HOW TO READ THE BIBLE
OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE
It was written over a period of 1,600 years by more than 40 writers from all walks of life. Some were fishermen; some were politicians. Others were generals or kings, shepherds or historians. They were from three different continents, and wrote in three different languages. They wrote on hundreds of controversial subjects yet they wrote with agreement and harmony. They wrote in dungeons, in temples, on beaches, and on hillsides, during peacetime and during war. Yet their words sound like they came from the same source.
As a follower of Jesus, we believe we are called to be biblically obedient people reading, understanding and practicing the teachings found in Scripture. Our life should be directed by God’s Word, and wherever we are not in alignment with the Bible, we should be open to correction and change in our lives. There are many authorities in our lives, but we believe God’s Word should be the highest.
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE
Here's a suggestion from Eugene Peterson to help make your Bible reading time more meaningful...
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1 | READ
Here you simply read, don’t try to figure anything out. Read it slowly, meditatively; soak in the words. Let them flow over you, heart, mind, and soul. Simply take in what God is saying. Start with the Book of John if you’re new to Bible reading.
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2 | THINK
Next, think about the words you have just read. Put yourself in the story (what do you see/feel). Are there words or themes that repeat? What God is trying to say or what is He asking me to do? Consider it from different angles and perspectives. We can sometimes miss important elements if we rush through it.
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3 | PRAY
Did God reveal something to you? Is He asking you to do something? Is there something that stirred you? Don't just rush to live it out, focus on your relationship and conversation with God. Give it back to God, asking Him for both clarity and strength to live what you've read out.
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4 | LIVE
This is where Jesus as Lord is lived out. We decrease and He increases as we seek to live out what He's asked and equipped us to do. His faithfulness will be evident and we/those around us will be blessed by it.
