How Not to Read the Bible

Don't open the bible to a random spot and read whatever is on the page. That's like going to a restaurant, randomly choosing a line and ordering that. You are libel to get a side order of sauerkraut. It might taste good be it's hardly a meal.

How to Read the Bible

• Tools

  You need a good bible. A good bible is a bible you can read. There are debates over the "best" translation but a bible you can't read is not a good bible at all. Say away from the bibles that try to paraphrase too much. Some good bibles are: New American Standard (I use), King James and New King James. There are others, I'm sure, but I don't remember them off the top of my head. If you are wondering why I didn't list New International Version, it's because I've been wary of them ever since they tried to become "gender inclusive". Even though they backed off, I worry about anyone who's willing to even try such a thing. Some of my bibles are NIV and I still read them. I have just stopped buying them and recommending them -- not when there are other equally good translations.

  I would also recommend a good concordance. There will be times when you don't understand a word. A good concordance will give you a definition and show you other places the word is used so you can get an idea of what's meant.

• Time

  Set aside some time. If you have to let your body go unfed to feed your spirit, do so. Try to get to a place where there is no distractions. However, it's better to read your bible every day to to skip a day because "conditions are not perfect." Here's an idea I heard on the radio that I liked: Don't turn out the lights for bed until you've read SOMETHING from the bible.

• Pray

  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. [1 Cor 2:11]

  Pray first to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Ideally, you should first confess your sins, then pray for understanding, study, and then conduct your prayer time. But what ever you do, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance before studying your bible, after all, he's the author of the Book.

• First

  Start your Christian reading by reading the New Testament. I'd recommend starting with the Gospel of John. Read as you can but remember, read something each day before turning out the light each night. The New Testament is not a consecutive book but a collection of letters and reports so you don't have to read it in order.

• Ongoing

  After having read the New Testament, plan on reading a chapter each day from the Old Testament and the New. The Old Testament is a large part a history so it's best read in order, like a continuing story. When you've finished this plan (about 3-4 years), start over and continue for the rest of your life. You'll never cease to find something new.

• Study

  Study the verses, don't just skim through them. If you come to a phrase that's hard, make a note of it and ask a mentor. Look up references and read the notes (if any) in the margin.

• Sermons

  Look up the verses you hear in sermons. If not with the Pastor, then immediately after services.

• Memorize

  Oh that dreaded word. Try to memorize a verse a day. Either get a "verse-a-day" thing (calendar, box of cards, etc) or choose one from the last chapter you read.

• Carry

  Carry a New Testament with you to read in spare moments. Even such "light reading" will water the flower God has planted in your heart.

• Concordance

  Ever week, use the concordance to lookup verses on important subjects such as sin, faith, grace, etc. Be sure to read the verses in context.