How to Read the bible
Reading the Bible…
Can be an intimidating endeavor, but it is an absolutely worthwhile one. Through the Bible, God’s Word, we learn the Story of God and how He has relentlessly pursued a relationship with mankind, including you, since the beginning of time. The Bible is a story of redemption, reconciliation, and revelation and it is a witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, our ultimate Savior.
On this page we will share a helpful tool that you can lean on as your begin to study the Bible. There are certainly many tools available and the important thing is to find one that helps you and makes you want to develop a regular practice of engaging scripture!
THINGS TO KNOW AS YOU READ YOUR BIBLE:
- The Bible is actually a collection of 66 sacred books, divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament.
- The Bible was written by about 40 different human authors contributed to the Bible, which was written over a period of about 1500 years, who were inspired by the ultimate Author, God Himself. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness… 2 Timothy 3:16
- The book of Hebrews tells us that the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- The Bible is the only book where the author is in love with the reader. And this is why we can take heart as we read the Scriptures and seek to understand them.
A Study Bible
Finding a good study Bible can be so helpful as you read. There are notes on the pages that help you understand the context of the passages you are reading, maps to show you locations, dictionaries and an index.
Use the SOAPS Method of Bible Study
One of the most practical tools for scripture engagement is called the SOAPS study method, developed by Wayne Cordeiro, which is outlined below. The SOAPS acrostic is designed to help you read and reflect on a passage of Scripture. Journaling helps us hear from God and more importantly apply what you have read to your life and circumstances.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Read a passage of Scripture from a reading plan (you can find reading plans at Youversion.com and other online bibles. Turn to a fresh page in a journal. Write today’s date and follow this model…
Scripture: Write down a verse or passage that stands out to you.
Observation: Note what you notice or what stands out in the text.
Application: Reflect on how the passage applies to your life.
Prayer: Pray about what you’ve learned and ask God for guidance.
Sharing: Share your insights or what you’ve learned with others.
Check out These Teachings on Studying the Bible