H.E.A.R. Journal: 1 Corinthians 1

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

- 1 Corinthians 1:18

An easy, memorable way to learn how to read and process the Bible is through the H.E.A.R. journaling method. This process helps us read God’s Word with the goal of understanding it and applying it to our lives. The letters in the acronym stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

  • Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from 1 Corinthians 1. Highlight this verse or write down the Book, chapter, and verse number.

  • Explain the context: By asking some simple questions with the help of God’s Spirit, we can understand the meaning of a passage or verse. What’s happening in the story? Why was this written, and to whom? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? What does God intend to communicate through this text? 

  • Apply it to your life: Application is the heart of the process! Answering a series of questions can help us uncover the meaning of these verses to us on a personal level. What is God saying to me? How can this help me? What does this mean today? How would applying this look in my life?

  • Respond with action: This is the last part of the H.E.A.R. Journal. Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You can describe how you’ll be different because of what God said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you’re going to do because of what you have learned. You can even respond by writing out a prayer to God.

If you’ve been following our 1 Corinthians Reading Plan, feel free to share something you’ve learned and journaled over the past week! If you haven’t been able to follow along with us, then try applying the four steps of the H.E.A.R. method to one of the Main Passages from Pastor Matt’s last in-person message.

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours…”

- 1 Corinthians 1:2

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

- Matthew 4:19-20

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

- John 17:17

Share your responses with your group! Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word.