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God loves you, treasures you and seeks to support you in your life. You can gain insight into how God works with humanity through reading the Bible.
Steps
- Understand first of all that God's Spirit moved over the minds of the writers of the various biblical books but that God did not make them into recording machines so that the Biblical account will have things in it which reflect human beliefs as well as those which are from God. Talk with others about what you are reading, look at good biblical commentaries and pray often.
- The translation that you are reading may have flaws because it was penned by human beings but also remember that God's Spirit can get around any discrepancy and reveal the rich truths that God wants you to know. For this reason most any translation is OK to start with.
- Understand that Jesus is God's Living Word and that the Bible is a record of truths / beliefs written down by humans; always compare Christ's example with what you are reading.
- Understand that the Bible is a historical book and that while some of its messages may be applicable today not all may seem to.
- Know the central theme of God's personal message to you is Jesus, both in the Old and New Testaments
- Look for Jesus in each book. All scripture either points to the cross or refers back to it.
- Approach it expectantly. Expect God to reveal Himself, answer your questions, and change your life for the better.
- Understand that the hardest part of Bible study is in getting started. So be patient with yourself and work toward consistency. Five minutes per day is much better than an hour once a month. A simple decision followed by daily determination is necessary.
- Set a daily study time. Routine is so important. Treat it like an appointment that you cannot miss. Scheduling your study time first thing and then everything else around it is always best.
- Soon you will notice that a desire to attend your study has developed and you will find it getting very enjoyable and much easier. Surprise!
- Suddenly you may realize that you have missed your appointment for several days in a row and you may feel terrible about yourself. Disappointment may follow. Don't worry. Just pick up where you left off and stay in the flow. Regularity will develop over time.
Tips
- Get a Bible that you can write in and highlight scripture that has special meaning. You might like to consider one with wide-margins or a ring-bound one so you can add notes.
- Start in The New Testament in the letters written to the Churches by Paul. These are the earliest Christian documents, then look at Mark, the first of the Gospels.
- Do not start in the Old Testament with the books of Leviticus or Deuteronomy. Begin with the prophets like Amos and Hosea. Not only are the books shorter - they are a good introduction to what God expects of all human beings.
Warnings
- Don't become a lone ranger. Find a good church with a good Pastor who is apt to teach you. Seek and you will find. Joining a church is like joining a gym. You get in shape much sooner with like minded people. A Bowflex {Bible} in your bedroom will soon become a clothing rack.
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