Reading your Bible is so important, as it helps us grow closer to God and strengthens our faith. But if you have never read the Bible before, you may feel stuck in knowing where to begin. So here are some of my tips on how to read/study your Bible.
- Pick a Bible
There are SO many Bibles out there. It can seem overwhelming to decide on a Bible. I recommend a Bible that is either NIV or ESV. Why? These are pretty true to the original language that the Bible was written in, and they are written in a format that most of us in this day and age can understand.
I highly recommend a standard Bible, one that has no additional material, just simply the word of God. As you read this type of Bible I believe the Holy Spirit will help you understand what you are reading. However, if you need additional material, I have also shared some Study Bibles.
NIV Life Application Study Bible
- Pick a Journal for Note Taking
As you read your Bible, take notes! Write down what stands out, what you have questions about. Find a note-taking method (next point) to help you as you take notes. Here are links to simple journals for this.
- Follow a Note Taking Method
Here are two I recommend. There are so many more you can search to use as a method.
S.O.A.P. – Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
W.O.R.D. – Word of God, Observation, Reflection, Devotion
- Pray What You Read About
Prayer is an important part of our Bible Study time. Speaking to God in regards to what you have read and asking Him to help you apply what you need to apply to your life.
- Dedicate a Time and Place
It always helps to have a designated place and time that you do your Bible study. I recommend doing it in the morning to set your mind and heart in the right place for the day ahead. Yes, this may mean waking up a little earlier, so ease into that.
For me, I like to have a nice drink on the side. Coffee anyone? And choose a spot in your home. I typically switch from my bed to the living room couch. Wherever I go, I have a blanket and some comfy pillows around me.
- Accountability Partner
As you start reading your Bible, it may be helpful to have a friend or leader who can help keep you accountable. Someone to check in on you daily, every other day, or weekly. At some point, you hopefully won’t need accountability for this.
- Where to Begin??
The Bible is composed of 66 books. Now like most books, we begin from the front and read straight through to the end. However, I recommend beginning in the New Testament, the book of Matthew, and reading all the way to the end in Revelation.
Why there? Understanding Jesus’ life here on Earth and once He left will help us better understand the Old Testament.
However, if you feel like Genesis is where you are to begin reading, then do it!
Check out Alabaster Co article on this topic – Link
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