Josh called this morning and told me about his post, and I wanted to add some to this topic, because like he mentioned above, we hear questions about this all the time. I have a handout that I typically give teens that want to know “how” to read the Bible or “what” to look for in their Bible reading.
1). Read the Bible as a Two-Way Conversation – Imagine having a daily talk with God. You must be prepared to listen as He speaks through His word.
2). Read the Bible in Different Versions – Most people have a favorite version. Josh is an ESV fanatic and I read straight from the original languages! Those who know me know that is a LIE! haha. Sometimes getting familiar with the way verses are written will diminish the meaning. Put a fresh twist on the same verse.
3) Read the Bible to Learn about Specific Topics – Look up tons of verses on angels, prayer, love, friendship, evil, happiness, or whatever interests you. Concordances and Bible indexes are helpful extra biblical tools. www.biblegateway.com is also a great resource.
4). Read the Bible for the Big Story – Remember that there is a consistent theme of the redemptive sacrifice of a loving God to a undeserving and sinful humanity.
5). Read the Bible to Learn about Jesus – Jesus is all over the Bible (including the Old Testament) Look for glimpses of Him throughout all parts of the Bible from the sacrifices in Leviticus to the Revelation of John.
6). Read the Bible as a record of Messy History – the people of the Bible are just as messed up and crazy as you and I. The Scriptures show God’s work through amid an imperfect people, and that gives us hope that He will use us too.
7). Read the Bible Intentionally with a Purpose – breakdown the Bible into its books (or even sub books) and read them from start to finish. Do this slowly and methodically. Bible study is a marathon – not a sprint (Read Josh’s post for more on this).
8). Read the Bible to Change Your Life – As you read, let the word’s of God shape and mold your life into the instrument of His will. Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16, and Ephesians 5:1-21 give greater insight to the power of God’s word.
God bless your studies!