2. How to Read God’s Word
When reading the Bible, it’s best to read it slowly and thoughtfully. Have a good pen or marking pencil handy to write down your thoughts and underline key verses.
Make it fun. Go on a “hunt” to find promises God has for you. Then write down the references so you can locate them later.
If this is your first adventure in reading the Bible, it’s best to start in the New Testament, reading at least one of the four Gospels. Many teachers recommend starting with John.
The book of Acts tells about the actions of the early Christians. Acts is a “must read” for all Christians.
After Acts, you’ll find the letters to the first Christian churches, which give instructions and guidance for daily living.
And finally, in the book of Revelation, you will see how Christ is going to end all things in this world, and begin ruling as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” It’s amazing!
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipping for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Q What book in the Bible are you currently reading? What are you learning?
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3. How to Study God’s Word
There are several ways you can study the Bible:
- Study an Individual Book (e.g. Acts)
- Study a Passage or Chapter (e.g. 2 Corinthians 5)
- Study a Biblical Theme (e.g. Love)
- Study a Verse (e.g. 2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Study a Biblical Doctrine (e.g. Redemption)
The reason you need to study God’s Word is to gain insight into who God is, and what He wants to do in your life.
Here is one example of how you can read and think about God’s Word (from Bert Harned):
A Study of “Discouragement” |
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| “Do you get ‘discouraged, depressed’? I have found an instant cure for it! YES! It is in Psalm 118:6-8. The NLT says, ‘The Lord is for me so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me. Yes the Lord is for me. He will help me.’ It was a beautiful cloudless morning when I noticed these verses, and took the time to think on them. I wrote one word at a time down on the left margin, and took time to think as deeply as I could about each word, making notes as I went. Start like this: | |
| The Lord: | the mighty, almighty, creator, sovereign, loving, glorious God. That’s who is for me! |
| Is: | means right now…presently, an absolute certainty! |
| For: | means He knows me, has my best interests at heart, is not against me, He is on my side, and knows what is best for me. |
| Me: | means personally, not in general, but specifically, by name. It is awesome and exciting to contemplate “me” having such intimacy…with God Himself!! |
“Now it’s your turn; find a quiet place and mentally chew your way through these verses for yourself.”
Here is another way you can study God’s Word on a daily basis (with a scripture passage included mfor you to use as well).
Read 2 Corinthians chapter five, in at least two versions of the Bible, and write what 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 means to you personally:
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