How Do I Read the Bible?

If you're asking this question, you're not alone? Believe it or not this is the number one question we're asked.  There is nothing more vital than learning to read the bible for yourself. 

 

It's as simple as

READ, UNDERSTAND, APPLY, SHARE. 

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Scroll Down To Learn To Use This Method To Get Started Reading the bible for yourself!

step1

READ

This one seems obvious. However, people tell us they rarely just read the bible. They say, "I don't know where to start," or "I need someone to explain it."   Here are a few tips to simply READ the bible...

 

  • Pick a Starting Place.  Start at the beginning of a book. We don't start any other book in the middle so don't treat the Bible any different. A New Testament book is probably the best place to start. We suggest either Ephesians, James, or Matthew.​

 

  • Read It. Start at the beginning and work your way to the end. Not all at once but enough to be able to understand and think about. Don't worry about understanding every word. Just read. And think. And re-read. 

 

  • Mark It. Keep it simple. We don't want you distracted but a highlighter, pen and a small notebook can be valuable here. 

step2

UNDERSTAND

Reading the Bible is where it all starts, but understanding the Bible is where it gets really interesting. Here are a few ways to understand the bible a little better. 

 

  • Online Help.  Check out BIBLESTUDYTOOLS.COM . Simply enter a verse, click "FIND IT" and your own your way to tons of help. There's also a great app. 

 

 

  • Cornerstone Resources. We suggest an NIV Study Bible, the NIV Application Commentary, and if you really want to dive in visit Logos.com. It's an online library for all sorts of Biblical studies.  

step3

APPLY

Knowledge is not enough --the bible is meant to be lived out. If you are only reading and understanding you are missing the point ... the Bible is about CHANGE --becoming more like Christ.  How you apply what you read is a personal journey. But here are a few suggestions ...

 

  • Ask Yourself Tough Questions. Be honest about who you are. No one is perfect. Admit it. 

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  • Do what it says.  Often we try to over complicate the bible. If it says stop lying, think about places where you are prone to lie and stop it. If it says go do something, do it quickly. Obedience is the only way to see God at work in your life. 

step4

SHARE

The Bible is GOOD NEWS that is is meant to be SHARED. Your reading, understanding and applying of the Bible is not complete until it involves others. Here are a few ideas...

 

  • Ask One. Find ways to take one of the questions you are asking yourself and ask someone you know. At home or at work or at school or at the sports complex

 

  • Join a GROUP.  Groups are a great place to meet people, make friends and discuss the Bible as it relates to life. CLICK HERE to let us know if you're interested in joining, hosting or leading a GROUP.