What is the best way to learn what is written in the bible?

Question

I have attended church for most of my life and heard most of the gospel read at one time or another, but until now have never been inspired to learn or study the words. I am just looking for best practices in terms of approaching what seem to be a daunting undertaking. Thank you.

Answer 1

Some people are able to learn better through hearing the Bible read aloud than by reading it. My uncle is dyslexic and has a hard time reading, but his listening comprehension and retention is absolutely amazing. Maybe you would benefit from an audio version of the Bible as well. Talk to the employees of a Christian bookstore and maybe they could offer some suggestions on resources for you. You might also try to find pastors in your area who have some training in education and who would understand that not everyone reads or comprehends in the same way.

If your issue is more a matter of motivation than comprehension, I'd suggest getting involved in a small-group Bible study or other type of discipleship group where there's discussion with other people about what they are studying and offering feedback on it. And while you're doing these things, just pray that the Lord would help make the Bible's message real and vibrant in your life. He can help us see things that might be right in front of us as we read but that He can show us in a totally different way as we study.

Most importantly, take small steps as you study. Don't feel like you have to jump in and read and understand everything at one time. Take maybe a chapter a day and go from there. I'd like to suggest starting with the book of John in your reading. Check with a Christian bookstore to see what study guides they have as well that can help you read and understand the Bible better. There are a lot of books out there. I'll try to see what titles I can dig up for you. If you need a Bible, please e-mail me at [e-mail] and I can send you one. You can also download different versions of the Bible at the first link below.

If I can help in any other way, please let me know. Have a good weekend.

Answer 2

A few years ago I started applying a method of reading that I was taught in elementary school and I am sure you were as well. Find out the "Who, what, when, where, and why" of the books of the Bible. That is a good start. I have been studying history such as ancient history, Greek History, Roman History. Study the history of christianity. Learn how the Christian faith started, grew, what each century of believers believed, how the Catholic church became and why they believe what they believe. Lean about the protestant reformation and why they chose to break away from the catholic church. Learn about those that were killed and persecuted for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have been studying Greek to better know the original text. Keep an open mind when studying the scriptures. Learn it for yourself and try not to apply other peoples concepts to the text. Sure this seems like a lot but it has really helped me learn the Bible more accurately.

One more thing. Don't listen to anything a Jehovah's Witness tries to tell you about the Bible. They believe their Watchtower Magazine is superior over the Bible.

Answer 3

First, always begin your Bible readings/studies with a humble prayer for wisdom.

2. Keep a notebook and make brief notes or questions on what you have read.

3. Read slowly through a paragraph or chapter at a time and ask yourself what the passage is speaking about, who is speaking, who is being spoken to; ...is there a "key" verse in the paragraph or chapter; ... ask yourself, what does the passage teach me about the LORD Jesus Christ; ... ask if there is any sin to forsake in the passage; ... ask if there is any command to obey in the passage.

There are different types of studies as well, so choose one that you enjoy such as study by topic, chapter or book.

A good place to begin is the book of Psalms or the gospel of John.

Also, get a Concordance, this is the best Bible study tool. Either Young's or Strong's concordance; with a concordance if you have difficulty with a word you can look it up and see how it is used in other places in the Bible, for a better understanding.

With difficult questions, don't rely on one single church, theologian, commentator, etc, since there is safety in a multitude of conselors (Proverbs 11:14; 24:6) but solicit the opinions of many and let the Holy Spirit through the word guide you into truth.

Also remember the nucleus and central focus of the entire Bible from beginning to end is the LORD Jesus Christ and his victory battle of the forces of good over evil.

blessings & peace!

Answer 4

Everyone learns differently, so if one person's approach is not right for you, then try another.

Some learn best by listening to preachers. Go to a Bible-believing church or a small group Bible study and see if this approach works best for you.

Others study the Bible itself and consult Bible dictionaries, commentaries and other bible helps to get an understanding of the people and customs during Bible times.

Others read and re-read a chapter until something stands out. Then they go over that portion until they get a fuller meaning from it.

Others read a chapter with a set of questions, such as:
1. "What does it say?" This question forces us to read the passage with the sections before and after so we get the message in its context. So whatever book you read, read the book from the beginning, each chapter in order, just like you would any other book.
2. "What does it mean to me?" The Bible is not just literature, but God uses it to speak to us today. You read and reread the chapter until something seems to arrest your attention. You ponder it and write something down about it, especially how it matters to you.
3. "How should I put it into practice?" The Bible is not simply to be interesting, but practical. So after you answer the second question, you ask what you should do about it. When you find yourself following the text, then you'll eventually find that God Himself is leading you.

If you have a problem with faith, prayer, money, or other problem, then read the Bible with colored pencils. When you find a passage that addresses your problem, color it and also write it out in a notebook. Keep filling the notebook and praying about what you are reading.

I hope these ideas help you get started studying the Bible for yourself.

Answer 5

The best way is to sit and read it a chapter at a time. Start with the book of John and then go to Matthew and work your way through to the end of the New Testament.
After you read the chapter, ask yourself these questions. It will help you get things in perspective.
1. What new thing did I see today?
2. What do I see about Jesus?
3. What do I see about God the Father?
4. What do I see about the Holy Spirit?
5. Is there an example for me to follow?
6. Is there a sin for me to forsake?
7. Is there a command that I should do?

Answer 6

Understanding the Bible--A Pleasure Open to You
- A Pleasure Open to All
http://watchtower.org/e/20060401a/article_01.htm

What Will Help You?
- Preparing the Heart and the Mind
- Obstacles to Having the Right Attitude
- The Challenge of Being Taught
- Understanding the Bible ...
http://watchtower.org/e/20060401a/article_02.htm

Why You Can Trust the Bible...
http://watchtower.org/library/t13/why_trust.htm

You CAN Understand the Bible :
- Help to Understand the Bible
- Why Study the Bible?
-- The Key to A Meaningful Life
-- What the Fear of God Actually Means
--- Drawing Close to God Means We Both Love & Fear Him -- Fear and Love Work Together
http://watchtower.org/library/w/2001/7/1/article_01.htm

Why You Can Trust Bible Prophecy...
http://watchtower.org/library/w/1999/7/15/article_01.htm

A Nuclear Scientist Tells: "Why I Believe the Bible"
http://watchtower.org/library/g/2004/1/22a/article_01.htm

Can the Bible Help Us Today?
- The Bible Answers Vital Questions of Our Day!
http://watchtower.org/library/w/1999/11/15/article_01.htm

The Bible--A Textbook for Living
- A Book That Gives Purpose
- Adding Stability to a Troubled Life
- Help in Overcoming Emotional Problems
- Practical Counsel of Family Life
- Counsel That Endures! http://watchtower.org/e/20001201/article_02.htm

The Bible's Power in Your Life (Video--Part 1)
http://watchtower.org/e/vcpf/index.htm

The above have several excellent suggestions,
as well as motivational aspects! (;
They are but a sample of many other Scripture-based articles on that website.

"All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." -- 2 Timothy 3:16,17

" The Be·roe′ans ... received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so." --Acts 17:10,11

"All the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." -- Romans 15:4

"Make sure of all things; Hold fast to what is fine." --1 Th 5:21
http://jw-media.org/people/worship.htm

Read The Bible Online
www.asv1901.com/
http://watchtower.org/bible/index.htm

Answer 7

I'd start, by making a chart of Jesus's geneology. It's complex, but everyone in the book, is in that chart. Before reading and writing, people spoke the stories. The generations were the table of contents, for the Old Testament. Don't get bogged down in the details at first, just get a general idea of who lived where, and when. You'd be surprised to learn how many people think Jesus and Moses were neighbors.

Later on, you can read the commentaries, the harmony of the gospels, etc.

Answer 8

Walk into your closest Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on any day when a meeting is being conducted and just listen.
At the end of the meeting, make up your own mind.
No pressure will be brought to bear to " join up."
No collection is taken.
No Icons are used.
No ' traditions' are followed.
In the public talks, every statement made is backed by Bible scripture.
And then, even if you do decide to become involved, a Bible study is required.
There are no ' hierarchy' in fancy robes.
All qualified men...AND WOMEN...preach door to door, and initially under supervision.
Give it a go. You have nothing to lose.

Answer 9

1. Read a bible that is easier to understand, which would probably be a modern english translation like the American Standard or Today's English translation.

2. Ask yourself the who, what, when, where, and why questions when reading any passage.

Example:

Who is speaking?
What is the subject being discussed?
When is being discussed?
Where is this being discussed?
Why is this being discussed?

Additional points to consider...

Who wrote the scripture you are reading?
What is the historical setting, customs, etc?
Read a few of the scriptures before and after the scripture you are studying to get the proper context.
A Greek bible dictionary (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance) will be of benefit to the serious student.

A little prayer won't hurt either!

Answer 10

I became a Christian, in fact, after unsuspectingly picking up an encyclopedia of world religions. I first read about Hinduism, Buddhism, and all the other "exotic" religions.

Then, one rainy afternoon, with nothing better to do, I read that "boring' part about Christianity. I realized, then, that I had known almost nothing about God and Christ (after having regularly attended church with my family as a child).

Perhaps you can read some similar short summary of the Bible to get an overview, and then zero in on a section that catches your interest. Otherwise, starting on page one would, as you say, seem quite daunting...