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Day 4: The Bible Didn’t Change. My Perspective Did.

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” — Acts 17:11 (ESV)

Study Tip:

One of the biggest takeaways from today’s study is realizing that learning to read the Bible this way (in 3D) deepens my faith. Instead of fearing difficult passages, I’m beginning to understand that many of them deserve a closer look before I draw conclusions. If you read certain passages and feel attacked or come to a harsh conclusion – make sure you dig deeper into those verses to learn the history, the geography, the cultural context, who it was written for, what was going on in the world at that time, etc. I think you’ll come to the same realization that I am starting to see – I’ve been missing out on so much context that there is no way I could have known what the true meaning was supposed to be. Learning to read the Bible in 3D isn’t about another Bible study – it is learning how to strengthen my relationship with God by looking at the Word with a new perspective.

 

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Many of the links on this page are affiliate links. This simply means that we get a referral bonus if you click our link and place an order. The company rewards us for the referral – but it doesn’t cost you anything extra over the cost of the products/services that you decide to purchase (plus any shipping fees and taxes). The payment is sometimes in monetary form, sometimes in discounts, sometimes in store credits, sometimes with other types of rewards.  By using our links, you are supporting a small family business and helping our little farm. To learn more about affiliate links, please read our Legal Terms & Conditions.

Bible Study Disclaimer

This study series reflects my personal notes and observations while working through Encounter the 3D Bible by Dr. Susan Michael. These posts are not a substitute for the book or study guide. I encourage you to purchase the materials and study alongside me.

Many of the links on this page are affiliate links. This simply means that we get a referral bonus if you click our link and place an order. The company rewards us for the referral – but it doesn’t cost you anything extra over the cost of the products/services that you decide to purchase (plus any shipping fees and taxes). The payment is sometimes in monetary form, sometimes in discounts, sometimes in store credits, sometimes with other types of rewards.  By using our links, you are supporting a small family business and helping our little farm. To learn more about affiliate links, please read our Legal Terms & Conditions. This study series reflects my personal notes and observations while working through Encounter the 3D Bible by Dr. Susan Michael. These posts are not a substitute for the book or study guide. I encourage you to purchase the materials and study alongside me.

Primary Bible Scriptures (Read These)

• Acts 17:11 – The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily.
• Ephesians 1:15–18 – Paul’s prayer for wisdom, revelation, and spiritual understanding.
• Romans 11:11–24 – The olive tree and the grafting in of the Gentiles.
• Genesis 12:1–3 – God’s covenant with Abraham and His plan to bless all nations.

Cross-Reference Bible Scriptures (Explore Further)

• Genesis 17:8 – God promises to be the God of His covenant people.
• Leviticus 26:12 – “I will walk among you and be your God.”
• Matthew 28:19–20 – The Great Commission to all nations.
• Revelation 7:9–10 – Every tribe, nation, people, and language worshiping before God’s throne.
• 2 Timothy 2:15 – Correctly handling the Word of Truth.
• Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”

Opening prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for inviting me to spend time in Your Word today. As I begin this study, I ask that You quiet the distractions of my heart and mind so I can focus completely on You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and give me a spirit of wisdom, discernment, and revelation as I seek to know You more deeply. Help me not to rush through Scripture or read it only through the lens of my own experiences. Teach me to understand the historical, cultural, and literary context in which You first revealed Your truth, and then show me how those timeless truths apply to my life today. Give me the humility to recognize when I have misunderstood something, the patience to dig a little deeper, and the courage to ask honest questions as I continue to grow in my faith. Lord, thank You for preserving Your Word throughout history so that we can know You more fully. May my study today be more than an intellectual exercise—may it become a conversation with You. Open my eyes to see what You want me to learn, soften my heart to receive it, and strengthen my faith as I continue this journey one lesson at a time. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Today’s Journey & Study Overview

Today I’m continuing to learn what it means to move beyond simply reading the Bible and into truly studying it. As I explore the importance of culture, audience, literary genre, and Bible study tools, I’m discovering that understanding Scripture begins with understanding the world in which God first revealed it.

Along the way we’ll explore:

• Why context matters.
• How translations differ.
• The role of study Bibles and Bible tools.
• One lesson that completely changed how I think about Paul’s writings.

Thinking Differently

Today’s study challenged me to think differently about what it means to study the Bible. Reading Scripture devotionally is an important part of growing in our relationship with God, but today’s lesson reminded me that faithful Bible study also requires curiosity, patience, and a willingness to understand the world in which God’s Word was first given. As I continued learning about historical, geographical, cultural, audience, and literary context, I began to realize that understanding Scripture isn’t about making the Bible fit my world. It’s about stepping into its world first. Only then can I begin applying those timeless truths to my own life.

SUPPORT THE AUTHOR: Quick plug for dr. susan michael’s wonderful book “encounter The 3D Bible”

Before we continue, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank Dr. Susan Michael for creating “Encounter the 3D Bible”. Although we’ve never met Dr. Michael, her work has already changed the way we approach Scripture. Before beginning this study, we primarily read the Bible from a devotional perspective. Through her teaching, we’re learning to explore God’s Word through its historical, geographical, cultural, literary, and audience context, and it has completely transformed the way we study. As we share our Bible Study Journal here on Koutz Farm, we are committed to respecting the work of the authors whose studies inspire us. These posts are our personal notes, reflections, and observations as we work through the material—they are not a replacement for the book or study guide. In fact, we’ve intentionally written them in a way that encourages you to dig into the original material for yourself rather than relying on our notes alone. If you’re enjoying this series, we wholeheartedly encourage you to purchase “Encounter the 3D Bible” and the companion study guide. Not only will you receive the complete teaching experience—including insights, discussion questions, and exercises that we don’t reproduce here—but you’ll also be supporting an author who has invested years of study, research, and ministry into helping believers better understand God’s Word. If you decide to follow along with us, we hope you’ll study directly from Dr. Michael’s materials while using our journal as a companion resource. We truly believe you’ll gain far more from experiencing the lessons firsthand than you ever could by reading our notes alone. Thank you for supporting Christian authors, teachers, and ministries who faithfully invest their time and talents into helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus. If you’d like to pick up a copy, simply click on the links below to order your study materials and begin the journey with us.

• Book Only (Paperback)
• Audio Book (For Kindle)
• Study Guide Only (Paperback)

Day 4 Notes

Who?

Today’s lesson emphasized that every book of the Bible was written by a real person, inspired by the Holy Spirit, for a real audience living in a particular place and time. Understanding who the original audience was helps us avoid applying every verse as though it were written directly to us without first asking:

• Who first heard these words?
• What struggles were they facing?
• What would they have understood that I might overlook today?

People Mentioned In “Encounter The 3D Bible) For Today’s study

• God
• Jesus Christ Our Lord & Savior
• Abraham
• The People Of Israel
• The Jewish Audience
• The Gentile & Pagan Audience
• John
• Hellenized (Greek) Audience
• Roman Empire / god Dionysus (founder of wine)
• Paul
• Timothy
• Cult of Diana
• Adam
• Eve
• David
• Author & Biblical Scholar F. LaGard Smith (The Daily Bible)

Cultural Context

One thing that Dr. Susan Michael said in the book that stood out to me was realizing how often Western readers—including myself—naturally read Scripture through the lens of our own experiences. Yet the Bible was written within a Middle Eastern culture where family, covenant, and community often took precedence over individualism. That perspective alone changes how many passages begin to unfold.

What?

Today’s lesson continued introducing practical ways to study Scripture more thoughtfully. Rather than focusing solely on personal application, I was encouraged to explore the larger story God has been telling us. One truth especially stood out: From the very beginning, God’s desire has been to dwell with His people.

In Genesis, God called Abraham and established a covenant with him, promising to bless all nations through his descendants (Genesis 12:1–3). Throughout the Old Testament, He formed Israel into a covenant people. Then, through Jesus Christ, that invitation was extended to people from every nation, tribe, and tongue who place their faith in Him. Seeing Scripture through that larger story makes individual passages feel connected rather than isolated.

When?

Historical Context

Related To My “Encounter The 3D Bible” Book Notes: One of the greatest reminders from today’s lesson is that history matters. The Bible doesn’t take place in a fictional world.

• Kings ruled.
• Empires rose and fell.
• Cultures influenced one another.
• Trade routes connected distant nations.
• Political powers oppressed God’s people.

Understanding those historical realities often explains why biblical authors emphasized certain truths. The more I learn about biblical history, the more I realize that God’s plan has always unfolded within real human history—including our own.

Where?

Geographical Context

Related To My “Encounter The 3D Bible” Book Notes: Location often explains details that are easy to miss. Today’s study reminded me that Israel stood at the crossroads of major trade routes connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe. Because of its location, God’s people constantly encountered neighboring cultures, religions, and worldviews.

That geographical setting helps explain many biblical events and why certain miracles, conversations, and teachings occurred where they did. Even Jesus’ ministry often took on deeper meaning depending on whether He was ministering among predominantly Jewish communities or Gentile regions.

Why?

Why does context matter? Because context protects us from misunderstanding God’s Word. It helps us recognize the difference between timeless truth and specific historical circumstances. Rather than making the Bible more complicated, context often reveals its beauty, consistency, and incredible unity from beginning to end.

Digging In Deeper

One of my favorite parts of today’s lesson was learning more about Bible translations. Before today, I understood that different translations existed, but I had never clearly understood the differences and why there are so many. Some translations seek to remain as close as possible to the original Hebrew and Greek wording; while others seek to communicate the meaning of a passage more naturally in modern English.

Neither approach exists to change God’s Word. Instead, each seeks to help readers understand the Scriptures faithfully in different ways. One practical takeaway for me was the value of comparing multiple trustworthy translations while studying a passage.

Note: Dr. Susan Michael explains each of the translations and gives examples we are not giving here in our notes – again, to support her work. If you ever question the different translations and types of Bibles out there – they are explained by the author clearly. Get your copy of the book today – linked here: Book Only (Paperback) | Audio Book (For Kindle) | Study Guide Only (Paperback)

Cultural Context

Perhaps the biggest lesson I learned today was that the Bible reflects a culture very different from my own. Western culture often emphasizes the individual. Biblical culture frequently emphasizes covenant, family, and community. That realization alone helped me read familiar passages with fresh eyes.

Literary Context

Not every part of the Bible should be read the same way.

• Poetry uses imagery.
• Historical narratives recount events.
• The letters to the churches taught and corrected.
• Prophecy often contains symbolism.
• Wisdom literature offers timeless principles.

Recognizing the literary genre helps us understand what the biblical author intended to communicate.

My Reflections

Learning HOW To Read The Bible

Whenever I read a verse, I’m beginning to train myself to ask:

• What kind of writing is this?
• Who wrote it?
• Who first received it?
• What was happening historically?
• What cultural influences shaped this moment?
• How does this passage fit into God’s larger story?

These questions don’t make Bible study more difficult. They help me become a more careful reader and draw me closer to my Lord & Savior.

Application To Life On The Homestead

Anyone who has worked the land knows that understanding the environment matters. A farmer doesn’t plant the same crop the same way in every field without first considering the soil, the season, the weather, and the purpose of the harvest. The same principle applies to Bible study. Before drawing conclusions from a verse, I’m learning to understand the “environment” in which it was planted—its history, culture, audience, and literary style. Only then can I better appreciate the harvest God intended it to produce.

Seeing Jesus

One of the most beautiful truths I noticed today is that Jesus didn’t simply come to save isolated individuals. He came to reconcile people to God and bring them into His family. From beginning to the end, God’s heart has always been RELATIONSHIP. Through Christ, people from every background are invited into that covenant family—not because of who they are, but because of His grace.

A Moment That Changed My Perspective

There was one part of today’s lesson that genuinely shifted the way I think. For years, I struggled with some of Paul’s writings concerning women. Without understanding the historical and cultural background, those passages often felt harsh and difficult to reconcile with the compassion of Jesus. Today’s lesson didn’t answer every question I still have, but it reminded me that before assuming I understand a difficult passage, I should first understand the world in which it was written.

Instead of asking, “Why would Paul say this?” I’m beginning to ask, “What was happening in that church that prompted Paul to write those words?” That one change in perspective has opened the door to deeper study rather than quick conclusions.

Closing Thoughts From CJ

Today’s lesson may have changed my perspective more than any lesson so far and we are only in Day 4. For years, I’ve struggled with some of Paul’s writings regarding women. If I’m being completely honest, there were times when I wondered if Paul simply disliked women. Reading those passages through my modern Western perspective made some of them feel harsh, attacking, confusing, and even discouraging. Today’s study didn’t magically answer every question I still have. What it did do was give me something far more valuable: It reminded me that before deciding what a passage means, I first need to understand the world in which it was written. Learning that there were specific cultural influences affecting the church in Ephesus completely changed the way I approached those passages. Instead of immediately assuming I understood Paul’s intent, I found myself asking a different question: “What was happening in this church that caused Paul to write these words?” That single question shifted my entire perspective. It also reminded me that understanding Scripture takes humility. There are passages I’ve probably misunderstood simply because I didn’t have enough historical or cultural context to understand them correctly. Instead of being frustrated by that realization, I’m actually encouraged. It means there’s still so much more to discover. Another thing that stood out to me today was the reminder that God’s story has always been bigger than the individual. As someone raised in Western culture, I naturally read many passages asking, “What does this mean for me?” But today’s lesson reminded me that God’s plan has always centered on creating a covenant family—a people who reflect His character to the world. That doesn’t make my personal relationship with God less important. It simply places it within the much bigger story He has been telling since Genesis. Finally, I realized something about Bible study itself. Reading the Bible devotionally feeds my heart. Studying the Bible deeply engages both my heart and my mind. I don’t think God intended me to choose between those two approaches. I think He invites me to do both.

Planting Your Seeds This Week:

This week, choose one Bible passage that has always been confusing, difficult, or uncomfortable. Before searching for someone else’s explanation, spend some time asking these questions:

• Who wrote this?
• Who was the original audience?
• What was happening historically?
• What cultural influences might have shaped this passage?
• What type of literature am I reading?
• How does this fit into the larger story of Scripture?

Write down your observations before reading a commentary. You may be surprised by what you discover simply by slowing down and asking better questions.

Spend More Time In The Word:

Today’s study led me to spend time in these passages:

• Genesis 12:1–3
• Genesis 17:8
• Leviticus 26:12
• Romans 11
• Acts 17:11
• Ephesians 1:15–18
• Matthew 28:19–20
• Revelation 7:9

Together they remind me that God’s redemptive plan has always been bigger than one nation—it extends to people from every tribe, language, and nation through Jesus Christ.

Questions I Still Have (Because I’m Human)

One of the things I love most about studying God’s Word is that every answer seems to open the door to another question. Rather than seeing that as a weakness, I’m beginning to see it as an invitation to keep learning. Today’s study left me thinking about several questions I’d like to continue exploring:

• How can I become better at recognizing when I’m reading my own culture into Scripture instead of understanding the culture in which it was written?
• How do I know when a passage should be applied directly to my life versus understood within its historical setting?
• How can I become more confident in researching biblical history without getting overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available?
• What other difficult passages might become clearer when I understand their audience, historical setting, and cultural background?
• How can I continue growing in Bible study without allowing it to become simply an intellectual pursuit instead of a relationship with God?

I don’t expect to answer all of these questions today, but I believe every sincere question is another step toward knowing God more deeply.

Other Tools For A Great Bible Study Experience

• Bible Journaling Kit
• Coloring Pencils

Rabbit Holes Worth Exploring

Today’s lesson sent me down several rabbit trails that I’d love to explore in future studies:

• The church at Ephesus
• Diana (Artemis) and her influence on the ancient world
• Women in the early church
• Olive tree symbolism throughout Scripture
• Bible translations and how they are created
• Study Bibles and Bible study tools
• The Bereans and what made them such faithful students of Scripture

 

Purchase Your Study Materials:

• Book Only (Paperback)
• Audio Book (For Kindle)
• Study Guide Only (Paperback)

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that Your Word is alive, rich, and deeper than I often realize. Thank You for giving us Scripture that continues to reveal new truths each time we return to it with humble hearts. Help me never become satisfied with simply reading familiar verses. Give me a desire to know You more deeply by understanding Your Word more faithfully. Teach me to approach difficult passages with humility instead of frustration, with curiosity instead of fear, and with confidence that Your truth can withstand every honest question. Thank You for preserving Your Word throughout history and for the faithful men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping others understand it more clearly. As I continue this journey, may my knowledge never outgrow my love for You. Let every lesson draw me closer to Your heart and transform the way I live each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What I’m Taking With Me

As I close today’s study, these are the truths I want to carry with me throughout the week: ✔ Understanding context strengthens—not weakens—my faith. ✔ Difficult passages deserve deeper study before quick conclusions. ✔ God desires a relationship with me that grows through intentional time in His Word.

Looking Ahead

Today’s lesson introduced several of the tools that help bring Scripture to life, but we’re only beginning the journey. As we continue studying, we’ll start putting these principles into practice by examining specific passages through their historical, geographical, cultural, literary, and audience context. I’m excited to see how God continues changing not only what I know about the Bible, but how I experience it each time I open its pages. If today’s lesson inspired you to begin digging deeper into God’s Word, here are a few resources I’m either using now or hope to add to my own library as this journey continues.

Books

• Encounter the 3D Bible — Dr. Susan Michael
• Encounter the 3D Bible Study Guide — Dr. Susan Michael
• Strong’s Concordance Made Easy
• The Complete Jewish Study Bible
• The CBS Holy Land Illustrated Bible
• The Evidence Study Bible
• The Daily Bible
• Rose Book Of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines
• Hebrew Vocabulary (Quick Study Guide)

Digital Resources

• The YouVersion Bible App
• Bible Hub
• Blue Letter Bible
• Pray.com App

Other Study Tools

• Bible atlas and maps
• Strong’s Concordance
• Chronological Study Bibles
• Bible dictionaries
• Multiple Bible translations (ESV, NIV, NKJV)

Every tool has the same purpose: not simply helping us learn more about the Bible, but helping us know the God of the Bible more deeply.

Affiliate Link Notice

Many of the links on this page are affiliate links. This simply means that we get a referral bonus if you click our link and place an order. The company rewards us for the referral – but it doesn’t cost you anything extra over the cost of the products/services that you decide to purchase (plus any shipping fees and taxes). The payment is sometimes in monetary form, sometimes in discounts, sometimes in store credits, sometimes with other types of rewards.  By using our links, you are supporting a small family business and helping our little farm. To learn more about affiliate links, please read our Legal Terms & Conditions.

Bible Study Disclaimer

This study series reflects my personal notes and observations while working through Encounter the 3D Bible by Dr. Susan Michael. These posts are not a substitute for the book or study guide. I encourage you to purchase the materials and study alongside me.

Many of the links on this page are affiliate links. This simply means that we get a referral bonus if you click our link and place an order. The company rewards us for the referral – but it doesn’t cost you anything extra over the cost of the products/services that you decide to purchase (plus any shipping fees and taxes). The payment is sometimes in monetary form, sometimes in discounts, sometimes in store credits, sometimes with other types of rewards.  By using our links, you are supporting a small family business and helping our little farm. To learn more about affiliate links, please read our Legal Terms & Conditions. This study series reflects my personal notes and observations while working through Encounter the 3D Bible by Dr. Susan Michael. These posts are not a substitute for the book or study guide. I encourage you to purchase the materials and study alongside me. Back To Top

References:

• You Version Bible App
• “Encounter The 3D Bible” + Study Guide, by Dr. Susan Michael
• “The Beautiful Word Coloring Bible”, by Zondervan

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