Kara Aguilar, a passionate Bible study advocate, recently published several books on Bible studies. For many, faith is not built in a single moment but through a collection of experiences and lessons that shape one’s relationship with God. In this interview, Kara shares how the continual immersion in Bible stories and study has played a foundational role in her spiritual journey.
Faith built one story at a time
When asked to pinpoint a single Bible lesson that profoundly impacted her faith, Kara found it difficult to choose just one. Growing up in a home filled with the constant retelling of biblical stories through audio recordings, she was deeply immersed in Scripture from an early age.
“Each story is like a brick in a wall that has built my faith and love for God and His word,” she shared. Her
faith journey was further enriched by personal Bible study, beginning in her early teens, which allowed her to apply Scripture directly to daily challenges. This practice strengthened her relationship with God and deepened her understanding of faith.
One of the most transformative aspects of her spiritual growth came through discovering Bible study methods that prompted deeper reflection. Journaling became a crucial tool, helping her slow down and meditate on Scripture rather than passively reading it.
“These methods ask factual or application questions, encourage me to use my imagination to immerse myself into a story, draw a picture to illustrate something, or use another technique to engage with what I’ve just read,” she explained. These approaches kept her Bible study fresh and engaging, preventing it from becoming a routine task.
A life-changing lesson from Phil. 4:8
One specific moment of transformation occurred in her early 20s while studying Phil. 4:8:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
At that time, she found herself asking the common question, “What’s wrong with it?” regarding entertainment and other choices. However, her study led her to reframe her thinking—rather than focusing on what was permissible, she began asking, “What’s right with it?”
This shift in mindset encouraged her to evaluate whether her choices aligned with God’s ideal. It led her to reconsider the media she consumed and how it aligned with biblical principles. “If the Bible condemns sex before marriage, why should I watch something that promotes that, even in subtle ways?” she reflected.
Encouraging others in their Bible study journey
A passion for encouraging others to dive deeper into Bible study has become a significant part of Kara’s mission. She emphasizes that studying Scripture should not just be about gaining knowledge but about fostering a personal relationship with Jesus.
“There are three ways I’ve found that help us grow our love for Jesus,” she explained:
- Contemplate God’s Love – Reflect on how each passage reveals God’s love, based on 1 John 4:19: “We love Him because He first loved us.”
- Get to Know God’s Character – Consider what the Bible teaches about Jesus’ character and how He treated others, as stated in 1 John 4:8: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
- Starve Your Love for the World – Recognize distractions that pull hearts away from God, as warned in 1 John 2:15: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
By focusing on these aspects, she encourages believers to develop a love for God that surpasses worldly desires.
Practical tips for consistent Bible study
Maintaining a regular Bible study routine can be challenging, but Kara offers practical tips for making it a daily habit:
- Set a Specific Time – Ideally, study Scripture in the morning to start the day connected with God.
- Create a Distraction-Free Environment – Find a quiet place where interruptions are minimized.
- Pray for Desire – If struggling to stay consistent, pray for God to change your heart and increase the hunger for His Word.
- Meditate on a Key Thought Throughout the Day – Carry a verse or lesson with you to maintain a continuous connection with God.
Recognizing the power of structured Bible study, Kara channeled her passion into writing. Her two books, Refresh: Bible Study Methods for Growing Christians and Bible Study Methods for Kids, provide a variety of techniques to help believers engage with Scripture in meaningful ways.
“I pray for a revival of deeply studying the Bible every day among God’s people,” she shared. Her books offer 45 methods for adults and 20 for children, catering to diverse learning styles and providing tools for more profound study. Additionally, the appendices include lists of Bible stories and character-building verses to guide study.
A call to dive deeper into God’s Word
Kara Aguilar’s journey is a testament to the power of Scripture. Through intentional study, reflection, and application, she has built a faith that continues to grow. Her encouragement to others is clear: immerse yourself in the Bible, seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, and allow God’s Word to shape every aspect of life.
By Amy Bacon and Kara Aguilar, edited by ChatGPT
Kara’s books, Refresh: Bible Study Methods for Growing Christians and Bible Study Methods for Kids are available at www.Adventsource.org.
