Studying the Bible

[melissa]

Each year, I try to pick a new way to study the Bible in my daily devotions. I'm curious how you study the Bible and what you like. Any suggestions for me?

Here are some ideas from a page on AllAboutGod (http://www.allaboutgod.com/bible-reading-plan.htm):

Each Bible reading plan is different. They are as varied as each individual, so you have many to choose from. Consider the following options, but remember to choose one. For the effective Christian disciple, regular reading in God's Word is not optional. It's a necessity!

• The Chronological Plan: Read the events of the Bible in the order they occurred. There are several Chronological Bibles available online and in Christian bookstores. For a 61-day chronological plan, visit this online resource.
• The Historical Plan: Read the books of the Bible in the order in which they were written in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek
• The Old and New Testament Combined: Read portions from both Testaments each day to see the continuing thread of Truth from Genesis to Revelation.
• Variety Plan: Read a portion each week from the Law, History, Psalms, Poetry, Prophecy, Gospels, and Epistles. Learn more here.
• From Beginning to End: Reading through the Bible from Genesis 1:1 straight through to the last page of Revelation. Stop and start as if you were reading a novel.
• The Yearly Plan: Many Bibles are available that are divided into 365 sections, allowing you to finish the Bible in one year. The 1,189 chapters in the Bible can be read in a year at a rate of 3 1/4 chapters per day.

[Bob F]

My favorite approach to both personal devotions and small group studies is working through a Bible book, chapter by chapter. I select the book depending on the needs.

Bible book studies don't let me skip things I don't want to face. It keeps everything in context, which makes it easier to understand the author's intended message for every text. That helps me apply the Scriptures to my life in practical ways that are in keeping with God's intent. That also helps me recognize false teachings.

For people who are new to the Bible, I recommend that they start in Genesis, because that's where all the Bible's major themes begin. Studying Genesis makes the rest of the Bible easier to understand. A study like the one on Genesis on this website is a great way for individuals and small groups to study the Bible. Just save the questions from the website or order the study guide from the publisher for your small group. The information is posted on the front page of the Genesis study. The study guide is not expensive.

[kayla]

hey i have been wanting to bible study so bad im 16 and i know that i need to get strong with god!!! do you think you can help me????

[Bob F]

Yes. Just accept my friend request and I can ask you questions and pass on more specific information suited to your needs.

But in general, start by joining the Genesis study now on this website. Start with the very first set of questions. When you finish answering them, go to the second set of questions. Then answer the the third (current) set of questions. You should be able to catch up to the latest set of questions within an hour. You can also ask Greg to email you the questions you missed. I know a number of teens who have enjoyed studying Genesis. I hope you do also.

Have a blessed Christmas.

[konceptskool]

Hi kayla, hopw you are doing well? The first thing i would love to suggest on this topic is this. Most ppl read/study the book for hours on end and not understand what they read. In my book reading or studying even on an intellectual level does not produce any lasting life changing results. That in this book is the reason for study that will make your life change. I can give you a million strategies but it may just make you a religious person. The bible is not a book we assimilate with our mental faculties. There is only one person who can make your reading as stimulating and exciting as well as change your life permanently. It is the Holy Spirit. My approach? cultivate a dynamic, vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit and you will make good time with your study of the word even if its just one line of scripture you read for weeks.. but then this is a dynamic approach to it.. one that leads you forward by taking you in a different area of discipline..
cheers...

[thane006]

Peace and grace be with you, sister. Now I dont know how much time you devote to the Word and I'm not telling you anything like that , but the Word say to study to show thyself approved, so I try and devote aleast 3-4 hours a day to the Word, In the morning 1 hour reading through the Word in a 4-part yearly plan as this helps me maintain my relationship with the Lord for the revelations he reveals to me during the day, for some can be profound or simple, but my walk remains strong for this, then sometime during the day I also sit and read through the Word about 4 chapters a day reflecting on how this will help me grow in my faith, then during the evening I study the Word reflecting on the days events by reading the Words of Christ{word in red only} learning how Jesus though, taught, lived. and this roughly take @ 2hours, I believe that immersing yourself into the Word aids you thoughout your life, what better way can there be then learning as much as you can about the wonderful person of Christ Jesus then this. Knowledge of the teaching of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose every word are the final authority, the bar where every question must be brought for final decision. The Word of every other must be measured, and thier value determined by there statements of Jesus Christ "in Him dwelleth ALL the fulness of the godhead bodily."{1 Col 2:9} I'm sorry if it appears that I am preaching, but Jesus is very precious to me and I due tend to ramble at lenght about him, so may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, your brother in Christ. Quester

[Stew]

I've been reading different translations in sequence. That protocol is best to do in a small group so you can compare with others and get into some good discussions. By far the best experience I have had is a "front to back" reading after praying for guidance and understanding. The scripture truly comes alive when you ask God for guidance and insight. Having a daily journal to make notes also is a good way to reflect on the scripture you have read. When you read, try to look at the scripture with three distinct perspectives:

1. What was the truth being revealed to the people at the time the verse was written?
2. What is the timeless truth that is revealed by the verse?
3. What is the present-day application of the verse?

When you approach scripture in this way, it is a real blessing.

-Stew

[Jarred]

I have PC Bible Study 4.0 on my laptop so if topical study is my agenda I usually refer to it. I am currently in the process of reading from cover to cover. My brother, cousin and I started doing this a while ago. I felt that it would be extremely beneficial to see how the individual scriptures I knew come to life as I read the preceding and proceeding context. Evangelist Perry Stone confirmed to me that this was in fact a great idea and it was truly helpful in recognizing things such as the patterns of God.

[Stew]

Another Bible study technique that I've done is to take an electronic version of the Bible and place it on an eBook reader (like the Sony eReader or Amazon Kindle). I've done this to test how well the eBook readers can be used as a reference (looking up a verse quickly). Well the Sony eReader is not so good at "quick" lookups. You can't bookmark a passage or search for a specific text string like you can with a computer. The Kindle may offer a better solution there but I have not started to test that yet. For now, a good laptop computer with some software and multiple translations loaded is a good way to go. Who has a favorite recommendation for an "offline" (no network connection required) multi-translation reference with good study notes?