How do I get started with bible study?

Question

I am 13, and want to do some bible study. I don't really have any friends that would be intersted in doing this with me, so I'm basically on my own. I have no clue where to start! I have the NIV Backpack Bible. (No, it's not a little kiddie bible). This bible has the words of Christ in red, and then a readers help section; which has things like, what to read if you - are lonely, jealous, angry, desire to learn how to pray, etc. Then a "Promises From The Bible" section. Both of these give you verses to do with the subject. So I have my bible, and a highlighter, I am all set! Where to start?

Thanks so much in advance!

-Taylor Rae

HOLY MOLY MACARONI! LOL I didn't expect sooo many answers!!! Wow thanks to much and God bless all of you!!

Answer 1

You might consider reading the book of John. It gives you a more intimate protrayal of Jesus.

I just start at the beginning of the Bible and read through, however, you might like to look up verses on certain subjects you are interested it and see how God leads you in those areas.

I would strongly suggest you read the Proverbs - great advice for all believers. I commend you for your commitment and I'm sure God will speak to you in His Word. Do it every day and don't forget to pray!!!!

Answer 2

First of all Taylor God bless you for wanting to be involved in God's word. Many Christian churches have teen programs which include Bible Study. I would first find a local church which you can join, if you haven't. It's good to have a small group as you learn a lot that way and make great friends. If you study on your own also, first pray for guidance that the Lord will give you enlightenment on what you're reading. When I started out I found the Psalms in the Old Testament and the Gospel of John as a good start. One thing I recently learned is at the end of your day, read a psalm or chapter in the Bible and see if anything in your day is related to what you read. I'm sure you'll do great.

Answer 3

It depends somewhat on what you're trying to learn. For instance, Christians will probably tell you to concentrate on the New Testament, for obvious reasons. The Old Testament is interesting from a historical standpoint, though, so perhaps that's more important.

At any rate, here's how I (an atheist) approached it. I started with the intent of just reading it cover to cover. That hasn't quite worked out, because typically I find some point of interest that I'd rather study for awhile, and that leads to various other points in the Bible. I'm not done yet, but here are my "tips" so far:

1) Get a Study Bible. Mine is NIV, which is pretty easy to read, and the study notes are actually pretty helpful (if you want to understand everything from a Christian point of view). The maps and charts are nice as well, as they summerize things like who married/begot whom, where people traveled, and so on.

2) Learn how to use the cross-reference system and the Concordance. These are useful if you're reading a particular verse and you want other biblical verses that support or elaborate it.

3) Take notes. Write stuff in the margins of the Bible if you want, or use little sticky-notes or flags to mark important passages. There are a lot of things to remember in the Bible, and taking notes will help you later on.

4) Ask questions. You can find lots of answers on the internet.

5) If you're interested in the key points of Christianity, read John and Romans first, then the first few books of the OT. Otherwise, just go from front to back and jump around as you see fit. Personally, I wanted to understand the OT before I dealt with Christ, but that's just me.

Like you, I don't really have any friends who care to go through this with me (my wife is religious, and even she gives me odd looks as I highlight stuff in the Bible...go figure), but I've made a few new friends (...and some enemies...) just asking questions and continuing discussions over e-mail. Keeps things interesting, however you look at it.

Anyway, have fun. Regardless of your beliefs, it's an interesting read.

Answer 4

First of all dont listen to Brent and Turk 60. They are ignorant. You are doing it right just by wanting to. I would suggest searching online for a daily bible study website. There are plenty out there and they will send you an email everyday with a certain verse or verses that are related to eachother. There are some that will send you about 3 or 4 verses a day and you can read the whole bible in a year. My husband is reading this book for college called" The Old Testament Survey", by Paul R. House. It is very interesting and breaks down the Old Testament and explains the signficant events in it. Very insightful..Good Luck and dont let the enemy stop you from reaching the Lord. In the end they will be left behind and you will be saved in the rapture.

Answer 5

Start in Genesis so that as you read on you will know the order of how things happened, when they were first introduced, and why things are/were done. The Bible isn't an easy read my any means, so try and find someone that's willing to study with you. Just remember that if you ever go to a congregation, don't take what they say as the truth, make sure you can read it for yourself in the bible.
If you don't want to read the Old Testiment a great place to start is in Matthew. From there you will see the introduction of Christ and what he tought. You'll also find the ways to be saved and the commandments you'll need to live a christian life. Just remember that as you read, your going to encounter alot of this that contradict what the world teaches us. Hopefully you'll realize that the Bible is God's inspired word and you have to follow the commandments it gives in the New Testiment to make to heaven. It's going to take some time though, so be patient.

Answer 6

Taylor Rae, you have embarked on one of the most fascinating studies of your life. Simply begin at the front of the book and read through - but only read small sections at a time so you can think about what you are reading. It's a book that can be read on many levels. Spiritual, of course, but also historical and societal. Many aspects of the bible are shared with other religions, so it isn't all dogma by any means.
There are doubts about who authored parts of the new Testament, most of which appears to have been written a couple of hundred years after the events that were recounted. That means it was likely oral history during that time, and as you know, things change when people pass them by word of mouth from one to another -- so some parts of the Testament don't agree with others, and that could be one reason.
In any case, there is some beautiful language in the Bible, and you will enjoy reading it, and thinking on what you have read.
Good luck on the journey you are about to undertake.

Answer 7

Studying the bible can be vary confusing, I am a catholic and have studied theology, and I still haven't been able to understand it, you can put so many different interpretations to it that it will give you a headache, I would recommend though the new Jerusalem bible that is the new testament, and don't let others tell you to start with the old testament because it is even more confusing, enjoy your study and pray to your spirit guides for guidance, may God bless you.

Answer 8

As a new student of the Bible start with the Book of John. And you did well to get the NIV version, it is a great help. In addition to the materials that you already have, go to a good web site like www.intouch.org it is very helpful in Bible studies. It will help you with ideas of what and how to study. God bless you in all you do.

Answer 9

People that make comments like throw it away are quite idiotic. So you dont believe in the Bible, so what. I bet you same people would scream bloody murder if a school thought about burning or throwing out classic books because of controversial content, yet you advocate doing it to a book you dont agree with. The Bible, even if you dont agree with its doctrine, is a signifigant piece of literary history which has been read by more people thruout history then anything else. If you really pride yourself on being a well rounded educated openminded person then you would read it, if for any other reason then to read one of the most influential historical pieces of work. Do you advocate burning or throwing away greek mythology? You have much more deep rooted resentment and hatred then you realize if you wish a book completely destroyed simply because you dont believe in what it says.

Answer 10

Start with Hosea chapter 13, after that, you should have read all you want to of the Bible with the aim of getting "faith" out of it. Honestly, I will be kinder than most here...dont start reading it to believe it because there is so much bad and hurt in that book. You will live a much more fulfilling life if you are free of the religious delusion. It IS however VERY important you read the bible all the way through, since so many literary and theatrical themes and motifs come from it. You will also miss out on much of the beauty in life if you do not know the bible.