Whether we read it in book form, scroll through it on our mobiles, or even listen to it throughout the day, the Bible is the way in which God, the Creator of the world, our Lord and Saviour, has chosen to communicate with us – to tell us not only who He is, but also who we are and what our purpose is.
The Bible’s message is timeless and is relevant to us today, as it was thousands of years ago. Applying the truths found within its pages has the power to transform our lives.
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE
Reading and understanding our Bibles enriches our Christian lives and our relationship with God. It provides wisdom, faith and hope and it creates a depth and understanding to our relationship with God. Joshua 1:8 says “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
We will get a much more correct and well rounded understanding of who God is, His plans and purposes for us, and love for us if we commit to reading systematically through passages of scripture rather than just a random selection of verses.
Some options might be to study Proverbs, John, or perhaps a study on Faith or Fear. We have some suggestions on some great study guides here (or on our website under Next Steps).
Commit to consistently working through the text systematically and in small sections. It is much easier to consider and understand the scriptures in small sections than trying to study huge volumes of scripture.
For example on day one you might read John 1:1-5, the next day you might read John 1:6-8. Or if you are doing a study on Faith, you would read one scripture one day, then another on the following day.
Journaling is a great way to deepen our understanding, grow in our relationship with God and help us read our Bible. It takes the word of God which is for everyone and makes it personal.
All you need is a Bible and a notebook. Journalling requires us to write or type down our observations and personal thoughts about the scriptures.
Some people use the S.O.A.P method:
1. Study – Read and consider the text
2. Observation – What is it saying?
3. Application – How does this apply to me and my life?
4. Prayer – What do I need Gods help with?
Bible Reading Guide
Another option, and one favoured by the Connect team is to use the following four questions as guides:
What is it saying? What is this passage talking about in general – this gives us correct context to rightly interpret the meaning.
What does it say about God? This helps us build a Bible based theology on who God is and what He is like.
What should I do or believe? This asks the question – what actions should we take from this or what things does it say we should believe.
What is it saying to Me? What is God saying to us personally that we need to act on or pray about, or change in our thoughts. This takes the general concepts and applies them very personally to us and our context.
Resources
Recommend Reading
We believe there are many resources which are helpful in reading the Bible and understanding His Word.
Here are a few books we recommend.
Battlefield of the Mind – Joyce Meyer
Celebration of Discipline – Richard J. Foster
The Christian Atheist – Craig Groeschel
Created for Community – Connecting Christian Belief with Christian Living – Stanley J. Grenz
Dressed to Kill – Rick Renner
The Fasting Edge – Jentzen Franklin
Fresh Air – Chris Hodges
God, Money and Me – Paul Dejong
How and When to Tell Your Kids About Sex – Stan & Brenna Jones
How to Argue Like Jesus – Joe Carter & John Coleman
How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth – Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart
Keys to Financial Excellence – Phil Pringle
Leadership Pain – Samuel Chand
Live Love Lead – Brian Houston
Sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus – Ann Spangle & Lois Tverberg
Them, Us & Me – How the Old Testament Speaks to People Today – Jacqueline Grey
Weird – Craig Groeschel
Who Switched Off My Brain – Dr Caroline Leaf
Without Rival – Lisa Bevere