different Greek and Hebrew words that is the foundation for the English. The English word love has at least three different Greek words, which is translated love.

In your quest to get a richer understanding of the text, recognize the different types of literature. You should not read the psalms (poetry) the same as apocalyptic literature (Daniel, Revelation). The first may use hyperbole and strain language to drive home the point In Psalm 22:12 the Psalmist says, “strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me”. In verse 16, David says that they pierced his hands and feet. There is no record in the books of Samuel or Kings where we have any information of this happening. He was straining language to emphasize the difficult circumstance that he was in. Centuries later, New Testament writers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, applied this statement the Messiah. Which brings us to a final principle of understanding scripture:

Where possible, utilize the totality of scripture when studying a topic. How do New Testament writers apply what Old Testament writers said under inspiration. Some passages have a primary meaning as well as a secondary meaning.

Application for my life

What is the practical application for my life and my community. Has the passage changed me the way God desires, is my life in harmony with His word.


Pastor Lynden Williams is a senior pastor in the South Bahamas Conference. Pastor Williams currently serves as the Bible Studies and Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator for the conference. He serves the Ephesus and New Life churches.