Excerpts from Life Church Article.
The five steps in this guide will help you learn how to read and understand the Bible more so you can grow closer to God.
1. Find a translation you understand
The Bible was written in three ancient languages. Each translation to your language represents years of work to help you process the Bible in a way that makes sense.
2. Pick a time, place and plan.
Are you a morning person or night owl? Do you like quiet places or bustling coffee shops? Do you learn by watching, listening, or reading? Do you sometimes read paper and other times digital?
Once you decide on a routine that works for you, start one of these Bible Plans or consider finding a paper Study Bible.
3. Uncover the context.
Think like a detective and discover the story behind the story.
The Bible is a collection of 66 different books, written in three languages, across three continents, over a 1,500-year period by 40 different authors. Use tools like these to learn who the text was written to, when, where, and why.
4. Read slowly and ask questions.
There’s no need to rush. Take your time and get curious.
After studying the context, what questions do you still have? Use your questions as tools to help you dig deeper through prayer, study, and conversations with friends.
5. Pray and apply what you learn.
The Bible is meant to transform us, not just inform us. The more we apply what we learn from God’s Word, the more we become like Jesus.
Ask God what He wants you to learn about Him and yourself.
A Good place to start
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Read the Bible with Nicky and Pippa
The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel is a daily plan that takes you through the whole Bible in just one year. Each day is broken down into short, bitesize readings. It’s for anyone looking for a simple, structured way to read the Bible.